Haridwar, Har ki Pauri
Exploring Haridwar, Uttarakhand also Known as Har Ki Pauri
Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is one of India’s most sacred cities — a place where spirituality, culture, and nature beautifully converge. Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is renowned for its temples and ashrams, the mesmerizing evening Ganga aarti, and its serene surroundings. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking peace or a traveler looking for inspiration, Haridwar offers an unforgettable experience.
Temples and Ashrams in Haridwar
Haridwar is dotted with sacred sites, each bearing deep cultural and religious significance:
Har Ki Pauri: Perhaps the most iconic ghat in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the precise spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint. The ghat is especially magical during the evening aarti, when lamps (diyas) float on the Ganges.
Mansa Devi Temple: Perched on Bilwa Parvat, you can either trek or take a cable car to reach this temple. It provides panoramic views of Haridwar and is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi.
Chandi Devi Temple: Located atop Neel Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. The cable car ride offers stunning views of the city and the river.
Shantikunj Ashram: Founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, Shantikunj is a spiritual and social organization that promotes Vedic wisdom, yoga, and self-empowerment.
Patanjali Yogpeeth: One of the world’s largest yoga institutes, Patanjali Yogpeeth is a hub for yoga and Ayurvedic learning. Many tourists visit to attend yoga classes and wellness programs.
Evening Aarti Timing in Haridwar
One of the most spiritually uplifting experiences in Haridwar is the Ganga evening aarti. The timing of the aarti varies slightly between summer and winter:
Summer (April to September): The evening aarti typically begins around 7:00 PM.
Winter (October to March): As daylight hours shorten, the aarti usually starts nearer to 6:00 PM.
Arrive at Har Ki Pauri well in advance to secure a good spot and soak in the atmosphere as hundreds of lamps float on the Ganges, accompanied by bells, chants, and music.
Haridwar Rail Timings & Connectivity
Haridwar is well-connected by rail, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international visitors:
Major trains (including express and passenger trains) from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun ply regularly.
For instance, from New Delhi Railway Station, several trains such as the Jan Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express connect to Haridwar, and the journey takes around 4–6 hours, depending on the train.
If you’re traveling from Rishikesh, you can catch a local train or use other means like buses or taxis; the rail journey is short and scenic.
Distance from Nearby Places to Haridwar
Starting Point Distance to Haridwar
Rishikesh ~ 25 km
Dehradun ~ 55 km
New Delhi ~ 220 km
Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) ~ 100 km
These distances make Haridwar a convenient spiritual stop if you’re exploring Uttarakhand or traveling from Delhi and surrounding regions.
Haridwar Weather
Haridwar experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons:
Summer (Apr – Jun): Hot and humid, with temperatures typically ranging between 30°C to 42°C.
Monsoon (Jul – Sep): Moderate to heavy rainfall. While the monsoon season brings lush greenery, it can also affect travel plans due to sudden showers.
Winter (Nov – Feb): Chilly and pleasant. Night temperatures can drop to 8–10°C, while daytime might hover around 15–20°C.
Autumn and Spring: These are transitional months, offering moderate temperatures and clear skies—ideal for sightseeing and spiritual visits.
Nearby Places to Visit from Haridwar
1. Rishikesh (25 km)
Yoga capital of the world
River rafting, camping, café culture
Popular for Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram
2. Dehradun (55 km)
Robber’s Cave
Forest Research Institute
Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir
Ideal for day trips from Haridwar
3. Mussoorie (85–90 km from Haridwar)
Queen of Hills
Kempty Fall
Camel’s Back Road
Mall Road
4. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar (Nature Spot near Haridwar)
Bird-watching paradise
Located near Bhimgoda Barrage
Great for winter migratory birds
5. Rajaji National Park (10–15 km)
Famous for wildlife safari
Elephants, deer, tigers, leopards
Best visited in winter or spring
6. Kankhal (4–5 km from Haridwar)
A sacred town known for
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Maa Anandmayi Ashram
Birla Ghat
7. Chilla Dam (15 km)
Scenic picnic spot
Calm water reservoir
Perfect for nature lovers and photographers
Haridwar is more than just a city — it’s a spiritual journey. Whether you’re there to pray, meditate, take a dip in the Ganges, or simply soak up the energy, it leaves a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
