Haridwar marks the point where the Ganga leaves the Himalayas for the plains, and has been a major Hindu pilgrimage centre for over two thousand years. Its ghats — especially Har Ki Pauri, the site of a spectacular nightly Ganga Aarti — draw pilgrims and travellers year-round, alongside its role as one of four Kumbh Mela host cities.
The Story of Haridwar
Haridwar's name translates roughly to "Gateway to God" (or, read the other way, "Gateway to Shiva") and it is counted among Hinduism's seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri). Ancient texts including the Puranas reference the site as Gangadwar — the point where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and reaches the plains, making it sacred to pilgrims for over two millennia.
The city's most iconic ghat, Har Ki Pauri, is believed to mark the spot where drops of amrita, the mythical nectar of immortality, fell to earth during the churning of the cosmic ocean — the same legend that underpins the Kumbh Mela. Haridwar is one of only four cities (with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain) that host this vast pilgrimage gathering, held here roughly every twelve years and drawing millions of devotees.
Beyond its religious status, Haridwar has long served as a practical gateway too — historically a trading town linking the plains to the Himalayan pilgrimage routes further north, and today the nearest major railhead and transit hub for Rishikesh and the wider Garhwal Himalayan region.
Top Places to Visit in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti & Kumbh Mela — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
How to Reach Haridwar
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Haridwar Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Haridwar is about 214 km from Delhi, roughly 4–5 hours by cab via Meerut and Roorkee.
It's Haridwar's holiest ghat, believed to be where drops of the mythical nectar of immortality fell to earth, and it hosts a spectacular nightly Ganga Aarti that's one of the city's biggest draws.
Yes — Haridwar is one of four cities (along with Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain) that host the Kumbh Mela on a rotating roughly twelve-year cycle.
Yes, easily — the two cities are only about 25 km apart and are commonly combined into a single 2–3 day pilgrimage trip.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Delhi to Haridwar, with the full fare breakup shown before you confirm your booking.