Haridwar Travel Guide from Delhi: Best Tips, Itinerary & Experience
Haridwar isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience that blends spirituality, peace, old-world charm and the calmness of the Ganga. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a soulful break from your busy Delhi life, Haridwar has a way of slowing you down and grounding you.
This blog covers Delhi to Haridwar journey, places to visit, food, stay options, itinerary, budget, travel tips, and my personal perspective as someone who loves meaningful travel.
Delhi to Haridwar – My Journey
Leaving Delhi early in the morning, the roads were calm, skies slightly golden, and NH334 was surprisingly smooth.
The Delhi–Haridwar route is around 220 km, taking 4.5–6 hours depending on traffic.
Places to Visit in Haridwar
1. Har Ki Pauri – The heart of Haridwar. The Ganga Aarti here is powerful — the chants, the lamps, the river flowing beside you… it feels divine.
Don’t miss:
- Evening Ganga Aarti
- Ganga snan at Brahmakund
- Photography from the bridge
2. Mansa Devi Temple (Ropeway Ride) – Located atop Bilwa Parvat, accessed either by ropeway or a scenic trek.
Famous for: Wishes being fulfilled
Best time: Early morning to avoid queues
3. Chandi Devi Temple – Another Shaktipeeth accessible by ropeway. The view from the top makes the ride worth it.
4. Ganga Ghat Walk – Walk along different ghats like Subhash Ghat, Vishnu Ghat, and Gau Ghat. Each has a unique vibe and peaceful corners for relaxation.
5. Patanjali Yogpeeth – For yoga lovers, a short visit here is refreshing. You’ll find herbal stores, meditation spaces, and wellness centers.
6. Bharat Mata Mandir – An 8-floor temple dedicated to India’s heritage, culture, and unity.
Where & What to Eat in Haridwar
Haridwar is heaven for vegetarian food lovers.
Must-try food:
- Aloo Puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale
- Kachori Sabzi near Har Ki Pauri
- Lassi at Prakash Lok
- Chole Bhature at Hoshiyarpuri
- Kadhi Pakoda & hot Jalebi on the streets
For dinner, mid-range family restaurants like Dada Boudir Hotel, Chotiwala, and Pandit Ji Poori Wale are popular.
Stay Options in Haridwar (Luxury to Budget-Friendly)
Luxury Stays (INR 4000+)
Haveli Hari Ganga – A heritage luxury property offering royal interiors, peaceful ambience, and direct access to the Ganga. Perfect for travellers seeking comfort, history, and a spiritual riverside experience.
📍 Address: Pilibhit House, Ram Ghat, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Haveli Hari Ganga Haridwar”
Ganga Lahari – Premium riverside stay located at Har Ki Pauri — elegant rooms, excellent service, and stunning Ganga views. Ideal for couples or anyone wanting a luxury spiritual stay.
📍 Address: Har Ki Pauri, Near Subhash Ghat, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Ganga Lahari Haridwar”
Mid-Range Stays (INR 1800–3500)
1. Regenta Orkos Haridwar – A modern stay with spacious rooms, good dining options, spa, and great connectivity. Suitable for families and business travellers.
📍 Address: Haridwar–Rishikesh Highway, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Regenta Orkos Haridwar”
2. Hotel Urmi – Comfortable and homely stay with clean rooms and good hospitality — peaceful yet close to major attractions.
📍 Address: Motichur, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Hotel Urmi Haridwar”
3. La Casa Hotel – A boutique-style hotel offering cozy rooms and a calm environment near the railway station. Great value for money.
📍 Address: Near Railway Station, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “La Casa Hotel Haridwar”
Budget-Friendly Stays (INR 800–1500)
1. Hotel Thakur Ji – Simple, neat, and budget-friendly accommodation close to Har Ki Pauri. Ideal for short spiritual trips and budget travellers.
📍 Address: Har Ki Pauri Road, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Hotel Thakur Ji Haridwar”
2. Hotel Ganga View – Affordable rooms with quick access to ghats and local markets — perfect for pilgrims and families on a budget.
📍 Address: Near Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, Haridwar
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Hotel Ganga View Haridwar”
3. Zostel Rishikesh (20–30 mins away) – A lively backpacker hostel offering clean dorms and private rooms. Great for solo travellers and groups seeking a social, youthful vibe.
📍 Address: Near Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
🔗 View on Google Maps: search “Zostel Rishikesh”
How to Travel from Delhi to Haridwar
Travelling from Delhi to Haridwar is smooth and convenient, with multiple transport options depending on your budget and comfort. I personally chose to hire a car, which made the journey flexible and comfortable.
1. Hired Car / Private Cab (My Mode of Travel)
I hired a car for this trip, and it turned out to be the most convenient option. The route was smooth, the drive was scenic, and I could stop whenever I wanted for food or photos.
Ideal for: Families, couples, friends, or anyone wanting a relaxed, flexible journey.
Travel time: 4.5 – 6 hours
Benefits:
- Door-to-door travel
- Comfortable for long journeys
- No waiting time
- Great for sunrise or late-night starts
2. Self-Drive Car
If you enjoy road trips, driving yourself from Delhi to Haridwar is a great experience.
Route: NH334 via Meerut – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee
Travel time: 4.5 – 6 hours
Why choose this:
- Full control over the trip
- Perfect for weekend getaways
- Smooth and well-maintained highway
3. Volvo / AC Bus
Regular buses run from Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Haridwar throughout the day.
Travel time: 5 – 7 hours
Types of buses:
- AC Volvo
- Non-AC sleeper
- Government-operated Uttarakhand Roadways
Best for: Solo travellers or budget-friendly journeys
4. Train from Delhi to Haridwar
Trains are fast, affordable, and very convenient.
Travel time: 4 – 5 hours
Popular trains:
- Jan Shatabdi Express
- Haridwar Mail
- Mussoorie Express
Best for: Those who want quick and cheap travel
5. Taxi Ride-Share / App-Based Cabs
Platforms like Savaari, Gozo, and local taxi operators offer shared or private options.
Best for: Groups or those wanting cheaper private travel
Travel time: Same as car (5 hours approx.)
6. Nearest Airport (If Coming from Another City)
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (35–40 km from Haridwar).
From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Haridwar.
This is useful if travellers are flying into Delhi and then going onward.
Haridwar Itinerary (2 Days) – From Delhi
Day 1 – Arrival + Ghats + Ganga Aarti
Morning: Travel from Delhi to Haridwar
- Start early around 5:00–6:00 AM
- Smooth drive via NH334 (since you hired a car)
- Breakfast stop options: Meerut / Muzaffarnagar highway dhabas
Afternoon: Check-in & Relax
- Check-in to your hotel (preferably near Har Ki Pauri)
- Freshen up and have lunch
- Walk around local markets for a warm Haridwar vibe
Evening: Explore Har Ki Pauri
- Visit Har Ki Pauri ghat
- Spend some time sitting by the river
- Experience the calmness and flow of Ganga
Night: Ganga Aarti (Highlight of the Trip)
- Reach the ghat by 5:30–6:00 PM to get a good spot
- Watch the beautiful Aarti with lamps, chants, and river reflections
- Grab dinner at Hoshiyarpuri / Chotiwala
- Optional: A peaceful walk along the ghats
Day 2 – Temples + Ropeways + City Exploration
Early Morning: Sunrise by the Ganga
- Visit the ghat for a quiet sunrise moment
- Optional: Take a Ganga snan at Brahmakund
Morning: Mansa Devi Temple
- Take the ropeway for a scenic ride
- Explore temple surroundings and enjoy hilltop views
Midday: Chandi Devi Temple
- Take a ropeway from the other side (Udan Khatola)
- Both temples can be covered comfortably by afternoon
Lunch Break
- Try local favourites like Aloo Puri, Kachori, or Lassi
- Or go to a restaurant near the market
Afternoon: Bharat Mata Mandir / Patanjali Yogpeeth
Choose based on your interest:
- Bharat Mata Mandir – 8-floor cultural temple
- Patanjali Yogpeeth – wellness, meditation, and herbal products
Evening: Return Journey to Delhi
- Start back around 4:00–5:00 PM
- Reach Delhi by night depending on traffic
Haridwar Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Travel (Delhi–Haridwar–Delhi) | 800–1200 (bus) / 1500–2000 (train) / 1500–2000 (car split) |
| Stay (1 night) | 1000–3000 |
| Food | 400–800 |
| Ropeway Tickets (Mansa Devi + Chandi Devi) | 350–600 |
| Local Transport / Auto | 150–300 |
| Miscellaneous (snacks, shopping, donation) | 200–400 |
| Total Estimated Budget | 2600 – 6500 |
Travel Tips for Haridwar
- Start early from Delhi to avoid traffic and enjoy a smoother drive on NH334.
- Stay near Har Ki Pauri if you want easy access to ghats, temples, and markets.
- Reach 45 minutes early for Ganga Aarti to get a good viewing spot.
- Carry light footwear like slippers; shoes can be inconvenient at ghats.
- Keep some cash handy, as many street vendors and shops may not accept digital payments.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or taking a dip in the Ganga.
- Avoid carrying expensive items to the ghat during peak hours.
- Be mindful during Ganga snan — stay near designated safe zones.
- Ropeway queues can be long, so visit Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi early in the day.
- Hydrate well and carry a small water bottle, especially if visiting in warmer months.
- Try local food carefully if you have a sensitive stomach (Haridwar has delicious but rich street food).
- Respect the spiritual atmosphere — photography is restricted in some temple areas.
- Travel during weekdays for fewer crowds and a calmer experience.
Haridwar is more than just a pilgrimage site; it’s an experience that connects you with ancient traditions, spirituality, and nature. Whether you’re there to seek spiritual solace, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, or simply soak in the tranquility of the Ganga, Haridwar offers a rich and fulfilling journey.
TRAVEL AND HEAL 