DAY-1::HARIDWAR LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
1.HAR KI PAURI
Every year-round, this ‘Gateway to God’ sees a continuous influx of visitors seeking enlightenment or simply wishing for their hearts’ desires at these sacred destinations like the famous five pilgrimage spots – har ki pauri (among others) which are collectively known as “Panch Tirth”. The population booms notably during grand events such as Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years and Ardh Kumbh Mela occurring after six.The vibrant spirit of haridwar truly captures the essence of India’s religious fervor making it an experience not to be missed.Har-ki-pauri, located in the heart of haridwar on the banks of River Ganga, is one of the best places to visit in haridwar during your trip here. Also known as ‘Gangadwar’, this site holds significant religious importance for Hindus.this holy ghat has been considered one of the most sacred places in all of Haridwar due to a legend involving the mythological bird Garuda who accidentally dropped Amrit (elixir), leading people to believe that taking a dip here can wash away your sins. The Ganga Aarti ceremony held at this site during dusk and dawn draws multitudes of devotees from far andwide.
The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar, one of famous haridwar tourist places, is a spiritual spectacle not to be missed. This daily prayer ceremony for the revered Ganga River, worshiped as a goddess in India, is a deeply significant ritual. Held at Har Ki Pauri by the Ganga Sabha, the Aarti occurs at sunrise and sunset, timed with the sun’s movements. Visitors gather on both sides of the river to witness the enchanting ceremony where the Ganga Lahari Mantra is chanted, offerings of “Panchamrut” and flowers are made, and a special Aarti song for the river is sung. To ensure a good view, arriving an hour before the scheduled time is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
2.MANSA DEVI TEMPLE
Its stands tall on Bilwa Parvat, a part of the majestic Shivalik Hills. Also known as “Bilwa Tirth”, this sacred site is one among best places to visit in Haridwar and offers stunning views all around. It’s dedicated towards Goddess Mansa – considered an embodiment or manifestation form of powerful, almighty Mother goddess Shakti believed originated from the mind of Lord Shiva Himself.This spiritual haven attracts millions worldwide due to its divine belief that every wish made here will surely be granted by The Deity Mansa. One can either conquer this shrine with a trekking journey or make it easier and more fun-filled on a ropeway ride – an exclusive tourist experience in Haridwar.
3.SHANTIKUNJ ASHRAM HARIDWAR
An extremely well-known spiritual and moral wisdom center that attracts individuals from around the globe seeking enlightenment since its establishment in 1971, making it one of most popular places to Visit in Haridwar. Home to All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP), with millions of followers worldwide, it’s not just a place for spiritual growth but also promotes national unity while fostering cultural and ethical values.Chandi Devi temple, a divine Siddh Peeth in the picturesque Shivalik Hills’ Neel Parvat stands tall with unparalleled views. This pious place is dedicated to revered and fearless Goddess Chandi (an aspect of mighty Mother goddess Durga) where thousands flock for blessings & wishes fulfillment.
4.KANKHAL TOURIST PLACE
Kankhal is a significant destination within the vibrant city of Haridwar and stands as one its most popular tourist spots. With several renowned temples dotting this spiritual haven, Kanksal holds great importance for pilgrims from all walks of life who seek solace in these sacred places. 4th on our list among top attractions to visit when you’re exploring the fascinating city Haridwar.Mayadevi temple, the city’s historical landmark located on the famous Ghat known as ‘Harkipauri’, stands fifth among our list of best places to visit in Haridwar. This sacred site is dedicated not just for reverence but holds immense cultural and mythological significance too.Known earlier by its original name, Mayapuri – the city gets this nomenclature due devotion towards Goddess ‘Maya’ who resides in Mayadevi Temple as her main deity. An interesting fact about this temple is that it stands on a site believed to be where Sati’s heart and navel fell according to our mythological scriptures – giving the place an eternal sanctified status among devotees.
5.SAPT RISHI ASHRAM
The serene Sapt Rishi Ashram in Haridwar is nestled by the riverbank; it’s a popular site for both Hindu devotees seeking solace as well as visitors looking forward to finding peace through meditation and yoga practices. The tranquil environment of this sacred spot was so attractive that even the revered seven sages – from whom ‘Sapt Rishi,’ meaning “seven” in Sanskrit, takes its name found themselves drawn here for their spiritual journey away from earthly distractions like river sounds captured by mythology.Bharat Mata Mandir, a multi-storey building standing at about 180 feet high with eight floors within the city limits of Haridwar itself. Being one of the most popular haridwar tourist places, this structure celebrates unity amidst cultural diversities while paying tribute to patriots and freedom fighters who have shaped modern India. It was inaugurated by Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in ’83.Pawan Dham is an ancient temple complex managed by Geeta Bhawan Trust Society, located at Moga, which also includes a social nonprofit organization. The architecture here showcases elaborate detailing and stunning interiors adorned with exquisite glasswork that highlights this sacred site’s beauty. Precious jewels and stones embellish the intricate idols found within its premises, however, Pawan Dham is most popularly known as ‘The Glass Temple’. The main attraction here being a beautiful Lord Krishna sculpture seen teaching his disciple Arjun which makes this site revered not just among Hindu devotees but also attracts local and international tourists.
6.JAWALAPUR MARKET
“Bara Bazaar,” a vibrant shopping area in Haridwar, is bustling with activity despite the absence of high-end malls. This marketplace offers a variety of items such as religious paraphernalia, Ayurvedic medicines, and wooden items for sale. Artisans also display their handcrafted ornaments within the bazaar, attracting both domestic tourists and international visitors. In addition to shopping opportunities, several eateries can be found along its streets offering popular snacks like samosas, kachoris-sabji, and choley bhature to satisfy your hunger. Along with Bara Bazaar, other local markets like Moti Bazaar, Kankhal Bazars, and Jwalapur Bazaar are worth exploring for their old-world charm in Haridwar city.Crystal World in Haridwar is a popular amusement park with water attractions, known to be one of the popular places to Visit in Haridwar. Spread over 18 acres, it offers exciting rides for people of all ages. Some highlights include the ‘Water World’ Park, pirate-themed kiddie zone, jungle-themed Multi Slide, and Madness Tower with six thrilling water experiences. The park also features two museums: India’s Celebrity Museum showcasing 14 silicon statues and the Interactive Art Museum with 25 three-dimensional paintings. There is a multi-cuisine food court for dining options. Crystal World is perfect for families and adventure lovers, offering endless fun and enjoyment.
DAY-2::DEHRADUN LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
1.Robber’s Cave(Gucchu-Pani)
It is said that the cave got its name from the British after they found out that robbers kept stolen belongings in the cave. Shops too are present around the cave where one can enjoy delicious snacks while enjoying the scenic beauty.
While the cave has elegant natural interiors, the most exquisite feature of Robber’s Cave is its 10 m high waterfall. The water in the cave appears and then, all of a sudden, vanishes underground. The water appears again on the surface a few yards away.
Robber’s Cave is a fabulous location to have a picnic with friends and family. After a walk inside the 600-metre long cave to explore the region from the inside with your loved ones, you may walk to the waterfall near the cave for a picnic. You can enter the waterfall and capture memorable moments for life. What fun it is to chit-chat about everything under the sun with your loved ones as you rest or grab a bite near the splendid water body. If you are lucky, you might see a beautiful rainbow in the sky over the falls.
You may also visit the Tibetan Buddhist Temple, the Takpeshwar Temple, the Ramakrishna Ashram Temple and the Dehradun Zoo; each being 2 to 4 kilometres away from Robber’s Cave.
Best Time To Visit Robber’s Cave
The best time to visit the place is from April to October. The place is a getaway from the heat of the sun.
tip for visit-
1. Wear footwear that provides enough support and grip while exploring the stream.
2. The water could get knee high for adults. Be careful while exploring the cave.
3. Rubber flip flops/ chappals are rented outside the entry.
4. Local eateries are available to grab a quick bite of some local snacks.
5. Carry enough water and snacks (optional) as walking through the cave could be exhausting.
5. Visitors may want to book their transport to and fro well in advance to avoid spending time for the local transport.
2.Pacific Mall
The biggest and most popular shopping mall in Dehradun, Pacific Mall is known for shopping and for entertainment. It features hundreds of brands, several food joints and entertainment options which means it is a great place for individual and group shoppers.
The mall houses local and global brands pertaining to fashion, beauty, sports and electronics such as Lifestyle, Vero Moda, Adidas, Kama Ayurveda and more. Within the mall is a food court where one would find eateries like KFC, Pizza Hut and Moti Mahal as well as other restaurants and cafes. There is a PVR cinema hall where one can watch all the latest movies and also enjoy snacks. For families with children, Funky Kingdom is a great choice because there are games, bumper cars, rides, thrilling movies and more. There are often performances and events organised at Pacific Mall, and there is a Black Friday sale sometime around November or December.
3. Tapkeshwar temple
A widespread legend is popular about the emergence of the Tapkeshwar Temple. It is said that Ashwathama, the son of Dhronacharya, was born inside the cave. However, his mother did not have enough milk to be able to feed her newborn. Ashwathama was wise beyond his years, and he prayed to Lord Shiva to grant him some milk to satiate his hunger. Being the generous God he is, Lord Shiva granted the wish of the newborn for milk to suffice his hunger. Since then, a Shiva Linga has been established there which is said to grant the wishes of all those who visit this temple seeking the Lord’s blessings.
Architecture of temple
The Tapkeshwar Temple is a gentle amalgam of manmade and natural design. It is situated between two gentle hills, while the main sanctum is contained within the bounds of a naturally occurring cave. The architecture itself pertains to typical Hindu style and is a humble edifice with a simple and small facade.
The most amazing sight of this temple can be seen inside the cave, where the Shiva Linga is continuously drenched by water droplets that fall inside the cave. Interestingly, the water droplets vanish from sight and can be seen a few yards away from the temple premises. This and many other supernatural occurrences makes Tapkeshwar Temple the land of many miracles.
In addition to being an important place of worship, there are a number of other activities that you can pursue at the site of the Tapkeshwar Temple. The temple is located beside a forest and the nearby river adds up to the captivating aura of the temple. Trekking is one of the must do her, with the natural beauty of their destination playing the perfect host as well. If hunger pangs strike you at odd times, you can snack on some delicious local street food at the nearby food stalls as well.
One of the best times to visit the Tapkeshwar Temple is during Shivratri, which is an earthly celebration of Lord Shiva’s wedding to Goddess Parvati. A large-scale festival is organised to mark the occasion when pilgrims participate in large numbers to attend the celestial union of the two deities. Elaborate prayer services are held in the midst of holy invocations of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, and pilgrims offer Lord Shiva’s favourite eatables to him on the day.
Route to reach temple
The Tapkeshwar temple is located only 6.5 kilometres away from the city centre, and you can reach the temple by hopping aboard the local bus or hiring the local autos called Vikram.near by city rishikesh about 51km to reach bus and taxi.
4.Forest Research Institute
This institute was initially founded in 1878 by Dietrich Brandis, who was a German-British botanist and forestry academic who worked in the colonial India for about 30 years. The institute was initially named as the British Imperial Forest School. Further, in 1906, the institute was reestablished as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, under the British Imperial Forestry Service.
Architecture of FRI
The Institute is built on a lush landscape stretched over an area of 450 hectares. Its pristine backdrop is formed by the majestic outer Himalayas. The present building is a beautiful blend of Greco-Roman and Colonial styles of architecture. The Forest Research Institute was first located at Chandbagh in 1906. The current location was acquired by the institute in around 1923, which further led to the initiation of the construction of the present campus. The architecture was designed and supervised by C.G. Blomfield. Its construction took around six years, and the building was inaugurated in 1929 by the then viceroy, Willingdon. The building has been declared as a national heritage site and hence has been attracting a lot of tourists. It was even listed in the Guinness Book of Records, as it was the most massive purely brick structure in the world.
FRI Museum
The building of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun also houses a Botanical Museum based on forestry. The museum allows visitors to take a glance at all the sections here which are entirely based on the botanical aspects of science. The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The entry fee is INR 40 per person, along with some nominal vehicle fee if you are commuting by your car or scooter. The significant sections of this museum are-
Pathology Museum
Social Forestry Museum
Silviculture Museum
Timber Museum
Non-Wood Forest Products Museum
Entomology Museum
The campus of Forest Research Institute also hosts Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, which is an organisation headed by Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests. It also hosts other academies, namely the Central Academy for State Forest Services and the Wildlife Institute of India. Out of these, the Wildlife Institute of India has now moved to Chandrabani and has become an independent organisation. The FRI runs widely known master and diploma courses, which are opted by various research scholars every year. These courses are-
M.Sc. in Cellulose and Paper Technology
M.Sc. in Environment Management
M.Sc. in Forestry Management
M.Sc. in Wood Science Technology
PG Diploma in Natural Resource Management
PG Diploma in Aroma Technology
FRI Entry Fee
The FRI is open on all days of the week accept the gazetted holidays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
The guided tour operates from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
The ticket is nominally priced at INR 15 per person, with an addition of INR 50 if you opt for a guide for your visit here. There is a nominal parking fee as well.
The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June since the weather is pleasant and skies are mostly clear. The temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celcius to 35 degrees Celcius.
Route to reach FRI
Forest Research Institute and the college area are located in a census town, which is situated between Kaulagarh and Indian Military Academy. It is located at about 7 km from the famous Clock Tower on the Dehradun-Chakrata motorable Road. It can be easily accessed via cabs, autos (Vikram no. 6 from Connaught place) or buses from all the parts of the Dehradun City. Dehradun Railway Station is located at 6 km, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located at about 31 km.near by city haridwar about 56km distance.
5.Paltan Bazar
Paltan Bazaar is located in the heart of Dehradun, spanning a 1.5km stretch between the Clock Tower and the railway station. From local spices, confectionery items & street food to goods like apparel, appliances and artefacts, this busy market has it all. Considered as Dehradun’s main bazaar, it is the best place for shopping in Dehradun.its show beutiful market place.local person compare the market ,saharanpur market its low rate to best quality.
6.Mindrolling Monastery(Buddha temple)
The Mindrolling Monastery, also known as the Buddha Temple Complex, was established in Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand by Khochhen Rinpoche in 1965. Situated in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas, the Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country as well as abroad. Hundreds of individuals attain spirituality here on a daily basis.
Being an architectural masterpiece with several sections, the monastery is a visual wonder. The monastery exudes beauty owing to its gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia. While surrounded by greenery, it also has numerous shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. What catches the attention of every tourist is the presence of the tall statue of Lord Buddha. This beautiful place should definitely be visited if you are planning a trip to Dehradun.
One of the six major monasteries of the Tibetan Nyingma School, this monastery was first established in 1676. The Ngagyur Nyingma College is also present within the premises offering advanced Buddhist studies to monks who can pass on the knowledge to the upcoming generations. At present, over 300 monks are given education in the monastery.
History of buddha temple
The Mindrolling Monastery was constructed by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa in 1676. In 1965, it was re-established by Khochhen Rinpoche with the help of fellow monks. The Buddha Temple Complex was built with the aim to protect the religious and cultural understanding of the Nyigma school of Buddhism, being one of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The other schools are known as Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelak.
Around 50 artists were involved in the design and construction of the monastery which took almost three years to complete.
Architecture of buddha temple
Also known as Tibetan Monastery, the Mindrolling Monastery is well-known for its exquisite architecture. The monastery has wall paintings inside which showcase the life of Lord Buddha. It has been built in the Japanese style of architecture with the Stupa, also known as the Great Stupa which was inaugurated in 2002 and is one of its major attractions. It has a height of 220 feet and a width of 100 square feet, being the largest stupa in Asia.
The monastery has five floors with statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava. There are ornate gold colour wall paintings present on the first three floors and an open platform offering a huge 360-degree view of the Dehradun Valley on the fourth floor. Visitors are allowed to go on the upper floor on Sundays only. Another distinguishing factor of the monastery is the 130 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha inside. With greenery spread all around the beautiful monastery, a mention of its beautiful garden and accompanying bookstore stocked with Tibetan books is vital.
The perfect time to visit the monastery is from April to June which is considered to be the peak time for tourism in Dehradun. Since the climate is pleasant with a lovely and calm ambience, one is definitely going to have a fantastic and enjoyable time her.
1. You should carry a camera along to capture the scenic beauty of the place.
2. Though the temperature during the day is hot, the evenings become chilly. So, it is advisable to carry a light shawl to avoid catching a cold.
3. The garden and shops of the monastery remain open on all days of the week.
4. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the main hall of the monastery.
Route to reach buddha temple
The Mindrolling Monastery is situated on the Delhi-Saharanpur Road at a distance of 4 km from ISBT Dehradun. One can easily reach the monastery by hiring a local auto or via the local bus. Dehradun railway station is the nearest station situated at a distance of 9 km from the monastery, and Jolly Grant airport is situated 31 km from the monastery.near by city saharanpur about 60km.
