Haridwar at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Famous For | Ganges, Pilgrimage, Yoga |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 35km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Haridwar Junction (HW) |
| From Rishikesh | 30 km · 1h 00m |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best For | pilgrims |
Haridwar: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Haridwar, meaning 'Gateway to God,' is a significant pilgrimage city in Uttarakhand, India, where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas. It is considered one of the seven holiest places for Hindus.
Haridwar offers a deeply spiritual experience, with its vibrant ghats, ancient temples, and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. However, be prepared for large crowds, especially during festivals, and persistent vendors. The intense religious atmosphere might not appeal to everyone.
Haridwar: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansa Devi Temple | 08:00-17:00 daily | Free | Morning to avoid long queues | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
| Chandi Devi Temple | 06:00-20:00 daily | Free | Morning for cooler temperature | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
| Maya Devi Temple | 07:00-19:00 daily | Free | Any time of day | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
| Bharat Mata Mandir | 09:30-17:00 daily | Free | Any time of day | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Haridwar: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Haridwar: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 30 km | 1h 00m | NH-334, NH-334A, NH-34 |
| Dehradun | 53 km | 1h 30m | NH-334, NH-334A, NH-34 |
| Chandigarh | 179 km | 3h 30m | NH-334, NH-334A, NH-34 |
| Delhi | 220 km | 5h 00m | NH-334, NH-334A, NH-34 |
train Train to Haridwar: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Haridwar Junction (HW) — Main railway station connecting Haridwar to major cities in India. Located in the heart of the city.
- From Delhi: 4-6 hours (₹300-1500)
- From Mumbai: 24-30 hours (₹800-3000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Haridwar: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 35km from city
- Delhi: 1 hour (₹2500-4000)
- Mumbai: 2.5 hours (₹5000-8000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹800-1200
- Uber/Ola: ₹700-1000
directions_bus Bus to Haridwar: Services & Timings
- From Delhi: 6-8 hours (₹400-800)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Haridwar: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: October to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: October to March | 8-25 degrees C | The weather is perfect for exploring temples, attending the Ganga Aarti, and pra | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: April to June | 25-40 degrees C | Fewer crowds compared to the peak season, and you might find better deals on acc | Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous a |
| Avoid: July to September | 22-32 degrees C | Avoid visiting during this period due to the risk of landslides, flooded roads, | Some temples and ashrams may have r |
Peak season note: Book accommodations in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. Some ashrams may have limited availability.
2-Day Haridwar Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is the most sacred ghat in Haridwar, where the Ganges River is believed to enter the plains. It is known for the even…
💡 Tip: Hire a boat for a less crowded view of the Ganga Aarti from the river.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🙏 Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill wishes. It is located on top of the Shivalik Hills.…
💡 Tip: Opt for the early morning slot to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🙏 Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi Devi, known for her strength and power. It is located on top of the Neel Par…
💡 Combine a visit to Chandi Devi Temple with Mansa Devi Temple for a complete pilgrimage experience.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🙏 Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Maya Devi, the presiding deity of Haridwar. It is one of the Shakti Peethas.…
💡 Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the crowds.
📍 Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It features eight floors, each dedicated to a different theme rel…
💡 Allocate sufficient time to explore all the floors of the temple.
Top Places to Visit in Haridwar: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Har Ki Pauri | Free | 2-3 hours | Open 24 hours |
| 2 | 🙏 Mansa Devi Temple | Free | 2-3 hours | 08:00-17:00 daily |
| 3 | 🙏 Chandi Devi Temple | Free | 2-3 hours | 06:00-20:00 daily |
| 4 | 🙏 Maya Devi Temple | Free | 1-2 hours | 07:00-19:00 daily |
| 5 | 📍 Bharat Mata Mandir | Free | 1-2 hours | 09:30-17:00 daily |
| 6 | 📍 Shanti Kunj Ashram | Free | 2-3 hours | 06:00-22:00 daily |
| 7 | 📍 Patanjali Yogpeeth | Free | 3-4 hours | 06:00-20:00 daily |
📍 1. Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is the most sacred ghat in Haridwar, where the Ganges River is believed to enter the plains. It is known for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Honest take: Worth visiting for the Ganga Aarti, but can be extremely crowded.
📍 Getting there: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or on foot from most parts of the city.
🙏 2. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill wishes. It is located on top of the Shivalik Hills.
Honest take: Worth visiting for the views and spiritual significance, but the queues can be long.
📍 Getting there: Ropeway (cable car) or trekking
🙏 3. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi Devi, known for her strength and power. It is located on top of the Neel Parvat.
Honest take: Worth visiting for the scenic views and spiritual atmosphere.
📍 Getting there: Ropeway (cable car) or trekking
Food & Restaurants in Haridwar: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Aloo Puri, Chole Bhature, Lassi, Rabri, Kachori
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Indian and Chinese dishes | ₹₹₹ (₹800-1200 for two) | Upper Road |
| Bengali Thali | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Near Vishnu Ghat |
🛺 Street Food: Near Har Ki Pauri — Aloo Tikki, Gol Gappe, Chaat (₹50-150 per person)
Haridwar Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹2000-3000/night | ₹4000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Haridwar: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Ganga Azure
₹800-1200/night
Near Har Ki Pauri
Hotel Le Central
₹700-1100/night
Railway Road
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Park Grand
₹2000-3000/night
Near Har Ki Pauri
Hotel Classic Residency
₹1800-2800/night
Bhim Goda
⭐ Luxury
Radisson Blu Hotel Haridwar
₹4000+/night
SIDCUL
Amatra By The Ganges
₹5000+/night
Rishikesh Road
Haridwar Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Fake priests: Be wary of priests demanding excessive amounts for performing rituals. Negotiate the price beforehand or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
- ✓ Overpriced souvenirs: Vendors may try to sell souvenirs at inflated prices. Bargain respectfully and compare prices at different shops.
- ✓ Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees. Light, breathable clothing is recommended during the summer months.
- ✓ Widely available
- ✓ Available at the airport and in the city. Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone are popular networks. Requires ID and address proof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Haridwar
How many days are enough for Haridwar?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Haridwar. Day 1 covers Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple, while Day 2 explores Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.
What is Haridwar famous for?
Haridwar is famous for Ganges, Pilgrimage, Yoga.
What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
The best time to visit Haridwar is October to March. Pleasant and cool weather makes it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The skies are generally clear, and the humidity is low.
How do I reach Haridwar from Rishikesh?
Haridwar is 30 km from Rishikesh by road, approximately 1h 00m drive via NH-334, NH-334A, NH-34. The nearest railway station is Haridwar Junction (HW). The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 35km from city.
Is Haridwar worth visiting?
Yes, Haridwar is worth visiting for Ganges, Pilgrimage, Yoga. It is especially recommended for pilgrims and can be combined with a visit to Rishikesh.
What is the budget for a trip to Haridwar?
A 2-day trip to Haridwar costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Mansa Devi Temple?
Mansa Devi Temple is open 08:00-17:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning to avoid long queues.
What is the entry fee for Mansa Devi Temple?
Entry fee at Mansa Devi Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Mansa Devi Temple?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Mansa Devi Temple.
What are the timings of Chandi Devi Temple?
Chandi Devi Temple is open 06:00-20:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning for cooler temperatures.
What is the entry fee for Chandi Devi Temple?
Entry fee at Chandi Devi Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Chandi Devi Temple?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Chandi Devi Temple.
What are the timings of Maya Devi Temple?
Maya Devi Temple is open 07:00-19:00 daily. Best time to visit: Any time of day.
What is the entry fee for Maya Devi Temple?
Entry fee at Maya Devi Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Maya Devi Temple?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Maya Devi Temple.
What are the timings of Bharat Mata Mandir?
Bharat Mata Mandir is open 09:30-17:00 daily. Best time to visit: Any time of day.
What is the entry fee for Bharat Mata Mandir?
Entry fee at Bharat Mata Mandir: Free.
What is the dress code for Bharat Mata Mandir?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Bharat Mata Mandir.
Is photography allowed at Bharat Mata Mandir?
Photography is not allowed inside at Bharat Mata Mandir.