A Journey Through Ghats, Temples, and Tastes That Make Haridwar Unforgettable

Photo by Rishu Bhosale on Unsplash

Haridwar: A Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Soul of India’s Spirituality — A Destination I Yearn to Go Back To
Some destinations don’t simply make an impression — they leave an imprint on your soul. Haridwar is one of them. It’s not a destination — it’s an experience that humbles, uplifts, and makes you feel alive. During my recent visit to Haridwar, I didn’t simply see the divine — I experienced it. From Ganga aarti to spicy street food chaats, from peaceful ghats to mad bazaars, each corner of the city held a tale of its own.

Sitting on the steps of Har Ki Pauri in the evening aarti, the hazy air filled with incense, temple chants all around, I can recall thinking, “This is the type of place I’d love to come back to, perhaps stay longer, and repeat this moment again and again.”

First Impressions: A City That Moves Your Spirit

To arrive in Haridwar was to enter a living legend. The city hums with the pilgrims’ chants, the swishing of marigold garlands, and the ceaseless rush of the sacred Ganges. It’s a melting pot of spirituality, culture, and age-old traditions.

Thanks to CheQin, I had already booked a hygienic, budget-friendly accommodation close to Har Ki Pauri. Their expertly filtered hotel recommendations based on traveler ratings got me a riverside guesthouse with a breathtaking view of the Ganga — for less than ₹1000 per night. More of that later, but let’s get into what makes Haridwar so unforgettable.

Har Ki Pauri — Where Time Stands Still

This is the heartbeat of Haridwar. Har Ki Pauri isn’t just a ghat — it’s a sanctum of devotion. I visited in the evening, just before sunset, and what unfolded next was simply magical. The Ganga Aarti here is an experience that words barely do justice to.

Priests in saffron robes walked in unison, carrying huge aarti plates, as the chant of “Har Har Gange” echoed through the air. Thousands joined hands, closed their eyes, folded their hands, and moved lips in silent prayer. I was among them, awed.

TIPS: Arrive at least 45 minutes before the aarti begins to find a good spot. You can also book a spot on a boat via local vendors to watch the ceremony from the water — it’s surreal.

Street Food Chronicles: A Flavor Explosion
Haridwar is a paradise for vegetarians, and even non-vegetarians won’t miss the meat here — it’s that delicious. Every street corner hides a flavor bomb.

Must-Try Dishes:

Aloo Puri at Mohan Ji Puri Wale: Hot and spicy aloo sabzi, served with tangy pickles. This shop near Har Ki Pauri is the stuff of legends. A line is to be expected.

Kachoris & Jalebis at Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan: I returned twice. Kachori crunch and the pungency of the sabzi followed by the warmth of jalebis — blissfully divine.

Chole Bhature from Bhagwati Chole Bhature: This place is packed near the railway station for a reason.

Kullad Lassi: Thick, creamy, and presented in terracotta pots. Found at a few stalls around the main market.

Rasmalai & Malai Ghewar from Hoshiyar Puri: An oldie but a goodie with heavenly sweets and thalis.

Tip: Do have some cash on hand. Though UPI is widely accepted, some smaller places still want hard cash.

Beyond The Ghats: Places and Stories That Transcended Me

1. Mansa Devi Temple

Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat hill, this temple of Goddess Mansa Devi provides breathtaking views of the city and the Ganga. I rode the ropeway (₹100 return) and saved time and energy.

Story I Heard: Locals say that if you bind a holy thread on the tree within the temple and make a wish, it will be fulfilled. I bound mine. Fingers crossed.

2. Chandi Devi Temple

Another temple on top of a hill, reachable by ropeway or beautiful hike. The ride gives a bird’s eye view of Haridwar and the glinting river below.

Pro Tip: Purchase a joint ropeway ticket for Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi to save money and skip lines.

3. Bharat Mata Mandir

This special temple is not dedicated to gods, but to Bharat Mata (Mother India) and honors Indian heritage on 8 floors — each floor detailing a different facet of the country’s glory. It’s patriotic and spiritual at the same time.

4. Daksha Mahadev Temple

A quieter, lesser-known gem in Kankhal. The temple itself is centuries old and has a mythological tie to Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. It’s peaceful, clean, and spiritually deep.

The Human Side of Haridwar: Stories From the Locals

I talked to some sadhus, merchants, and other pilgrims while I was in the city. One old sadhu whom I met at Har Ki Pauri told me his life story — he quit his corporate career in Delhi twenty years ago to stay in Haridwar. “Something happens within you if you come here and sit along the Ganga,” he said.

Another seller, Sunita Ji, who retailed rudraksha malas, gave me chai and reminisced about her upbringing in the city. “People come and go, but the Ganga stays. It sees everything.”

These tales lingered with me, layering depth to my experience.

How CheQin Made My Trip Easier

Budget travelling doesn’t have to equate to sacrificing comfort — and CheQin demonstrated just that.

What CheQin Did For Me
Budget Stays: I booked a riverside guesthouse via CheQin with clean rooms, hot showers, and walking distance from Har Ki Pauri — all under ₹1000/night. I filtered based on proximity, cleanliness score, and local reviews.

Last-Minute Bookings: One night, I changed locations for a better view and CheQin booked me a new room

Tips & Tricks For Traveling Haridwar Like a Pro

Footwear: Take open sandals so you can readily take them off. You are mostly barefoot at most places.

Bargaining: Bargain when shopping at the local markets — but with respect.

Stay Near the Ghat: Saves on transport and provides you with the convenience of watching the aarti several times.

Travel Light: Haridwar is best walked through. The lighter you are, the better you feel.

Water Bottles: Even though the Ganga is holy, never drink water directly from it but always filtered water for your safety.

Final Thoughts:

Why I’m Already Planning My Return
Haridwar is not all about temples and rituals — it’s about change. Each plunge into the Ganga is like dropping one of your old skins. Each prayer, each meal, each winding alley with its colorful confusion has something deep to say.

What made it even more unforgettable to me was the comfort and convenience cheQin offered. Rather than worrying about stay arrangements or planning, I was able to just immerse myself in the experience. From sipping lassi while observing pilgrims recite mantras to waking up to the ring of temple bells, Haridwar provided me with something I did not know I needed — calmness and happiness.

I’ll be back. Not only to see more, but to feel more. Haridwar, you lovely, messy, heavenly gem — you’ve got a part of my heart.

The Ultimate Haridwar Travel Blog: Where Divinity Meets Delicious Street Food