Haridwar, located at the base of the Himalayas, is one of the holiest cities in India. Known as the “Gateway to Gods,” it is the sacred place where the holy river Ganga first touches the Indo-Gangetic plains. In ancient times, Haridwar was referred to as Gangadwara, meaning the gateway of the Ganga, perfectly symbolizing its divine significance. Taking a dip in the holy Ganges here is believed to cleanse all sins and help one attain salvation. Every year, nearly a billion devotees bathe in the river, with numbers multiplying during the grand Kumbh Mela.
This sacred city is among the four destinations in India that host the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh every six years. It also attracts millions of devotees during the annual Kanwar Mela. Haridwar is home to the Panch Tirth or five holy pilgrimage spots — Har Ki Pauri (Gangadwar), Kushwart Ghat, Kankhal, Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Tirtha), and Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat). Serving as the entry point to the revered Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand, Haridwar also offers the divine spectacle of the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, when countless diyas float on the river, creating a mesmerizing view for devotees and travelers alike.
Haridwar is a renowned hub of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation practices. The city has several well-known ashrams and certified Ayurvedic centers where visitors can learn about traditional healing methods. Ashrams such as Shantikunj, Ma Anandamayi Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram, Harihar Ashram, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, and Vyas Ashram offer classes in Ayurveda, yoga, and spiritual healing. Visitors can also indulge in authentic Ayurvedic therapies and massages that connect them with ancient Vedic traditions.
Apart from its spiritual significance, Haridwar is also a growing industrial city. It serves as the headquarters of Haridwar district in Uttarakhand and has a rich geographical blend of the Himalayas and plains. The city is home to major industries like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL), along with many allied sectors, making it an emerging business hub of the state.
Haridwar is steeped in history and culture, with mentions in sacred Hindu scriptures and various texts dating back thousands of years. Archaeological findings show that the terracotta culture thrived here between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE. The city was once under the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE) and later ruled by the Kushans (1st–3rd centuries CE).
The famous Chinese traveler Hsuan Tsang, who visited India in 629 AD during King Harshavardhan’s reign, described Haridwar as “Mo-yu-lo” and mentioned a temple known as Gangadwar. Later, during the Mughal period, English traveler Thomas Coryat also documented his visit, referring to Haridwar as a significant city dedicated to Lord Shiva. Haridwar was connected to the railway line in 1886, and in 2000 it became part of Uttarakhand after the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh.
According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is deeply linked to the legend of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). To protect the Amrit Kalasha (pot of nectar) from demons, the gods carried it across the skies. Drops of the nectar fell at four places — Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain, and Nashik — which became the four sacred Kumbh Mela sites. Har Ki Pauri’s Brahma Kund is believed to be the exact spot where a few drops of nectar touched the earth. Bathing in the Ganga during Kumbh is said to cleanse all sins and grant salvation.
Haridwar enjoys pleasant weather most of the year. The best time to visit is between September and April. Summers (March–June) are moderately hot with temperatures between 18°C to 45°C. Winters (October–February) are chilly with temperatures dropping to 10°C. Monsoon (July–September) brings heavy rainfall, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.
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| Destination | Distance | Time | Route |
| Haridwar to Yamunotri (via Dehradun) | 221 km | 7–8 hrs | Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri |
| Haridwar to Yamunotri (via Rishikesh) | 262 km | 8–9 hrs | Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri |
| Haridwar to Gangotri | 300 km | 10 hrs | Haridwar – Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Gangotri |
| Haridwar to Kedarnath | 231 km | 8–9 hrs | Haridwar – Rishikesh – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath |
| Haridwar to Badrinath | 315 km | 10–11 hrs | Haridwar – Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Joshimath – Badrinath |
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The Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar typically takes 10 to 12 days by road, covering all four sacred destinations: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. If you prefer a quicker trip, helicopter services can help complete the entire yatra in just 4 to 6 days.
The Haridwar Char Dham Yatra follows this route: Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar. By road, the journey lasts between 10-12 days. Pilgrims pass through important towns like Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Rudraprayag. Trekking is required to reach Yamunotri (6 km) and Kedarnath (18 km).
You can travel to the Char Dham destinations from Haridwar by road, using private vehicles, shared taxis, or buses. Alternatively, you can book a Char Dham Yatra package that covers transportation, accommodation, and additional services, making your journey more convenient and comfortable.
The Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar spans around 1,300 – 1,400 km for a round trip. The distances to each dham are: Yamunotri (224 km), Gangotri (221 km), Kedarnath (345 km), and Badrinath (222 km). The entire journey takes about 10-12 days by road, passing through the scenic routes of the Himalayan range.
For those wishing to start their Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar, there are various package options, including:
Each package is designed to suit different preferences, making the pilgrimage accessible for all.
Yes, Haridwar offers free accommodation options for pilgrims. There are dharamshalas and ashrams that provide basic lodging, often on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular places include Shanti Kunj, Parmarth Ashram, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. These locations offer simple facilities for those seeking an economical stay.
Haridwar also offers affordable accommodations for pilgrims, including dharamshalas, ashrams, and budget hotels. Some of the best budget-friendly hotels in Haridwar include Hotel The Ganga Castle, Hotel Hari Ganga, and other affordable options. These places provide basic comfort at reasonable prices, perfect for pilgrims on a budget.
For a more luxurious stay in Haridwar, there are several excellent hotels. Some of the top options include Fortune Park Haridwar, Hotel Arihant By DLS Hotels, Ganga Lahari by Leisure Hotels, and Le Roi Haridwar Hotel. These establishments offer premium accommodations for a relaxing stay before embarking on the Char Dham Yatra.
