Top 12 Haridwar
tourist places.

The beating heart of Haridwar. Known as the "Steps of the Lord" — where Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint. The Brahma Kund section is where a drop of amrita fell during the churning of the cosmic ocean, making it the holiest bathing ghat in India. Every evening at sunset, the Ganga Aarti transforms the ghat into a sea of flickering lamps and Sanskrit chants.

Perched atop Bilwa Parvat, one of the five Siddha Peethas of Haridwar. Goddess Mansa — a form of Shakti emerged from the mind of Sage Kashyap — is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees. Devotees tie sacred threads on a wish-granting tree and return to untie them when their wish is fulfilled. The ropeway offers stunning views of the Ganges plains stretching to the horizon.

On Neel Parvat across the Ganga, also known as Neel Parvat Teerth. Believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Goddess Chandi — the fierce form of Parvati — defeated the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha here. A 3 km trek or a short ropeway ride takes you to the summit. Festival time during Chandi Chaudas and Navratri is spectacular.

One of India's 51 Shakti Peethas — where Goddess Sati's heart and navel are believed to have fallen. Along with Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, Maya Devi completes the Triad of Haridwar's Shakti temples. Quieter and less crowded than the hilltop temples, with beautiful 11th-century stone carvings.

Located in Kankhal, 4 km from Haridwar. This is the site of King Daksha Prajapati's yajna where his daughter Sati — consort of Shiva — immolated herself. The present temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and rebuilt in 1962. An important pilgrimage spot for Shaivaite devotees, especially on Maha Shivaratri.

A replica of the famous Vaishno Devi temple in Kashmir, marked by tunnels and caves that lead to the inner sanctum. Houses three deities — Lakshmi, Kali, and Saraswati — along with replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. After climbing a flight of steep stairs and crawling through a narrow tunnel, devotees are blessed with the sight of Maa Vaishno Devi. Believed to be built in memory of Trikuta, a devotee of Lord Ram.

An 8-storey temple dedicated not to a god, but to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Each floor represents a different era of Indian history, with statues of freedom fighters, saints, and heroes. Inaugurated by Indira Gandhi in 1983. A uniquely patriotic stop with views of the Ganga valley from the top floor.

A vast spiritual retreat founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Offers yoga, meditation, Vedic studies, and yagna ceremonies. Open to all visitors — no appointment needed. A powerful antidote to the frenetic energy of the ghats.

Swami Ramdev's sprawling yoga and ayurveda university. Offers short courses, panchakarma therapies, and free yoga camps. Even if you're not doing a course, the campus architecture and herb gardens are worth a visit.

The famous iron suspension bridge across the Ganga, 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river. Built in 1929, it connects the villages of Tapovan and Jonk. It is believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the river at this site. Grand temples and famous markets line both sides of the bridge, making the whole area a renowned attraction.

A 450-foot iron suspension bridge built in 1986 by the PWD. Connects Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti to Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal. Around 3 km from central Rishikesh — a pleasant walk through holy ashrams, Hindu centres, and temples. Open to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes.

32 km from Rishikesh through dense forests. According to legend, this is where Lord Shiva drank the poison churned from the cosmic ocean, turning his throat blue (neel-kanth). Beautiful mountain drive with waterfall stops along the way.