Are you looking for some peaceful places to visit in India? Are you planning a trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh? Wondering which places to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh?
India’s glory lies in its wondrous culture and awesome rituals. Moreover, it has a lot to offer when it comes to serene places. Haridwar and Rishikesh are two such places. These places are great options to go for spiritual enlightenment. Not only this, but these places also have some great tourist spots.
So, are you up for a religious adventure? Let us give you some deep insights into the best places you can visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Top 10 Best Places you can visit in Haridwar
1. Har Ki Pauri
Har means Lord Shiva and Pauri means steps. Har ki Pauri is one of the famous ghats in Haridwar. Moreover, this divine place is a famous landmark in Haridwar. This place is also known as Brahm Kund. So, taking a holy dip in this Brahm Kund is considered very auspicious.
Besides, there is a regular evening ritual of Ganga Aarti here. A large crowd gathers here every evening to enjoy the Holy Aarti. You can witness this spectacular Ganga Aarti here. Also, you can find small lamps floating on the River Ganges. You can also visit some local markets near the ghat.
2. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi temple is a popular Hindu temple of the goddess Mansa Devi. This temple is located at the top of Bilwa Parwat (mountain). This religious site is Sakti Peeth. A Sakti Peeth is a place to worship the goddess Shakti or Sati who is the female deity of the Hindu religion.
Mansa Devi temple has two deities, one with five arms and another with eight arms. Many devotees from all around India visit this place to fulfill their wishes. Besides, a cable car named Devi Udankhatola may carry you to reach this divine place.
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi temple is another popular temple in Uttarakhand. This temple is located at the top of Neel Parwat. Many believe that the great saint Adi Saskanaracharya built this temple. Chandi Devi temple is also a Shakti Peeth. Furthermore, the Chandi Devi temple along with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi temple complete the triangle of Siddha Peeth.
Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple every year. You can find more crowds here during Chandi Chaudas or Kumbh Mela. Besides, there is a temple of Lord Hanuman’s mother Anjana near this site.
4. Maya Devi Temple
As stated earlier, the Maya Devi temple is also a Shakti Peeth in Haridwar. Goddess Maya is the deity of this temple. Besides goddess Maya, there are also idols of goddess Kali and goddess Kamakhya in this temple. People believe that the goddesses in this temple are very powerful.
So, people from all over India come here to offer flowers and sweets to these goddesses. Haridwar’s old name was Mayapuri and that came from the goddess Maya Devi only. Read Also: The popular festival in May in India.
5. Crystal World
Haridwar is not only about religious sites. The city also offers some fun. One of the most popular tourist places in Haridwar is Crystal World. This is also the biggest amusement park in Uttarakhand. The crystal world in Haridwar offers a wide range of thrilling rides.
Besides, this theme park is also a water world park. So, you can have fun with your family at this theme park the whole day. Besides, this amusement park has a celebrity museum. There are wax statues of celebrities in this museum. Also, you can find a food court inside the park. Read Also: Top Most Famous Tourist Attraction in Haridwar.
6. Sapt Rishi Ashram
Sapt Rishi Ashram is a famous ashram on the Banks of the River Ganges. As per Hindu mythology, seven great rishis or sages meditated on this religious site. As per the epic Mahabharata, the Pandava brothers crossed this place on their way to heaven.
So, you can also find the statues of the Pandava brothers on the river bank. Moreover, you can find an enchanting positive aura around this place. So, if you are looking for tranquillity and relaxation, you must visit this place. Besides, you can find temples of several other deities in this place.
7. Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi Temple in Haridwar is a replica of the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. So, visiting this temple will enthrall you. This famous temple in Haridwar attracts a large number of people every year. There are idols of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Kali, and Goddess Laxmi in this temple.
People believe that these three goddesses merge into one as Vaishno Devi to kill a demon. So, devotees flock in from all parts of the country to pray to their beloved goddess Vaishno Devi. Besides, you can find large crowds here during Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dusshera, Makar Sankranti, etc.
8. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
Haridwar has some amazing places to visit other than religious sites. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. If you are fond of wildlife, then you must visit this sanctuary. You can witness a wide range of animals and birds here.
Elephants, king cobra, panthers, leopards, tigers, and bears become your companion during your visit to Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, you can go for a thrilling Jeep Safari. Besides, you can get some spectacular views of the river Ganges since the sanctuary is just on the river banks.
9. Shantikunj
Shantikunj is another famous ashram in Haridwar. Also, All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) has its head office here. So, if you want to get some spiritual enlightenment, you must visit Shantikunj in Haridwar. Besides, it has a research institute and residential university here. You can avail yourself of two-day free accommodation in the ashram.
Moreover, you also get free vegetarian meals. You can learn about the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita and learn Sanskrit in the ashram. Besides, daily religious rituals give you an insight into the Hindu religion. So, if you are in Haridwar, visit Shantikunj to awaken your spiritual side.
10. Bara Bazar
Bara Bazar is a famous marketplace in Haridwar. The place offers various religious and traditional items. You can shop for Rudraksha, ornaments, wooden handicrafts, etc. here. Moreover, there are a variety of Ayurvedic medicines available on the market.
Besides, you can enjoy some famous sweets of Haridwar here. You cannot miss the famous sweet ‘Peda’ available in Bara Bazar. Also, there are many restaurants in this place. You can try many local dishes in these restaurants. This market area is close to the Haridwar Railway station.
Top 10 Best places you can visit in Rishikesh:
1. Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula in Hrishikesh is a suspension bridge over the holy river the Ganges. Although it has its twin bridge called Ram Jhula at a distance of 2 km, Ram Jhula became non-accessible last year. Laxman Jhula has a length of about 450 feet. You can never miss visiting Laxman Jhula during your visit to Rishikesh.
Pilgrims from all around India take this old route to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath. Many other famous temples are there near Laxman Jhula. Besides, you can find some popular markets near this bridge. The entire place has become a famous tourist place in Rishikesh due to its holy atmosphere.
2. The Beatles Ashram
The famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram in Rishikesh got its name after the famous Beatles group. This happened after the latter visited the temple. Beatles Ashram in the famous Rajaji National Park is an eco-friendly tourist spot in Rishikesh. So, you can enjoy your closeness with nature in this ashram. Besides, you can go nature walking, bird watching or trekking. Also, you can spend time here to get some inner peace.
3. Triveni Ghat
Triveni Ghat is one of the most famous places in Rishikesh. Thousands of pilgrims visit Triveni Ghat t take a holy dip in the holy river the Ganges. You can witness several Hindu rituals being performed at this place. Also, you can witness the spectacular and divine Ganga Aarti. This is also known as Maha Aarti. Holy chants, the mesmerizing smell of incense sticks, and the sounds of bells fill the air with a divine aura. Also, you can go for a boat ride or river rafting here. Besides, there are Geeta Temple and Narayan temple at this ghat.
4. Neer Garh Waterfall
Neer Garh Waterfall is a gift of nature on the land of Rishikesh. It is a beautiful sight of cool water gushing down the rocky surface in the middle of the greeneries. You need to go trekking about one km through the forest to reach this place. Moreover, this place offers mesmerizing views of nature to visitors. Besides, you can take a bath in the natural pool where crystal clear and clean water waits for you to dive in.
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is another religious place in Rishikesh. The temple has Lord Shiva as its deity. Surrounded by three beautiful valleys and located at the confluence of two rivers, this temple offers the unbelievable scenic beauty of nature. The devotees of Lord Shiva from all over India visit this place. You can find a large crowd on Mahashivratri day. Besides, trekking among the dense forest
Read Also: 7 Best Cafes and Coffee Shops for Experiencing Rishikesh
6. Shivpuri
Shivpuri is a popular tourist place in Rishikesh. This place offers thrill and adventure for fun-loving people. Shivpuri is famous for river rafting. So, many people visit here for river rafting. Besides, there are also many camps in this place. So, a large number of tourists visit this place for mountain biking, camping, and trekking. Also, you can enjoy bungee jumping here. Besides, you can enjoy a jungle safari in Rajaji National Park that is near Shivpuri.
7. Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is another best place to visit in Rishikesh. This place is the perfect destination for people who love adventure on their trips. You can enjoy a lot of activities in Kaudiyala. Kaudiyala is mainly famous as a rock climbing spot. But, you can also enjoy nature walking or going river rafting here. Besides, you can enjoy a bonfire while you set out camping in the dense forest. Capturing the beautiful surroundings of nature is also a good way to enjoy this place.
Also read: Best Way to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh – Road, Train, or Air
8. Swarg Ashram
Swarg Ashram is a famous religious site in the name of Swami Vishudhanand or Kali Kamli Wala. Swarg Ashram in Rishikesh is a divine zone of various religious activities. You can practice yoga and meditation here. Also, you can enjoy divine Aartis in the ashram. Besides, you can find shops, parks, libraries and food outlets around this place. You can find some sanctuaries, other buildings, and bistros inside this ashram.
9. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is another famous ashram in Rishikesh. You can find the ashram on the banks of the Ganges. You can enjoy a wide range of religious activities in this ashram. Learn yoga and meditation. Also, you can learn about Ayurvedic medicines. The ashram holds various cultural meetings and events throughout the year. Besides, regular Keertanas (holy chorus) and Ganga Aarti create a feeling of a divine atmosphere in this place.
Also, read A Rishikesh Music Festival to be held on 14th & 15th May Details Informations
10. Tera Manzil Temple
Tera Manzil Temple is another famous place to visit in Rishikesh. ‘Tera’ means thirteen and ‘manzil’ means floors. This temple has 13 floors and so it is Tera Manzil Temple. Many people know this temple by the name the Trimbakeshwar Temple. You can find this amazing temple just opposite Laxman Jhula. The best thing about this temple is its spectacular architecture. Besides, you can enjoy a mesmerizing panoramic view of the hills from this temple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rishikesh & Haridwar
Q. Which is the best time to visit Rishikesh and Haridwar?
The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and November. You can also visit the place in early March and April. But, avoid visiting Rishikesh in May or June as the temperature is very hot during that time.
Q. How many days are enough for Haridwar and Rishikesh?
In general, you can go for a 6-7 day trip to cover most of the places in Haridwar Rishikesh. Yet, you can go for a quick 3-4 days trip.
Q. Are Haridwar and Rishikesh the same?
There is almost a 23 km distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh. Moreover, you need to take a taxi to reach Rishikesh from Haridwar.
Q. What can I buy in Haridwar?
You can buy ornaments and religious items from Haridwar. There is a wide variety of handicrafts available in local markets like Moti Bazaar, Jwalapur and Kankhal, etc.
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