Best Places To Visit In Haridwar For A Spiritual Vacation

Without a visit to Haridwar in northern India, no spiritual pilgrimage is deemed complete. The country of myths and stories, situated in the Himalayan foothills and purified by the holy Ganga, is regarded as the most sacred location to atone for sins. You won't realize that there is plenty to do in Haridwar than having a plunge in the revered Har Ki Pauri and seeing temples until you learn more about the top places to see in Haridwar.

Haridwar seems like the ideal vacation destination for those looking to connect spiritually and enjoy the amazing natural surroundings. In this article, we'll explore the best places to visit in Haridwar for a spiritual vacation, where you can immerse yourself in the divine aura and find inner peace.

Table of Contents

Top 6 Places To Visit In Haridwar You Can't Afford To Miss
Best Time For Tourist Places To Visit In Haridwar

Top 6 Places To Visit In Haridwar You Can't Afford To Miss

One of India's seven holiest towns (Sapt Puris), Haridwar, which translates to "Gateway to God," is situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in the state of Uttarakhand. Many temples, ashrams, ghats, and other revered locations for Hindu pilgrims can be found in the historic city.

Also, the city receives a massive influx of pilgrims and tourists throughout the entire year, especially during the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held every 6 years) and the Maha Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years).

Here are the top 6 places to visit in Haridwar that you can't afford to miss:

1. Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri, one of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar and all of India, is a cherished landmark that receives a great deal of attention from pilgrims and visitors who come to worship and seek the blessings of the Holy Ganga. The holy city of Haridwar is home to Har Ki Pauri, which means Lord Shiva’s steps – located on the banks of the Ganga River.

According to Indian legend, this location is one of the four locations where the celestial bird Garuda unintentionally spilled the droplets of elixir ('Amrit'), which is thought to wash away sins when one takes a plunge in the Ganges river. Many diyas presented by devotees give the river a golden color.

This location consistently exudes a sense of tranquility and peace, however, the tourists to Har Ki Pauri particularly love the nighttime hours. Har Ki Pauri is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. Along the riverbank, numerous temples can be found, and people make offerings with lit candles and floating oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The recitation of mantras and prayers, accompanied by meditating sages, emits a profound spiritual atmosphere and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Har Ki Pauri is one of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar and all of India

Har Ki Pauri is one of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar and all of India

2. Chandi Devi Temple

Thousands of worshippers come to Chandi Devi Temple, another Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a manifestation of Lady Durga, in order to have their desires granted. The Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, where this temple is located, was the site of the mythical battle where the goddess vanquished the demons Chand-Mund and later Shumbh-Nishumbh.

The best way to appreciate Chandi Devi Temple's historic splendor is to trek your way up to the peak. You will undoubtedly sense the presence of the divine about you due to the lush flora in the area. This temple, one of Haridwar's most respected and ancient, receives a lot of visitors each year. The Chandi Chaudas, Navratra, and Kumbh Mela festivals, which are celebrated here, as well as Navratra, are some of the most joyful times. It is a must-visit the Chandi temple during the festival season.

Read about The 8 Best Souvenirs From India To Bring Back Home 2023

3. Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, another popular Haridwar tourist spot, is also known as the Bilwa Tirth due to its location atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills. Every year, a multitude of Hindus congregate at this temple in significant numbers, as it is one of the five sacred pilgrimages in Haridwar, known as the 'Panch Tirths.'

The term "Mansa" translates to "wish," and devout followers firmly believe that Goddess Mansa grants the wishes of devoted and sincere individuals who make a pilgrimage to this temple. Consequently, this magnificent temple is recognized as a 'Siddh Peetha,' a designation for places where desires and aspirations are believed to be fulfilled.

In addition, the cable cars leading up to the temple are another feature that adds to the temple's splendor and attracts tourists from all over the country.

Mansa Devi Temple is a another popular Haridwar tourist spot

Mansa Devi Temple is a another popular Haridwar tourist spot

4. Anandamayi Ashram

This ashram is located at Kankhal in the city of Haridwar and must be on your Haridwar tourist attractions list. Constructed in adoration of Sri Ma Anandamayi, a renowned Bengali spiritual philosopher. Her remains are interred in a crypt made of white marble at the Ashram.

The ashram, a center for spirituality, welcomes guests from all around the world. The Gayatri Yagnashala, Ati Rudra Yagnashala, Rudraksha Tree, Shankaracharya Hall, Annapurnasthal, Ma Anandamayi Museum, and Ma Anandamayi Vidyapeeth are just a few of the numerous structures in the ashram complex.

The Ati Rudra Yagnashala is the most well-known of them, and it saw the participation of saints in the Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in 1981. The Akhand diya, which you may see illuminated every time and which delivers a holy experience to everyone, is a well-known attraction here.

5. Shanti Kunj

The All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) has its headquarters at Shantikunj, a renowned ashram near Haridwar. This pilgrimage site, which doubles as an academy for social and spiritual awakening, has helped millions of people find the right path and experience enduring happiness. Seek all the peace and solace at the Shanti Kunj, one of the best places to see in Haridwar.

Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya Temple, temples of early Rishis, and an Exhibition of Divine Culture are all located at the Shantikunj Ashram. You can take part in the ashram's everyday activities in addition to visiting these locations. Also, numerous training camps are held to promote moral and spiritual ideals. Shanti Kunj is the ideal location for anyone looking for spiritual inspiration and inner tranquility.

The All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) has its headquarters at Shantikunj, a renowned ashram near Haridwar

The All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) has its headquarters at Shantikunj, a renowned ashram near Haridwar

6. Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir, also known as the Mother India Temple, is a distinctive multi-story shrine in Haridwar that honors patriots and liberation heroes. The 180-foot-tall temple, which has 8 stories, was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983. It honors the spirit of unity in diversity, which genuinely captures the true character of the magnificent country. Bharat Mata Mandir is one of the most serene and quiet sojourn tourist places in Haridwar.

Each of the eight levels is centered around a distinct theme: the Bharat Mata floor pays tribute to Mother India, the Shoor Mandir floor honors Indian heroes, the Matru Mandir floor is dedicated to celebrated women figures, the Sant Mandir floor venerates saints, the Assembly Hall floor embodies religious unity, the sixth level is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, the seventh level is devoted to Lord Vishnu, and the eighth level is consecrated to Lord Shiva.

Best Time For Tourist Places To Visit In Haridwar

While Haridwar generally enjoys a mild climate year-round, the best time for tourist places to visit in Haridwar is from November to March when the weather is pleasantly cool.

For those seeking a spiritual pilgrimage, the months of July and October are ideal, as Haridwar hosts various religious festivals during this period. You can also partake in the religious fervor between March and May.

If your intention is to explore the area leisurely and you're planning a vacation, the prime time to visit Haridwar is between October and February. During this period, the weather is delightful, and the crowds are somewhat smaller, offering a more serene experience.

Whether you are spiritual or not, Haridwar is a lovely place to spend a vacation. No matter when you decide to travel to Haridwar, we are confident that you will have a wonderful time.

For travelers planning to embark on this remarkable journey to Haridwar and other destinations in India, we recommend applying for an India eVisa through our website: India Immigration Services. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the visa application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience, so you can focus on the spiritual and cultural wonders that await you in Haridwar.

Best Places To Visit In Haridwar For A Spiritual Vacation