Taking a break from the mundane routine of life is essential for everyone. Some people like to go on adventurous trips, while others prefer to spend some time in the lap of nature and mountains to unwind and enjoy tranquillity. Embarking on a spiritual and cultural journey is another way to rejuvenate oneself. Haridwar is one such spiritual destination that attracts a lot of attention. The city is not only famous for its heritage charm but also for its laid-back lifestyle and peaceful ashrams. Hundreds and thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Haridwar every year as a pilgrimage spot. However, there is more to Haridwar than just being a holy place. Here are 15 things to do in Haridwar.
Haridwar is a popular destination for yoga due to its serene atmosphere, making it a unique location for individuals seeking enlightenment and inner peace. Both Haridwar and Rishikesh are home to a large number of ashrams that provide people seeking a spiritual retreat with an ideal sanctuary. One of the more well-known ashrams in this city is the Saptrishi Ashram, which has 42 cottages that are rented out to enthusiasts and devotees.
One of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar is Har Ki Pauri, which is located on the Ganga River’s banks. It’s popular with pilgrims for holy dips in the Ganges, particularly on festivals and auspicious days. The ghat, popularly known as Brahm Kund, hosts the revered Ganga Aarti every evening. Priests carrying massive fire bowls perform the Aarti fire ceremony, which is accompanied by bells ringing and the chanting of Vedic Sanskrit mantras. Lamps are floated in the river by devotees, creating a stunning spectacle.
If you’re looking for a unique and interesting activity to do in Haridwar, visiting Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a must. This delightful spot, located 3.5 kilometers outside the city, is home to a variety of migratory birds during the winter season. It’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the migrating birds or the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Haridwar.
The Rajaji National Park is home to an abundant variety of fauna, including tigers, leopards, spotted deer, and elephants. The park boasts a diverse bird population, with over 315 different species, such as the White-naped Woodpecker and the Great Pied Hornbill. Despite being situated near towns, the park has a unique and tranquil wilderness that is sure to captivate visitors. The park is especially known for its elephant population, which only adds to its charm.
Crystal World, spanning eighteen acres, is an ideal haven for children and families alike. This utopia boasts 40 rides, a theme park, a waterpark, and museums—it has everything you need to brighten your day. In addition, a food court is available to satisfy your appetite as you take in some of the greatest rides and take priceless photos. For fantastic photos, you should definitely visit India’s Celebrity Museum and the Interactive Art Museum.
If you want to add some more excitement to your trip, take some time to visit Devprayag. This place has a unique charm because of its natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture, and peaceful environment. To fully enjoy a sightseeing tour that may include the Neer Gaddu Waterfall, Alaknanda Bhagirathi Sangam, Raghunath Temple, Vashist cave, and other attractions, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. After a thrilling day, you will undoubtedly have countless unforgettable memories to cherish.
Haridwar is a city with a strong religious foundation. If you like to shop for souvenirs, there are many marketplaces throughout the city where you can find what you’re looking for. The four main bazaars are Moti Bazar, Jwalapur, Bara Bazar, and Kankhal. These bazaars specialize in selling handicrafts, ayurvedic remedies, and religious curios. However, keep in mind that shopping for souvenirs may not be the best way to experience the city’s religious culture.
If you want to discover the hidden gems of Haridwar in a unique and charming way, then take traditional tonga rides. Adorned with colorful flowers and cloth, these horse-drawn carriages offer a picturesque view of the city’s temples, ghats, sweet shops, and orchards. As you ride along, the rhythmic sound of the horses’ neighs and hoofbeats will transport you to a bygone era. It’s one of the best things to do in Haridwar.
The Udan Khatola is an amazing ropeway ride that takes you to the well-known Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples. As both temples are situated uphill, many people prefer to ride the ropeway instead of hiking up the hill. The ropeway vehicles are colorful and travel up and down on wires, offering a bird’s eye view of the entire town and the river Ganges that meanders across the plains. The journey to both temples is truly spectacular.
Situated on top of the Shivalik Hills, this well-known Siddhapeeth is famous for being the sacred abode of Mansa Devi, who is believed to be a manifestation of Shakti. It is said that Mansa Devi sprang from Lord Shiva’s intellect and is considered to be the sister of Vasuki, the Nāga (serpent). She is also believed to be Lord Shiva’s human-incarnate daughter. The Mansa Devi temple is one vertex of the Siddhapeeth triangle, which also includes the temples of Chandi Devi and Maya Devi.
If you want to discover divine beauty of Haridwar, visit the Daksha Mahadev Temple, one of the most renowned and revered temples in Haridwar. Legend has it that this sacred site was the venue for the sumptuous Yagna carried out by Daksha Prajapati, the father of Goddess Parvati. Witness the power of Lord Shiva as he resurrected Daksha and pay your respects to him at this holy shrine. Come experience the spiritual energy and immerse yourself in the rich history of this magnificent temple.
The Vaishno Devi Temple located in Haridwar is not just an ordinary place of worship; it is believed to be a reflection of the Jammu Vaishno Devi Shrine. Despite being built more than a decade ago, the temple’s attractive architecture has made it very popular. Like the original temple in Katra, the present temple also features numerous tunnels and caves that lead to the Goddess’ statue. It is believed that visiting the temple can bring good luck and fulfilment of wishes.
The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is built on the site where Lord Shiva consumed the poisonous Halahala. The poison was produced during the Samudramanthan, a process where the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean to obtain Amrita. As a result of ingesting the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue, and he became known as Neelkanth. If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, visiting this place can be one of the best things to do in Haridwar.
Trekking in Haridwar is just what you need to take off your mundane routine. It’s an excellent opportunity to embrace nature’s beauty and discover the hidden gems of the region. The area boasts of several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic villages, offering a plethora of biodiversity for you to explore. Trekking here also allows you to witness the magnificent Himalayas and spot rare animals like the monal bird and musk deer.
Haridwar is an ideal destination for those seeking ayurvedic treatment due to its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It’s highly recommended that you visit a licensed ayurveda clinic in Haridwar to experience the traditional treatment techniques. Some of the most renowned ashrams in the city include Patanjali, Santosh Puri, and Aurovalley.
So, those were the 15 things to do in Haridwar. Over the years, Haridwar has welcomed a variety of visitors and travelers. You could argue that Haridwar’s laid-back, small-town charm draws visitors, but every visitor has a unique motivation for visiting. So, if you’re willing to participate in thrilling and mindful activities, be sure to include all of these in your itinerary.
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