Haridwar Travel Guide

Haridwar is one of Hinduism's major pilgrimage cities, where the Ganga enters the plains and daily ritual life centres on Har Ki Pauri, temples, ashrams and evening Ganga Aarti.

The city stands at the edge of the Shivalik foothills beside channels of the Ganga. Har Ki Pauri, the railway area, Kankhal and outlying temples require different local routes; Rishikesh lies farther upstream.

Choose accommodation near the main purpose of your Haridwar trip and group each day by area. This guide covers attractions, neighbourhoods, weather, transport, food and practical planning without relying on schedules or prices that quickly become outdated.

Haridwar rewards travellers who combine its headline sights with local neighbourhoods and food.

• Landmarks: Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksheswar Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Shantikunj.
• Food: Haridwar is strongly vegetarian. Try aloo puri, kachori, chole, seasonal sweets, lassi and simple North Indian or Garhwali food at clean established kitchens.
• Culture: Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh cycles, Kanwar Yatra, Kartik Purnima, Ganga Dussehra, Makar Sankranti and daily Ganga Aarti shape crowds and access.
• Practical travel: select a stay close to the day's main area to reduce road time.