15 places to visit in and around Haridwar during the Kumbh—Har Ki Pauri, the Siddh Peeths, Kankhal, Rishikesh, Neelkanth and Rajaji.
Your Kumbh snan will be the highlight, but Haridwar and its surroundings have much more to see. Here are 15 places worth your time, grouped so you can plan days around them.
Around Har Ki Pauri (walkable)
- Har Ki Pauri: the main Kumbh ghat and the site of the evening Ganga Aarti. See our aarti guide.
- Mansa Devi Temple: on Bilwa Parvat above the ghat, reached by ropeway or a steep path.
- Maya Devi Temple: Haridwar's presiding goddess and a Shakti Peeth, on level ground in the old town.
- Bara Bazaar and Moti Bazaar: lanes of puja items, rudraksha, brass, Ganga jal containers and sweets.
- Bilkeshwar Mahadev: an old Shiva temple near Har Ki Pauri, associated with Parvati's penance.
Across the river and up the hills
- Chandi Devi Temple: on Neel Parvat, by ropeway. Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi make up the Siddh Peeth triangle.
- Neeleshwar Mahadev and the Neel Dhara: quieter shrines along the main channel of the Ganga.
Kankhal (south Haridwar)
- Daksheswara Mahadev: the site of Daksha's yagna and the Sati legend.
- Sati Kund and Kankhal's ashrams and havelis. See our Kankhal walk.
Along the Rishikesh road
- Bharat Mata Mandir: an eight-storey temple dedicated to Mother India, with floors on saints, heroes and deities. It was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri.
- Sapt Rishi Ashram area: where, according to legend, the Ganga split into seven streams so as not to disturb the seven rishis' meditation.
- Shantikunj: headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, open to visitors.
Day trips
- Rishikesh, about 25 km away: Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and the Triveni Ghat aarti. See the Rishikesh day trip.
- Neelkanth Mahadev, about 30 km beyond Rishikesh: where Shiva is said to have held the halahal poison in his throat. See the Neelkanth guide.
- Rajaji National Park (Chilla): a jeep safari for elephants, deer and birds. See the safari guide.
Tips for sightseeing during the Kumbh
- Avoid the ropeways and main temples on Amrit Snan days, when queues are hours long.
- Plan sightseeing for the day after your snan.
- E-rickshaws are the easiest way around town where vehicles are allowed.
- Dress modestly and carry a scarf for temple visits.
See it with us
All our Haridwar packages include sightseeing with a private car and a coordinator. Ask us to add any of these places to your plan.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 6 Oct 2026
