Where to stay in Haridwar: the short guide
Haridwar's life revolves around the Ganga where it leaves the hills, and especially Har Ki Pauri, where the evening aarti draws thousands of people. Hotels cluster in three zones: the old city around Upper Road and Vishnu Ghat, the stretch near Haridwar Junction, and the quieter ashram belt towards Bhupatwala.
Most visitors stay one or two nights. Staying close to Har Ki Pauri saves long walks through crowded lanes at aarti time, while Bhupatwala and the outskirts give more peace, parking and often better value.
Best areas to stay in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri, Upper Road and Vishnu Ghat
The most convenient for the aarti and bathing ghats. Many properties are a short walk from the water, though lanes are crowded in the evening.
Haridwar Junction and Lalta Rao Bridge side
Practical for train arrivals, with budget and mid-range hotels within a short walk of the station. Har Ki Pauri is roughly a mile away.
Bhupatwala, Shantikunj and Motichur
The ashram and resort belt a few km north. Quieter, with easier parking and a short ride to Har Ki Pauri.
Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi side
Close to the hilltop temples and the ropeway. Simple hotels and guesthouses.
Jwalapur and Kankhal
Older residential districts south of the centre with budget stays and ashrams.
Getting to Haridwar and hotels near the station or airport
Haridwar Junction is a major station on the Delhi line, and many hotels near Railway Road and Lalta Rao Bridge are within a short walk. Har Ki Pauri is about a mile from the station on foot, or a few minutes by auto or e-rickshaw. From Delhi, the drive via NH58 and Meerut takes around six hours.
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the closest airport, roughly 30 to 35 km from Haridwar and about 45 to 60 minutes by road, depending on where you stay. Hotels rarely run airport shuttles, so pre-book a cab.
Vehicle access near Har Ki Pauri is restricted at peak times, so ask the hotel where the car can stop and how far you walk with luggage.
Hotels for every budget in Haridwar
Budget hotels and dharamshalas
Plenty near the station, Upper Road and Bhupatwala. Check hot water, air-conditioning and the walking distance to the ghats.
Mid-range hotels
Clean mid-range hotels in all three zones. Compare ghat-facing rooms against rooms a few km out.
Premium hotels and ashram retreats
A few higher-end hotels sit beside the river, and ashrams in Bhupatwala offer simple, quiet retreats. Rules and meal timings vary, so read the terms.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri: the signature experience; arrive early for a good spot.
- Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples: hilltop temples reached by ropeway or on foot; Chandi Devi sits on Neel Parvat.
- Bharat Mata Mandir: a multi-storey temple dedicated to Mother India.
- Shantikunj and Bhupatwala ashrams: a calmer side of Haridwar, with ashram visits.
- Rajaji National Park: a forest reserve at the edge of town, with safaris from nearby gates.
- Rishikesh day trip: yoga, bridges and cafes, about 25 km away.
Haridwar Ardh Kumbh 2027: dates and booking advice
The Ardh Kumbh Mela is scheduled to run in Haridwar from 14 January to 20 April 2027, and it will draw very large crowds. Officials have announced ten major bathing dates, three of them 'Amrit Snan' (royal bath) days: 6 March (Mahashivratri), 8 March (Phalguna Amavasya) and 14 April (Mesh Sankranti).
The other dates announced are 14 January (Makar Sankranti), 6 February (Mauni Amavasya), 11 February (Basant Panchami), 20 February (Magh Purnima), 7 April (Nav Samvatsar), 15 April and 20 April (Chaitra Purnima). Dates can be revised, so confirm with official announcements before you travel.
Expect hotel demand to climb sharply around the bathing days, with traffic restrictions and crowd management around the mela area. If you plan to attend, book early, choose a hotel with a clear plan for reaching the ghats, and keep your plans flexible.
When to visit Haridwar
| October to March | Cool and comfortable. The best season for aarti, walking and day trips to Rishikesh. |
|---|---|
| January to April 2027 | Ardh Kumbh Mela: extreme crowds, higher prices and traffic restrictions, especially on the bathing dates. |
| April to June | Hot, with lower prices. Pilgrim traffic rises with the Char Dham season. |
| July to September | Monsoon, plus the Kanwar Yatra in July, when roads fill with pilgrims and some traffic is diverted. |
Good to know before you book
- Haridwar is a pilgrimage town, and many hotels serve only vegetarian food. Check the policy if it matters to you.
- Weekends and festival days are crowded, so Har Ki Pauri can be hard to reach by vehicle. Allow extra time.
- If you are combining Haridwar and Rishikesh, you can stay in either and visit the other by road in under an hour.
- Keep valuables secure at the ghats and carry only what you need for the aarti.
See live prices for Haridwar
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in HaridwarFrequently asked questions
Which area is best to stay in Haridwar?
Near Har Ki Pauri or Upper Road for aarti access, near the station for trains, and Bhupatwala for quiet and easier parking.
How far is Haridwar railway station from Har Ki Pauri?
Roughly a mile, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot or a few minutes by auto or e-rickshaw.
How far is the airport from Haridwar?
Jolly Grant Airport is about 30 to 35 km away, typically 45 to 60 minutes by road.
When is the Haridwar Kumbh in 2027?
The Ardh Kumbh Mela is scheduled from 14 January to 20 April 2027, with ten major bathing dates. Confirm dates before you travel.
Should I book early for the Kumbh?
Yes. Hotel demand rises sharply near the bathing dates, so book as early as your plans allow.