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Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar

Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar The city of Haridwar welcomes its visitors with chimes of the temple bells and religious chanting of the priests. Famous for being one of the seven holiest places of India, the name of the city Haridwar (Hari ka Dwar) means Gateway to God. The city is also known for the “Panch Tirth (five pilgrimages)” which includes Gangadwara(Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Biswas Tirtha( Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Other places to visit in Haridwar are religious attractions such as Maya Devi Temple, Darsha Mahadev Temple, and Pavan Dham.

The city also has a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple at Jammu for those who have not been able to visit the temple at Jammu. Adding to the list of places to see in Haridwar is an 8 storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata. The beauty of this city lies in its blend of being a holy place with a beautiful natural environment. Visitors are awed when they watch the Ganga Aarti in progress especially during the evening.

Other Tourist places in Haridwar include Crystal World with its museums for the kids, Patanjali Yogpeeth for people looking for health improvements. For nature lovers, the city is a paradise, watching exotic migratory birds at Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar or a jungle safari at Chilla Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary or even enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Ganges from one of the ghats Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.


Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

One of the first places to visit in Haridwar is the holy ghat of Har Ki Pauri – which means Lord Shiva’s steps – located on the banks of the Ganga River. Interestingly, the Vedic literature mentions that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited this place, and you can also see a large footprint on a wall that is said to be of Lord Vishnu. Also known as Gangadwar, this is the place where the Ganga River first leaves the mountains and enters the plain Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.

Har Ki Pauri is considered to be the most sacred ghat in the entire city where the mythological bird Garuda accidentally dropped Amrit (elixir), and it is believed that if you take a dip here, then all your sins get washed away. The Ganga aarti held at the ghat at dusk and dawn attracts devotees in large numbers.

  • Location: Kharkhari, Haridwar
  • Timings: 24X7 (Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am – 6:30 am and 6 pm – 7 pm)

Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Another popular place to visit in Haridwar is Mansa Devi Temple atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, and owing to its location it is also known as the Bilwa Tirth. This Siddh Peeth is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Shakti and is said to have been created from Lord Shiva’s mind Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.

It is one of the most revered temples in North India as devotees firmly believe that all their wishes are granted by Goddess Mansa (the name of the deity means wish). You can either reach this temple on the hilltop by trekking or by taking the ropeway, which is one of the unmissable things to do in Haridwar.

  • Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
  • Timings: 5 am to 9 pm

Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple is another Siddh Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi – a form of Goddess Durga and is visited by thousands of devotees to get their wishes fulfilled. This temple is situated atop the Shivalik Hills’ Neel Parvat, which was the mythological battleground where the goddess killed demons Chand-Mund and later, Shumbh-Nishumbh. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kashmir King Suchan Singh while the idol was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.

You can trek to the temple or take the ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola) that offers a bird’s-eye view of Haridwar. Near this temple lies another popular religious site – Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
  • Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Kankhal, Haridwar

Kankhal, Haridwar

Kankhal, one of the Panch Tirths in Haridwar, is a small colony that is home to the renowned Daksha Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandamayi Ashram. The former is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by innumerable devotees, especially during the holy month of Sawan. The latter is a spiritual centre, built in honour of the Bengali mystic leader Maa Anandamayi, Top Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.

Kankhal is also home to the holy ghat of Kushavarta, which is one of the Panch Tirths and the famous Patanjali Yog Peeth that is probably the largest yoga centres in the world. Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple in Harihar Ashram, located on Kankhal Road, is famous for the unique Parad Shivalinga that is made from 151 kg mercury.

  • Location: South Haridwar
  • Timings: 24X7

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Completing the trio of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar is Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is the main deity of Haridwar and in reverence, the city was earlier known as Mayapuri. As per mythological literature, the temple has been built on the site where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel fell.

It is one of the oldest temples in the entire country that was built in the 11th century on Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Although the temple is visited by hundreds of devotees daily to seek the goddess’ blessings and get their wishes granted, the footfall increases immensely during Navratri and Kumbh Mela.

  • Location: Birla Ghat, Haridwar
  • Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Shantikunj, Haridwar

One of the most popular spiritual and moral enlightenment centres in the world is Shantikunj in Haridwar. Established in 1971, it is the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) that has millions of followers across the world. The centre propagates national integration as well as cultural and ethical values apart from spiritual and moral upliftment. Shantikunj also has a research institute (Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan) and a residential university (Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya).

This must-visit attraction has been visited by a number of world-renowned personalities, including Dalai Lama. You can also stay here for free for up to two days, during which you need to take part in all their daily activities, including bhajans and aartis.

  • Location: Motichur, Haridwar
  • Timings: 24X7

Sapt Rishi Ashram, Haridwar

Sapt Rishi Ashram, located on the banks of the river, is one of the popular places to visit in Haridwar. Along with Hindu devotees, the ashram sees a high footfall of visitors looking for a peaceful site for meditation and yoga. The tranquil ambience of this place is so perfect for meditation that it even attracted the renowned seven sages, and thus got its name – sapt means seven and rishi means sage.

As per mythology, Kashyapa, Vashishta, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam – the seven sages were meditating along the banks but were getting disturbed by the sound created by the flowing river and thus captured it. Later, Ganga split the flow into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) to minimise the noise of gushing water.

  • Location: Motichur, Haridwar
  • Timings: 24X7

Rishikesh Tour Packages

Varanasi Tour Planner

Mathura Vrindavan Tourism

Char Dham Yatra


Best Things to do Rishikesh

Best Things to do Rishikesh is an ancient town situated in the Uttarakhand state of North India, in the Himalayan foothills. The city is renowned worldwide for being the world’s capital of spiritual and yoga. It has been a beacon of spirituality in India since time immemorial, with the Ganga river flowing through the city in all its might and glory. “Mother Ganga” across India. While the town has been known for its many temples, ashrams, spirituality and yoga, due to the multiple adventure sports that can be experienced here, it has also recently bagged the title of “Adventure Capital of India.” From the world-renowned white water rapids of the Ganga River to the many campsites that dot the banks of the river, from hot air ballooning to bungee jumping, the town has it all for adventure enthusiasts. We mention a few must do Rishikesh experiences and events that should not be missed by a traveler if he / she visits Rishikesh.


Things to do Rishikesh

Go for White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting is very common in Rishikesh for its rafting on the Ganga River (Ganges). Season: September-November and March-April-May are the perfect rafting destinations. The rafting can continue for several kilometers, and in order of difficulty, the trail is interspersed with rapids, ranging from level 1 to level 5. You have the option to leap some 20 feet at the end of the journey from a ledge into the water. There are many nearby travel companies that sell these rafting excursions. Usually the kit includes an overnight stay on the banks of the river, with a brilliant and dangerous morning trek across the hills. When one has time, rafting courses are also offered.


Try your hands at Flying Fox

Flying Fox is entertaining, thrilling, adventurous and full of thrilling sporting events, it is also also known as the Zip Line. During this operation, at the higher end you’ll be attached to a thick wire and fall to the lower end of the rope. Normally it’s done by three men but by charging some extra charges you can do it alone too. All in all a fun thing to do on your Rishikesh trip.

Flying Fox Rishikesh, located at Snow Leopard Adventures, NH 58, Shivpuri, Uttarakhand, is one of the best places to try Flying Fox in Rishikesh. The minimum age limit is 12 years, and it takes care of all safety precautions.


Take up the Waterfall Trekking challenge

The place of natural beauty is known as the Rishikesh. With the majestic Ganges flowing through the city, and the thick woods covering the nearby hills, the city looks hypnotic. In that context, the enchanting Rishikesh waterfalls cascading through steep rocks and cliffs only add to the place’s alluring beauty. Such beautiful layers of water falling down many feet and forming a pool at the base are a treat to the eyes. Such waterfalls, in addition to making the region exceptionally rich and fertile for flourishing a variety of flora and fauna, improve the area’s esthetics. Even the Rishikesh waterfalls are a popular tourist destination for both tourists and localities. You can find several people dushing or bathing in the crystal clear waters at any time of the day of the pool formed at the bottom of the waterfall. They are in any case a beautiful sightseeing place and you should certainly visit if you’re in or around the city. Look at our elaborately curated list of Rishikesh’s most stunning waterfalls, and head out now.


Enjoy Cliff Jumping

When Rishikesh falls in Shivalik area there are cliffs with varying heights, cliffs which are embraced by holy Ganges, this geological phenomenon led to the introduction of cliff jumping in Rishikesh. Like many other Rishikesh adventure sports, this too can be done by both beginners and experts as they please. Yet all in all, you will find it really is one of the most adventurous things to do in Rishikesh in one of the beautiful hill stations near Rishikesh.


Revel in Camping and Bonfire

Camping in Rishikesh is one of those when the fast speed of city life takes away harmony there are serene hideouts to bring you together. As the Ganges flow right next to you, and stars begin to twinkle over you, you can grab your guitar and shake a tune that you love. The flicker of bonfire will keep you company and the fun will increase multifold if it makes its winters it one of the best things to do in Rishikesh in winters.


Get ready for Body Surfing

Surfing is with a board, facing the waves in mud. Body surfing is about counteracting those waves with only lying flat on the bottom! As intriguing as it sounds, the activity is a lot of fun that where you just lie in Ganga’s cold waters and feel the gentle waves gushing through your body.


Take the leap of faith with Bungee Jumping

Perhaps one of the daringest action sports ever, bungee jumping involves taking a free fall into the deep gorge, with a harness attached of course. The fall usually takes place from a height of 150 metres. Bungee jumping exposes you to the beauty of the valleys of Rishikesh which may not have been visible from a normal standstill. It, by far, will be among the most endearing things to do in Rishikesh.


Partake in Kayaking

In Rishikesh kayaking is the use of a kayak to travel across water. The fact that a kayak has a closed cockpit and a canoe has an open cockpit differentiates Kayaking from canoeing. Use a two bladed paddle, too. The major difference is the way the paddler lies inside the boat. Kayakers sit in a seat at the bottom of the boat, with their legs stretching out before them. Canoeists may either sit on an elevated bench seat or kneel straight on the boat’s bottom. Kayaking in Whitewater is the sport of paddling a kayak on a flowing water body , usually a whitewater river. Kayaking in whitewater can range from easy, carefree, gentle flowing water to challenging, dangerous whitewater.


Have a bird’s eye view of Rishikesh with Zip Lining

The Flying Fox is a somewhat similar practice to zip lining. The movement includes sliding down a horizontal fall from two connected points. The whole cycle replicates a flying fox’s moments, and thus the term. In Rishikesh, a number of tour operators, such as Zipline Tour Adventures, perform the operation over the Ganges (and the rapids).


Take some time out for Rock Climbing/Rappelling

Rock Climbing is a common activity in Rishikesh and the region’s terrain lends itself to this activity very well. There are several rock surfaces and your operator must make the arrangements based on the level of difficulty you wish to opt for. Rock climbing tour operators have all the facilities and supplies with them and you have absolutely nothing to think about. There will be coaches to track you and you’ll end up having quite an fun time even though you’re a beginner. There are higher and more challenging rock surfaces even in the mountains for experienced rock climbers.


Fly in the air with Paragliding

Paragliding Have You ever dreamt of Flying in Rishikesh? If so then you certainly should try this good adventurous sporting practice. Imagine flying over the Ganga River, mountains, Rishikesh countryside and greenery. Isn’t that something that you can experience? Rishikesh is a very popular place for paragliding and by exploring this sport you can create plenty of wonderful memories the beauty of Rishikesh from sky.

Best of Rishikesh Paragliding experience are Hawks’ Fly Adventure (Rishikesh Paragliding), G5 Adventure, Rishikesh India Air Safari, and Rishikesh Holiday and Adventure Tour Package-River Rafting, Camping, Paragliding in Rishikesh.


Test your driving skills with Mountain Biking

Mountain biking For those who want to take the less traveled path on their bike, Rishikesh mountain biking is something that will leave them in awe. Pedal the rugged terrains, mud and woods and let the adrenaline rush through you.
Various bicycle / bike rentals are available Businesses in Rishikesh where you and your friends can take advantage of. Also many camps and tour agents offer mountain biking as one of Rishikesh ‘s activities.


Take a walk on the Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh ‘s iconic religious landmark, is a 450-long iron suspension bridge that links the Tehri and Pauri district boundaries. And though the building of the bridge was fraught with tragedy, in 1929 it became a beautiful example of urban architecture. The bridge got its name from the facts that Lord Ram’s younger brother Lakshman uses two jute ropes to cross the Ganga. A 284 ft long, hanging rope bridge was constructed at the same point to honor this location. In 1924 Rai Bahadur Sherprashad designed a massive iron bridge in his father’s honour. Another bridge was built later in 1930, and it was open to the public. There are few important temples including Terah Manzil and Lakshman temple, located near this Lakshman Jhula, as well. When one passes through the bridge, one can see how life unfolds in Rishikesh – various shades of the Ganga river dotted with fish swimming in the current of the water, see the sun coloring the orange sky, a beautiful view of the mountain ranges, and hear the devotees’ bell-clanging and chanting early morning and evening. Tourists can wander around Lakshman Jhula area, Twinkling stalls, quirky cafes and a handicrafts store. Tourists will even go on boating, which will take them around the water. The best time to visit Lakshman Jhula is to sunset.


Attend yoga and meditation classes

Meditation is a skill which needs the right training and a great deal of experience. Rishikesh Meditation classes are the most serene experiences that one may have. Swoop into the city’s state of self-awareness known as the Meditation Center along the Ganges River. Time needs a break to attend the soul, and to reconnect with the higher self to clear the boundaries. Stay ready for the higher possibilities with the Rishikesh Meditation course.

Meditation is considered to be one of the greatest and safest forms of maintaining a calm and healthy mind. Regular meditation practice can make you ocean-like, calm and quiet, but when disrupted, it can wreak havoc on others. Meditation helps you find inner peace when taking care of unnecessary and unpleasant thoughts as well, and when these thoughts stop there is the wave of meditative energy that creates one healthy and peaceful internal outlook.

It makes us engage in the quiet contemplation of past events themselves And therefore the garbage that is often generated in one’s heads because of adverse circumstances is cleared away and the conditions are now starting to fall in.


Take a holy dip in the Ganga

A journey to Rishikesh without taking a dip in the holy Ganga is incomplete. It is one of the best things in Rishikesh and Haridwar that one can do. Taking a dip in the sacred waters of Ganga is said to wash away all the sins that someone has committed and its this belief that moves people and the reason you’ll always find Ganga ghats crowded.


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