How to plan a trip to the holy city of Haridwar

Ghats of Haridwar. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges, Haridwar is revered for its ancient temples, vibrant ghats, and enriching cultural heritage, enticing visitors from across the globe seeking solace and spiritual rejuvenation.

Best time to visit

The River Ganga at Haridwar. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

October to March, when the weather is pleasant for exploring the temples, attending religious ceremonies, and enjoying outdoor activities.

How to reach

From Delhi, one can opt for a scenic train journey or take the road (about 200 km) with self-drive cars or regular buses. Other major cities have direct or connecting flights to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, approx. 35 km away, from where taxis are readily available.

Where to stay

Luxury: Pilibhit House

Perched majestically on the banks of the Ganga, Pilibhit House serves as Haridwar’s most distinguished address. This century-old noble mansion, now a part of IHCL SeleQtions, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Wrapped around a serene courtyard, artfully restored rooms and suites offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort, with balconies opening up to panoramic views of the river and the Shivalik mountains.

Pilibhit, Haridwar. (Photo: Satarupa Paul)

Boutique: Amrit Bhawan

By a quieter stretch of the Ganga, away from popular tourist spots, stands the serene Amrit Bhawan, featuring a charming garden by the river. Built as a modest family home in the 1970s, it today serves as an oasis of calm for those wishing to experience the spirituality of Haridwar more intimately. The eight guest rooms come with private balconies overlooking the majestic river and mountains or cosy bay windows for quiet reading sessions.

Amrit Bhawan, Haridwar. (Photo: Satarupa Paul)

Budget: Hotel Le Roi Haridwar

With its convenient location near Har Ki Pauri and other attractions, along with its attentive staff and impeccable cleanliness, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities.

What to Do

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar. (Photo Wikimedia Commons )

1. Take a holy dip at one of the public ghats by the Ganga or, for more privacy, at the largest private bathing ghat in the city at Pilibhit House, if you’re a guest.

2. Watch the enchanting Ganga aarti in the evening at Har Ki Pauri.

Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, Haridwar. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Take part in religious rituals at the many temples or a puja conducted by in-house priests under an 80-year-old mango tree at Pilibhit House.

4. Indulge in holistic relaxation with a traditional pahalwan massage, a soothing hot tub soak and a sound healing session at Amrit Bhawan.

5. Go on an early morning heritage walk through the village of Kankhal, one of the ‘panch tirths’ within Haridwar.

What to Eat & Where

Haridwar Thali at Amrit Bhawan, Haridwar. (Photo: Satarupa Paul)

Crispy puris with bhaji (potato curry) from Hoshiyar Puri and Mohanji Puri Wale, and a spicier version topped with tangy chutneys and crunchy sev at Pandit Sevaram Sharma & Sons. Piping hot samosas from Mathura Walon Ki Pracheen Dukan; hearty thali experience at Chotiwala, and refreshing lassi at Prachin Punjabi Lassi Wala, available in mango and rose flavours. For a restaurant experience, visit Great Ganga Cafe for fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps; and The Patio at Ganga Lahari Hotel for local delicacies such as Paudi ki Pakodi ka Dagra, Beatles Beets Salad and Kanpur ki Atram Shatram Chaat. The Haridwar Thali or the Pahadi Mezze Platter at Amrit Bhawan and the traditional Garhwali thali at Pilibhit House offer a taste of the region.

Garhwali Thali at Pilibhit, Haridwar. (Photo: Satarupa Paul)

What to Shop & Where

Vibrant markets offer an array of spiritual souvenirs and local handicrafts. Visit Bara Bazaar for Rudraksha beads, religious idols and traditional puja items; Kankhal Market for intricately designed brassware; Moti Bazaar for colourful bangles, traditional clothing and Ayurvedic medicines; Jwalapur Market for aromatic incense sticks, herbal teas and spiritual literature; and Har Ki Pauri for floating diyas, religious trinkets and sacred Ganga water.