Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple – Ropeway, Timings, Darshan & Travel Guide

Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple sits on top of Neel Parvat and is one of the most visited Shakti temples in Uttarakhand. Built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, it’s believed to be the spot where Goddess Chandi defeated the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Today, visitors can either trek the 3 km uphill route or take the ropeway ride, which makes it easy for families and elderly devotees.

Religious Importance of Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Goddess Shakti. It is counted among the Panch Tirthas of Haridwar and is also one of the three Siddh Peeths along with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi. Pilgrims believe that worship at this temple fulfills desires and removes obstacles.

• The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who is said to have slain the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh at this very site.
• It is considered a powerful Siddh Peeth, where prayers are believed to bring strength and courage.
• During Navratri and other major festivals, thousands of devotees visit for special aartis.
• Ropeway access makes it easier for families and senior citizens to reach the shrine.

Mythological Background

According to legend, Goddess Chandi was created by the combined energies of the gods to defeat demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh. After her victory, the temple was built on Neel Parvat to honor her divine power. The original idol is believed to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, making it one of Haridwar’s most sacred and ancient temples.

Quick Info at a Glance

• Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
• Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (closed 12–3 PM for bhog/cleaning)
• Ropeway Fare: Around ₹150 one-way / ₹250 round-trip (combo with Mansa Devi approx. ₹400–₹500)
• Trek Distance: About 3 km uphill from Chandighat
• Best Time to Visit: February to June, September to November
• Nearest Transport Hub: Haridwar railway station (5 km)

If you’re short on time, the ropeway is the quickest option. If you enjoy walking, the trek route offers good views and local stalls along the way.

Location of Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is located on Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, overlooking the city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The temple stands about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri at an altitude of nearly 600 meters above sea level. It is part of the sacred Siddh Peeth trio along with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi.

• From Haridwar Railway Station: Around 4.5 km away; reachable by auto-rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, or cab.
• From Haridwar Bus Stand: About 4 km distance, with shared autos and local cabs easily available.
• From Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun): Nearly 40 km away; taxis and pre-booked cabs take about 70–80 minutes depending on traffic.

Temple Accessibility

• A ropeway service (Chandi Devi Udankhatola) runs from the base near Chandighat, taking devotees directly up in 5–10 minutes.
• Pilgrims can also trek uphill for 45–60 minutes, following a well-marked but steep path.
• Autos, cabs, and e-rickshaws are available from major points of the city to the ropeway base.

📍 The hilltop location not only makes Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple a spiritually significant stop but also offers sweeping views of the Ganga River and plains, attracting both devotees and travelers.

How to Reach Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

If you are already in Haridwar, reaching Chandi Devi Temple is simple and takes very little time. The temple is located on Neel Parvat, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri. From the city, you can either take the ropeway or walk up the trekking path.

Ropeway (Udan Khatola): The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the temple. The ride takes 5–10 minutes and offers wide views of Haridwar.

• Duration: 5–10 min ride
• Cost: ₹200–₹250 (round trip), combo ticket with Mansa Devi available
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Base station: Near Chandighat, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri

Walking/Trek: A 3 km uphill trek that takes 45–60 minutes. The path is paved and has resting points, but it can be tiring in hot weather.

• Distance: 3 km uphill from city base
• Time: 45–60 minutes
• Note: Avoid during peak summer if traveling with elderly

By Local Transport

• Auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws available from Har Ki Pauri, railway station, and bus stand to the ropeway base
• Shared jeeps also run between Haridwar railway station and Chandighat ropeway point

The ropeway is the best option for families and senior citizens, while the trek suits those who want a more traditional experience.

Temple Timings of Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar follows fixed morning and evening darshan sessions. The temple is generally open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Aartis are performed in both sessions, and timings are extended during festivals like Navratri and Diwali. Morning hours are calmer, while evenings are busier with the Sandhya Aarti.

Daily Timings

• Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Closed: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Evening Darshan: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Special Aartis: Morning & Evening; extended timings during festivals

Ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola)

• Operates roughly 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season and crowd)
• Timings may change; check locally as services sometimes pause for maintenance

Important Notes

• Entry for darshan is free.
• Temple remains closed between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
• Ropeway is the quickest and most convenient option, but confirm timings before visiting.

Chandi Devi Ropeway Tickets & Timing

Chandi Devi Udankhatola ropeway is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach the hilltop temple on Neel Parvat. It saves visitors from the 3 km uphill trek and offers beautiful aerial views of Haridwar, the Ganga, and the Shivalik hills.

Ropeway Timings

• Operates daily from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (may vary seasonally)
• Morning hours are less crowded and recommended for a smoother ride
• Services may pause briefly for maintenance during the day

Ticket Options

• Adult Ticket – ₹439 per person
  Round-trip ropeway for both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples
• Child Ticket – ₹225 per child (height 90–110 cm)
  Round-trip ropeway for both temples
• Bus Shuttle – ₹95 per person
  Covers transfers between Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi ropeway bases (valid 2 days)

Ticket Price Chart

Journey Experience

• Covers about 540 meters with an elevation gain of ~178 meters
• Ride duration: 5–7 minutes
• Fully enclosed cabins carry 4–6 passengers
• Boarding managed by a token system to avoid crowding

Why Choose Ropeway?

• Saves time compared to the 45–60 minute uphill trek
• Safe and convenient for senior citizens, families, and children
• Combo ticket makes it easy to cover both Siddh Peeth temples (Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi)

Ropeway Guidelines

• ❌ No alcohol, smoking, or intoxicants allowed
• ❌ No pets permitted
• ❌ Luggage limit: 5 kg per passenger
• ❌ No sharp objects, weapons, flammable items, or fireworks
• ❌ No drone cameras, tripods, or selfie sticks
• ❌ Only medically approved walking sticks allowed
• ❌ No single-use plastic bottles or disposable plastics

Always purchase tickets from authorized counters or the official operator to avoid fraud.

Trekking to Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Apart from the ropeway, many devotees prefer to trek up to the Chandi Devi Temple as part of their pilgrimage. The temple stands on Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, and the trek offers both a spiritual and scenic experience.

• Distance: Around 3 km uphill from Chandighat base point
• Duration: 45–60 minutes on foot, depending on fitness
• Path: Paved steps and trails with shaded areas and resting points
• Difficulty: Moderate; can be tiring in summer heat
• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather
• Pilgrims’ Belief: Trekking to the temple is seen as an act of devotion, and many choose this path during Navratri and other festivals

Tip: Avoid trekking in the afternoon during summer months. Carry a bottle of water, wear comfortable shoes, and take breaks. The trek is safe but can be tiring for the elderly.

Nearby Visiting Places Around Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

A visit to Chandi Devi Temple can be easily combined with several other spiritual and cultural sites in Haridwar. Most are within a short distance, making them ideal for the same day’s itinerary.

Bharat Mata Mandir: A unique multi-storey temple showcasing India’s cultural heritage, with each floor dedicated to saints, freedom fighters, and various deities.

Mansa Devi Mandir: Situated on Bilwa Parvat, about 4 km away. It can be reached by ropeway or trekking, and most devotees prefer visiting both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples together.

Har Ki Pauri: The most famous ghat of Haridwar, known for the evening Ganga Aarti, which draws thousands of pilgrims daily.

Daksha Mahadev Mandir: Located in Kankhal, around 4 km from Haridwar city, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has strong mythological significance.

Suggested 01 Day Chandi Devi Temple Darshan Itinerary

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Start your day with the ropeway ride to Chandi Devi Temple. Early hours are quieter and darshan is smoother.
• Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Head to Mansa Devi Mandir using the combo ropeway ticket. This saves time and avoids the uphill trek.
• Afternoon: Have a simple vegetarian meal at one of the local dhabas or family-run eateries in Haridwar. They serve fresh food at reasonable prices.
• Evening (6:00 PM): Make your way to Har Ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti. Arrive a little early to find a good spot as it gets crowded quickly.

Travel Tips for Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

• If you’re visiting during weekends, Navratri, or Shravan, choose the ropeway—it saves time and avoids a tiring uphill trek.
• Planning to trek? Wear comfortable shoes; the 3 km climb is paved but steep and harder in the heat.
• Elderly devotees and children should stick to the ropeway for a safe and easy darshan.
• Carry a small water bottle and keep your belongings light—heavy bags will slow you down.
• During major festivals, book your stay in advance, as Haridwar gets crowded and last-minute rooms are difficult to find.

Do’s and Don’ts for Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Do’s

• Take the ropeway during rush hours or if traveling with seniors/kids.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to trek the 3 km uphill path.
• Carry a small water bottle and keep luggage light.
• Book hotels or dharamshalas in advance during Navratri, Shravan, or weekends.
• Reach in the morning for a peaceful darshan.

Don’ts

• Don’t carry heavy bags, plastics, or food items on the ropeway.
• Avoid trekking in peak summer with elderly or children.
• Don’t wait till the last moment for accommodation—rooms fill up quickly in festive season.

Frequently Asked Questions