One Day Itinerary for Haridwar

Haridwar, situated on the banks of River Ganges in Uttarakhand, India, is a holy city and one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Known for its religious significance, Haridwar attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. Here is a one-day itinerary to explore the enchanting spiritual aura of Haridwar.

6:00 am – 8:00 am: Morning Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Distance: Walking distance from most hotels in Haridwar

Begin your day with the mesmerizing Morning Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Witness the spiritual ritual where priests offer prayers to the sacred River Ganges. It is a divine experience that fills you with inner peace and tranquility. Don’t forget to carry a mat or a sheet to sit comfortably during the Aarti.

8:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and Refreshment
Distance: Around 1 km from Har Ki Pauri

After the soul-soothing Aarti, head to one of the local eateries or restaurants near Har Ki Pauri to relish a delicious breakfast. Try the traditional Indian breakfast options like Puri Bhaji, Aloo Paratha, or Kachoris along with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Mansa Devi Temple
Distance: 3 km from Har Ki Pauri

Visit the Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, located atop the Bilwa Parvat Hill. Take the ropeway to reach the temple and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Haridwar. Seek the blessings of the goddess and tie a thread on the sacred tree within the temple premises for fulfillment of your wishes.

11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Chandi Devi Temple
Distance: 3.5 km from Mansa Devi Temple

Next, pay a visit to the Chandi Devi Temple, situated atop the Neel Parvat Hill. To reach the temple, you can either take a cable car or hike through the steep trail. This temple is an important religious site and is believed to grant wishes to the devotees. Enjoy the serene surroundings and get a panoramic view of Haridwar from the top.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch
Distance: Around 2 km from Chandi Devi Temple

After exploring the temples, have a filling lunch at one of the local restaurants or explore the street food options near the temples. Don’t miss out on trying the famous street food snacks like Aloo Tikki, Chaat, and Golgappas.

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Haridwar Market and Shopping
Distance: Walking distance from Chandi Devi Temple

Spend some time exploring the vibrant and bustling Haridwar market. Indulge in shopping for spiritual souvenirs like Rudraksha beads, idols of Hindu deities, or traditional handcrafted items. The market is also known for its Ayurvedic products, especially herbal medicines and cosmetics.

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Haridwar Ghats Exploration
Distance: Walking distance from the market and restaurants

Walk along the ghats of Haridwar and witness various smaller aartis performed by devotees. Take a dip in the holy River Ganges and cleanse your sins. You can also witness the mesmerizing evening aarti at several smaller ghats that are equally enchanting as Har Ki Pauri.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Distance: Walking distance from the ghats

Return to Har Ki Pauri to witness the grand Evening Ganga Aarti. The grandeur of the aarti, with numerous priests offering prayers and thousands of devotees singing hymns, is an awe-inspiring sight. Carry a diya (oil lamp) and flowers to offer to the river during the aarti.

Checklist of items needed:
1. Mat or sheet for sitting during Morning Ganga Aarti
2. Shawl or light jacket as mornings can be cool
3. Offerings like flowers, sweets, and coconut for temple visits
4. Comfortable footwear for walking and climbing hills
5. Water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
6. Sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun
7. Camera or smartphone to capture beautiful moments

Historical Importance:
Haridwar holds immense historical importance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. According to legends, Haridwar is the place where drops of celestial nectar, Amrita, fell during the mythical churning of the ocean. The city’s name also translates to “Gateway to God” and is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata.

Note: Please check the opening and closing timings of temples and aarti ceremonies in advance, as they may vary depending on the season and religious occasions.