Haridwar, also known as the ‘gateway to the gods,’ is one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations. It is located where the Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers, joins the Indo-Gangetic plains, making it one of the world’s holiest pilgrimage destinations. There are many places to visit in Haridwar, as it is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, and it is a city of temples and ashrams and the devout atmosphere that permeates the city envelopes, everyone. Kumbh Mela, a religious gathering of millions of Hindu devotees held every 12 years in four sacred Indian towns, includes Haridwar as one of the destinations. Every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is held at this location.
Every year during the rainy season, it also hosts the Kanwar Mela, which is a cultural festival. As it is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Haridwar it has the places like, The ‘Panch Tirth,’ or the five pilgrimage sites located on the outskirts of Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple), and Neel Parvat. Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple), and Ne (Chandi Devi). Haridwar is also the starting point for trips to the Char Dham pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand.
Haridwar is a historic city whose origins are deeply rooted in the culture and customs of ancient Vedic periods, and the city is home to a number of institutes that teach traditional knowledge of wellness to visitors.
Visit one of the numerous accredited Ayurvedic clinics in Haridwar if you want to learn more about and experience these traditional healing practices for yourself. Ashrams also provide sessions in Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga, among other things. Every morning and evening, the Ganga aarti is performed on the ghats (stepped sides of a river) of the River Ganga, attracting both devotees and visitors.
Because the nighttime ritual is more popular, it is a mesmerizing sight to witness the river being honoured with loud and rhythmic chants and towering lamps, their lights shining brightly into the darker waters, illuminating the river. As hundreds of little diyas (earthen lights) are placed afloat on the river, it is a wonderful sight to see.
So, in this article, we’ll talk about 25 breathtakingly gorgeous, charming, and amazing tourist places in Haridwar.
1. Har Ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri is one of the best and most popular tourist places in Haridwar. With its treasured location on the banks of the Holy Ganga, Har Ki Pauri is one of Haridwar’s most sacred Ghats and one of the holiest sites in all of India. It is visited by throngs of devotees and visitors seeking the blessings of the Holy Ganga by giving their prayers. “Steps to Lord Shiva” is the literal translation of the name Har Ki Pauri, which is located in the holy city of Haridwar, which is considered to be one of the country’s seven holiest destinations.
One’s sins are purportedly washed away by taking a bath in the river Ganges here, and according to Indian mythology, it is one of four locations where the droplets of elixir (‘Amrit’) were mistakenly spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. The river is bathed in a golden hue, thanks to the many diyas that have been presented by devotees who are cruising down the river.
Har Ki Pauri is the point where the Ganga, which has been flowing through the Himalayas for thousands of years, meets the plains for the first time. The evenings of Har Ki Pauri, which is a haven of tranquillity and calm during the day, are the most appreciated by visitors to the site. Due to the abundance of temples along the riverbank, gifts are given with lighted candles and diyas floating across the water, creating an exquisite spectacle to see.
The chanting of mantras and prayers in the presence of sages who are meditating emits spiritual energies and is an unforgettable experience. One is transported to a completely new universe by the sound of gongs playing in the background. It is claimed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu paid a visit to the spot during the Vedic period. Lord Vishnu is claimed to have left his footprints on a stone wall, which are rather huge.
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2. Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple
The Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is located in Bilkeswar Nagar in Haridwar, near the Chandi Devi Temple, is a popular tourist place in Haridwar. Thousands of pilgrims and visitors go to the temple every day, thanks to its picturesque They come from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful setting, including the nearby rushing river and the majestic Himalayan backdrop. Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple is supposed to fulfil all of their wishes if they visit it. Devotees bring coconut, incense sticks, and flowers to the shrine in the hopes of having their wishes granted. Because of the presence of the Himalayas, which are juxtaposed against the immaculate temple grounds, an atmosphere of breathtaking beauty and peace is created.
3. Mansa Devi Temple
This temple is devoted to the goddess Mansa Devi is a popular tourist place in Haridwar, Mansa Devi goddess is thought to be a form of Shakti and is said to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva. It is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and it is one of the most visited places in the country. Year after year, hundreds of thousands of Hindus come to this temple, which is one of the ‘Panch Tirths,’ or five pilgrimage sites in Haridwar, to pay their respects. The temple, which is also known as Bilwa Tirth, is located on the top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills and is also known as Bilwa Tirth.
The word Mansa literally translates as “wish,” and worshippers strongly believe that the goddess Mansa will grant all of the wishes of everyone who comes to the temple with devotion and sincerity. Because of its magnificence, the beautiful temple has been designated as a ‘Peetha,’ which is a term that refers to sites where desires and wishes are granted. The three temples, along with the Maya Devi Temple and the Chandi Devi Temple, are the three Peethas (holy places) that are located in the city of Haridwar.Sapt Rishi Ashram in Haridwar
Established by Guru Goswami Dutt in 1943, Sapt Rishi Ashram is one of the most well-known ashrams in the city of Haridwar and one of the recommended places to see in Haridwar. This ashram is well-known for having hosted seven great sages: Kashyapa, Vashishta, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja, and Gautam. It is also well-known for having a serene atmosphere that is conducive to meditation and reflection. Additionally, it is believed that at this location, Ganga divided herself into seven currents. This is a must-see destination for yoga enthusiasts and those looking for spiritual tranquilly and pleasure in their lives.
According to legendary accounts, the river Ganga was divided into seven streams in order to prevent the sages from being disturbed by the sound of rushing water. This is why the ashram is known as Sapt Sarovar or Sapt Rishi Kund, which means “Sapt Rishi Lake.” Because of its sacred significance, rishis, saints, and sages from all over the globe regard this ashram with great reverence and respect. It’s a well-kept building that includes a residential hostel as well as a Sanskrit school for underprivileged youngsters.
4. Parad Shivlinga, Haridwar
Harihar Ashram, Haridwar, on the Kankhal Road, is home to a one-of-a-kind holy site known as the Parad Shivlinga. Pard Shivlinga is derived from the words “Parad,” which means mercury, and “Shivlinga,” which is an ancient Hindu symbol representing Lord Shiva. As a result, the Parad Shivling is also known as the Mercury Shivling, and it is regarded as a holy pilgrimage spot by Lord Shiva worshippers who come to Haridwar to worship.
Another item of interest is the Rudraksha Tree, which has been standing in the grounds of this temple, also known as Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple. It has been there for a long time.It is customary for people to pick Rudraksha from the tree and wear it to help them overcome difficulties in their lives. The Parad Shivling is a one-of-a-kind work of art made from 151 kg of pure mercury. The Hindu deity Shiva is shown in this sculpture. In order to maintain its popularity, the temple attracts thousands of worshipers and pilgrims each year.
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5. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwa
Daksha Mahadev, located in Kankhal in Haridwar, is one of the oldest temples in the country and a popular pilgrimage destination for Shaivites. Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati are the most important deities in the temple. The temple is dedicated to King Daksha Prajapati, who is said to be the father of Goddess Sati. It is also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple because it has the Yajna Kund and the Daksha ghat, which are both located to the left of the main temple and are used by worshippers to take a bath in the holy Ganga. The temple is especially well-known for its lavish ceremonies of the Hindu festival of Shivratri which makes this Temple more Popular place to see in Haridwar.
The Daksha Mahadev Temple is well-known among worshippers of Lord Shiva, and thousands of people flock to the temple every year to pay their respects to the deity. During the month of Sawan, the traffic becomes more congested. In addition to the Yajna Kund, which is located in one section of the temple, there is another section where a Shiv Linga has been installed. The many occurrences of the yajna storey of King Daksha, as well as the entire history of the temple, are depicted on the walls of the Daksheswara Mahadev temple. A very old banyan tree, which is thousands of years old, may also be found on the temple grounds.
6. Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar
The Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar is a temple dedicated to India as a country, and as a result, the temple receives its name from this dedication. “The Moth India Temple” is the name of the temple in English. While the multi-storey temple located in Sapt Sarovar does not worship any gods or have any religious inclinations, it does serve as a memorial to the many freedom warriors and patriots who were involved in the Indian War of Independence during the 19th century. The towering temple Bharat Mata Mandir also commemorates India’s one-of-a-kind characteristic as well as its vast cultural heritage. The Bharat Mata Mandir also draws our attention to the oneness of the country as well as its diversity, to name a few of the issues raised.
In 1983, the late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dedicated the Bharat Mata Temple in her home country of India. The temple, which stands at a height of 180 feet, has a total of 8 floors, each of which is dedicated to a different topic. The temple’s ground is covered with a gigantic map of Mother India, which denotes the presence of a statue of the mother of India, who is shown as a four-armed Hindu deity carrying a book, sheaves of rice, a mala, and a white cloth. The statue has a design that represents the Goddess of India, who represents all religious goddesses, liberation fighters, and political leaders in India. In Haridwar, the Bharat Mata Mandir is devoted to all those who played a role in the formation of India, as it was constructed before India was divided into two countries. Elevators have been installed at the temple to make it easier for pilgrims to get around.
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7. Shanti Kunj, Haridwar
An international ashram, Shantikunj serves as the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) and is located in the Hindu holy city of Haridwar. This pilgrimage centre, which serves as an academy for social and spiritual awakening, has shown millions of people the right path and provided them with long-lasting satisfaction. It is an ideal venue that offers training to the general public on the basis of divine spiritual principles, with the goal of reviving Rishi traditions.
The growth of divinity in people is the ultimate goal and unassailable ideal of all religions. At the Shantikunj ashram, you’ll find a yaga shala, the Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, the Devatma Himalaya Temple, temples dedicated to old Rishis, and an exhibition dedicated to Divine Culture. In addition to visiting these locations, you can also join in the ashram’s daily activities by volunteering. Training camps are also organized for the purpose of instilling and enhancing moral and spiritual values. Shanti Kunj is the place to go if you’re looking for inner tranquilly and divine inspiration.
8. Patanjali Yog Peet, Haridwar
Yoga and Ayurveda are the focus of the Patanjali Yogpeeth, which is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand and serves as both a medical and research facility. It is also regarded as one of the largest yoga institutes in India, if not the entire globe, because to its size and scope. The institute is named after Rishi Patanjali, who is widely credited with the inventor of Yoga, and it serves as Baba Ramdev’s flagship endeavour in this regard. If you are interested in Ayurveda and Yoga, this is one of the most important places to visit in Haridwar to learn more about them.
He founded the institute in 2006 for the practice and growth of yoga, as well as for research into Ayurveda and the production of Ayurvedic medications. The Patanjali Yogpeeth is a place where people come to receive Ayurvedic treatments and drugs. It is operated by the Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust in the United Kingdom. In addition to Ayurvedic therapies, there are study and research laboratories, a canteen, an ATM, and residential accommodations available. Located in Patanjali Yogpeeth I and Patanjali Yogpeeth II, the Patanjali Yogpeeth is a yoga centre with two campuses. Health care, education, and other socio-economic activities are some of the activities that they collectively carry out for the benefit of the community.
9. Prem Nagar Ashram, Haridwar
Prem Nagar Ashram, located 3 kilometres from Haridwar, is an epitome and a manifestation of serenity that has served as a retreat for a large number of saints and sages over the years. Building on the site began in 1943 with the help of Yogiraj Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, and it was later expanded by his wife Jagat Janani Shri Mata Ji and son Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj. The ashram, which is situated on the banks of the river Ganges, is nothing short of breathtaking.
In addition to its beautiful garden, which contains 250 different species of plants, the ashram welcomes its members to relax and unwind in it. In the same garden, there is a Panch Pallava forest, which is distinguished by the presence of five trees that grow in close proximity to one another. It is often regarded as the most excellent location for meditation on the entire premises. Many temples, including Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, surround the ashram, adding to its spiritual significance.
10. Jai Ram Ashram, Haridwar
The Adi Guru Sri Jai Ram Maharaj created the Jai Ram Ashram in 1891, which is located in Bhimgoda in the city of Haridwar. Because of the services it provides, the ashram has gained some notoriety in the short term. The ashram’s well-kept gardens, complete with colourful fountains and blooming flowers, add to the overall beauty of the place.
In addition to providing pilgrims with lodging, Jai Ram Ashram also operates a charitable hospital, where the poor and travellers can receive free medical treatment and medication as a result of the generosity of the community. In addition, frequent eye camps are organized for those who are less fortunate. The front wall of the building, which is well-known for its diorama show, features a magnificent artwork of Samudra Manthan. The statues in Jai Ram Ashram are brilliant white sculptures, in contrast to the multicoloured deities of other temples.
11. Chandi Devi, Temple
Perched on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, the Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar, India, is a lovely temple dedicated to the Chanda Devi Goddess and devoted to the goddess Chanda Devi. There are five pilgrimage sites in Haridwar, and the Chandi Devi Mandir is one of them. It is also known as a Siddha Peetha, which means it is a location where devotees come to pray in order to have their desires fulfilled. Because of its geographical location, the Chandi Devi temple is also a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers. The pinnacle of the temple can also be reached by way of a ropeway, from which the view is breathtaking.
As you make your way up to the top of Chandi Devi Temple, you will be able to appreciate its ancient beauty to its fullest. With the lush vegetation of the surrounding area, you will undoubtedly sense the presence of the divine in the area. Because it is one of the most ancient and renowned temples in Haridwar, this shrine receives a large number of visitors throughout the year. Most people come to the temple to celebrate during the festivals of Chandi Chaudas, Navratra and Kumbh Mela, when the temple is a hive of activity with spectacular events and tremendous participation. During the festival season, the Chandi temple is a must-see attraction.
12. Ganga Aarti, Haridwar
In Haridwar, a religious ceremony known as Ganga Aarti is held on the banks of the sacred river Ganga, at the Har Ki Pauri ghat, where pilgrims come to pray. It is a ceremony of light and sound that draws in tourists and devotees from all over the world. The priests perform prayers with bowls of fire and the ringing of the temple bells, and it is a spectacle to behold. In the flowing river, visitors float “diyas” (little candles) and flowers, while reciting mantras and watching lights reflected off the surface of the flowing river, which is supposed to have been blessed by the Goddess Ganga.
Sacred to Hindu beliefs and culture, the river Ganga is more than just a body of water; rather, it is the Divine Mother who provides life in the form of water to everyone who seeks it. Saint Bhagirath prayed and meditated for an extremely long period after sage Kapil’s rage reduced his ancestors to nothing more than ashes. Eventually, the gods gifted him with the river Ganga as a result of his efforts. The constant flow of water was reduced by Lord Shiva, who then released the ancestors’ emancipation, also known as moksha, through the flowing water. In addition, it is thought that the same water of the holy river can be used to cleanse the sins of those who bathe in the sacred water. This is done in order to express gratitude to the River Ganga for all that she has to offer.
13. Birla Ghat, Haridwar
The Birla Ghat, one of the ancient ghats in Haridwar, is a pristine and tranquil site that is adjacent to the Vishnu Ghat. According to popular belief, there is a flight of stairs that leads to the holy water of the pious river Ganga, allowing devotees to take a dip and thus absolve their sins, which they can do at this location. Security barriers have been placed at the flight of stairs to keep people from drowning when bathing in the strong water current of the Ganga River.
Additionally, there are numerous food places and cafés located in Birla Ghat, making it a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hectic crowds of Har ki Pauri. Because Birla Ghat is only a 5-minute walk away from Vishnu Ghat, it is possible to visit both sites at the same time. You can also get to the location by taking public transportation in Haridwar.
14. Gau Ghat, Haridwar
Gau Ghat, which is located on the southern end of Subhash Ghat, is less congested than the rest of the area. It was at this ghat where Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru’s ashes were cremated, among others. Hindus believe that murdering a cow is a sin on par with killing a Brahman and that slaughtering a cow is punishable by death. Devotees come to Gau Ghat to purify themselves of the sin of slaughtering a cow, which gives the place its name.
Gau Ghat is also frequented by those who wish to bring comfort to the spirits of their lost loved ones. In addition to being only 2 kilometres from the railway station and quite close to Har ki Pauri, Gau Ghat may be reached in a relatively short amount of time.
15. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Haridwar
The Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, located at Bhimgoda Barrage in Haridwar, is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna. The site is a popular tourist destination because it provides opportunities for rare bird watching as well as a panoramic view of the Shivalik Mountains in the background. Known for its ridiculously stunning landscapes, the location is a must-see if you happen to be in the vicinity.
16. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, Haridwar
A cluster of several minor shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses, the Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is located on the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway, quite close to Har ki Pauri in Haridwar, and is easily accessible from the city’s main square. Temple of the White Marbles is a prominent tourist attraction in the city since it is constructed entirely of white marble. In addition, it boasts aesthetically pleasing interiors and exteriors that are intricately carved. The Ram-Sita and Hanuman Mandir at Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is the temple’s most notable features.
17. Sureshwari Devi Temple, Haridwar
Sureshwari Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga and located at Ranipur near Haridwar on the outskirts of the city, is a popular tourist destination. The temple is situated amidst lush green forests and breathtaking natural scenery, and as such, it is a popular tourist destination in the vicinity of the city in addition to serving as an important pilgrimage site.
18. Local Markets and the City of Haridwar
Local stores in Haridwar supply all of the necessities that a pilgrim could possibly require throughout their journey.
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19. Fun Valley Water Park, Haridwar
In the heart of Haridwar’s valley, there is a beautiful water park known as Fun Valley. It has approximately 21 exhilarating water rides, roller coasters, aqua dancing, a DJ, and other attractions. In addition to that, it features an amusement park that offers a variety of adventurous activities that will give you a rush of excitement.
20. Pawan Dham, Haridwar
Pawan Dham, an old temple in Haridwar located at Bhagirathi Nagar, Bhupatwala, is a non-profit organization and a cherished site among Hindu pilgrims. It is a non-profit organization and a revered site among Hindu pilgrims. The Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga is in charge of managing and looking after the property. The exquisite architecture and extensive glasswork of the Pawan Dham temple, as well as the idols decked with diamonds and precious stones, make this a must-see destination. The magnificent idol of Lord Krishna preaching the Bhagavad Geeta to Arjun is the temple’s most notable feature, and it is the main attraction.
Pawan Dham is located just 2 kilometres from Haridwar on the Dehradun-Rishikesh highway, making it very accessible and convenient to reach by any kind of public transportation. Pawan Dham, with its beautiful interiors and holy ambience, is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Haridwar and one of the most frequented pilgrimage destinations in India.
21. Vaishno Devi Temple, Haridwar
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is a duplicate of the Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir, and it is distinguished by tunnels and caverns that lead to the inner sanctum, which contains the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi. Three goddesses – Lakshmi, Kaali, and Saraswati – are housed within the magnificent temple. It is a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike, thanks to the breathtaking views of the surrounding terrain that can be enjoyed from the Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar.
In all other respects, this temple is diametrically opposed to the original Vaishno Devi Temple, including its architecture and passageways. Upon ascending a flight of steep stairs and crawling through a tiny tunnel, the devotees are rewarded with the sight of Maa Vaishno Devi’s idol, as well as replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas that are found throughout India. It is popularly believed that the Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar was built in remembrance of Trikuta, a devotee of Lord Ram who died during the construction of the temple. She pleaded to him with such fervour that he agreed to marry her in his last earthly carnation. He was moved by her devotion. This temple is also considered to be one of the Shakti Peethas.
22. Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar
The Maya Devi temple in Haridwar, India, was built in the 11th century and is one of the country’s oldest temples. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Maya, and it is also one of the three Shaktipeeth, which are said to be the locations where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel were severed during a battle. In Hinduism, Goddess Maya is regarded to be a manifestation of Adi Shakti, who is revered as the goddess of supernatural strength. During the festivals of Navratra and Kumbh Mela, a significant number of devotees of the Goddess come to seek her blessings.
Maya Devi is widely regarded as the most important Goddess in the holy city, and no pilgrimage is considered complete without receiving her blessings. In honour of this god, the city of Haridwar was formerly known as Mayapuri, which means “Mayapuri Temple.” The ancient Maya Devi Temple is also one of the three oldest temples in Haridwar, the other two being Narayana-Shila and Bhairava Temple, and it is one of the few that has survived to this day. Along with the idols of goddess Maya, the sacred temple is also graced by the idols of goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali, who are both forms of Adi parashakti and can be found in the same place. It is widely believed that the holy temple is a Siddha peeth, which means that the presiding goddess has the power to grant any desires or wishes of the person who comes to seek Her blessings, according to tradition.
23. Bara Bazar, Haridwar
A lively alley market stocked with religious artifacts and other paraphernalia, the Bada Bazar in Haridwar is a popular destination for both locals and visitors to the holy city, who come in large numbers. This market is mostly known for the purchase of Rudraksha and ayurvedic medications from its vendors. Shopping for wooden goods and handicrafts, as well as snacking on the delectable Peda (a milk-based dessert) that is sold in large quantities at the Bara Bazar, are all enjoyable activities.
24. Kushavarta Ghat
Kushavarta Ghat, which is said to have been built in the 18th century by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, is considered to be the most sacred and auspicious ghat in the city. Following the completion of the final rites and ceremonies of the deceased, which include the Shraddha rites, worshippers bathe in the Ganges’ sacred waters.
25. Adbhut Mandir, Haridwar
It is located in Haridwar’s Haripur Kalan and is a prominent Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also known as Adbhut Mandir. The construction of the temple, which is spread across three acres of land, began in the year 2000 and took a total of sixteen years to complete. As a result of this, the temple is notable for its striking architecture and design, among other things. According to the temple’s founder, Mahamandleshwar Bhooma Pithadhiswar Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj, the temple was dedicated to him in 2016 by Mr. Harish Chandra Rawat, then the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The temple, set against a backdrop of lush green hills, blue mountains, and a cascading river, provides a haven of peace and tranquilly unlike any other. It is frequented by both visitors and worshippers in equal measure.
26. Crystal World, Haridwar
Crystal World Water Park, which is located on 18 acres of land in the sacred valley of the Ganges, is home to over 18 exhilarating water rides that will keep you entertained for hours. In addition to various other games and activities, they have the world-famous 5D water coaster at their facility. Additionally, the park is recognized for hosting private parties, weddings, and other special occasions.
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28. Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Haridwar
The Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, which is located in the valley of Billa Parvat near Har ki Pauri in Haridwar and is devoted to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. It is said that the location where the temple is located in the same location where Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva and he accepted her as his wife. The Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, located in a hilly area surrounded by trees, is a popular weekend retreat and picnic destination for both residents and visitors.
In addition to the main temple, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Mata Rani, and Mahadev. A Bilva tree is located within the compound, and it is customary to present the leaves to Lord Shiva and perform his Abhishek with water from the pious River Ganga in order to appease him. Because of its central location near the Haridwar Junction railway station, it is extremely convenient to reach Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple by any kind of public transportation.
29. Swami Vivekanand Park
Swami Vivekanand Park, located near Har ki Pauri, is one of the few amusement parks in Haridwar and one of the most popular among visitors. In triangular design, the mesmerizing park features lush green grass and flowery beds, as well as a gigantic monument of Swami Vivekananda, which serves as the park’s focal point and serves as the park’s centrepiece. Another notable feature of Swami Vivekanand Park is the huge statue of Lord Shiva, which can be seen from a long distance and is visible from all directions. It is, therefore, an excellent location for day picnics and running activities.
Given its proximity to Har ki Pauri on the banks of the River Ganga, people frequently visit Swami Vivekanand Park to soak up the tranquil surroundings while also taking in the breathtaking view of Har ki Pauri from the park’s observation deck. The park is immaculately clean, and the local government has done a fantastic job of maintaining it. Aside from tourists, the Swami Vivekanand Park is a popular destination for people who want to relax and watch the world pass by.
30. Vishnu Ghat, Haridwar
Vishnu Ghat is one of the most quiet and tranquil ghats in the city of Haridwar, which is known as the “Land of Ghats.” This ghat, which is relatively close to Hari ki Pauri, is comparably less busy and is usually visited by Vaishnavites, as the Vishnu Ghat is named after Lord Vishnu and is hence less crowded. This ghat is one of the most popular in Haridwar since it is one of the cleanest in the city. People come here to bathe in the sacred River Ganga and wash away their sins.
Vishnu Ghat is also frequented by people who come to sit on the banks of the River Ganga and take in the serene mood of the surroundings. The street hawkers selling some local snacks and water nearby, as well as a few trinkets, turn it into a mini-outing for the visitors. Because Vishnu Ghat is only 1.7 kilometers away from Har ki Pauri, it is possible to visit both ghats at the same time.
31. Kumbh Mela, Haridwar
Haridwar, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a major Hindu pilgrimage destination. The location is a welcome respite from the noise of metropolitan life and a wonderful blend of old and new, brimming with natural beauty, culture, history, and spirituality, as well as a beautiful amalgamation of old and new. Because of its peace and beautiful beauty along the banks of the River Ganga, Haridwar is regarded as the ‘Abode of God.’ This city hosts the Kumbh Mela, the world’s most famous fair, which takes place once every twelve years. It’s a sight that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.
The Haridwar Kumbha Mela has garnered international recognition as “the world’s largest act of religious devotion.” The unwavering faith that millions of devotees have in the organization is mind-boggling. The spectacle of faith has piqued the interest of visitors from other countries as well. It is not uncommon for pilgrims from all walks of life to travel long distances and endure numerous physical discomforts in order to take a single dip in the holy river. Other than overcrowding on packed trains, some people arrive by helicopter and planes. However, one thing that they all have in common is their immense faith. Nothing can shake the pilgrims’ faith, as they gather in Haridwar to celebrate the Kumbh Mela in all its splendour and grandeur. It’s tough to get a sense of the atmosphere surrounding the celebration. It’s a little surreal. It’s very magical!
32. Bhuma Niketan Temple, Haridwar
Bhuma Niketan, which is located on the Saptasarovar Marg in Haridwar, is a popular pilgrimage destination. The shrine is home to magnificent statues of a variety of gods and goddesses. In contrast to this, the sculptures of Shiva and Parvati seen on the shrine’s main entrance gates are the temple’s most notable feature. Bhuma Niketan is surrounded by water fountains and lush green lawns, and it functions as both a temple and a refuge for pilgrims who come to pay their respects.
The Bhuma Niketan, which was founded by Swami Sr Bhumananda Teerth Ji, is currently under the supervision of Swami Achutyananda Teerth. Because it was a benevolent trust, it supplied food and shelter for the elderly and the less fortunate, as well as organized medical camps for the less fortunate in the surrounding communities.