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2 Days in Haridwar

Planning 2 days in Haridwar? A relaxed two-day plan pairing the ghats and temples with the quieter ashrams and Bharat Mata Mandir. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1

Begin your journey in Haridwar with a gentle introduction to the sacred city. After settling in, take a leisurely walk along the upper ghats to observe the daily rituals, then witness the spectacular evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where floating diyas and chanting create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Activities

Visit the bustling local bazaars near Har Ki Pauri for traditional sweets, rudraksha beads, and puja items
Walk along the ghats from Har Ki Pauri to Gau Ghat, watching pilgrims perform holy dips and prayers
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (arrive by 5:30 PM for a good spot; the ceremony lasts about 45 minutes)

Meals

•Lunch
•Dinner

Day 2

Dedicate this day to the two iconic hilltop temples accessible by cable car, offering panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganges. In the afternoon, explore the quieter side of the city with its ashrams and ancient sites, and end with a peaceful riverside sunset.

Activities

Take the cable car (Udan Khatola) to Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess, and enjoy the view from the top
Ride the second cable car to Chandi Devi Temple, perched on Neel Parvat, with a short steep walk from the upper station to the shrine
Visit the nearby Bharat Mata Mandir (a multi-story temple depicting India’s geography and history) and Sapt Rishi Ashram, where the Ganges splits into seven streams

Meals

•Breakfast
•Lunch
•Dinner

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

9 activities

Afternoon

12:00 PM

Arrival and check-in

Arrive in Haridwar and check into your hotel or guesthouse near Har Ki Pauri. Freshen up and keep your camera ready for the day ahead.

01:00 PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Enjoy a traditional North Indian thali at a restaurant near the bazaar. Expect to pay around ₹150–₹300 per person. Try local specialties like aloo puri or kachori.

02:30 PM

Explore the local bazaars near Har Ki Pauri

Wander through the bustling markets for traditional sweets (like peda), rudraksha beads, and puja items. Bargain politely and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd.

04:00 PM

Walk along the ghats from Har Ki Pauri to Gau Ghat

Stroll south along the riverbank, watching pilgrims perform holy dips and prayers. The walk is about 1.5 km and takes 30–40 minutes. Look for the Gau Ghat temple and the statue of a cow.

05:00 PM

Return to Har Ki Pauri and find a spot for the Ganga Aarti

Head back to Har Ki Pauri and secure a good vantage point on the stairs or a boat (boat seats cost around ₹100–₹200 per person). Arrive early to avoid the rush.

05:30 PM

Witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes, with priests performing synchronized rituals, chanting, and floating diyas on the Ganges. It's a deeply spiritual experience—arrive before 5:30 PM for the best view.

Evening

06:30 PM

Post-aarti stroll and light shopping

After the aarti, take a relaxed walk along the ghats as the crowd disperses. You can buy a small diya or flower offering as a memento. Many shops stay open late.

07:30 PM

Dinner at a riverside restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Ganges, with options ranging from simple vegetarian thalis to multi-cuisine meals. Budget around ₹200–₹400 per person. Try the local 'jalebi' for dessert.

08:30 PM

Return to hotel and rest

Head back to your accommodation and rest for the night. If you're staying near the ghats, you might hear the temple bells—a soothing end to the day.

Day 2

10 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Early morning breakfast

Start the day with a light breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. Try poha, upma, or a simple paratha with chai. Budget around ₹100–₹150 per person.

08:00 AM

Head to Mansa Devi Temple via Udan Khatola

Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the cable car station (Udan Khatola). The round-trip cable car ticket costs about ₹120 per person. The ride offers panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganges.

08:30 AM

Explore Mansa Devi Temple

Dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess, the temple is a major pilgrimage site. Spend about 45 minutes here—offer prayers, ring the bell, and enjoy the view from the top. There's also a small ropeway viewpoint.

09:30 AM

Descend and proceed to Chandi Devi Temple

Take the cable car back down and walk to the second cable car station for Chandi Devi Temple. The ride costs about ₹120 round trip. The temple is perched on Neel Parvat, offering another stunning perspective.

10:00 AM

Visit Chandi Devi Temple

From the upper cable car station, take a short steep walk (about 15 minutes) to the shrine. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, and the climb is rewarded with serene views. Spend about 45 minutes here.

11:30 AM

Lunch at a local restaurant

After descending, have a hearty lunch near the cable car base. Many restaurants serve thalis and snacks. Budget around ₹150–₹300 per person. Try the 'chole bhature' or 'paneer tikka'.

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Visit Bharat Mata Mandir

This unique multi-story temple depicts India's geography and history, with floors dedicated to deities, freedom fighters, and maps. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Spend about an hour exploring the floors.

02:30 PM

Explore Sapt Rishi Ashram

Located along the Ganges, this tranquil ashram marks the spot where the river splits into seven streams. It's a peaceful place for reflection. Spend about 45 minutes walking around the gardens and riverbank.

04:00 PM

Riverside sunset and free time

Return to the ghats and find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the Ganges. You can also visit the nearby Bhimgoda Tank or simply soak in the atmosphere. If time permits, enjoy a chai from a roadside stall.

Evening

06:00 PM

Dinner and departure preparations

Have an early dinner at a restaurant of your choice, then return to your hotel to pack and prepare for departure. If you're staying another night, you might catch the evening aarti again.

Food Recommendations

Chotiwala Restaurant

North Indian

Must Try: Aloo Puri and Kheer

₹200 - ₹400

Hoshiyar Puri Wale

Vegetarian

Must Try: Bedmi Puri with Aloo Sabzi

₹100 - ₹200

Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan

South Indian

Must Try: Idli Sambar and Filter Coffee

₹150 - ₹300

Transportation Tips

Use shared auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for short hops around Har Ki Pauri; agree on fare before boarding.
For reaching Mansa Devi Temple, take the ropeway (Udan Khatola) from the base near Har Ki Pauri – it saves time and offers great views.
Taxis are available for longer trips like to Chandi Devi or nearby ashrams; negotiate a half-day or full-day rate.
Walk as much as possible in the old town – many ghats and temples are close together and roads are narrow.