How to Reach Haridwar – By Road, Train, Air
Reaching Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India, is a journey filled with natural beauty and spiritual significance. This ancient city is located in the state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Whether you’re traveling from within India or from abroad, there are several routes to reach Haridwar, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions along the way.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information about how to reach Haridwar from major cities and transportation hubs, along with distance, route maps, and points of interest. Let’s embark on this spiritual journey to Haridwar.
Route Map to Haridwar
Before we delve into specific routes, it’s essential to understand the geographical location of Haridwar and its proximity to major cities and transportation hubs in India.
Haridwar’s coordinates:
- Latitude: 29.9457° N
- Longitude: 78.1642° E
Haridwar is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it accessible from various parts of India and even some international destinations. Here’s a general route map highlighting the major transportation hubs and cities surrounding Haridwar:
Reaching Haridwar by Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Haridwar, located approximately 35 kilometers away. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers visiting Haridwar by air. Here’s how you can reach Haridwar from major Indian cities by air:
1. From Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport – IGI):
- Distance: Approximately 200 kilometers
- Flight Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
Route:
- Board a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun. From Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to Haridwar, which is around a 1 to 1.5-hour drive.
2. From Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport – BOM):
- Distance: Approximately 1,345 kilometers
- Flight Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Book a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi.
- Follow the Delhi to Haridwar route as mentioned above.
3. From Bangalore (Kempegowda International Airport – BLR):
- Distance: Approximately 1,935 kilometers
- Flight Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Take a flight from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi.
- Continue with the Delhi to Haridwar route as described earlier.
4. From Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport – CCU):
- Distance: Approximately 1,350 kilometers
- Flight Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (approx.)
Route:
Book a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi.
Proceed with the Delhi to Haridwar route.
5. From Chennai (Chennai International Airport – MAA):
- Distance: Approximately 1,938 kilometers
- Flight Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Fly from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi.
- Follow the route from Delhi to Haridwar as previously outlined.
Upon arriving at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, you’ll be greeted by the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills. From there, the road to Haridwar is relatively smooth, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand.
Reaching Haridwar by Train
Haridwar is well-connected by an extensive railway network, and it’s one of the easiest and most popular ways to reach the city. The Haridwar Junction railway station (IR station code: HW) is a major railway station in Uttarakhand and serves as a significant transportation hub for pilgrims and tourists. Here are some of the major train routes to Haridwar from different parts of India:
1. From Delhi:
- Distance: Approximately 215 kilometers
- Train Duration: 4 to 6 hours (approx.)
Route:
- You can catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) to Haridwar Junction (HW).
- Several trains, including Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Haridwar Mail, operate on this route. The journey offers beautiful views of the countryside as you approach Haridwar.
2. From Mumbai:
- Distance: Approximately 1,680 kilometers
- Train Duration: 29 to 35 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Board a long-distance train such as Dehradun Express or Bandra Terminus – Haridwar Express from Mumbai to Haridwar Junction.
3. From Kolkata:
- Distance: Approximately 1,800 kilometers
- Train Duration: 30 to 38 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Take a train like Kumbha Express or Doon Express from Howrah Junction (HWH) in Kolkata to Haridwar Junction.
4. From Chennai:
- Distance: Approximately 2,300 kilometers
- Train Duration: 40 to 48 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Catch a train like Dehradun Express or Yercaud Express from Chennai Central (MAS) to Haridwar Junction.
5. From Bangalore:
- Distance: Approximately 2,200 kilometers
- Train Duration: 36 to 44 hours (approx.)
Route:
- You can travel to Haridwar Junction from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) by taking a train like Yeshvantpur – Haridwar SF Express or Sangam Express.
Haridwar’s railway station is located near the city center, making it convenient for travelers to reach their accommodations and explore the city’s attractions.
Reaching Haridwar by Road
Haridwar is well-connected to several major cities and towns in North India through an extensive network of highways. Traveling by road to Haridwar offers the flexibility to explore the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand and make stops at interesting places along the way. Here are some of the major routes to reach Haridwar by road:
1. From Delhi:
- Distance: Approximately 220 kilometers
- Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Start from Delhi and head towards the NH44 (National Highway 44) that connects Delhi to Haridwar.
- Drive through cities like Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar.
- Continue on NH58 to reach Haridwar.
Along this route, you can make a pit stop at Muzaffarnagar to taste the famous “Muzaffarnagar ki Chat” and enjoy some local delicacies.
2. From Dehradun:
- Distance: Approximately 54 kilometers
- Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Depart from Dehradun and head east on NH72.
- Continue on NH72 until you reach Roorkee.
- From Roorkee, take NH58 southbound to Haridwar.
This route is relatively short and provides beautiful views of the countryside and the Ganges River.
3. From Rishikesh:
- Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers
- Travel Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (approx.)
Route:
- Begin your journey from Rishikesh and follow the NH58 towards Haridwar.
- The road closely follows the Ganges River, offering serene views.
4. From Agra:
- Distance: Approximately 408 kilometers
- Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Start from Agra and head south on the Yamuna Expressway (E2) towards Delhi/Noida.
- From Delhi, follow the route mentioned in the “From Delhi” section to reach Haridwar.
This route takes you through the heart of North India, and you can explore the historical city of Agra before heading to Haridwar.
5. From Jaipur:
- Distance: Approximately 480 kilometers
- Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours (approx.)
Route:
- Depart from Jaipur and head east on NH48 (Delhi-Jaipur Expressway).
- Join NH248B, which will lead you to NH48 again.
- Follow NH48 until you reach Haridwar via Delhi.
This route allows you to experience the vibrant culture of Jaipur and the historical significance of Delhi.
Points of Interest Along the Way
As you embark on your journey to Haridwar, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various attractions and places of interest. Here are some notable stops and points of interest along the major routes to Haridwar:
Along the Delhi-Haridwar Route:
- Roorkee: Visit the IIT Roorkee campus, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. You can also explore the Solani Aqueduct, an engineering marvel.
- Muzaffarnagar: Enjoy local cuisine and explore the city’s cultural heritage.
Along the Dehradun-Haridwar Route:
- Roorkee: Explore the historical town of Roorkee, known for its engineering institutions.
Shivpuri: If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can go river rafting in Shivpuri, which is en route from Rishikesh to Haridwar.
Along the Rishikesh-Haridwar Route:
- Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh: Witness the Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula: Explore the iconic suspension bridges in Rishikesh.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated amidst the lush greenery of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Along the Agra-Haridwar Route:
- Agra: Explore the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri before heading to Haridwar.
Along the Jaipur-Haridwar Route:
- Jaipur: Discover the rich history and culture of Jaipur by visiting Amer Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.
Conclusion
Haridwar, with its spiritual significance, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers from around the world. Whether you choose to reach Haridwar by air, train, or road, the journey itself is an adventure filled with diverse experiences. As you make your way to this sacred city, take the time to explore the towns and attractions along the way, immersing yourself in the essence of India’s northern region.
Remember that Haridwar is a place of reverence and devotion for millions of people, so always be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Enjoy your journey to Haridwar, and may it be a transformative and spiritually enriching experience.
Suggested to Read:
