Haridwar is one of the most common first stops for travelers flying into Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport — it’s one of the four holiest sites in Hinduism, sits right on the banks of the Ganga where it exits the Himalayas, and is easily reachable within an hour of landing. Whether you’re here for the Ganga Aarti, a pilgrimage, or just a day of temple-hopping, here’s a local’s guide to making the most of it.
Quick Overview: Haridwar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Dehradun Airport | 35–40 km |
| Travel Time from Airport | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best For | Pilgrimage, Ganga Aarti, temples, spiritual retreats |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March (cooler weather) |
| Ideal Trip Length | 1–2 days |
1. Har Ki Pauri — The Main Ghat
This is the heart of Haridwar. Har Ki Pauri is the ghat where the Ganga is believed to have first touched earth, and it’s where the evening Ganga Aarti takes place — a genuinely moving ceremony with hundreds of diyas (oil lamps) floating on the river as priests perform rituals with fire. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early during peak season (weekends, festivals) to get a decent spot.
2. Ganga Aarti Timings
The aarti timing shifts slightly with the season — generally around 6:00–6:30 PM in winter and 7:00–7:30 PM in summer. It’s worth checking the exact time on the day, since it’s tied to sunset. This is the single most recommended experience in Haridwar, and most itineraries are built around being at Har Ki Pauri by aarti time.
3. Mansa Devi Temple
Perched on a hilltop, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is reachable by a cable car (ropeway) or a moderate uphill walk. The ropeway ride itself gives you sweeping views over Haridwar and the Ganga — worth doing even if you’re not particularly drawn to the trek up.
4. Chandi Devi Temple
Another hilltop temple, this one across the river on Neel Parvat, also accessible by cable car. Slightly less crowded than Mansa Devi, and a good add-on if you have a full day and want a quieter temple experience.
5. Maya Devi Temple
One of the oldest temples in Haridwar and considered one of the Siddha Peethas (sacred sites) in the region. It’s smaller and less touristy than the hilltop temples, making it a good stop if you want a quieter, more traditional temple visit.
6. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you have extra time and want a break from temples, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Haridwar, is home to elephants and a wide variety of birdlife. Jeep safaris can be arranged locally, best in early morning.
7. Local Bazaars Near Har Ki Pauri
The lanes around Har Ki Pauri are packed with shops selling brass idols, rudraksha malas, Ayurvedic products, and Haridwar’s well-known sweets — try the local peda and jalebi. It’s a good spot for an hour of wandering before or after the aarti.
8. Patanjali Yogpeeth (For the Curious)
On the outskirts of the city, this is the large campus associated with Baba Ramdev’s yoga and Ayurveda institution. Not a must-visit for everyone, but if you’re interested in yoga or Ayurveda, it’s worth a stop and has a museum on-site.
Suggested Itinerary
Half Day (if combined with Rishikesh): Har Ki Pauri → local bazaar → Ganga Aarti in the evening
Full Day: Add Mansa Devi Temple (ropeway) in the morning, Maya Devi Temple, then Har Ki Pauri for the evening aarti
2 Days: Add Chandi Devi Temple and Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, with more time to explore at a relaxed pace
Haridwar or Rishikesh First?
A common question for travelers flying into Dehradun Airport: since both towns are close to each other (about 25 km apart) and both close to the airport, many visitors combine them into one trip. If you only have one day, Rishikesh tends to offer more variety (temples, rafting, cafes, viewpoints), while Haridwar is the stronger choice if the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri specifically is your priority — it’s considered by many to be the more traditional, larger-scale version of the ceremony.
Getting Around Haridwar
The area around Har Ki Pauri is walkable, and most of the well-known ghats and bazaars are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other. For the hilltop temples (Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi) and anything outside the main town, a taxi or auto is the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re short on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Haridwar from Dehradun Airport?
Haridwar is approximately 35–40 km from Jolly Grant Airport, roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic.
Q: What time is the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri?
It’s held daily around sunset — approximately 6:00–6:30 PM in winter and 7:00–7:30 PM in summer. Exact timing shifts slightly by season.
Q: Is one day enough to see Haridwar?
Yes, one day covers the main highlights — Har Ki Pauri, one or two temples, and the evening aarti. Two days allows a more relaxed pace with the hilltop temples and wildlife sanctuary.
Q: Can I visit both Haridwar and Rishikesh in one day from the airport?
It’s possible but tight, since they’re about 25 km apart. Most travelers either split it across two days or dedicate a full day to just one of the two.
Q: Is Haridwar crowded during festivals?
Yes, especially during Kumbh Mela years, Kanwar Yatra (July–August), and major festivals like Diwali. Expect significantly larger crowds and plan extra travel time during these periods.
Planning Your Trip to Haridwar?
If you’re landing at Jolly Grant Airport and heading to Haridwar for the Ganga Aarti or a pilgrimage visit, we offer direct airport transfers with drivers who know the route and timing well — including combined Haridwar–Rishikesh trips if you’re covering both.