Hey fellow wanderers! Sahil is here, and I’m thrilled to share the soulful journey my cousins and I had to the religious city of Haridwar. Come with me to Haridwar, a sacred city in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It’s a place where spirituality fills the air and every corner is touched by devotion. Join me on a spiritual journey as we explore the spiritual wonders that Haridwar has to offer.
Route from Hastinapur to Haridwar :
Me and my cousins set off on a road trip by car from Hastinapur to Haridwar. It took us about 2 hours and 48 minutes to cover the 121 km. We laughed, shared stories, and looked forward to the spiritual adventure ahead.
Accommodation in Haridwar :
We stayed at the K K Renuka Dharamshala in Haridwar, where the accommodation cost between Rs. 700 and Rs. 1000. The simple yet comforting atmosphere was just what we needed for our pilgrimage.
Places to visit in Haridwar :
- Har Ki Pauri: We started our pilgrimage at the iconic Har Ki Pauri, where we witnessed the mesmerising Ganga Aarti. The sight of flickering diyas, rhythmic chants, and the flowing river made it feel like a heavenly symphony. To fully enjoy the experience, it’s best to arrive early and find a good spot for peace.
- Mansa Devi Temple: We took a quick drive to the base of the Shivalik Hills and hopped on a cable car to reach Mansa Devi Temple. The view of Haridwar from the cable car was breathtaking! The temple, devoted to Mansa Devi, gave us a peaceful retreat and a moment to reflect.
- Chandi Devi Temple: The trek to Chandi Devi Temple was an adventure in itself. With greenery all around, it wasn’t just spiritually uplifting but also gave us stunning views of the Ganges and the city. When we reached the temple at the top of Neel Parvat, it felt like a peaceful oasis, and we felt proud of our achievement.
- Daksh Mahadev Temple: We continued our exploration and visited Daksh Mahadev Temple. This old temple is all about Lord Shiva and has stories from mythology attached to it. The calm atmosphere and beautiful architecture made it a special place to uncover.
Best time to visit Haridwar:
The ideal time to visit Haridwar is from October to February, especially during the peak season, when you might encounter some crowds. From March to June, the weather is moderate, making it a good time to visit without facing large crowds.
Essential things to carry:
- Carry a small backpack with essentials like sunscreen, hand sanitiser, and any personal medication you may need.
- Haridwar can be hot, so wear light and comfortable clothing.
- Carry comfortable footwear.
- Pack your water bottle and first aid box for the trip.
Tips for travellers:
- If visiting temples, it’s advisable to dress modestly.
- Wear comfortable footwear, as you might need to walk a fair bit, especially around the ghats and temples.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to attend the Ganga Aarti or explore the temples.
- If you plan to offer prayers at the temples, it’s a good idea to carry flowers or other traditional offerings.
- Capture the spiritual ambience, but remember to be respectful, especially during religious ceremonies.
Our entire pilgrimage, including travel and accommodation, cost us Rs. 10,000, showing that a spiritual journey can be affordable. Also, our trip to Haridwar was a beautiful mix of spirituality, family togetherness, and finding peace in something bigger than us.
I wish you many peaceful and meaningful journeys of your own!
