Places To Visit In Haridwar

Plan your next trip to Haridwar located in the Uttarakhand state of India. One of the seven holiest cities, Haridwar is dotted with several pious temples, ashrams, and narrow lanes. Every year millions of devotees visit Haridwar to take a dip in the holy river Ganga. It is believed that taking a dip in Har ki Pauri relieves one of all the sins. Have a look at some outstanding places to visit during your visit-

1. Har Ki Pauri

One of the major places to visit in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is visited by several devotees every year. As per the legends, this ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bharthari. Attend the pious aarti conducted every day in the morning and evening time which will surely leave you awestruck. Plan your trip during the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Mela fairs that are organized in Har Ki Pauri.

2. Chandi Devi Temple

The revered Chandi Devi temple is devoted to Goddess Chandi Devi. This temple was founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Take a dip at the pond here which is renowned for its medicinal properties. One can reach here by commencing a 4 km steep trek and if you are not comfortable in trekking you can even take a cable car ride also known as Udankhatola to the temple. Plan your trip during the festivals of Navratra and Kumbh Mela which will surely give an unforgettable experience.

3. Mansa Devi Temple

The revered Mansa Devi temple is one of the prominent temples to visit in Haridwar. The temple is named after Mansa Devi, believed to be the form of Shakti that emerged from Rishi Kashyap. It is highly believed that goddess Mansa Devi fulfills the wishes of all the devotees who visit this temple and thus the devotees tie threads on the branches of a large tree that is located inside the complex. Enjoy the ropeway ride or a 3 km trek which are the most enjoyable way to reach Mansa Devi temple. Every day hundreds of devotees visit this temple.

4. Daksh Mahadev Temple

Another pious temple is the Daksh Mahadev temple also called Daksheshwar Mahadev temple is one of the ancient temples of Daksha Mahadev. This is that very temple where once the king Daksha Prajapati performed the Yajna and Sati self-immolated herself in the Yagna Kund. This temple has a Yajna Kund and a Shiva Linga. There is a Banyan tree which is believed to be a hundred years old. There are other temples too in the Daksheswara Mahadev temple complex. Plan your visit here during the Savan month for an unforgettable experience.

5. Shantikunj Ashram

For a unique experience, one can head towards Shantikunj Ashram located in Haridwar. Have a comfortable stay here for two days which is free of cost. Attend the art of living programs conducted here that are worth attending. Visit the library of the University in the Ashram which is unrivalled in its collection of books and journals. The ashram provides free Ayurvedic treatment for the needy and also organizes community marriages.

6. Bharat Mata Temple

Head towards Bharat Mata Mandir, a renowned Multi-storey temple of Mother India constructed to salute the dedication of all the patriots and freedom fighters. One can find eight stories and each story has a different theme all dedicated to legends and deities. Bharat Mata Temple’s complex has an allopathic dispensary, diagnostic camps, a cow shelter, an old age home, and a Ved Shala which is worth visiting.

7. Pavan Dham

One of the popular pilgrimage sites in Haridwar, Pavan Dham is renowned for its unique temple architecture and craftsmanship. The major attraction here is the ancient Indian architecture that has intricate glasswork and peculiarly designed walls. There is a strong belief that by visiting this temple one gets rid of their sins.

8. Maya Devi Temple

Pay a visit to the revered Maya Devi Temple, one of the oldest temples in India, constructed in the 11th century. The temple is devoted to the goddess Maya and is one of the three Shaktipeeth. As per the mythology, it is the place where the navel of the goddess Sati fell. Plan your visit during the festivals of Navratra, and Kumbh Mela to seek blessings.

9. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

A paradise for birdwatchers, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a quite famous tourist spot. Capture the jaw-dropping views of the Shivalik in the backdrop. Plan your visit during the winter months and witness the beautiful birds that migrate to this place. This place is also popular among trekkers as it is close to several trekking routes in Haridwar.

10. Bhimgoda Tank

Located in the Birla Ghat, Bhimgoda Tank is a sacred water tank named after Bhim, the second of the five Pandavas. As per the legend while moving to the Himalayas the Pandavas stopped in Haridwar to drink water and Bhimgoda is the place where Bhima drew water from the rocks by thrusting his knee. Make sure to visit this place to admire the serene environment surrounding the Bhimgoda tank.

11. Patanjali Yogapeeth

A very famous and renowned medical research institute in Ayurveda and Yoga, Patanjali Yogapeet is visited by hundreds of tourists every year, established in the year 2006 by yoga guru Ramdev and is named after Maharishi Patanjali Who is believed to be the inventor of Yoga. There are numerous ayurvedic medications and treatments for patients in this institute. This place is not only counted among the largest yoga institutes in India but in the whole world too.

12. Rajaji National Park

Enjoy the jeep safari at Rajaji National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna and endangered species of birds and animals. It is indeed a paradise for birdwatchers. The jeep safari here is conducted twice every day. Spot the wild animals like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Jackal, barking deer, and sambhar while enjoying your safari. This national park has received the honor of being the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after the Corbett National Park.