Top Things to Do in Haridwar with Family
Haridwar is the divine city. It is one of the oldest cities in India and a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. It is located in Uttarakhand. It is the place where the sacred River Ganga emerges from the Himalayas. This ancient city is a combination of religion, culture and traditions which offers devotees and tourists the best spiritual experience.
Whatever it may be, religious, cultural or family pilgrimage, here is the list of things to do in Haridwar that you must do.
Haridwar originated from Sanskrit words, Hari which is the name of Lord Vishnu and Dwar meaning gateway. Haridwar is the gateway to Lord Vishnu. It is the place where Lord Vishnu stepped out of his footprint.
Things That You Must Do in Haridwar
Participate in Ganga Aarti: Ganga is the sacred river and Hindu take dip into the river to get rid of their unintentional sins. Local priests do aarti of Ganga aarti every morning and evening. You can attend ganga aarti along with your family and feel the magical experience.
Ropeway to Mansa Devi or Chandi Devi: If you are planning to visit famous temples in Haridwar like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi which are located on the top of the hill, then, you can travel there by rope hill or cable car. It is also safe for kids and elders. It might cost you around ₹100 to 150 per person for a single side.
Explore Rajaji National Park: Rajaji National Park spans over 820 sq. kilometers. It is an ideal choice for nature lovers who are looking for a unique experience on their Haridwar Tour from Delhi. This park has several safari zones and each zone provides a unique experience with sightseeing of different wildlife animals.
Explore Local Markets: There are some local markets nearby that you can visit to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. You can buy ayurvedic products, religious literature and local sweets.
Local Food: Make sure to try local street food or you can try cuisines from Chotiwala Restaurant or Hoshiyarpuri which are famous for their North Indian thali. Must try famous Jalebi and Rabri from the local sweet store. Some famous markets that you can visit are Moti Bazaar, Upper Road Market and Bara Bazaar.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
The best time to tour Haridwar is between October to March and you can also visit during winter months between November to February when the climate is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. Those are also the best times to visit Rajaji National Park.
Top Places to Visit near Haridwar
Not just Haridwar but there are some famous places that you can visit with family to make your trip memorable. Here are the top 5 places to visit near Haridwar.
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is located around 20 km from Haridwar and it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to reach there. Visit this famous spiritual place in Uttarakhand and make it a perfect Haridwar and Rishikesh Tour with family. You can visit famous places such as Laksham Jhula, Ram Jhula and Triveni Ghat. For adventure lovers, you can try river rafting and bungee jumping.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located around 30 km from Rishikesh and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach there. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is said to be the exact spot where Lord shiva drank halahala poison during the ocean churning.
Kanatal: Kanatal is located around 75 km from Rishikesh and it takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach there. You can go for adventure activities with family such as trekking and camping. It is a perfect destination to visit with children and those who enjoy adventurous tours.
Devprayag: Devprayag is located around 95 km with time taking about 3 to 3.5 hours to reach there. This place is famous for meeting the two sacred rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. To enhance your spiritual experience, you can consider adding Devprayag into the tour.
Chilla Range – Chilla Range is a part of the Rajaji National Park. You can try jungle safari and bird -watching. This is the lesser-known part of the park, and that is why you can spot animals like Elephants, Deers, Leopards and more wild animals easily.
How to Reach Haridwar from Delhi?
By Road: Haridwar is situated around 220 km from Delhi and you can travel from the National Highway 334 and It takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach depending on road, traffic and weather conditions. The road is smooth and scenic and goes through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee cities. You can choose to travel from your own vehicle, bus or take a Car Rental in Delhi for a smooth and flexible journey experience.
By Train: Those who like train journeys can travel from Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi and Mussoorie Express. It takes only 5 to 6 hours of time and is comfortable along with a cost-effective mode of transportation. You can book rail tickets in advance especially during the festival season and holidays to avoid last-minute hassle.
By Air: The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly grant airport which is around 35 km from Haridwar and takes about 1 hour to arrive. It is well connected by frequent domestic flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Conclusion
Haridwar is not just a pilgrimage place but it is a perfect mix of heritage, culture and nature. It is an ideal place for solo travellers and those who love family trips. Whether it is a peaceful family holiday, an adventure getaway or a holy pilgrimage, Haridwar has it all for you. You can choose to travel as per your convenience.