Haridwar Travel Guide
This Haridwar travel guide gives you all the basics to plan a smooth trip. Just 220 km from Delhi, Haridwar is easy to reach and good for a short 2–3 day visit, especially with family or elders. It covers how to reach, where to stay, what to eat, top temples, and the famous Ganga Aarti. If you’re starting Char Dham or just want a peaceful break by the Ganga, this guide helps you do it right without any confusion. Simple tips, real info, and everything you need for a good Haridwar trip in one place.
Why Visit Haridwar?
This ancient city, just 220 km from Delhi, is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and a starting point for the Char Dham Yatra. Haridwar is known for the powerful Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, ropeway-accessed temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. It’s ideal for a 2–3 day trip with family or senior citizens. You’ll find clean vegetarian food, riverside ghats, yoga ashrams, and easy access to nearby destinations like Rishikesh.
- Gateway to Char Dham Yatra – Haridwar is the starting point for the sacred Char Dham circuit: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- Home to Har Ki Pauri – The iconic ghat hosts the daily Ganga Aarti, drawing thousands of devotees every evening.
- One of the Sapta Puris – Haridwar is one of the seven holiest Hindu cities mentioned in ancient scriptures.
- Kumbh Mela Site – Every 12 years, Haridwar hosts the massive Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of pilgrims
How to Reach Haridwar
Haridwar is around 220 km from Delhi and takes about 5–6 hours by car or bus. You’ll get regular buses and shared cabs too. Trains come in daily from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata straight to Haridwar Junction. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is in Dehradun, about 40 km away. From there, a taxi to Haridwar costs around ₹1200–₹2000.
By Train
Haridwar Junction is a busy railhead with direct trains from across India.
- From Delhi: Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and overnight trains
- From Mumbai: Dehradun Express, Nanda Devi Express
- From Kolkata: Doon Express
- From Bangalore/Hyderabad: Connections via Delhi or Dehradun
By Air
The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (40 km).
- Taxis take about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Haridwar
Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru operate daily
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
Haridwar is among the holiest cities in India and a center for culture and spirituality along the banks of the sacred River Ganges nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas. Each year, Haridwar attracts countless tourists and Hindu pilgrims, who want to witness its deep spirituality, attend the famous Ganga Aarti, and visit ancient temples and ashrams. Although Haridwar is open to visitors at any time of year, picking the best time to go can enrich your experience. Below is an overview of the best time to visit Haridwar.
Winter (October to March) – The Best Time to Visit
The winter is viewed as the best and the most popular season to visit Haridwar. The temperature during winter hovers around 10°C to 25°C, making the weather ideal for sightseeing, participating in religious rituals, and enjoying the city without the pain of heat or humidity.
There are also a number of colorful Hindu festivals during the winter months, including Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivratri, and Holi, which create a unique festive and cultural aspect to your visit, as you can watch massive processions, perform rituals, and participate in community festivities.
This is also a good time to visit well-known temples, such as Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Maya Devi Temple, or to simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Har Ki Pauri, the city’s most sacred ghat. This is also a good time for yoga retreats or for Ayurvedic treatments available in Haridwar’s many ashrams or wellness centers.
Summer (April to June)—For Pilgrims and Off-Peak Travelers
The summertimein Haridwar is extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Summer is a key season for religious tourism, even if it’s not the best time to sightsee. The Char Dham Yatra, or pilgrimage to the four holy shrines in India, begins in April or May, and Haridwar is generally the starting point for this pilgrimage.
Conclusion
Haridwar is a city that has eternal spiritual significance. However, the best time to visit Haridwar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the spirit of high season is there. It does not matter if you are a pilgrim, or seeker, or just a traveler looking for peace; going to Haridwar at the best time guarantees that you will have a peaceful, safe, and spiritually rewarding experience.
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