10 Must Visit Places in Haridwar and Rishikesh

Haridwar and Rishikesh are twin national heritage cities of India, Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The twin holy cites are starting point for traveler to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage places and also famous for trekking destinations, camping , wildlife and a popular yoga destination.

Haridwar located at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges, on the right bank of the Ganga river and a holy place for Hindus. The city is also a gateway for the Char Dham in Uttarakhand that includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri is the most popular and must visit ghat of river Ganga in Haridwar and a major landmark of the holy city. The ghat host Kumbha Mela, Ganga Aarti, Ardh Kumbh Mela and the Brahmakund is the spot where the drops of Amrit fell over from the sky.

Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Haridwar

Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Kankhal town, dedicated to Lord Shiva and named for King Daksha Prajapati. The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev and Sati Kund in Kankhal is a must visit place in Haridwar along with Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh.

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple of Haridwar is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, situated atop on the Neel Parvat and also known as Neel Parvat Teerth. The temple is one of the most ancient temples of India and a must visit place for the pilgrims visiting Haridwar.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi of Haridwar, one of the Panch Tirth within Haridwar city. The temple offers views of the River Ganges and a popular temple of Goddess Mansa Devi in India, There is a Mandir of Mata Mansa Devi in Panchkula and Chandi Mata Mandir in Chandigarh.

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple in the holy city of Haridwar is one of three such Peethas of Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. The temple along with Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple are three ancient temples of Haridwar.

Rishikesh city is known as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and also Yoga Capital of the World. The city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, 45 km from the city of Haridwar and famous for Hindu sages and saints.

Ram Jhula, Rishikesh

Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge across the river Ganges in Rishikesh, connects the Sivananda with Muni Ki Reti. The bridge is bigger than Lakshman Jhula and is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh.

Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge connects the Tapovan and Jonk, Another iconic bridge in Rishikesh after Ram Jhula. The suspension bridge across the river Ganges located on the outskirts of the city.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is situated about 32 km from Rishikesh and a popular Hindu temple surrounded by mountain ranges of Nar-Narayan and dense forest. The temple is dedicated to Nilkanth aspect of Lord Shiva and is the place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison and made his throat blue in color.

Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh

Muni Ki Reti on the band of river Ganges is known for its ashrams, located close to the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh. The Sand of the sages, became a very popular destination for yoga and meditation.

Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh

Triveni Ghat is the most popular and must visit ghat in Rishikesh at the banks of Ganges. The ghat is famed for the Ganga aarti and Gita Mandir and Lakshminarayan Temple are near by to visit.

– Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park near the foothills of the Himalayas is a national park and tiger reserve with Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries. The tiger reserve has several entry gates from the cities of Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Rajaji park house 315 species of birds and a habitat for number of wild animals including Tigers and Leopards along with Goral, Himalayan black bear, King cobra and Asian elephant.