One of the most sacred religious places in the Indian sub-continent, Haridwar is a well-frequented pilgrimage spot. Every year, thousands of people visit the sacred city to pay their respects to the Holy River Ganga. A pilgrimage tour to Haridwar can be more than a spiritual experience, however – there are also some beautiful places you can visit in and around Haridwar. It is true that Haridwar is known for its temples, its many, many sacred places of worship- but the city is also an avid tourist hub, visited by travelers from all over the country, who come together to witness the sheer beauty of the place. This list encompasses a few such places near Haridwar that can enhance the experience of your trip. All these places can be viewed online on the best travel apps available online.
1. Chandi Devi Temple
A trip to Haridwar remains incomplete without a sacred visit to the Chandi Devi Temple. Located 3 km away from Chandighat, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi. Navaratri and Chandi Chaudas see the most amount of tourist activity in the area. The beauty of the temple coupled with its spiritual virility make it one of the first places you should visit in Haridwar India.
2. Rishikesh
If you are on the lookout for peace and tranquility, a trip to Rishikesh will meet your demands. Travel a distance of 26 km from Haridwar, and you will find this quiet city nestled between the Himalayan mountain ranges. Rishikesh is known for its various meditation centers, as well as water sports, river rafting, shopping and a variety of different temples. Rishikesh is also home to the Triveni Sangam, or the point where the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers converge. This confluence point is extremely holy and serves as the main bathing ghat.
3. Lakshman Jhula
Speaking of tourist places near Haridwar, the Lakshman Jhula is worth mention. This iron suspension bride is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and has a myriad collection of temples, ashrams, markets and the like surrounding it. The bridge is about 450 feet long and 70 feet above the water. The markets surrounding the Lakshman Jhula are known for their wooden items, gems, jewelry, and street food.
4. Bharat Mata Mandir
Unlike the other temples near Haridwar, the Bharat Mata Mandir is not dedicated to a religious entity, Instead, the temple dedicates a shrine to Mother India, and was built to honor the martyred freedom fighters who fought in the struggle for independence. The temple stands at a height of about 180 ft, and each one of its eight stories poses a different theme and story related to the independence struggle.
5. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
When it comes to places near Haridwar that are worth your attention, the Doodhadhari Barfani temple is definitely worth a visit. The temple is renowned not only for its spiritual importance but also because of its innate beauty and skilled architecture. The temple is located in the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba. Not only is the main temple a sight to die for, but the temples dedicated to Rama-Sita and Hanuman, built in pure white marble, are also a breathtaking attraction.
6. Pawan Dham
“Pawan” means sacred, and therefore the architecture of the Dham holds true to its meaning. The entire structure is built from white marble and has magnificent patterns of glass work done along the walls. The design is both intricate and astonishing and would certainly appeal to all lovers of architecture. The structure was constructed by Swami Vedantananda Ji Maharaja and houses a number of marble idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Hanuman, Ganesh, Durga, Santoshi Ma and many more.
7. Kankhal
Kankhal is a small village community near Haridwar India. This beautiful and quiet place is one of the must-visit spots in Haridwar. The village is known for its serene surroundings, moderate temperatures and quiet places of rest. A visit to Haridwar will certainly remain incomplete without a brief stay in the exotic and peaceful village.
8. Har ki Pauri Ghat
This is one of the most popular tourist places near Haridwar and is located on the River Ganga. In fact, this is one of the major landmarks in the city- every local is familiar with this famous ghat. The site becomes a spectacle worth visioning during the evenings when the aarti takes place. The mixture of lights, sound and colours come together to create a beautiful whole. Photographers are sure to fall in love with this place.
9. Mansa Devi Temple
As the name suggests, the Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa. Visitors to the temple can either walk for 2 Kms along the foothills of the Shivalik mountains or take the ropeway. Not only is the temple auspicious, but one can also gain a panoramic view of the beautiful landscape that lies beyond the village. The scenic beauty of Haridwar is unparalleled, and the Mansa Devi Temple is a great place from where you can take it all in. It forms part of the major golden triangle tours.
10. Triveni Ghat
No other tourist destination in Haridwar is as popular as the Triveni Ghat. The ghat is the place where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet, thus creating a holy confluence. People visit the ghat to either take a bath in the confluence to wash away their sins or simply to witness the visual beauty of the place, which emerges when the blue waters of the Ganga meet with the muddier waters of the Yamuna. Saraswati is an imaginary river, said to flow underground. The evening arti at the ghat is a spectacle to behold, full of diyas, lights, sounds and the still waters of the confluence.
Conclusion
When planning a visit to Haridwar, we tend to focus only on the religious aspects of the trip, but there is a lot more to see and do in this sacred place. The location of Haridwar at the foot of the Himalayas explains the scenic beauty and natural view of the place- and it is certainly the kind of beauty that one should witness at least once in a lifetime. The best travel hacks will include visiting these places from Haridwar.