Haridwar is one of the best spiritual destinations in India for everyone seeking some peace and positivity in their life. Located by the gushing river of Ganga which is the focus of the famous Ganga Aarti in the evening, this place radiates nothing but an incredible sense of tranquil aura that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. Haridwar is one place that is dotted on every side by various types of temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses making the atmosphere here extremely pure and serene. From the moment you set foot in this place a deep feeling of peace from within will take over your senses and make you feel refreshed.
However, there is so much more to Haridwar than the above-mentioned things. It’s a place of recreation, adventure, and fun. Here are some places which should definitely be on your list if you plan on visiting this holy city:
Chidiyapur Forest Range
Situated at a distance of fewer than 30 kms from the city center of Haridwar, this forest range is one of the lesser-known and the most offbeat destinations to explore around Haridwar. This is an ideal getaway place for not only people from outside but also for people who wish to get some time off from the crazy bustle of the town. Steeped in natural beauty and refreshing vibes this place guarantees a wonderful experience in all. You can also choose to stay in a forest resort here since it is not located at a far away distance from the main tourist sightseeing places.
Bharat Mata Temple
As the name suggests this temple, which is dedicated to Mother India is a glistening white structure that is famous for its multi-structural stories and a major part of the Haridwar local sightseeing tour. The fascinating part about this temple which was opened for devotees during the year 1983, is that each floor of the temple is dedicated to various legends and deities that are held at an extremely high accord. You can pay your respects to Bharat Mata on the 1st floor itself and apart from another Bharat Mata Temple this is a pretty unique place of worship and definitely worth a visit.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji national park is now becoming one of the most prominent national parks and tiger reserves in India. Panning out over an expansive and lush area of 820 sq. km. and over the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal this place is very offbeat and an ideal location for everyone to have a fulfilling time. Flowing through the park and serving as the water hole for a large biodiversity of flora and fauna are the rivers of Ganga and Song. Filled with incredible lush greenery this place is sure a treat for adventure lovers and bird watchers as well.
Mansa Devi Temple
Nestled amidst the natural beauty on top of the hillock of Bilwa Parvat forming the Shivalik ranges, as the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi a manifestation of goddess Parvati. Getting here is an adventure in itself, which can be done via a ropeway cable car ride or on foot by trekking your way up. The idol of the presiding goddess here is very unique since she displays 3 mouths and 5 arms which is very symbolic of a form of Shakti. Every devotee of Goddess Shakti makes it a point to visit this important Shakti Peeth at least once in a lifetime.
Saptrishi Ashram
Haridwar is a very popular destination for people seeking to spend their time meditating or some time in peace. This place is named after the holy 7 rishis or saints who are believed to have performed meditation here. This site was also chosen by them who deemed them ideal to perform meditation. Because of this reason the devotees of Hinduism have held this ashram at an extremely high accord and make their way to this place to find their inner peace by meditating. Apart from this one can even indulge in yoga activities along with being accompanied by an overall feeling of peace and happiness.
Vaishno Devi Temple
Often mistaken for the Vaishno Mata Shrine of Jammu and Kashmir, this temple in Haridwar is relatively newer but is also a very real replica of the temple in Jammu. Although not ancient the spiritual vibe here is omnipresent and is filled with a deep vibe of spirituality and purity. The way to the temple looks like a lot of effort has been put into the creation of the temple due to the presence of numerous caves and tunnels that works perfectly in creating an atmosphere that seems like you are in the original shrine of Vaishno Mata.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
If you are an avid bird watcher or just like to spend some time amongst the natural beauty of the Himalayas then this is just the place for you. Situated at a distance of just 3.5 km from Haridwar's main city, a pair of binoculars and some time in hand is all you need to explore this habitat of various colorful birds and other high-altitude creatures. Due to its very close proximity to the Ghats spending a day here would be like a surreal experience. If you are lucky then you may even get a chance to check out the famous Siberian crane here.
