Haridwar is a major pilgrimage city on the Ganga and the main railhead for Rishikesh and the Char Dham routes. The evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri is the signature experience. It is very crowded on festival days.
About this page: The 2027 Ardh Kumbh dates come from news reports (PTI) and were not checked against the mela administration. Distances are approximate. Other details are approximate and from general knowledge and secondary sources.
Things to see
- Har Ki Pauri aarti. Evening Ganga aarti at dusk. Arrive early; the ghat fills up.
- Mansa Devi Temple. Hill temple reached by ropeway or on foot.
- Chandi Devi Temple. Hilltop temple across the river, reached by ropeway or trek.
- Maya Devi Temple. One of the older temples in the city.
How to reach Haridwar
By road
About 200 km from Delhi, typically 4-5 hours; Rishikesh is about 25 km north.
By rail
Haridwar Junction has frequent trains from Delhi and other major cities.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, then road.
Where to stay
Hotels and dharamshalas around Har Ki Pauri, Bhupatwala and the railway station area. Book ahead for festival dates.
Food
Largely vegetarian local food; sweets such as kachori-sabzi and lassi are common breakfasts.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Festivals bring large crowds. The Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar is reported (PTI, April 2026) to run from 14 January to 20 April 2027, with bathing days including 14 January, 6 February, 20 February, 6 March, 8 March, 14 April and 20 April. Expect very heavy crowds and traffic controls; confirm the schedule with the mela administration. The Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan (July-August) also brings heavy crowds and traffic restrictions.
Safety
- Hold on to bags and phones in crowded ghats.
- Do not swim at the ghats during high flow.
Tips
- Book hotels near Har Ki Pauri early for festival dates.
- Check road diversions during the Kanwar Yatra.
Plan around Haridwar
Itineraries that include it
- Haridwar temples and Ganga Aarti (1 day)
- Rishikesh and Haridwar in two days (2 days)
- Garhwal exploration in a week (7 days)
- Char Dham Yatra in 11 days (11 days)
- Spiritual journey: Haridwar to Rudraprayag (8 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kumbh Mela at Haridwar?
It is held every 12 years, with an Ardh Kumbh at the midpoint. The 2027 Ardh Kumbh is reported to run from 14 January to 20 April 2027; confirm exact bathing dates with the mela administration.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.