Haridwar: Gateway to Lord Vishnu
Considered as one of the holiest place in the list of pilgrimages of Hindu mythology, Haridwar or the door leading to Lord Vishnu is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Other synonyms for Haridwar are Mokhshadwar, Mayapuri and Gangadwar. Haridwar is not merely a city with temples;you can get quite close to nature as well as feel a great spiritual connection here.
Decode Haridwar with Outdoorkeeda.
How to reach the city where you can wash away your sins
- By Train: Doon express, Shatabdi express, Jan Shatabdi express and Hemkunt express are some of the trains leading you to the Haridwar Junction Railway Station. The junctionis well connected with most of the cities of India. Delhi is at a distance of 4-5 hours and Dehradun at just an hour away. Few trains make regular trips to Rishikesh also.
- By road: Well connected with NH58 Haridwarcan be easily reached by bus. Both governments as well as private luxury buses make constant rotations from Delhi as well as other cities of Uttarakhand to Haridwar.
- By Air: The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport if you want to reach this destination. Flights from Delhi flock to Jolly Grant daily. The airport is situated at a distance of 36kms.
Top 10 Places in Haridwar
1. Har ki pauri
Har Ki Pauri is one of India’s most revered ghats along the Ganges River. Known for its spiritual ambiance and the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti, it attracts pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. The ghat is believed to have been built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari, who meditated on the banks of the Ganges. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on a stone wall here, which is worshipped to this day.
2. Maa Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple, perched atop the Bilwa Parvat is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, known as the goddess of wishes. Mansa Devi, also known as the “Goddess of Wishes,” is believed to be a form of Shakti, the divine feminine energy.According to Hindu mythology, she is the daughter of Sage Kashyap and emerged from his mind during his deep meditation.
3. Shree Maa Chandi Devi Temple
A sacred temple on Neel Parvat, honoring Goddess Chandi, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Chandi fought and defeated two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, at this very site. After her victory, she rested on Neel Parvat, and the temple was built to honor her.
4. Bharat Mata Temple
The Bharat Mata Temple in Haridwar is a one-of-a-kind temple dedicated to Mother India. Instead of being devoted to a specific deity, this eight-story temple celebrates India’s culture, heroes, and spiritual heritage, symbolizing the country’s unity in diversity.
5. Ganga Aarti Sthal
The Ganga Aarti is a beautiful and sacred ritual performed every evening on the banks of the Ganges River. It takes place at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, attracting hundreds of devotees and visitors who come to witness this enchanting spiritual ceremony. it’s an unforgettable experience of faith, beauty, and harmony. Whether you’re a believer or just a curious traveler, witnessing this ceremony will leave you with a sense of peace and wonder.
6. Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. It offers a similar cave-like experience and is a must-visit for devotees who may not be able to travel to the original shrine. This temple combines faith, architectural beauty, and cultural significance. It is a place where devotees can connect with the divine and experience the powerful blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi in a setting that feels both sacred and inspiring.
7. Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar
Shantikunj Ashram is a place of serene retreat for those seeking spiritual growth and peace. Being the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP), it provides an opportunity to visitors to experience meditation, chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, and Vedic rituals like Yagyas. The ashram also conducts spiritual training programs, which give insight into balancing material and spiritual life. Surrounded by serene and tranquil beauty from the Ganga River to the Himalayas, Shantikunj provides an atmosphere fit to meditate.
8. Daksh Mahadev Temple
Located in the charming town of Kankhal, just 4 km from Haridwar, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is rich in mythology, telling the story of King Daksha’s yajna and Sati’s ultimate sacrifice, as described in the Shiv Purana. Constructed in 1810 and renovated in 1962, the temple draws devotees throughout the year, with the largest crowds during the holy month of Sawan and Maha Shivratri. Visitors can appreciate the temple’s detailed architecture, the sacred Yajna Kund, and the revered Shivling worshipped in its phallic form.
9. Saptrishi Ashram
Situated approximately 5 km from Haridwar along the tranquil banks of the Ganga River at Sapt Sarovar, Sapt Rishi Ashram serves as a serene refuge steeped in mythological and historical significance. Founded in 1943 by Goswami Guru Dutt, this ashram is more than just a spiritual retreat; it also functions as a learning center, complete with a Sanskrit school and housing for underprivileged children. The peaceful environment of the ashram makes it a perfect place for meditation and contemplation in the midst of nature.
10. Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth, founded in 2006 by yoga guru Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, is a well-known institute focused on promoting yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic health. Situated on the Haridwar-Delhi highway, about 20 km from Haridwar, it features various facilities, including hospitals, research centers, and wellness programs. The institution also houses Patanjali University, Yog Gram, and Acharyakulam—a school that combines Vedic and modern education. The center offers treatment options through traditional methods such as naturopathy, panchakarma, and Ayurveda, drawing in both health seekers and spiritual aspirants.
Climate of Haridwar
Monsoon (July-September): This spot, though pleasant throughout the year, receives heavy rainfall during the monsoons. It is the best place to be for those who love frequent downpours. The whole ambiance gets refreshed with continuous spells of rain.
Monsoons can be a difficult time to travel because of possibilities of floods and roadblocks. It is advisable to carry good quality umbrellas or raincoats with you, if you are visiting any hilly area during this time of the year.
Summer (March-June): The month of March is ideal to spend a weekend here. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold during March. You will also be able to witness the iconic Ramnavami celebrated during this time. The weather starts getting warmer from April. The average temperature ranges from 35 degree C to 45 degree C.
Winter (October-February): Winters officially begin from the month of November. Decembers remain pleasant with sunny days but January gets chilly cold with harsh blowing winds. The average temperature lies between 10 degree C to 30 degree C.
How to pass your time
Haridwar is one of the best places (yeah, I am a Banarasi so I won’t give this city the whole credit) to enjoy Ganga arti. Hari ki Pauri is a ghat believed to be constructed by King Vikramaditya. Devotees flock here in large numbers to offer prayers to the Holy Ganges and a dip in these waters is also believed to wash away your sins.
If you are going to Haridwar for pilgrimage then the Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple (replica of the original), Daksha Maha Dev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Anjana Devi temple and many such others are present here.
Haridwar is a hub of Ayurveda ashram and yoga centers. If you have a likeliness for ‘Desi Ilaz’ this place should be a must visit. The street food here is quite famous and you should definitely give it a try.
Haridwar blesses you with peace, spirituality and calmness. You will feel like your soul took a bath after a long time. Plan a weekend away from the hustle bustle and feel refreshed and alive again!!!!
