7 Must Visit Tourist Places Near Haridwar Within 100 kms
Published: 18 Sep 2025
Haridwar is often the first name that comes to mind when we think of spirituality, temples and the sacred Ganga Aarti. But here’s the fun part, this holy city is also surrounded by some of the most exciting and beautiful destinations you can explore with friends, family or kids all within just 100 kilometers!
Over the years, I’ve traveled to Haridwar a few times and while the Ganga ghats are always calming, it’s the mini road trips with friends that truly turned the trips into unforgettable adventures. Whether it was rafting in Rishikesh, Hill Views in Mussoorie or simply stuffing ourselves with jalebis in Haridwar’s narrow lanes, every experience had its own story (and plenty of laughs).
So, if you and your gang are planning a trip to Haridwar, don’t just stop at the temples. Here’s a detailed list of tourist places near Haridwar within 100 kms that are perfect for road trips, weekend escapes and memory-making with friends.
Why Explore Tourist Places Near Haridwar?
Trips with friends always have their own charm. Inside jokes, unplanned detours, late-night chai stops and the kind of memories that get retold for years. Exploring around Haridwar is no different. While the city itself is known for its spiritual vibe, the nearby destinations pack in a lot more with adventure, nature, food and a little bit of craziness when you’re with the right company.
The best part is, most of these spots are within a short drive with no endless hours stuck in traffic, just smooth roads and good music with your group. One day you can be rafting down the Ganga in Rishikesh, the next day chilling at a café in Mussoorie and if you’re in the mood for something quieter, there are plenty of scenic trails and wildlife spots waiting nearby.
And here’s the thing, every kind of traveler friend gets something here. The adventure junkie? Covered. The foodie? Absolutely. The one who insists on taking a thousand photos? They will have no shortage of perfect backdrops. In short, exploring around Haridwar with friends is like getting a buffet of experiences in which everyone leaves happy.
Top Tourist Places Near Hardiwar Within 100 kms
1. ⇒ Rishikesh (Approx. 20 km from Haridwar)
If there’s one place near Haridwar that feels like it was designed for a friends’ trip, it’s Rishikesh. Just a quick drive away, Rishikesh has plenty of turist places from adventure sports to chilled-out cafés to those “wow” moments at the Ganga Aarti.
On our last trip, the rafting session turned into the highlight of the day. None of us were professionals but that was the fun of it was screaming our lungs out every time the raft hit a rapid and then laughing about it as if we’d conquered the Ganga. Trust me, if your group enjoys a bit of adrenaline, rafting here is non-negotiable. And if heights are more your style, there’s also bungee jumping and cliff jumping for that one fearless friend who convinces everyone else to try.
After the adventure, Rishikesh slows down in the best way. We found ourselves at one of the riverside cafés, sipping chai with the sound of the Ganga flowing by, while someone in the group claimed the “best seat” by the window (there’s always that one person, right?). The food here is surprisingly diverse with pizzas, pancakes and smoothies. Nothing beats sharing a meal after hours of adventure.
And then there’s the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Even if you are not the spiritual type, standing there with your friends, watching the lamps float on the river, is one of those moments you don’t forget. It’s calm, it’s beautiful and it’s the perfect way to wrap up a Rishikesh day.
Pro Tip: Start early if you are planning rafting because it gets crowded quickly and afternoon sun can be brutal. Save the café-hopping and ghat visits for later in the day when the vibe slows down.
2. ⇒ Rajaji National Park (Approx. 18 km from Haridwar)
If your gang is up for a quick escape into the wild, Rajaji National Park is just the spot. Barely half an hour from Haridwar, it feels like stepping into a completely different world— of dense forests, quiet trails and that little thrill of spotting something wild around the corner.
We booked a jeep safari here and honestly, the excitement began the moment we hopped onto the open jeep. Half the fun was in the banter, arguing over who would sit in the “best” seat and then ducking when a branch suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The driver kept pointing out birds and animal tracks, and while most of us were busy clicking pictures, one friend kept swearing he saw a leopard’s tail every time the bushes moved (spoiler: he didn’t).
Elephants are quite common here and when you actually spot one up close with your friends, it’s a mix of awe and nervous laughter. The silence of the forest, broken only by the sound of the jeep, made it feel like an adventure straight out of a movie.
The best part about Rajaji is that it’s not overcrowded. Unlike some popular parks, you don’t feel rushed. With friends, that means plenty of time to stop, admire the scenery or just sit in the jeep joking around while pretending you are expert wildlife photographers.
Pro Tip: Safaris usually happen early morning or late afternoon. Plan for one of these slots, not only do you get better chances of spotting wildlife but the weather is also a lot more pleasant.
3. ⇒ Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Approx. 30 km from Haridwar)
Not every stop around Haridwar has to be about adrenaline but sometimes the journey itself becomes the adventure and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is exactly that. About 30 km away, the drive takes you through winding mountain roads with greenery all around. If you are traveling with friends, this ride is guaranteed to have a playlist battle, random snack breaks and at least one person claiming they’d make a better driver.
When we visited, the temple wasn’t just about the religious aspect but it was about the atmosphere. Surrounded by forests and hills, the spot feels peaceful and even if your group is not particularly spiritual, the whole vibe is calming. We spent a good while just sitting by the temple courtyard, watching the clouds drift over the hills while sipping chai from a stall nearby.
For the more active gangs, there’s also the option of trekking or cycling up to the temple instead of driving. One of my friends actually insisted on walking part of the way which turns out, it wasn’t a bad idea. The trails are scenic and the laughter (plus the panting) along the way made it way more memorable than just driving straight up.
And yes, don’t miss the local food stalls around the temple. Somehow aloo pakoras and chai taste way better at higher altitudes, especially when you are sharing them with friends after a long climb.
Pro Tip: Start early in the day—the roads are narrow and traffic can get a little messy later. Plus, mornings here feel fresh and far less crowded.
4. ⇒ Mussoorie (Approx. 85–90 km from Haridwar)
Mussoorie is one of those hill stations that never goes out of style and when you are with friends, it’s even better. About a three-hour drive from Haridwar, this “Queen of Hills” is perfect for a quick getaway when you need a mix of cool weather, mountain views and a lot of random fun.
Our trip there was full of classic hill-station moments, arguing over who gets the window seat as the car curved up the mountains, stopping for Maggi at a roadside stall (because no trip to the hills is complete without it) and of course, endless photo sessions at every bend.
Once you reach, Mall Road is where the action is. Walking around with your friends, grabbing hot momos, laughing at each other’s bargaining skills at the souvenir shops, it’s simple stuff but so much fun. Kempty Falls was another must-do for us. Sure, it’s touristy but wading into the chilly water together was the kind of refreshing chaos we needed.
Evenings in Mussoorie have their own magic. We ended up at a café with fairy lights, sipping hot chocolate while the mist rolled in. It’s the kind of cozy vibe that makes you forget you were exhausted from all the walking. One friend even joked, “If we stay any longer, I’m never going back down.” And honestly, it was tempting.
Pro Tip: Try to leave Haridwar early in the morning. That way you will have enough time to explore Mussoorie at a relaxed pace and still catch the sunset from Gun Hill or Camel’s Back Road. It’s a view you’ll all remember long after the trip.
5. ⇒ Dhanaulti (Approx. 95 km from Haridwar)
If Mussoorie feels a little too crowded for your group, Dhanaulti is the quieter and cooler cousin just a short drive further. Tucked away in the Garhwal hills, it’s all about calm pine forests, eco parks and the kind of fresh mountain air that makes you forget city life even exists.
When we headed there, the plan was simple: relax, wander around and do a whole lot of nothing. And honestly, that’s exactly what made it so good. Walking through the tall deodar and oak trees with friends, cracking jokes and randomly stopping for selfies gave the trip a chilled-out vibe. The eco parks here are small but peaceful and you can take easy trails, rent swings or just sit on the grass and talk for hours.
But the real highlight was camping. We booked a campsite for the night and it turned out to be one of those unforgettable “friends trip” experiences. Bonfire crackling, guitars (badly) played, stories swapped and that one friend trying to roast marshmallows and setting them on fire instead was all part of the fun. The silence of the mountains at night, broken only by our laughter, felt like something straight out of a movie.
Food here is mostly local and simple like parathas, pakoras and Maggi but when you are sharing it with friends in the cold, it somehow tastes better than any fancy restaurant meal.
Pro Tip: Carry warm clothes even in summer because evenings in Dhanaulti get chilly fast. And if you can, plan for an overnight stay instead of just a day trip. The night under the stars is what makes Dhanaulti truly special with friends.
6. ⇒ Chilla Range (Rajaji Tiger Reserve Side – Approx. 15–20 km from Haridwar)
If your group is craving something raw and offbeat, the Chilla Range is the spot. It’s part of Rajaji Tiger Reserve but feels far less commercial with no big crowds, no loud chaos, just pure wilderness. The kind of place where you can escape city noise and swap it for the sound of rustling leaves and birds calling out in the distance.
When we went, the drive itself set the tone. Empty stretches of road cutting through the forest, everyone in the car on high alert hoping to spot a wild animal. One friend swore he saw tiger stripes behind the trees (spoiler: it was just sunlight on the bushes). But that’s what makes it fun, the suspense and excitement with every turn.
The jeep safari here is simpler compared to the main Rajaji entrance but that’s the charm. Our guide stopped at a quiet stretch by the Ganga canal and we just sat there watching the water while monkeys played around in the distance. It wasn’t about ticking things off a list but it was about soaking in the calm with friends, swapping stories and realizing how rare these moments of silence are when you are together.
The wildlife is still the main attraction, though. We spotted deer, peacocks and a massive herd of elephants at a distance. Seeing them move together across the riverbank had all of us stunned into silence (a rare thing for our group).
Pro Tip: Carry snacks and water, this side of Rajaji doesn’t have many facilities. And plan for late afternoon or early morning if you want higher chances of spotting wildlife.
7. ⇒ Devprayag (Approx. 90–95 km from Haridwar)
Devprayag is where two mighty rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda come together to form the Ganga and honestly, seeing that confluence with your own eyes is something special. The shades of green and blue meeting in a dramatic swirl look almost unreal, like nature decided to paint its own masterpiece.
For us, the road trip to Devprayag was just as memorable as the destination. The winding mountain roads meant constant snack breaks (because someone always gets hungry every 30 minutes) and at least one stop just to take in the views. The journey felt like half the adventure with all of us laughing, clicking photos and occasionally yelling at the driver (who was also one of us) to slow down on the sharp turns.
When we finally reached, the view was worth every kilometer. Standing at the Sangam point, watching the rivers merge, we all went quiet for a bit and it’s one of those rare travel moments that feels both peaceful and powerful. Of course, the quiet didn’t last long, soon enough we were competing for who could take the best group shot with the rivers in the background. Spoiler: none of them turned out perfect but that’s the charm of friends’ photos, right?
There are also temples around the Sangam if your group wants to add a spiritual stop but even just sitting by the banks, dipping your feet in the cold water and talking about everything and nothing makes it worth the trip.
Pro Tip: Start early in the morning if you’re planning Devprayag as a day trip because the drive takes time and you’ll definitely want to linger there without rushing back.
Where to Eat with Friends Near Haridwar
No trip with friends is complete without food stops with the jokes, the sharing and the fights over the last bite often end up being the highlights of the day. Around Haridwar, you’ll find plenty of foodie options, from street food to riverside cafés and they are all worth trying at least once.
Street Food in Haridwar
Start right in Haridwar itself. The narrow lanes around Har Ki Pauri are packed with stalls selling kachoris, samosas, chole bhature and of course, hot jalebis dripping with syrup. On our trip, one friend made it their mission to “taste-test” every chaat stall and we didn’t stop them, we just joined in. Street food here is cheap, filling and honestly, part of the whole Haridwar experience.
Cafés in Rishikesh
If your group enjoys chilling out after adventure activities, Rishikesh is café heaven. From Beatles Café with its laid-back vibe to Little Buddha Café overlooking the Ganga, there’s no shortage of spots where you can grab pancakes, wood-fired pizza or smoothies. We ended up spending hours in one café just playing cards, laughing way too loudly and losing track of time.
Dhabas on the Way to Mussoorie or Dhanaulti
Road trips with friends are incomplete without a solid dhaba stop. On our way to Mussoorie, we pulled over at a roadside dhaba for parathas and butter-drenched dal. The food was simple but so satisfying and way cheaper than the fancy hill cafés. Plus, there’s something fun about sharing rotis straight off the tandoor while teasing the friend who always eats the most.
Local Finds in the Hills
In Mussoorie or Dhanaulti, you’ll also find plenty of small eateries serving steaming momos, thukpa and Maggi. Sitting in the chilly air, huddled over bowls of hot food, was easily one of our coziest trip memories. And yes, nothing beats Maggi at 6,000 feet. It’s practically a tradition.
Sample 2-Day / 3-Day Itinerary with Friends
If you and your gang are planning a quick escape around Haridwar, here’s a simple itinerary that balances adventure, chill time and a bit of spirituality without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Haridwar → Rishikesh
- Kick off with a morning drive to Rishikesh (just 20 km away).
- Go straight for adventure like river rafting, bungee jumping or cliff jumping depending on your group’s vibe.
- Refuel with lunch at one of the riverside cafés (pizzas, pancakes and smoothies taste way better after rafting).
- Spend the evening at Triveni Ghat for the Ganga Aarti. It’s a beautiful way to end the day with your friends.
- Optional: Stay overnight in Rishikesh if you want more café-hopping and late-night chill by the river.
Day 2: Haridwar → Mussoorie or Dhanaulti
- Leave early for Mussoorie (85–90 km) or Dhanaulti (95 km).
- Spend the day exploring Mall Road, Kempty Falls or just soaking in hill-station vibes.
- Grab hot momos or Maggi at a hillside stall.
- If you choose Dhanaulti then consider an overnight camp and the bonfires under the stars are way more fun with friends.
Optional Day 3: Rajaji National Park or Devprayag
- If you have got one more day, pick between Rajaji National Park/Chilla Range for a wildlife safari and Devprayag for a scenic road trip and the magical Sangam views.
- Wrap up with a hearty meal at a dhaba on your way back before returning to Haridwar.
Pro Tip: Keep the plan flexible. Sometimes the best part of a friends’ trip is the unplanned detour that turns into the highlight of the journey.
Conclusion
Traveling around Haridwar with friends is one of those experiences that mixes everything from spiritual vibes, wild adventures to cozy hill-station strolls and plenty of foodie stops in between. The best part is that all these spots are within 100 km which means less time stuck on the road and more time actually enjoying the journey with your gang.
From rafting in Rishikesh to camping in Dhanaulti, spotting elephants in Rajaji or simply laughing over jalebis in Haridwar’s lanes, every moment feels like a memory in the making. Trips like these remind you that it doesn’t matter if the plan is perfectly executed or if you just wing it with the laughter, inside jokes and little adventures with your friends are what you’ll remember most.
So, next time Haridwar is on your travel list, don’t just stop at the ghats. Grab your friends, hit the road and explore the incredible mix of tourist places waiting just a short drive away. Trust me, this is the kind of trip that will keep coming up in your group chats long after you’re back home.
FAQs on Tourist Places Near Haridwar Within 100 kms
Here are frequently asked questions:
The closest hill station to Haridwar is Rishikesh (20 km) if you are looking for adventure and cafés but if you specifically want cooler mountain vibes then Mussoorie (about 85–90 km) is the nearest proper hill station.
Absolutely! River rafting in Rishikesh is one of the best experiences to have with friends. It’s just a 30–40 minute drive from Haridwar and you can book different stretches depending on how adventurous your group feels.
Rajaji National Park is usually open from mid-November to mid-June. During the monsoon months, it closes for safety reasons, so plan your trip accordingly.
Rishikesh is only about 20 km from Haridwar then it takes around 40 minutes by car, making it a perfect day trip. But keep in mind that it can take extra time as the road runs through mountains.
Yes, the roads to Rishikesh, Rajaji, Mussoorie and Devprayag are generally safe. Just drive carefully on hilly routes, especially during the monsoon season, as landslides can sometimes cause delays.
The best time is October to June. Winter months (Dec–Feb) are great for the hills while summers (March–June) are perfect for rafting and safaris. Monsoon (July–Sept) can make outdoor plans tricky but is beautiful if you love greenery.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
