Most people know that Haridwar and Rishikesh are among the most sacred cities in India. Both cities are famous among devotees and tourists because of several temples and their religious significance. Located in the state of Uttarakhand along India’s most sacred river, the Ganga, Haridwar and Rishikesh are also the starting destinations for famous pilgrimages like Char Dham Yatra, Do Dham Yatra, Badrinath Yatra, and Kedarnath Yatra.
If you are thinking of temple tours in North India, a Haridwar Rishikesh tour will definitely be the right choice. Although Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Ayodhya are also famous destinations for temple tours, Haridwar and Rishikesh have unique charms because of their locations and mountainous region.
Haridwar, meaning “Gateway to God,” is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. It is a sacred city where pilgrims come to take a dip in the Ganga and seek blessings. Rishikesh, often called the “Yoga Capital of the World”, is famous for its spiritual energy, ashrams, serene surroundings, and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Since both cities are in proximity, tourists can easily cover both cities in a single trip. Every year, millions of devotees, spiritual seekers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts embark on the Haridwar Rishikesh tour. And they have the opportunity to visit temples and explore several religious sites. The sound of temple bells, the chants of mantras, and the sight of the river flowing past ancient ghats… they are just magical and create a feeling of ultimate peace.
Exploring the different temples dedicated to different deities is itself a delightful and spiritual experience that you can cherish for a lifetime. In this blog, we will provide you with reliable information about the top temples to visit in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Please continue reading to gather information about the top temples to visit on your Haridwar Rishikesh tours, so you can better explore both holy cities.
Different people visit Haridwar and Rishikesh for different reasons. Some visit for spirituality and religious reasons. Some visit for cultural exploration, and some for personal reflection or to explore nearby beautiful landscapes. It does not matter whether you want to undertake the Haridwar and Rishikesh tour for religious purposes or something else; you will have the chance to visit and explore several temples.
Temples in Haridwar and Rishikesh are not just places of worship. They are part of India’s living heritage. Many of the temples are centuries old. Many of them are connected to stories from Hindu mythology. If you visit and explore these temples, you will have the golden opportunity to witness rich rituals that have been performed for generations.
Another important thing about the temples in Haridwar and Rishikesh is that they are architecturally beautiful. They are remarkable. They are the major attractants. When exploring the temples and sanctuaries, you will definitely be mesmerized. Intricate carvings, colorful paintings, and sacred symbols are just a delight for the eyes. They are also a reflection of the devotion and ultimate craftsmanship. Interestingly, most temples in Haridwar and Rishikesh are located near the river, which offers peaceful spots to sit and meditate.
If you are spiritual seekers, you will not only visit temples but also find serene surroundings. At the same time, you will remain connected with the mainstream cities. The fresh air, the sound of flowing water, devotional songs, and the mountains… the temples in Haridwar and Rishikesh are must-visit attractions. Visiting these temples will also give you a deeper understanding of the culture and faith of India.
Haridwar and Rishikesh are home to several religious sites. And temples are among them. Here is the list of the top temples that you cannot miss visiting during your Haridwar Rishikesh tours.
When you visit Haridwar and do not visit the Mansa Devi Temple, you probably are unlucky. You don’t have the call of Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti. Located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, the temple is one of the numerous attractions and sites to visit on a trip to Haridwar. It is called the Bilwa Tirth and is one of the Panch Tirthas (five pilgrimage sites) of Haridwar.
Revered as the goddess of snakes, the Maa Mansa Devi Temple is also known for granting the wishes of her devotees. It is believed to have originated from the mind of Lord Shiva. If you wish to undertake the Bilwa Tirth, you can reach the temple by either trekking up the hill or taking a ropeway ride, locally called Mansa Devi Udankhatola. The ropeway ride offers a beautiful aerial view of Haridwar, the Ganga, and the surrounding hills. The Mansa Devi Temple also offers a panoramic view of the entire Haridwar city, especially during the evening when the sun sets behind the hills.
The Chandi Devi Temple stands on Neel Parvat, about 4 km from Haridwar. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, this temple is considered one of the Shakti Peethas. It is believed to be the spot where the goddess rested after defeating the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha.
The temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya and later renovated. Like Mansa Devi, it can be reached by a steep trek or by ropeway, known as “Chandi Devi Udankhatola.”
From the temple, you can enjoy sweeping views of Haridwar, the surrounding forests, and the Ganga flowing far below. The temple becomes especially lively during the Navratri festival when thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings.
Har Ki Pauri is the most famous ghat in Haridwar and is considered the exact spot where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The Ganga Mandir here is a sacred shrine where devotees offer prayers before taking a holy dip.
The highlight of Har Ki Pauri is the evening Ganga Aarti. As the sun sets, priests in saffron robes perform rituals with large brass lamps, chanting mantras while thousands of diyas (oil lamps) float on the river. The sight of the illuminated river under the night sky is unforgettable.
Visiting this spot is not only a spiritual experience but also a chance to witness the heart of Haridwar’s religious life.
The Daksha Mahadev Temple is located in the Kankhal area of Haridwar. It is linked to the story of King Daksha, father of Goddess Sati and father-in-law of Lord Shiva. According to legend, King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva during a yajna (ritual sacrifice), leading to a series of events that caused Sati to end her life.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has great importance during the festival of Maha Shivaratri. The architecture is simple but carries a deep spiritual aura. The nearby Daksha Ghat on the Ganga is also a peaceful place to visit.
Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is said to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. The main idol is carved from a single black stone, known as Shaligram, which is considered very sacred.
The temple is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by the bustling lanes of Rishikesh. During Basant Panchami, the temple holds a grand festival where the idol is taken out in a procession to the nearby river for a ritual bath.
This temple is not just a place of worship but also a piece of Rishikesh’s ancient history.
Situated at a height of 1,330 metres, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in North India. Surrounded by dense forests and the Nar-Narayan Mountain ranges, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have consumed poison here during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
The temple is painted in bright colours and its walls are covered with scenes from Hindu mythology. Devotees often walk the 7 km uphill trek from Rishikesh to reach the temple, though vehicles can also go up.
The temple sees large crowds during Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan, when devotees bring holy water from the Ganga to offer to Lord Shiva.
One of the most photographed temples in Rishikesh, the Trayambakeshwar Temple is a 13-storey structure standing tall near Laxman Jhula. Each floor has multiple shrines dedicated to different deities, making it a unique place for devotees.
The temple’s towering architecture offers stunning views of the Ganga and the iconic suspension bridges. The atmosphere inside is peaceful despite the temple’s popularity. Many visitors also combine their temple visit with a walk across Laxman Jhula, which is right next to it.
Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh. It has a beautiful temple complex dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The ashram is known for its evening Ganga Aarti, which is simpler and more peaceful compared to Har Ki Pauri, yet equally moving.
The ashram also hosts yoga classes, spiritual talks, and wellness programmes, making it a centre for both devotion and personal growth. The gardens, clean riverbank, and chanting in the background create a serene environment for visitors.
Located about 25 km from Rishikesh, Kunjapuri Devi Temple sits at an altitude of 1,676 metres. Dedicated to Goddess Sati, it is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. The temple offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayan peaks and the Ganga valley.
To reach the temple, you can either drive most of the way and climb the remaining steps or choose one of the trekking routes from Rishikesh. The Navratri festival is celebrated here with great devotion and energy.
Close to the famous Lakshman Jhula, this temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. According to legend, this is the spot where Lakshman crossed the Ganga on a jute rope bridge. The temple has a calm and traditional feel. The area around it is filled with small shops selling religious items, making it a lively yet spiritual spot for visitors.
There are various Uttarakhand pilgrimage tour packages that offer you the opportunity to explore the top temples of Haridwar and Rishikesh, along with other attractions. Here is an exact, detailed Haridwar Rishikesh tour package with an itinerary of 3 nights and 4 days.
A Haridwar Rishikesh tour is not only a journey to two famous pilgrimages of Uttarakhand, but also a step into India’s spiritual soul. Your spiritual tours to these highly acclaimed pilgrimages will be a great experience. You will have the chance to visit several temples that hold centuries of faith, tradition, and stories. Interestingly, these temples are still drawing devotees and inspiring people. So, book your Haridwar Rishikesh tour package, pack your bags, and get ready to experience something unique, divine, and unforgettable.