Haridwar, in Uttarakhand, is where the Ganga leaves the Shivalik hills and enters the Indo-Gangetic plain. It is one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism and one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela, and it is the traditional gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage in the Garhwal Himalaya.
The heart of Haridwar is Har ki Pauri, the ghat where Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint. Most things to do here are spiritual: a dip in the Ganga, the evening aarti, and the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. Add a morning in Rajaji National Park and an evening in the bazaar, and one to two days is enough. Rishikesh is 25 km upstream.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Haridwar travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Haridwar
- Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri
- Take a dip at Har ki Pauri at dawn
- Ride the ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple
- Take the ropeway to Chandi Devi Temple
- Visit Maya Devi Temple, one of the Shakti Peethas
- Shop and eat in Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar
- Go on a jeep safari in Rajaji National Park
- Visit Bharat Mata Mandir and Shantikunj
Going by road? See our guide to the Delhi to Rishikesh road trip.
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to spiritual places in Uttarakhand.
Har ki Pauri and the ghats
Watch the evening Ganga Aarti
Every evening at sunset, priests at Har ki Pauri wave large multi-tiered brass lamps over the river as bells ring and hymns are sung, and thousands of devotees release leaf-boat lamps (diyas) onto the fast-flowing water. It is one of the most powerful sights in India.
Arrive at least an hour early to get a place on the ghat or the bridges, and keep valuables secure. Be wary of people collecting 'donations' in the crowd without official identification.
- Where
- Har ki Pauri
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Arrive an hour before sunset
- Good for
- Everyone
Take a dip at dawn
Early morning at Har ki Pauri is calmer, with pilgrims bathing and performing rituals as the sun rises. Chains along the ghat help bathers hold on against the strong current; the water is cold and fast, so be careful and do not go beyond the chains.
- Best time
- Sunrise
- Good to know
- Hold the safety chains; the current is strong
Walk the other ghats
Beyond Har ki Pauri, ghats such as Kushavarta Ghat and Vishnu Ghat are quieter and used for rituals including shraddha (rites for ancestors). The walk along the river is a good way to see daily life in the city.
Temples
Ride up to Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple sits on Bilwa Parvat above the city and is dedicated to the goddess believed to fulfil wishes. A ropeway (cable car) runs up from near the bazaar, or you can walk up the steps in about 30 to 45 minutes. The top gives views over Haridwar and the river.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours with queues
- Good to know
- Queues are long on weekends and festivals
Take the ropeway to Chandi Devi
Chandi Devi Temple is on Neel Parvat, across the river, and is reached by a separate ropeway. Many pilgrims visit both hilltop temples on the same day; combined ropeway tickets are usually available.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
Visit Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi, the presiding deity of Haridwar, is honoured in one of the city's oldest temples. It is counted among the Shakti Peethas, where parts of the goddess Sati are believed to have fallen.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
See Bharat Mata Mandir and Shantikunj
Bharat Mata Mandir, a multi-storey temple dedicated to Mother India, has floors devoted to freedom fighters, saints and deities. Shantikunj, the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, is a large spiritual centre on the Rishikesh road that welcomes visitors.
Bazaars, food and nature
Shop and eat in Bara Bazaar
The bazaars near Har ki Pauri sell brass lamps, rudraksha beads, bangles, religious books and Ayurvedic products. Haridwar is vegetarian and alcohol-free; try kachori and aloo sabzi for breakfast, and the famous sweet shops for jalebi and rabri.
- Best time
- Morning and evening
Go on a safari in Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, on the edge of Haridwar, protects Shivalik forests that are home to elephants, leopards, deer and many birds. Jeep safaris from the Chilla and other gates run in the morning and afternoon during the open season (usually from mid-November to mid-June).
- Time needed
- 3 hours
- Best time
- Early morning safari
- Good for
- Families, wildlife lovers
Start the Char Dham or the Kumbh
Haridwar is the traditional starting point for the Char Dham Yatra to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every 12 years it hosts the Kumbh Mela, with an Ardh Kumbh in between.
Things to do in Haridwar by type of traveller
Families: The ropeways, the aarti and a Rajaji safari make Haridwar engaging for children. Keep a close eye on young children near the fast-flowing river.
Pilgrims: A dawn dip at Har ki Pauri, the three temples of Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi, and the evening aarti.
What to do in Haridwar with one day
Take a dip at Har ki Pauri at sunrise and have breakfast in Bara Bazaar. Ride the ropeways to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples in the morning, and visit Maya Devi Temple after lunch. Rest in the afternoon, then return to Har ki Pauri an hour before sunset for the Ganga Aarti.
Practical tips for Haridwar
- Haridwar is vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- The Ganga's current is strong at Har ki Pauri; hold the chains and do not wade out.
- Avoid peak days such as the Kanwar Yatra in the monsoon and major snan dates unless you want to be part of them.
- Haridwar has a major railway station, and Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is about 35 km away.
Plan the rest of your Haridwar trip
Haridwar things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Haridwar?
Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, take a dawn dip, ride the ropeways to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples, visit Maya Devi Temple, shop in Bara Bazaar and go on a safari in Rajaji National Park.
What time is the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri?
It is held every evening around sunset, so the time changes through the year. Arrive about an hour early to find a good spot.
How many days are enough for Haridwar?
One full day covers Har ki Pauri, the aarti and one or two hilltop temples. Two days allows a Rajaji safari and a more relaxed pace.
Can I combine Haridwar and Rishikesh?
Yes. They are only 25 km apart, and many travellers see Haridwar's aarti on one evening and Rishikesh's on another.
Things to do near Haridwar
- Things to do in Rishikesh: rafting, yoga and a calmer aarti, 25 km upstream
- Things to do in Mussoorie: the hill station above Dehradun
- Char Dham Yatra: the four Himalayan shrines, starting from Haridwar
More things to do in Uttarakhand
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip you’re looking for. We’ll build a Haridwar and Uttarakhand itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
Spiritual TourismSpiritual Tourism in Uttarakhand: Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Beyond
A guide to spiritual tourism in Uttarakhand, often called Devbhoomi: the Char Dham, Haridwar's Har ki Pauri and Rishikesh's ashrams and aartis, the Panch Kedar and Panch Prayag, Hemkund Sahib, Jageshwar, Kainchi Dham and Purnagiri in Kumaon, the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh, seasons and routes.
HeritageYamunotri Travel Guide: Trek, Hot Springs & Tips
The traditional first stop of the Char Dham Yatra — a forested trek from Janki Chatti to the Yamuna's source, past the Surya Kund hot-spring prasad ritual.
HeritagePrayagraj Travel Guide: Triveni Sangam & Kumbh Mela
The sacred Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati confluence, home to the Kumbh Mela — plus Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhavan, and Khusro Bagh.
HeritageVaranasi Travel Guide: Ganga Ghats & Ganga Aarti
Complete Varanasi guide — the Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sunrise boat ride, and the old city's narrow lanes.