Haridwar
South Asia · India
Did you know?
- Rajaji National Park tours can run five hours and may include elephants, leopards, and deer.
- The town is purely vegetarian, and alcohol is strictly banned.
- An evening aarti with floating lamps takes place at Har Ki Pauri daily around 7 PM.
See also
Overview
This holy city is a centre of Hindu religion and mysticism on the Ganges, where the river descends from hills to plains. It has drawn Hindu pilgrims from around the world for centuries and remains a strong fit for travelers interested in ritual and sacred rivers.
Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil
Why go?
Haridwar literally means 'Gateway to God'. It is one of the Hindu holy places in India, a centre of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of the River Ganges where it descends from the hills to the plains, it attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Haridwar is about 200 km from New Delhi and is well connected by road and rail. The train station is well-connected with frequent trains to Delhi (4-5 hours) and Dehradun (1 hour). Buses are faster and more frequent to Rishikesh. Avoid travel during the Hindu month of Sawan (around July) due to heavy crowds, and during monsoon (late May to August) due to rain.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Central Haridwar can be covered on foot. Cycle rickshaws cost ₹10 for nearer distances and ₹25 for longer distances such as from the main station to Har Ki Pauri. Taxis for more than three hours cost about ₹400, and auto-rickshaws around ₹200 for similar distances.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
For most hotels, check-in time is noon. Plenty of dharmshalas (religious rest houses) are available. A cluster of new, modern hotels has sprung up in Bhopatwala, about 5 km north of the city centre. Budget options include Hotel Golden (₹500) and Hotel Haridwar Residency (₹300-2500).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Haridwar is a purely vegetarian town. Alcohol is strictly banned. Local specialties include chole bhature, dosas, and Bengali thalis. Popular eateries include Bhagwati Chole Wala (₹30), Chotiwalas (₹60), and Dada Boudir Hotel (₹45 for unlimited rice meal). Many restaurants serve South Indian and North Indian food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The focal point is Har Ki Pauri, where devotees bathe and worship; an evening aarti with floating lamps occurs daily at about 7PM (5:45PM in winter). Visit temples: Mansa Devi Temple (cable car ₹48 return), Chandi Devi Temple (cable car available), and Maya Devi Temple. The Rajaji National Park offers a 5-hour tour for about ₹1,800 per person, with elephants, leopards, and deer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
During festivals, especially the Kumbh Mela, stampedes are a regular occurrence; bridges across the Ganges are the most dangerous spot. Alcohol is strictly banned. Beware of beggars and charlatans posing as holy men. Monkeys may grab food, and cows and their leftovers are common on roads.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Rishikesh, 'Haridwar lite', is 26 km upriver and popular with backpackers. Sapta Rishi Ashram is a few kilometres away, believed to have been the meditation ground of seven sages. Yamunotri is another destination further afield.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Ambience Guest House
AC/Non-AC rooms available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bhaj-Govindam
Charming hut-style accommodation, with a common lawn area over-looking the river. (Air-con in some rooms).
Recorded price: ₹900/₹1550
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chitra Heritage
Air-con & non-air-com rooms available at ₹700/₹3490. All rooms are spacious and front sided. Parking facilities are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
County Inn & Suites
Haripur Kalan, Motichur. Run by the Carlton group, this is the only international branded hotel in Haridwar and probably the best of the bunch. The main drawback is the location, some 6 km out of town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ganga Lahari
Close to Har Ki Pauri, rooms open to a central corridor facing the river. Part of the same management running Haveli Hari Hanga
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ginger Haridwar
Clean, minimalistic hotel operated by the Ginger chain.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Haveli Hari Ganga
A comfortably appointed hotel/spa with a private ghat and balconies (few rooms) overlooking the river.
Recorded price: From ₹2800
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Bhagwati Niwas
On the banks of the Ganges. All room facing Gangaji with private ghat.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Culture
Evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri daily around 7PM.
Food
Haridwar is a purely vegetarian town; alcohol is banned.
Safety
During Kumbh Mela, stampedes are a risk; avoid bridges during crowds.
Transport
Cycle rickshaws ₹10-25; taxis from ₹400 for 3 hours.
Weather
Avoid monsoon (late May-Aug) and Sawan month (July) due to crowds and rain.