Temples in Haridwar
- 01
Bhairob Mandir
A small, atmospheric temple dedicated to Bhairab (a fierce form of Shiva), located on the old city edge. It attracts pilgrims who believe Bhairab guards the sacred city.
- Time needed
- 15–30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning for a peaceful atmosphere; afternoons can be crowded with devotees
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. The temple operates throughout the day. Donations are welcome.
- 02
Chandi Devi Temple
An ancient temple on a higher hill than Mansa Devi, dedicated to the goddess Chandi. Accessible by cable car, it offers more solitude and a longer hike alternative than Mansa Devi.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours including cable car and the temple walk
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Early morning before crowds; afternoon light also suits the western-facing temple
- Tickets
- Cable car fares are modest. The temple has no entry fee. Some pilgrims offer donations. Confirm timing and capacity on the day.
- 03
Daksha Mahadev Temple
An ancient temple in Kankhal commemorating the sage Daksha and the mythological sacrifice where Shiva's wife Sati died. One of Haridwar's oldest and most historically significant sites.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes for the temple; add time for exploring Kankhal
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning for a peaceful visit; late afternoon if you want softer light
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. The temple operates throughout the day. Make a donation if you wish to support maintenance.
- 04
Dakshin Mukheshwar Temple
A south-facing Shiva temple on a small hill in Haridwar, quieter than the main pilgrim sites and offering views over the old town. Rarely mentioned in guides, it feels like a local devotee's temple rather than a tourist stop.
- Time needed
- 45–60 minutes including the walk up and around
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; the hill offers shade at the edges but is exposed at the top
- Tickets
- No entry fee. The temple is free to visit.
- 05
Mansa Devi Temple
A hilltop temple dedicated to the goddess Mansa, reached by a cable car from the city. Known for granting wishes, it offers views over Haridwar and the Ganges below.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours including the cable car and a brief temple visit
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning before crowds; the cable car operates from sunrise to sunset
- Tickets
- Cable car costs are modest and payable in cash at the station. The temple itself has no entry fee. Ask the operator about timing and frequency on the day you visit.
- 06
Shankheshwar Mahadev Temple
A temple dedicated to Shiva as Shankheshwar (conch-bearer), located on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar. A smaller, quieter shrine compared to the major temples, it is popular with local devotees.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; midday can be hot
- Tickets
- No entry fee. The temple is free to visit.
Ghats in Haridwar
- 07
Govind Ghat
A major starting point for pilgrimages to Chopta and the Tungnath temple complex in the Himalayas. The ghat is also a bathing and ritual site, quieter than Har Ki Pauri.
- Time needed
- 20–45 minutes for a visit; longer if you are beginning a trek or waiting for pilgrim services
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning, before the heat and before trekking groups depart
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. It is a public ghat used by pilgrims and trekkers. Bathing is free.
- 08
Har Ki Pauri
The holiest of Haridwar's ghats where pilgrims bathe in the Ganges and the city's main aarti takes place every evening. One of the seven sacred sites in Hinduism.
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes for the aarti; longer if you want to bathe or linger
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Evening, roughly 30 minutes before sunset, for the aarti; mornings are quieter for bathing
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. Aarti happens daily; check local timings when you arrive, as they shift with the seasons.
Day trips in Haridwar
- 09
Rajaji National Park
A 820-square-kilometre forest reserve south of Haridwar, home to tigers, elephants, leopards and numerous bird species. It spans from the foothills into the Aravalli and Himalayan ranges.
- Time needed
- Half day (3–4 hours) for a safari, or a full day for deeper exploration
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- November to March, when temperatures are cool and animals are more active; avoid monsoons and summer heat
- Tickets
- Entry fees apply; check the official Rajaji National Park website for current rates, which differ for Indians and foreign visitors. Jeep safaris are booked through the park office or authorised operators. Guides are mandatory.
- 10
Rishikesh
A pilgrimage town about 25 km upstream (north) of Haridwar, famous for its ashrams, yoga schools and evening Ganga aarti. The epicentre of India's yoga tourism, it sits on a river bend where the Ganges is sacred and the banks hum with chanting.
- Time needed
- Full day or overnight; roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour by road from Haridwar
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- October to March; mornings are the best time for aarti and yoga, early evening for atmosphere
- Tickets
- No general entry fee. Individual temples and ashrams may ask for donations or have nominal fees. Yoga classes in ashrams typically cost 200–500 rupees per session, but verify current rates directly. Aarti is free.
Landmarks in Haridwar
- 11
Sapt Sarovar
A series of seven sacred pools or lakes said to be connected by underground channels. Located on the outskirts of Haridwar, it is a pilgrimage site and trekking point.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how far you walk
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, when light and temperature are pleasant
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. The site is freely accessible. There are minimal facilities, so carry water.
- 12
Surajkund Lake
A historic sacred lake in Haridwar with ancient stone steps (kunds) descending to the water, linked to the sun god Surya. Popular with pilgrims and families, it is quieter than the main ghats and feels less touristy.
- Time needed
- 45–60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning for quiet and soft light; weekday mornings are far less crowded than weekends
- Tickets
- No entry fee. The site is free to access.
Experiences in Haridwar
- 13
Ananda Yoga Centre
A yoga and wellness centre in Rishikesh offering structured classes, teacher trainings and multi-day retreats. More upscale and international in flavour than ashrams, but with an emphasis on proper technique and individualised instruction.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours for a single class; longer for workshops or retreats
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning classes (6–7 am and 8–9 am) are the mainstay; evening sessions usually 4–5 pm
- Tickets
- Drop-in classes are typically 400–700 rupees per session. Multi-day programmes and retreats are priced accordingly; check the website or contact directly for current rates.
Neighbourhoods in Haridwar
- 14
Kankhal
A residential neighbourhood west of Haridwar's main ghats, home to temples, ashrams, and the Daksha Mahadev shrine. It is the everyday face of Haridwar as a pilgrimage city.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours for a casual walking exploration
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, when residents and sadhus are most visible
- Tickets
- There is no overall entry fee. Daksha Mahadev and other temples are free to enter. Make donations if you wish to support them.
Close enough to combine