Har ki Pauri and the Ganga Aarti
The main ghat and Brahmakund. The evening aarti happens every day; arrive early for a spot on the steps.
RiverGanga
Known asGateway to the gods
Holy cityOne of the Sapta Puri
FoodVegetarian near the ghats
History
Where the Ganga meets the plains
- Mayapuri, a holy city
Haridwar is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven holy cities of Hinduism, where it was known as Mayapuri. It sits where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills.
- The drop of amrit
In Kumbh tradition, a drop of amrit from the Samudra Manthan fell at Brahmakund, which is why the Kumbh returns here.
- Har ki Pauri
The name means the steps of Hari. Legend says King Vikramaditya built the ghat in memory of his brother Bharthari, who meditated here.
- Kankhal and Sati
The old quarter of Kankhal is linked to Daksha's yagna, where Sati gave up her life, remembered at the Daksha Mahadev temple.
- Gateway to the hills
For centuries pilgrims have started the Char Dham yatra to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath from here.
Places to see
Worth your time
Best on ordinary days. On a big snan day, plan only the bath and rest.
Mansa Devi temple
Hilltop temple on the Bilwa Parvat above the city, reached by a stepped path or ropeway.
Chandi Devi temple
Hilltop temple on the Neel Parvat across the river, with its own ropeway.
The ropeways
Cable cars to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi give the best views over the Ganga. Expect long queues on festival days.
Daksha Mahadev temple, Kankhal
Ancient Shiva temple in the old quarter, linked to the story of Daksha's yagna and Sati.
Rajaji National Park
Forest reserve next to the city, with elephants and deer. Safaris depend on season; best on a non-snan day.
Eat like a local
What to eat in Haridwar
Aloo puri
Haridwar's breakfast: puffed puris with a tangy potato curry.
Khasta kachori
Flaky kachori with hing-flavoured aloo, often in a leaf bowl.
Chole bhature
Big, puffy bhature with spicy chole. Popular stalls sell out by afternoon.
Jalebi with rabri
Hot jalebi with thick rabri, sold across the bazaars in winter.
Aloo tikki chaat
Crisp tikki with chutneys and curd. Try kanji vada too.
Where to eat
| Eatery | Area | Order |
|---|---|---|
| Mohan Ji Puri Wale | Har ki Pauri area | Aloo puri, lassi |
| Bhagwati Chole Bhandar | Har ki Pauri | Chole bhature, chole kulcha |
| Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan | Moti Bazaar Road | Thick lassi, malai samosa, pedas |
| Pandit Sevaram Sharma Doodhwale | Moti Bazaar | Kulhad milk with rabri, malai laddoo |
| Jain Chaat Bhandar | Moti Bazaar | Kanji vada, dahi vada, tikki |
| Pahalwan Ji Khasta Wale | Kankhal | Khasta kachori with aloo |
| Chotiwala | Har ki Pauri | Thali, singodi sweet |
| The Dining Room, Pilibhit House | Inside the hotel | Garhwali thali (fine dining) |
Popular with locals in published food guides. Timings change, and the best stalls sell out early, so go in the morning.
Cafés
Cafés by budget
Most cafés are in Ranipur, Devpura and Jwalapur rather than at the ghat. Prices are approximate.
₹Under ₹500 for two
- Sutta Chai BarChai and quick bites near Har ki Pauri
- Butterfingers CaféBurgers and snacks
- Tripp Inn CaféTea, shakes, momos
- Aladdin CaféIndo-Chinese, pizza, coffee
- Cup of Joy CaféCoffee, pizza, desserts
₹₹₹500–1,000 for two
- The Terrace CaféA proper sit-down meal
- Jungle Treat CaféPizza, coffee, shakes
- Innings Restro & CaféCafé meal in Jwalapur
₹₹₹₹1,000+ for two
- Satvik AppetiteUpscale vegetarian near Har ki Pauri
- PatioRooftop café-restaurant near Har ki Pauri
Good to know
Before you go
1
Cold mornings
January and February nights drop to single digits and mornings are foggy. Pack warm layers for a dawn snan.
2
Vegetarian city
Meat and alcohol are banned in Haridwar's holy areas, so expect vegetarian food everywhere near the ghats.
3
Cold, fast river
The Ganga is cold and fast here. Bathe at the chained edges of designated ghats.
4
Getting in
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (about 35–40 km). Haridwar Junction has trains from across India.