2 Days in Haridwar—Best Things to Do, Temples and Ganga Aarti Experience

Day 1: Sacred Beginnings and Ganga Aarti

Morning: Holy Dip at Har Ki Pauri & Temple Trail

• Begin your day at dawn—Haridwar is at its most peaceful in the early morning.
• Head straight to Har Ki Pauri, the holiest ghat on the Ganga. Participate in the age-old tradition of taking a holy dip in the river. Locals believe that doing so washes away sins and brings blessings.
• After your bath, sit quietly by the ghats, watching the rising sun over the flowing Ganga. Absorb the serene, devotional atmosphere filled with temple bells, chants, and the scent of incense.

After drying off and changing, begin your temple circuit:

• Mansa Devi Temple—Located atop Bilwa Parvat, accessible via ropeway (Udan Khatola) or a steep climb. The goddess is believed to fulfill wishes—many devotees tie threads to the temple railings.
• After Mansa Devi, head to Chandi Devi Temple, on Neel Parvat, also reachable by ropeway or trek. This is another powerful Shakti Peeth.

Tip: Buy a combined ropeway ticket for both temples to save time and energy.

Midday: Local Flavors and Cultural Pause

• After descending, head to the bustling Upper Road for a traditional vegetarian lunch. Popular choices include
  • Hoshiyarpuri – Famous for its thalis, dal makhani, and paneer dishes.
  • Chotiwala Restaurant – A Haridwar institution for sattvik food.
• Post-lunch, take a short rest at your hotel or guesthouse.

Afternoon: Exploring More Spiritual Gems

• Visit the Maya Devi Temple, one of the Shakti Peeths and one of Haridwar’s oldest temples, believed to be over 1000 years old.
• Then head to Daksha Mahadev Temple in Kankhal (approx. 4–5 km from the city center). It’s associated with the legend of Sati and Lord Shiva. The temple complex is peaceful and steeped in mythology.

Optional stop: Visit Bharat Mata Mandir—a multi-story temple where each floor is dedicated to different deities, freedom fighters, and cultural icons of India.

Evening: Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

• Return to Har Ki Pauri by 5:30 PM to secure a good spot on the steps or near the main ghat.
• Witness the Ganga Aarti – the most iconic event in Haridwar. Priests dressed in saffron hold large flaming aartis while chanting mantras and ringing bells. Thousands of floating diyas create a surreal golden glow over the Ganga.
• You can also experience it from a boat (optional) or join in the rituals by offering your own diya.

After the Aarti:

• Explore Bara Bazaar nearby for religious souvenirs, Rudraksha beads, Ganga jal bottles, ayurvedic products, and sweets.

Dinner: Try street food like aloo tikki or samosas, or enjoy another full meal before heading to your accommodation.

Overnight stay in Haridwar

A Sacred Immersion in Haridwar

Your journey in Haridwar begins at the break of dawn with a spiritually uplifting dip in the holy waters of the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri, one of India’s most revered riverfronts. As the morning light reflects on the flowing river and temple bells chime in the distance, you’ll feel the timeless energy of this sacred city. After the dip, you ascend to the hilltop shrines of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, either on foot or via the ropeways that offer sweeping views of Haridwar and the Ganges snaking through it. These temples, dedicated to powerful goddesses, are steeped in devotion and legend. Later, you savor a traditional vegetarian lunch at one of Haridwar’s iconic eateries before heading to quieter spots like Maya Devi Temple and Daksha Mahadev Temple, where mythology and architecture blend beautifully.

As the sun begins to set, you return to Har Ki Pauri to witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti—a mesmerizing ritual of fire, chant, and devotion that captures the spiritual heartbeat of Haridwar. As hundreds of flickering diyas float across the river, you end your first day feeling deeply connected to something ancient, sacred, and eternal.

Day 2: Ashram Life, Tranquility & Local Exploration

Morning: Yoga, Ashram Visits & Riverside Calm

• Start your day early with a visit to Shantikunj Ashram (headquarters of Gayatri Parivar), where you can witness morning prayers, yoga sessions, and community service activities.
• Alternatively, visit Sapt Rishi Ashram, located where the Ganga splits into seven small streams—quiet, green, and peaceful.
• Enjoy a simple sattvik breakfast at the ashram or in a nearby café.

Late Morning: Less-Known Temples & Sacred Sites

• Visit Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, nestled in a peaceful forest area, often overlooked by tourists.
• Stop by Bhimgoda Kund, linked to the Pandavas from Mahabharata—a tranquil spot perfect for quiet reflection.

Lunch and Short Break

• Have lunch at a nearby dhaba or café. Try:
  • Aloo puri at Mohan Ji Poori Wale
  • Rabri or sweet lassi at Mathura Wale

Afternoon: Wellness and Slow Travel

• Visit an Ayurvedic center or wellness clinic for a relaxing massage or consultation.
• Stroll through the ghats away from the main crowd—explore peaceful corners near Pul Jatwara or Vishnu Ghat.

Pick up any last-minute gifts or souvenirs from local craft shops or Ayurvedic stores.

Evening Option: Second Ganga Aarti or Riverside Walk

• If you wish to relive the magic, attend the Ganga Aarti again from a different location, or sit quietly with a book or journal along the banks.

Dinner and Departure

• Depending on your travel schedule, wrap up your stay with a light dinner before catching your train or bus.

Day two in Haridwar unfolds with a slower, more contemplative rhythm. Begin your morning with a visit to Shantikunj or Sapt Rishi Ashram, where you can observe yogic practices, meditation, and Vedic rituals in their purest forms. These spiritual spaces offer a glimpse into a quieter side of Haridwar—one rooted in discipline, peace, and mindful living. After a light sattvik breakfast, explore lesser-known spiritual sites like Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhimgoda Kund, where the crowds thin and the ambiance deepens. This day is about internal reflection as much as external sightseeing. Post-lunch, treat yourself to an Ayurvedic wellness session or simply wander the riverbanks, away from the bustle. You can explore local bazaars, sample street food, or revisit the ghats with a journal in hand.

If time permits, wrap up your trip with a second experience of the Ganga Aarti, or quietly watch the sun dip behind the Ganga, carrying prayers and offerings into the horizon. By evening, Haridwar will have offered not just sights, but serenity—leaving you feeling refreshed in both body and spirit.