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 Road
Haridwar is about 220 km from Delhi, and the road journey takes 5 to 6 hours via NH34.
- Buses (AC and non-AC) available from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate
- Private taxis and shared cabs are available throughout the day
- The drive is scenic after Muzaffarnagar
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
Best time to visit Haridwar is from March to June and October to early December. Summer is warm but manageable, good for darshan and holy dips. Monsoon brings drizzling rain—better to skip if you’re with elders or kids. Winter gets cold but peaceful. Skip crowded dates like Kanwar Yatra in July unless that’s your reason to visit. For a smooth, crowd-free trip, stick to shoulder seasons when the weather’s fine and everything’s easier.
March to June
- Spring to early summer is ideal (25–35°C)
- Comfortable for senior citizens and children
- Suitable for bathing in the Ganga and visiting temples
July to September
- Monsoon brings lush greenery but heavy rain
- Risk of flooding in some low-lying ghats
- Not ideal for elderly or small kids
October to February
- Cool weather (10–20°C), great for peaceful sightseeing
- Best season for yoga, meditation, and long stays
Places to See in Haridwar
Places to see in Haridwar are mostly spiritual spots, but even if you’re not religious, they’re worth a visit for the energy and vibe. Har Ki Pauri is the main highlight—don’t miss the Ganga Aarti here. Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples sit on opposite hills, both have ropeways (₹100–₹150 round trip). Bharat Mata Mandir is unique with 8 floors of Indian history. Daksheshwar Mahadev is peaceful and less crowded. Shantikunj and Sapt Rishi Ashram are good for quiet time. Most spots are walkable or just a short rickshaw ride, making it easy for families and senior citizens.
Har Ki Pauri
- The most sacred ghat in Haridwar
- Famous for its evening Ganga Aarti
- Free entry, but arrive early for a good spot
Mansa Devi Temple
- Located on Bilwa Hill
- Accessible by ropeway or a steep walk
- Ropeway cost: approx ₹100 round trip
Chandi Devi Temple
- Situated on Neel Parvat hill
- Ropeway or trekking options available
- Combine with Mansa Devi for a full day
Bharat Mata Mandir
- Unique temple with eight floors honoring India’s culture
- Elevator available; no entry fee
Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple
- Linked to the story of Sati and her father Daksha
- A peaceful temple off the main tourist track
Sapt Rishi Ashram
- Known for its tranquil atmosphere
- Great for quiet reflection and morning walks
Where to Stay in Haridwar
Haridwar offers a wide range of stays for every budget—from riverside luxury hotels like Haveli Hari Ganga to mid-range comfort at La Casa and affordable picks like Hotel Ganga Vilas. If you’re looking for spiritual stays, dharamshalas and ashrams near Har Ki Pauri are great options. Most hotels serve pure vegetarian food and are walkable to major temples. For a peaceful, no-fuss stay, book early—especially during festival season. Haridwar has stay options that are clean, safe, and well-located.
Budget (₹800–₹2000)
- Hotel Ganga Vilas – Basic, clean, near Har Ki Pauri
- Hotel Alpana – Comfortable and well-located
Deluxe (₹2000–₹4000)
- La Casa – Boutique option with good reviews
- Regenta Orko’s – Mid-range comfort, family-friendly
Premium (₹4000+)
- Haveli Hari Ganga – Heritage property with Ganga views
- Amatra by the Ganges – Upscale, peaceful riverside retreat
Tip: Book early for holidays and festival seasons in Haridwar.
Where To Eat in Haridwar
Haridwar is all veg, and the food here is simple, clean, and full of local flavour. You’ll find tasty aloo puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale, filling North Indian thalis at Hoshiyarpuri, and quick snacks like chaat and jalebi at small roadside shops. Most places serve satvik food without onion or garlic. If you want a proper meal, go to Chotiwala or Hoshiyarpuri. For sweets, try jalebi, rabri, or lassi from old shops near Har Ki Pauri. It’s all local, fresh, and pocket-friendly. Perfect for families, pilgrims, or anyone wanting a clean meal without fuss.
Street Food Highlights
- Aloo Puri – Mohan Ji Puri Wale
- Kachori & Jalebi – Popular near Har Ki Pauri
- Lassi & Rabri – Local dairy shops
Popular Restaurants
- Chotiwala – Haridwar’s iconic family eatery
- Hoshiyarpuri – Famous for thalis
- Dosa Plaza – South Indian food lovers’ choice
How to Commute Within Haridwar
Getting around Haridwar is simple and cheap. Most places like Har Ki Pauri, temples, and markets are walkable. For short trips, use cycle rickshaws or battery rickshaws, especially if you’re with elders. Auto rickshaws are good for longer routes across town. For hilltop temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, ropeways are the easiest option. No need for big taxis—local travel here is quick and hassle-free.
- Cycle Rickshaws: Ideal for short distances and navigating narrow lanes, especially near Har Ki Pauri.
- Auto Rickshaws: Widely available and suitable for medium distances. Fares are negotiable, so it’s advisable to agree on a price before starting your journey.
- E-Rickshaws: An eco-friendly option for short trips within the city.
- Taxis: Available for longer distances or day trips. They can be hired from taxi stands or booked through local operators.
- Ropeways: To reach hilltop temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, ropeways are available, offering a convenient and scenic route.
Travel Tips for Senior Citizens & Families
Traveling to Haridwar with senior citizens or kids? Keep it simple and stress-free. Stay near Har Ki Pauri to avoid too much walking. Pick hotels with lifts or ground-floor rooms. Use ropeways for temples instead of trekking. Carry basic meds, ID copies, and extra water. Avoid monsoon due to slippery ghats. Attend morning Ganga Aarti to skip crowds. Haridwar is peaceful, but a little planning makes it even easier for families and elders.
- Book hotels near Har Ki Pauri for easy access
- Carry ORS, essential meds, and ID copies
- Avoid slippery ghats in monsoon
- Prefer ropeways over steep climbs
- Choose hotels with elevators and ground-floor rooms
- Stick to morning visits to avoid crowds
