Har Ki Pauri
The main ghat and the heart of the town, where the evening Ganga aarti is performed with hundreds of lamps.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1–2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Sunset
Haridwar
The gateway to the Ganges.
- State
- Uttarakhand
- Recommended duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best months
- October – March
- Estimated package price
- ₹11,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the most significant pilgrimage towns in India, built around the point where the Ganga enters the plains. The daily aarti at Har Ki Pauri draws large crowds, and cable cars climb to the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. It is usually combined with Rishikesh into a single short trip.
SpiritualFamily
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Haridwar
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Mansa Devi Temple
A hilltop shrine reached by ropeway or a paved uphill walk, with views over the town and river.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 3 km
Chandi Devi Temple
A temple on Neel Parvat across the river, also reachable by cable car and popular at sunrise.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 6 km
Bara Bazaar
The old market lanes selling brassware, prayer items, local sweets and ayurvedic products.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Evening
Suggested itinerary
A sample 3-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Haridwar
Reach Haridwar, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Har Ki Pauri + Mansa Devi Temple + Chandi Devi Temple + Bara Bazaar
Har Ki Pauri: The main ghat and the heart of the town, where the evening Ganga aarti is performed with hundreds of lamps. Mansa Devi Temple: A hilltop shrine reached by ropeway or a paved uphill walk, with views over the town and river. Chandi Devi Temple: A temple on Neel Parvat across the river, also reachable by cable car and popular at sunrise. Bara Bazaar: The old market lanes selling brassware, prayer items, local sweets and ayurvedic products.
Day 3 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Haridwar.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 3 days / 2 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 2 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹4,500
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹3,000
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹1,500
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹1,500
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹500
Estimated total
₹11,000 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Haridwar and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Haridwar
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
About 37 km
1 hour
Nearest airport, connected to Delhi and major cities.
By Rail
Haridwar Junction
In the city
10 minutes to the ghats
Excellent train connectivity from Delhi and across North India.
By Road
Delhi – Haridwar highway
About 215 km
5 – 6 hours
Frequent buses and taxis from Delhi and Dehradun.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Haridwar through the seasons
Recommended months: October – March.
Summer
March – June
Very hot, often above 40°C. Sightseeing is best restricted to early mornings; carry water, light cotton clothing and sun protection.
Monsoon
July – September
Occasional heavy showers cool things down and monuments look striking against grey skies. Humidity stays high.
Winter
October – March
The ideal season. Comfortable 10–25°C days suit full-day sightseeing, though December and January mornings can be foggy and may delay trains and flights.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Haridwar
Ganga aarti
Temple visits
Ropeway rides
Local sweets
Ayurvedic shopping
Photo gallery
Haridwar in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Haridwar
- Dress modestly and be prepared to remove footwear before entering shrines.
- Many temples restrict phones and cameras — check the rules at the entrance.
- Plan darshan around aarti timings, which change seasonally.
- Plan two attractions a day at most when travelling with children or elders.
- Choose stays close to the main sightseeing zone to reduce daily travel time.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
- Keep some cash handy — smaller shops, local transport and remote areas may not accept cards or UPI.
- Carry basic medicines, a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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