15 Stunning Tourist Attractions to Visit in Haridwar
Haridwar is an important pilgrimage destination located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also considered one of the holiest places in India and is visited by devotees from all over the country. Located at an altitude of 314 meters above sea level, Haridwar has a pleasant climate all year round. While there are various tourist attractions to explore in Haridwar, we bring you the top 15 must-visit destinations in this place.
Literally meaning “Gateway to God” and considered the seventh holiest place, Haridwar is the most important religion for Hindus. The most famous Kumbh Mela not only attracts pilgrims from all over the world, but is also a major attraction for tourists who take part in religious celebrations. The attraction doesn’t stop there as there are many other attractions in Haridwar to keep visitors engaged throughout their stay.
Beautiful Haridwar tourist attractions:
Below we have listed the best and most attractive tourist attractions to help you plan your trip perfectly.
1. Chandi Devi Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi and was built in 1929 by King Sukar Singh of Kashmir. The statue of the Lord Goddess located in the temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Getting to the temple requires a 3km hike from Chandi Ghat or a cable car suspension. This temple is a famous stop for pilgrims to Kumbh Mela who seek the blessings of the known goddess to fulfill their wishes.
2. Hakibali:
Har ki Pauri is a famous highland on both sides of the Ganges, an important landmark and auspicious place for people entering and leaving Haridwar. Har ki Pauri has undergone major renovations and expansions over the years as more and more people flock here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. Several temples on the steps add to the beauty of the place, especially at night when it’s lit up. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Haridwar that can make you satisfied with its beauty.
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3. Neil Dara Paxy Vihar:
For bird lovers and those looking for some solitude, this bird sanctuary provides an ideal getaway in a world full of the beauty and magnificence of migratory birds, mostly seen in winter. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar also presents stunning views of the surrounding Shivalik Mountains. This tourist destination offers the most beautiful sightseeing spots. This is a wonderful tourist place to visit in Haridwar.
4. Pawandam:
A modern temple known for its fine mirrors and glasswork and garish statues of gods, it is one of the biggest attractions for tourists. This temple is also considered sacred among Hindus and is listed as one of the ancient temples in Haridwar. This temple is one of the ideal places to visit in Haridwar for happiness.
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5. Rajaji National Park:
Rajajj National Park, located at the foot of the Himalayas, is a fusion of three wildlife sanctuaries. The lush green jungle occupies the expansive park and provides a natural habitat for most animals. The park is home to the largest elephant population in Uttarakhand and more than 315 species of resident and migratory birds. Here are the best tourist attractions in Haridwar.
6. Patanjali Yogpeeth:
Patanjali Yogpeeth, named after the ancient yoga master Patanjali, is one of the largest yoga institutes in India. The institute, created by Swami Ramdev, is dedicated to the treatment and research of Yoga and Ayurveda. Patanjali University is also located in its premises. Regular yoga classes are held for residents and visitors on campus. This place is located near Haridwar. This is also another tourist attraction in Haridwar.
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7. Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar:
About 5 kilometers from Har ki Pauri, Sapt Rishi Ashram is one of the most prominent retreats in Haridwar. The place of practice is considered to be the meditation place of the seven great sages, and in order not to be disturbed by her currents, the Ganges should split into seven streams and eventually flow into Nildala.
8. Bharat Mata Mandir:
Standing 180 feet tall, the Bharat Mata Mandir is a permanent tribute to the mother of India. It was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi on May 15, 1983. Mandir consists of eight stories, each representing an era in Indian history. The topmost floor houses the Shiva Shrine with a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Himalayas, the entire campus of Sapt Sarovar and the city of Haridwar itself.
9. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple:
What makes Doodhadhari Barfani Temple a tourist attraction is not only the sanctity of its place but also the artistry of its architecture. This temple, made of white marble, consists of several other temples within its complex dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.tee
10. Mansa Devi Temple:
Mansa Devi Temple is one of the important places to visit in Haridwar for Hindu pilgrims. The temple is located on top of a hill called Bilwa Parvat in the Himalayan Shiwarik Mountains. This temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. It is believed that by concentrating on prayers at the Mansa Devi Temple, the goddess will grant all wishes. There is a tethering ceremony on any branch of the temple complex. After the devotees got their wish, they went to Mansa Devi Temple again to untie the holy thread.
11. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple:
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple or Daksha Mahadev Temple is one of the ancient temples in Haridwar dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in southern Kanhar and is visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims throughout the year. According to legend, it is believed that King Daksha performed a giant yagna at this temple site. This is a historic tourist attraction in Haridwar.
12. Vishnu Goddess Temple:
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the religious places in Haridwar. The temple is built after an exact replica of the famous Vishnu Mata Temple in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple complex resembles an ancient temple, and after passing through tunnels and caves, there is even a passage to the main shrine. During their stay in Haridwar, Hindu devotees go to the Temple of Vishnu to seek the blessings of the goddess.
13. NeelKanth Mahadev Temple:
NeelKanth Mahadev Temple is one of the famous attractions near Haridwar. It is located on the top of a mountain at an altitude of about 1300 meters and is one of the important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. NeelKanth Mahadev Temple is adjacent to three mountains namely Brahmakoot, Vishnukoot and Manikoot. It offers breathtaking views of the surroundings and is a must-see for nature lovers. According to Hindu mythology, it was here that Lord Shiva drank the poison (Samudra Manthan) that appeared in the milky churning sea. After drinking the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue, hence the name Nirkanth, which means blue throat. Here are the best tourist attractions in Haridwar.
14. Shanti Kunji:
ShantiKunj in Haridwar is the headquarters of AIGP (All India Gayatri Power). It was established in 1971 with the motivation of spiritual and moral regeneration in Indian culture. A number of spiritual training programs are organized in time at the ashram. Devotees from India and across borders also visit ShantiKunj for spiritual guidance.
15. Vishnu Ghat:
Vishnu Ghat is one of the most visited and sacred Ghats in Haridwar. The channel is named after one of the three Hindu gods, Lord Vishnu. According to mythology, it is believed that Lord Vishnu himself once bathed on this stone step. Devotees firmly believe that all their sins will be put to an end by performing a sacred immersion in the Vishnu Ghat.
Haridwar is aptly called the gateway of “Char Dham”, an auspicious pilgrimage for Hindus. Ancient temples, breathtaking mountains and rivers make it the perfect place for a vacation. Haridwar has something to offer those who come here for the pleasure of spirituality or wild adventure.