How far is Haridwar from Delhi, and which route should you take?
Haridwar is about 220 km from Delhi, 5–6 hours by taxi on NH-58 via Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee. Most of the way is good highway, with plenty of roadside dhabas and clean rest stops. The last 30 km from Roorkee runs along the Ganga canal, which makes for a lovely arrival.
| Route | Via | Distance | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended | NH-58 → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar | ~220 km | 5 hr 30 min | Standard, smoothest route |
| Combined yatra | NH-58 → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Dehradun | ~290 km | 7 hr 30 min | 3-day Uttarakhand circuit |
Haridwar is one of the seven sacred Sapt Puri cities of Hinduism, and two other favourite stops sit close by: Rishikesh, 25 km upstream, and Dehradun, about 50 km away.
Which temples and ghats should you visit in Haridwar?
Har Ki Pauri
The most sacred ghat in Haridwar — its name means "Footsteps of the Lord" — is where Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint. At the evening Ganga Aarti, hundreds of priests wave giant brass lamps while diyas float downstream and conch shells echo over the river.
Mansa Devi Temple
On top of Bilwa Parvat, this Shakti Peetha of the wish-fulfilling goddess is a 5-minute ride on the Udan Khatola cable car, or a 1-km trek. Devotees tie sacred threads on the holy tree when making a wish.
Chandi Devi Temple
Across the Ganga on Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi is another Shakti Peetha reached by cable car or on foot. Visit it with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi to complete Haridwar's Tri-Dev Yatra.
Maya Devi Temple
The third temple of the Tri-Dev Yatra is an ancient Shakti Peetha of the goddess who gives the city its name. It stands in the old town, near the railway station.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Built in 1983 by Swami Satyamitranand Giri, this unusual 8-storey temple is dedicated to Mother India. Each floor has its own theme — freedom fighters, national heroes, gods and gurus — and the top offers panoramic views.
Daksha Mahadev Temple, Kankhal
Four km from Har Ki Pauri, this is the legendary site of Daksha's yagna and Sati's self-immolation, and one of the most ancient Shiva temples in India.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Baba Ramdev's large yoga campus on the Delhi–Haridwar highway has meditation halls, a hospital, an Ayurveda research centre and Patanjali stores, and is open to visitors.
Other sacred spots
- Sapt Rishi Ashram, where the Ganga splits into seven streams
- Sureshwari Devi Temple, on the edge of Rajaji National Park
- Vaishno Devi Mandir, a replica of the Katra shrine
- Pawan Dham, a temple decorated with glass work
Which festivals should you plan a Haridwar trip around?
Summers from April to June are hot, though a dip in the Ganga is refreshing. The religious calendar shapes crowds far more than the weather:
- Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh: held every 6 or 12 years and one of the world's largest religious gatherings, drawing millions. The next one is in 2027.
- Ganga Dussehra (May/June): celebrates the descent of the Ganga.
- Somavati Amavasya: a special bathing day when the new moon falls on a Monday.
- Maha Shivratri (February/March): special pujas at every Shiva temple in town.
- Kanwar Yatra (Sawan, July–August): saffron-clad devotees walk to collect holy Ganga water.
Tips for a Delhi to Haridwar yatra by cab
- Starting the Char Dham Yatra here? Haridwar is the traditional starting point for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Full Char Dham packages start from ₹65,000 for 9–10 days in a sedan.
- Travelling with a pilgrim group? An Innova Crysta seats 6 plus the driver with 4 bags, while the Force Tempo Traveller seats 12 with space for 12 bags.
- Going back to Delhi. Haridwar to Delhi return taxis run at the same fares, and if you came up by train or flight we can send a cab to your hotel.
