Location: On the west banks of the Ganga Canal
Har ki Pauri, the most famous Ganga Ghat and the chief landmark of the holy city of Haridwar is the highly venerated site where the Ganges enters the plains from the Himalayan precipices. Also sometimes known as ‘Hari ki Pairi’, this Ganga Ghat is believed to have been visited both by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu during the ancient Vedic Era. A stone wall at the Har Ki Pauri bears a large footprint which is believed to be stamped by Lord Vishnu Himself. The Brahma Kund in Har ki Pauri is the very place where the drop of Amrit had fallen at the time of ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the oceans). Located on the west banks of the Ganga Canal, Har ki Pauri is also the blessed venue of the Maha Kumbh and Ardha Kumbh Mela when millions of pilgrims immerse into the sin cleansing waters of the Ganges. The Ghat at the Har ki Pauri is said to have been built by King Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother, Bhatrihari. Har ki Pauri offers a most stupendous banquet for the eyes at the time of The Ganga Aarti every evening. Thousands of devotees gather on the banks of the Ganges and worship the holy river by offering innumerable flickering lamps and flower garlands.

Location: About 4 kilometers from the Har ki Pauri
Chandi Devi or Goddess Chandi is the supreme Goddess described in the Devi Mahatmya as the combination of the Trinity; Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The Chandi Devi temple of Haridwar is nestled at the top of the Neel Parvat at an altitude of 2,900 meters on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills. Set up by the King of Kashmir: Maharaja Suchat Singh in the year 1929, this temple of Goddess Chandi houses the very idol of the deity installed by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. This temple of Chandi Devi known as ‘Neel Parvat Teerth’ is regarded to be one of the five pilgrimages i.e. ‘Panch Teerth’ and also one of the three Siddh Peethas of Haridwar. It is believed that Goddess Chandi or Chandika had rested for a while atop the Neel Parvat after killing the demons Chanda, Munda, Shumbha and Nishumbha. Devotees believe that if you appeal to the Chandi Devi, all your desires get fulfilled by her blessings. The Chandi Devi Temple is thronged by jillions of pilgrims at the times of Navaratri celebration, Chandi Chaudas and Kumbh Mela. To reach this temple located about 4 kilometers from the Har ki Pauri one can either trek the way up the hill from Chandighat or use the newly introduced ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola) which reaches you directly from the Gauri Shankar Temple at the Nazibabad Road to the Chandi Devi Temple. The first Aarti of the temple is performed at 5:30 in the morning and the temple is open for the Darshana from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Location: Nested atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills
Mansa Devi; the sister of the king of N?gas named Vasuki and the Hindu folk goddess of snakes is worshipped as the destroyer of poison. The Mansa Devi Temple nested atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills is one of the five pilgrimages i.e. ‘Panch Teerth’ of Haridwar. Also popularly known as the Bilwa Teerth, this holy abode of Goddess Mansa is one of the three Siddh Peethas of Haridwar where your prayers are heard and wishes are fulfilled by the Goddess. Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti is said to have born from the mind of the great Sage Kashyapa and thus she derives her name ‘Mansa’. As per the tradition, devotees ask for a wish to be fulfilled and tie a thread to the branches of a sacred tree located in the temple premises. As the wish is fulfilled, they visit the temple again and untie the knot. Devotees offer coconuts, fruits, flowers, garlands and incense sticks at the feet of the Goddess Mansa in order to please her. The Mansa Devi Temple of Haridwar houses two idols in its inner sanctorum. One of them is a Goddess with eight arms and the other is a three headed deity having five arms. From the top of the Bilwa Parvat you can enjoy the panoramic view of the plains of Haridwar skirted by the magnanimous Ganga River. To reach the Mansa Devi Temple you can either invoke your venturesome self or avail the Mansa Devi Udankhatola facility. Devotees congregate at the Mansa Devi Temple in a large number at the time of Navaratri Festival and the Maha Kumbh Mela and Ardha Kumbh. Everyone that visits the Chandi Devi Temple also pays homage at the feet of Mansa Devi without fail. It is believed that Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi are the two forms of Goddess Parvati and they always reside in the proximity with each other.

Location: To the east of the Har ki Pauri
Maya Devi, the three-headed and four-armed deity who is worshipped as an incarnation of Shakti; the divine feminine primordial cosmic energy is the Adhisthatri deity of the city of Haridwar. Regarded as one of the three Siddh Peethas of Haridwar, and also one of the Shakti Peethas, the Maya Devi Temple is believed to have been erected at the place where the heart and the naval of the Goddess Sati had fallen after her self immolation at the Daksha Yagna. The previous name of Haridwar i.e. ‘Mayapuri’ had also derived from the name of Goddess Maya Devi. The temple of Maya Devi is dated back to 11th century AD and it is one of the three ancient temples of the city that have survived the taste of the time over the centuries. The other two ancient temples of Haridwar are: Narayana-Shila and Bhairava Temple. The sanctum of the Goddess Maya Temple houses three idols. The central idol is that of Maya Devi. Goddess Kali is on her left and Goddess Kamakhya is on her right. Moreover, the shrine also accommodates other two Goddesses in the form of Shaktis. This temple of Maya Devi is positioned to the east of the Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. Myriads of devotees throng the Maya Devi temple, especially on the occasions of Navaratri and Kumbh Mela.

Location: In a town named Kankhal positioned approximately 4 kilometers from Haridwar
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple located in a town named Kankhal positioned approximately 4 kilometers from Haridwar is a Hindu Shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Dakshayani (Sati) i.e. the first wife of Lord Shiva performed a great Yagna at Kankhal. He intentionally did not invite his son-in-law; Lord Shiva. Sati felt insulted but still went to participate in the Yagna. When she saw her father further insulting Lord Shiva, she was enraged and in the fury she immolated herself in the very Yagna Kunda. Lord Shiva, burning with wrath created Virabhadra and sent him to the Daksha Yagna along with his Ganas. King Daksha Prajapati was beheaded by Virabhadra who was later brought back to life by giving him a goat head. Lord Shiva picked the half burnt body of his wife Sati and carried her to their abode at Kailasa. On the way, many of her burnt body parts fell at various places where the Shakti Peethas are standing toady. In the remembrance of the Daksh Yagna and the dire event of Sati’s self immolation, the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is built at Kankhal. The present temple of Daksheswara Mahadev was constructed by the Queen Dhankaur in the year 1810 and it was rebuilt in the year 1962. This temple is a major pilgrim destination for Shaivaites and the temple is packed by the deluge of the devotees particularly at the times of Mahashivaratri. The Sati Kund where Devi Sati had immolated herself is another important religious locale in Kankhal.

Location: Inside the Doodhadhari Barfani Baba Ashram
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple located inside the Doodhadhari Barfani Baba Ashram is a temple complex entirely constructed in pure white marble. Acclaimed both for its architectural grandeur and its spiritual and divine appeal Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is particularly celebrated for the captivating demeanor it presents. Acknowledged for its peerless structural artistry, the Doodhadhari Barfani Temple Complex accommodates several sub shrines dedicated to a number of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Amongst all those temples the most noteworthy are the Ram Sita Temple and the Hanuman Temple.

Location: Inside the premises of Rajaji National Park
Sureshvari Devi Temple located inside the premises of Rajaji National Park is a beautiful place of worship laid down in the cradle of the Mother Nature. The serene and tranquil ambience of the locale renders the temple a favorite religious destination much preferred both by the worshippers as well as the sages. Rajaji National Park is situated on the periphery of Haridwar and the visitors are required to obtain prior permission from the Forest Department to enter this wildlife reservoir.

Location: Adjacent the starting point of the Udankhatola
Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple, as the name clearly suggests is dedicated to both ‘Gauri’ i.e. Goddess Parvati and ‘Shankar’ i.e. Lord Shiva. Situated adjacent the starting point of the Udankhatola (cable car) service that carries the devotees up to the famous Chandi Devi temple, the Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple beckons numberless devotees, especially on the occasion of Mahashivaratri and such similar festivals celebrated in the honor of Shiva and Parvati. The presiding deities of this temple are believed to be wish fulfilling and pilgrims offer flowers, Bel leaves, coconuts, and incense sticks to appease them. The atmosphere of the temple is absolutely pious and soothing. The Gaurishankar Temple of Haridwar is particularly reckoned for its participation in various religious festivals held all round the year. Other noteworthy temples situated close to the Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple include Neeleshwar Mahadev Temple and Anjani Devi Temple.

Location: Set up on the banks of the river Ganga alongside the Smanvaya Ashram about 5 kilometers to the north of the central Haridwar
Bharat Mata Mandir dedicated to the Bharat Mata; our Motherland is a multi storied temple constructed under the command and guidance of the former Shankaracharya Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj. Inaugurated on 15th May 1983 by the then Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Bharat Mata Mandir is a commendable and praiseworthy enterprise to express our reverence and adoration towards our native land ‘India’. Set up on the banks of the river Ganga alongside the Smanvaya Ashram about 5 kilometers to the north of the central Haridwar, this temple is a 180 feet tall edifice built in eight stories. Each of the eight floors illustrates an era of the Grand Indian History starting from the Ramayana and concluding with the independence of India.
A lofty statue of Bharat Mata is placed on the first floor. The second floor entitled ‘Shoor Mandir’ is dedicated to the well known heroes of the country who fought bravely for the sake of liberating the Mother Land from the shackles of slavery. The third floor is named ‘Matru Mandir’ which is devoted to the noteworthy women flourished in the Indian History who have made a remarkable contribution in building up the strong nation that we are today. They include Savitri, Maitreyi, Meera Bai, Rani Lakshmibai, etc. The forth floor christened as the ‘Sant Mandir’ is assigned to the great saints from all religions including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, etc. The fifth floor is an assembly hall which is adorned with the wall hangings and paintings that reflect the symbolic coexistence of all religions in India as well as the account of the history and the beauty of various Indian Provinces. The sixth floor houses the manifestation of the various forms of the Goddess Shakti. The seventh floor is dedicated to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the eighth floor bears a shrine bestowed upon the Lord Shiva. From the eighth floor of the Bharat Mata Mandir we can perceive the picturesque vista of the snow capped Himalayan Mountain Ranges and also the spectacular panorama of Haridwar and the entire campus of the Sapta Sarvar.

Location: At a distance of 6 km from the holy town of Haridwar
Parad Shivling, also known as ‘Paradeshwar Mahadev’ is colossal mercury Shiva Lingam enshrined in the Harihar Ashram of Kankhal. Mercury is an element that has the property of liquidity which renders the solidification even more difficult. This gigantic Shiva Lingam designed and built by a number of pious sages of the Ashram weights about 151 kilograms. In the ‘Yogshiksha Upnishad’ this cosmic Parad Shivling has been described as 'Mahalinga' and it is acknowledged to be the center of Shiva and Shakti. This unparalleled Shiva Lingam purely made of mercury was inaugurated by the then president of India Mr. Gyani Zail Singh on 8th March 1986 who performed the first Puja on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri's Puran Kumbh Mela. Taking the Darshana of this marvelous Shiva Lingam is believed to be sin destroying and wish fulfilling. The Harihar Ashram of Kankhal is located about 3 kilometers from Haridwar city. Apart from the massive mercury Shiva Lingam, a Rudraksha Tree growing in the Ashram, the Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple and the Acharya Peeth are additional attractions of this vicinity dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: At a distance of 2 kilometers from the town
Vaishno Devi Temple one of the recent additions to the holy city Haridwar is a shrine fashioned after the world famous temple of Vaishno Devi located at Katra in Jammu. As this is a replica of the temple in Jammu, the path that leads to the Vaishno Devi Temple is full of caves and tunnels.

Location: On the Haridwar-Rishikesh Highway approximately 7 kilometers from the Haridwar Railway station
Kamraj-ki-Kali Temple stationed on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Highway approximately 7 kilometers from the Haridwar Railway station is a famous shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Time and Change. This temple is easily approachable en route the much exalted Chandi Devi Temple of Haridwar. Goddess Kali, the destroyer of demons and the supreme mistress of the universe is worshipped by everybody, especially by those who want to attain the state of liberation and sustenance. Usually depicted in her fierce form, Goddess Kali is also popularly known as the Mother of Destruction. More than the reverence and adoration, the Goddess of Time has always been feared and dreaded by the devotees.

Location: On the bank of the river Ganges
The cardinal Guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Sahib had paid a visit to Haridwar during his first Udasi on the auspicious day of Baisakhi in the year 1504. He bathed at the Kushwan Ghat of Haridwar where the legendary episode of ‘watering the crops in Punjab’ took place. To commemorate his visit to Haridwar, the Gurudwara of Nanakwara was established at the very locale where Guru Nanak Ji illustrated the hollowness of the rituals blindly followed by people.

Location: 5 kilometers from Har-ki-Pauri
Sapt Rishi Ashram of Haridwar is an ancient place of hermitage dating back to the Vedic period. It is believed that the well renowned seven hermits of India namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam had performed penances at this blessed venue. It is further said that as the seven great sages were meditating, the river Ganga not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven currents and flew from the side of the Sapt Rishi. That’s the reason why this ashram is also known as Sapt Sarovar. Sapt Rishi Ashram located just 5 kilometers from Har-ki-Pauri is a really picturesque venue completely immersed with spiritual sanctity and environmental placidity.

Location: 42 kilometers from Haridwar on the banks of the river Malini
Kanva Rishi Ashram situated nearly 42 kilometers from Haridwar on the banks of the river Malini is the celebrated venue of Abhijnanasakuntalam. Though not one of the Sapt Rishis, Kanva Rishi is accredited the authorship of some of the verses of Vedas. But more than that, Kanva Rishi is well known in ancient Indian history and literature for bringing up Shakuntala; the mother of King Bharat after whose name our country is christened as Bharat. The Kanva Rishi Ashram near Haridwar is the very locus where Shakuntala, the daughter of Sage Vishwamitra and the heavenly nymph Menka was brought up by Sage Kanva. This is where she met the King Dushyanta and also gave birth to their valorous son the Emperor Bharat. The Kanva Rishi Ashram lies on the rout of Kotdwar and the path that leads to this hermitage passes through a thick forest. Reaching this ashram through these thickets is an exciting experience filled with adventure that will transport you to the Mahabharata Period. Kanva Rishi Ashram promising tranquility and serenity is one of the most sought after weekend retreats from Haridwar.

Location: On the Rishikesh road in Haridwar
Jairam Ashram of Haridwar established in the fond memory of Adi Guru Brahamchari Shri Jairam Ji Majaraj is especially reckoned for their charity work and the famous diorama exhibition. The massive white sculpture depicting the mythological episode of Samudra Manthan is a must see monument for the visitors of the Ashram.

Location: In Shravan Nath Nagar
Ramanand Ashram located in Shravan Nath Nagar of Haridwar quite close to the Haridwar Railway Station is the central Ashram of the Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar. This Ashram is presently running under the leadership of Mahant Bhagwan Das.

Location: At Kankhal approximately 4 kilometers from Haridwar
Anandamayi Maa Ashram positioned at Kankhal approximately 4 kilometers from Haridwar is the head office of the Anandamayi Maa Organization where the Samadhi of the Maa is also located.

Location: 6 kilometers from the Haridwar Railway Station
Shantikunj, the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) a leading spiritual and social organization is located about 6 kilometers from the Haridwar Railway Station towards Rishikesh and Dehradun on National Highway No 58. Established in the year 1971 at Haridwar by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, AWGP has now emerged as a center of the Yug Nirman Yojana, a global movement for the ‘Reconstruction of the Era’ in the light of ancient Indian heritage. Shantikunj, located in the midst of a peaceful and serene ambiance has also rendered itself an attraction for the tourists, peace seekers and the aspirants of the spiritual guidance.

Location: At Haridwar on Haridwar-Delhi Highway
Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust) located at Haridwar on Haridwar-Delhi Highway is a Research Center that works in the field of Medical Science, Yoga and Ayurveda. Commissioned on 6th April 2006 under the guidance of Yogrishi Swami Ramdevji Maharaj, this institute undertakes qualitative research to define Yoga and Ayurveda on the parameters of modern medical science.

Location: In a village named Kaliyar about 7 kilometers from Roorkee
Piran Kaliyar, situated in a village named Kaliyar about 7 kilometers from Roorkee is a Dargah dedicated to a 13th century Sufi Saint of Chishti Order named Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari. Constructed by a Delhi Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi, this Dargah is also known as Sarkar Sabir Pak. Visited by the devotees of different religious backgrounds from every corner of the globe, Piran Kaliyar is a living epitome of religious harmony in India. Piran Kaliyar is especially renowned for its Urus Festival that is celebrated in the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Awwal from the 1st day of sighting the moon for next 15 days. Jillions of devotees flock Piran Kaliyar at the time of Urus Festival.

Location: 2 kilometers from the town at Sapt Sarovar Road
Pawan Dham, a branch of Geeta Bhawan Trust Society of Moga in Punjab is located about 2 kilometers from the town at Sapt Sarovar Road in Haridwar. Founded by Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj, Pawan Dham is particularly reckoned for its Pawan Dham Temple ornately decorated with dazzling glasswork and beautiful idols.

Location: Just 300 meters from Har Ki Pauri
Bhimgoda Tank located just 300 meters from Har Ki Pauri derives its name from Bhima, the second of the five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. As the legend goes, this water tank was created when Bhima struck his knee (goda) against the ground. When Pandavas were on their way to the Himalayas, Bhima felt thirsty near Haridwar. He thrust his knee against the earth and stream of water flew out of it. Today, the waters of the Ganges flow into Bhimgoda Tank through a man made canal. A dam is also constructed here and the milieu is ornamented with a number of attractive fountains and artificial waterfalls. Bhimgoda Tank is enclosed by a beautifully landscaped garden abundant with stunning floral beds. Apart from being a water resource, the Bhimgoda Tank of Haridwar overloaded with scenic pulchritude also serves as a wonderful picnic spot and an astonishing tourist destination.

Location: 3.5 kilometers from the city Haridwar on the banks of the river Ganga at the Bhimgoda Barrage
Positioned just 3.5 kilometers from the city Haridwar on the banks of the river Ganga at the Bhimgoda Barrage, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a natural habitat for different species of migratory birds and a famous bird watching point. This place is particularly acknowledged for Siberian Cranes that can be spotted here during the winter months. >

Location: On the east banks of the Ganges
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary located on the east banks of the Ganges was established in the year 1977. Sprawling over an extensive area of about 249 square kilometers, this sanctuary along with Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries comprises Rajaji National Park. Situated approximately 10 kilometers from Haridwar, the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary provides a natural habitat to a variety of fauna including elephants, tigers, bears and small cats. The sanctuary is mostly inhabited by elephants and various species of birds. Wildlife Safaries and Elephant Rides in the sanctuary is an interesting and exciting activity arranged for the tourists here. The best season to pay a visit to the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to June.

Location: At the foothills of the Himalayas
Rajaji National Park, nested at the foothills of the Himalayas encompassing the Shivalik Mountain Ranges was constituted in the year 1983 by merging the three wildlife sanctuaries namely Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji. Spread over a far reaching area of 820 sq km, this National Park covers three districts of the state of Uttarakhand viz. Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. Rajaji National Park is christened in the honor of C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent Freedom Fighter, the last Governor-General of independent India and one of the initial recipients of Bharat Ratna. Rajaji National Park comprises tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, especially the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests eco region. The vegetation of the National Park can be divided into six types: Sal forest, Mixed forest, Riverine forest, Scrub forest, Grassland and Sub-tropical pine forest.
The fauna of the Rajaji National Park is affluent with 23 species of mammals and 315 species of birds. The park is acclaimed as having the largest population of Elephants in the state of Uttarakhand. The animals and birds found in Rajaji National Park include Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, leopards, jungle cat, wild boar, sloth bear, Striped Hyena, Jackal, Himalayan yellow throated marten, Himalayan Black Bear, deer, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Goral, Rhesus macaque, Indian langur, Monitor lizard, Indian Porcupine, Indian Hare, King Cobra, Python, kingfishers woodpeckers, pea fowl, Great Pied Hornbill, pheasants, barbets, fire tailed sunbird, and a number of migratory birds. Ranipur, Motichur and Chilla Gates of Rajaji National Park are located about 9 kilometers from Haridwar.

Location: On the banks of the river Ganga on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road in Kankhal
Gurukul Kangri University located on the banks of the river Ganga on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road in Kankhal is one of the oldest Universities of India. Established by Swami Shraddhananda in the year 1902, this university follows the principles preached by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj. Gurukul Kangri University has maintained the unique Gurukul based education system of ancient India even today. The curriculum of this university consists of the Ancient Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Philosophy and Ayurveda apart from Modern Sciences and Journalism. Even British Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald and British Trade Union leader Charles Freer Andrews paid a visit to the Gurukul Kangri University to witness the ancient Gurukul based education system of India. Gurukul Kangri University is specially acclaimed for its Archaeological Museum that houses some rare collection of statues, artifacts, paintings, manuscripts and coins dated back to Harappa and other erstwhile Indian cultures dating back to 2500 to 1500 BCE. This Archaeological Museum was set up in the year 1945. Gurukul Kangri University was visited by the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi thrice. He had stayed in the university campus for extended periods, the most noteworthy being the stay at the time of 1915 Kumbh Mela. He also attended the anniversary function of the university on 20th March 1916 when he delivered an impressive speech.

Location: 0.5 km from Har Ki Pauri
Kushavarta Ghat located about 0.5 km from Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sought after religious destinations in Haridwar where people perform Shraddha Rituals for their departed ancestors. The Kushavarta Ghat was constructed by Ahilyabai Holkar. As per the legend, Dattatreya had performed here a severe penance standing on one foot for thousand years.

Location: 25 kilometers from Haridwar
Rishikesh , located just 25 kilometers from Haridwar is another much venerated pilgrim destination of Northern India. It is said that Lord Vishnu being appeased by the penance of ‘Raibhya Rishi’ appeared before him under a mango tree at Rishikesh. Apart from that, Lord Ram is believed to have performed a penance here before attacking Ravana. The widely reckoned Lakshman Jhula of Rishikesh is the place where the River Ganga was crossed by Lakshmana; the brother of Lord Ram. Rishikesh is famous for a number of holy temples situated on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh nicknamed as the world capital of Yoga houses innumerable Yoga centers. It is believed that taking a dip into the holy waters of Ganga and meditating at Rishikesh helps you to attain Moksha. This beginning point of the Char Dham Yatra is a must visit destination around Haridwar.