Haridwar, or formerly known as Gangadwar in the ancient times, is believed to be one of the holiest cities in the country. The city got its name from different beliefs of the people. The actual transliteration of Haridwar breaks down as Hari ka Dwar which means Gateway to Lord. It is the Ganges that makes the entire city holier. It has been an age-old tradition for devotees to take a dip in the flowing waters on the Ganga Ghats. Being the holy city, Haridwar offers more of morning life than nightlife. However, here are the things to do in Haridwar at night and in the morning.
Pick out your favourite from the list of things to do in Haridwar
Hari Ki Pauri Ghat
This should be on everyone’s priority list. This is the sole reason why this place is highly regarded as one of the holiest places in the country. Visiting the shrine in the evening hours can be a visual delight. The Ganges shimmers up with devotees paying their homages by performing aartis. The spirituality of the place can be felt within once you put your step across the Ganga Plains. Witnessing the traditional aartis is one of the best things to do in Haridwar at night.
Night Trek to Mansa Devi Temple
If you don’t believe in myths of wild animals and ghosts, this trek will enlighten you in ways more than one. Walk through the night as you pass many Sadhus along the way. As soon as you reach the temple, all the tiredness of the trek will go away thanks to the stunning aura of the place.
A stroll around the Jungle
Haridwar is a bustling town with people alluring at the magnificence of the Ganges. But just 18 km further from the city, wild bears, tigers, cats, elephants and many endangered species welcome you at the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is enriched with an enormous variety of flora and fauna. The dense forests exhibit splendid views of nature’s mystical powers. It is the top thing to do in Haridwar in the morning for all the nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Visit early before the sun is too strong and revel in the peace of the wilderness.
The best Lassi you’ll taste in a very long time
Stroll around the Barra Bazar, get yourself tired, and then ask anyone around for Prakash Lok which is buzzing with activity in the evening. They will show you the way to the best creamy lassi you will savour in a long time. The cold milk delicacy will be hard to be taken off your taste buds. Thank us later for giving you this tip that will help you wash down the tiredness of the day.
Lose yourself in the divinity of Kumbha Mela
Kumbha Mela is held once is 12 years marking the largest religious gathering in the world. The sites of Haridwar during the Kumbha festival are amazing. It is a pure bliss for all the shutterbugs where there is a different story hidden on every pilgrim’s face. Pilgrims all over the nation walk to Haridwar with a belief to wash their sins in the virgin Ganges.
Hoshiyar Puri
It is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Its establishment is dated back to 1937. The restaurant serves exquisite vegetarian delicacies. Dal Makhani and kheer served in the restaurant are arguably unmatched. The restaurant is quite popular amongst the locals who rate the food served quite highly which is eating here is one of the best things to do in Haridwar at night.
Chanda Devi Temple
Go for an early morning hike 45 minutes to the hill-top of Neel Parvat or take a ropeway right into the lap of the temple premises to witness a mesmerising view of the valley and seek blessings from the goddess, Chanda Devi. The temple vicinity gives a spectacular view of the Haridwar city in the early morning.
The right place to meditate early morning
One of the top things to do in Haridwar is to meditate. The city plays host to many ashrams who teach the art of meditation and yoga. There are multiple choices available where you can avail the tranquillity required to meditate and practice yoga. Ashrams like Shanti Kunj and Patanjali Yogapeeth are famous institutes who conduct various programmes throughout the year. These ashrams offer right ambience, food and stay required to acclaim the peace of mind.
Now that you are acquainted with almost everything you can do in Haridwar at night, we are sure you’ll be surely packing your bags to witness the ultra-spiritual realm of the city. Explore the city at night and early in the morning, and do share your experiences with us!