Key hubs
Haridwar airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), roughly 200 km (3–3.5 hours by car, traffic dependent). Dehradun Airport (125 km, 2–3 hours) is a small alternative.
- Railway station
- Haridwar Junction (HW) on the Delhi-Dehradun line; frequent trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and other northern cities. Journey from Delhi is roughly 3–4 hours.
- Getting around
- The main sights are within walking distance of Har Ki Pauri. For temples on the hills (Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi), use cable cars or hire a local guide. Shared autos (tuk-tuks) and cabs work for longer trips, or hire a car and driver for the day.
How to reach Haridwar by air
Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is about 200 km away, roughly 3–3.5 hours by car; Dehradun's smaller airport, about 125 km away, is a closer alternative.
How to reach Haridwar by train
Haridwar Junction sits on the Delhi–Dehradun line, with frequent trains from Delhi, Lucknow and other northern cities; the journey from Delhi takes roughly 3–4 hours.
How to reach Haridwar by road
Haridwar is well linked by national highway to Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh, with regular buses and taxis.
Getting around Haridwar
The main ghats around Har Ki Pauri are walkable; cable cars serve the hilltop Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples, and shared autos or a hired car cover longer trips.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri involves stairs and uneven stone steps. If mobility is limited, arrange an auto or local porter to help navigate the ghat stairs, or visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening after aarti, when crowds thin).
- The cable cars to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples are essential aids if you want to visit the hilltop shrines without climbing. Arrive early in the day to avoid queues.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen: Haridwar's sun bounces off the white stones of the ghat. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and carry water bottles. Marble and stone get very hot underfoot.
- Choose accommodation within walking distance of Har Ki Pauri if mobility allows, or very close to the main road for easy auto access. Avoid rooms down narrow side lanes if you have trouble walking on uneven ground.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.