If you're interested in Hindu history and culture, you'll want to spend a couple of days or even weeks in Haridware. This ancient city is one of the seven holy pilgrimage centers in India and is considered to be special because it is where the Ganges River enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It also has high cultural and religious significance because, according to Hindu mythology, it's one of the four places where drops of the elixir of immortality (called Amrit) landed when they accidentally spilled from a pitcher.
Even if you're not particularly religious, you'll still enjoy spending your vacation in Haridwar. There are many wonderful attractions to explore and lots of sightseeing and activities to enjoy, allowing you to have one of the best trips ever.
Sightseeing places to visit in Haridwar
One of the best things about Haridwar is that it has retained its natural beauty, making it a great place for nature lovers as well as those who just want to get away from the concrete jungle of modern cities. You can watch the waters flow down the Ganges River as well as smaller streams or head off into the forested areas to immerse yourself in flora and fauna.
When you've had enough of nature, you can explore the numerous temples in the city and pay your respects to the gods — or at least observe the locals as they worship their deities. Of course, you can also go shopping and buy clothes as well as devotional items like religious pictures and statues of gods.
Things to do and activities in Haridwar
- Explore the ancient structures in the area. Many of them are religious buildings, such as the Maya Devi Temple, the Mansa Devi Temple, and the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple.
- Get up close and personal with nature. As mentioned above, Haridwar is blessed with great natural beauty, so why not take some time off from sightseeing and spend a few hours admiring the local flora and fauna?
- Observe people as they perform rituals during festivals. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, for example, locals, pilgrims, and even tourists take ritualistic baths in the banks of the Ganges River.
Top sightseeing attractions in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri - Har Ki Pauri is the most sacred ghat (steps that lead to a river or other body of water) in Haridwar and is thought to be the spot where the drop of Amrit fell. It was built by King Vikramaditya as a tribute to his brother Bharthari, who liked to meditate in the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar.
- Chandi Devi Temple - This temple was built by King Suchat Singh in the late 1920s and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chandi who, according to legend, slew an army of demons here. The Chandi Devi Temple can be reached through a ropeway, although you can also take a three-kilometer trek from Chandighat to reach it.
- Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar - The Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird sanctuary that's home to many migratory birds like Siberian cranes. It's a great place for bird watchers and wildlife lovers as well as those who'd like to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature views.
Haridwar sightseeing tours and activities
These are just some of the things you'll enjoy when you spend your vacation in Haridwar. So what are you waiting for? Book Haridwar Sightseeing Tours and Activities now and start planning your trip!