Exploring the Top Tourist Places Near Haridwar within 200 km

Every time we visit Haridwar, it feels like stepping into a living postcard of the ghats buzzing with chants, the Ganga flowing endlessly and the aroma of street food filling the air. I want to add one more thing, Haridwar isn’t just about its temples and Ganga Aarti. Within a short drive, sometimes less than an hour, sometimes a couple, there’s a whole world of hill stations, forests, rivers and hidden villages waiting to be explored. That’s why we put this guide together, the best tourist places within 200 km of Haridwar. These are the spots I have explored and all are close enough for a quick trip yet different enough to feel like a whole new adventure.

Also Read: Mountain Views in Mussoorie

A). One Day Picnic Spots Near Haridwar

In this section I am going to list all the best possible picnic spots which can be covered in a day from Haridwar. Let’s get started.

1. ⇒ Rishikesh

• Distance: ~26 km | Drive time: 50 mins
  
• Best for: Spiritual seekers, yoga lovers, adventure fans
  
• How to Get There: Smooth roads from Haridwar. Buses, shared autos and taxis are frequent.
  
• What to Do:
  Attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
  Cross the iconic Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula bridges
  Try river rafting (Oct–June is best)
  Visit yoga ashrams and cafes with river views
  
• Our Tip: Skip the busy evening Aarti and go for the morning prayers at Parmarth Niketan. You will fewer crowds but the same magic. This time is highly recommended!

2. ⇒ Devprayag

• Distance: ~94 km | Drive time: 3–3.5 hrs
  
• Best for: Pilgrims, photographers, culture lovers
  
• How to Get There: Drive along NH 58 via Rishikesh; shared jeeps available from Srinagar (Garhwal).
  
• What to Do:
  Witness the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers forming the Ganga
  Enjoy the dramatic valley views from suspension bridges
  
• Our Tip: Stop at roadside tea stalls. You will have the most heartwarming conversations with locals over steaming chai while watching the rivers meet.

3. ⇒ Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar Itself)

• Distance: 4 km — right here in Haridwar
  
• Best for: Everyone from first-timers to seasoned travelers
  
• Highlights:
  The evening Ganga Aarti with thousands of diyas lighting up the river
  Holy dip at Brahmakund
  Street food trail (don’t miss kachoris and jalebis)
  
• Our Tip: Arrive at least 30–40 minutes before the Aarti to find a good spot.

B). Hill Stations & Scenic Escapes For 2 Trips From Haridwar

So it’s my personal favourite list which always fill my soul with peace.

4. ⇒ Mussoorie

• Distance: ~84 km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hrs
  
• Best for: Families, couples, mountain lovers
  
• How to Get There: Drive via Dehradun; buses and taxis are frequent from Haridwar.
  
• What to Do:
  Stroll along Mall Road for shops, food and views
  Visit Lal Tibba which is the highest point with Himalayan views
  Take the ropeway up to Gun Hill
  Cool off at Kempty Falls
  
• Our Tip: Wake up early and catch the sunrise at Lal Tibba with hot chai in hand with almost no one else around. If you can, do it before the town wakes up.

5. ⇒ Dhanaulti

• Distance: ~100 km | Drive time: 3.5–4 hrs
  
• Best for: Peace-seekers, offbeat travelers, nature lovers
  
• How to Get There: From Mussoorie, it’s about 25 km further uphill; cabs or self-drive is easiest.
  
• What to Do:
  Walk through the Eco Park’s pine forests
  Enjoy short treks like Surkanda Devi Temple trail
  Try adventure camps (zipline, camping, bonfires)
  
• Our Tip: Dhanaulti gets chilly even in summer evenings. Pack a light jacket.

6. ⇒ Kanatal

• Distance: ~99 km | Drive time: 3.5–4 hrs (past Mussoorie/Dhanaulti)
  
• Best for: Weekend camping, sunrise chasers, road trippers
  
• How to Get There: Drive or taxi via Chamba route. Roads are winding but scenic.
  
• What to Do:
  Go camping under the stars
  Wake up early for jaw-dropping Himalayan sunrises
  Trek to Kodia Jungle for birdwatching and forest walks
  
• Our Tip: Camp here when the night sky is so clear that you will spot countless constellations. Carry a flashlight and some extra blankets if you visit in the colder months.

7. ⇒ Landour

• Distance: ~87 km | Drive time: 3 hrs (near Mussoorie)
  
• Best for: Writers, readers, slow travelers
  
• How to Get There: A short uphill drive from Mussoorie as the taxis and shared cabs are available.
  
• What to Do:
  Explore quiet cafes and bookshops
  Walk the famous “Landour loop” for views and silence
  Spot colonial-era buildings and churches
  
• Our Tip: Unlike busy Mussoorie, Landour is calm. I love to spend an entire afternoon reading in a cafe here, listening to rain tapping on old windows. Perfect for unwinding.

👉 Together, Mussoorie + Dhanaulti + Kanatal + Landour make a fantastic weekend or 3-day trip. You can choose lively Mussoorie or the quieter gems depending on your mood.

C). Wildlife & Nature Escapes Near Haridwar

Nature can’t disappoint you, and honestly it’s very lovely near Haridwar if you don’t play bad with it. Here I am gathering all the wildlife near Haridwar within 200 kms.

8. ⇒ Rajaji National Park

• Distance: ~4 km | Drive time: 10-15 mins
  
• Best for: Wildlife lovers, families, photographers
  
• How to Get There: Easy drive from Haridwar. The safaris start from several gates including Chilla, Motichur and Ranipur. Advance booking recommended.
  
• What to Do:
  Jeep safari to spot elephants, leopards, deer and peacocks
  Birdwatching, over 300 species (don’t forget binoculars)
  Explore the forest rest houses for old-world charm
  
• Our Tip: Early morning safaris are magical. You can spot a herd of elephants crossing the path right in front of you, a memory etched forever. Dress warmly in winter mornings!

9. ⇒ Chilla Range

• Distance: ~10 km | Drive time: 20–25 mins
  
• Best for: Short nature escapes, picnics, light safaris
  
• How to Get There: Short drive from Haridwar via the Chilla road. Local autos/taxis available.
  
• What to Do:
  Safari rides through dense Sal forests
  Riverside picnic by the Ganga canal
  Spot wild elephants, sambars and sometimes leopards
  
• Our Tip: Carry snacks and water. I love to spend an entire afternoon here just sitting by the canal, watching kingfishers dive into the water.

10. ⇒ Motichur Range

• Distance: ~15 km | Drive time: 15–20 mins
  
• Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, birders
  
• How to Get There: Quick drive from Haridwar, part of Rajaji National Park. Entry through Motichur gate.
  
• What to Do:
  Short safaris, it is quieter than Chilla
  Great for spotting antelopes and migratory birds in season
  
• Our Tip: This range is less crowded, so safaris feel more intimate. There is no rush, just peace.

11. ⇒ Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

• Distance: ~3.5 km | Drive time: 10–15 mins
  
• Best for: Birdwatching, nature photography
  
• How to Get There: Just a short ride from Haridwar near Bhimgoda Barrage.
  
• What to Do:
  Spot migratory birds like Siberian cranes (winter season)
  Walk along the riverbank trails
  Great picnic spot for families
  
• Our Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars. You can spot dozens of migratory birds here during early winter and this scene proves as a bird lover’s paradise.

👉 If you love nature, you can easily combine Chilla + Rajaji safari in one day or spend a relaxed weekend hopping between different park ranges.

D). Lakes, Rivers & Adventure Activities Near Haridwar

There are plenty of small lakes and adventure activities near Haridwar but I am listing the most famous ones.

12. ⇒ Tehri Lake & Tehri Dam

• Distance: ~106 km | Drive time: 3–3.5 hrs
  
• Best for: Adventure seekers, families, water sports lovers
  
• How to Get There: Scenic drive from Haridwar via Chamba. Roads are good but winding in parts.
  
• What to Do:
  Try water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, zorbing
  Boat cruises on the massive blue lake
  Enjoy camping by the lake with starry skies
  
• Our Tip: Even in summer, evenings can be chilly. Pack a light jacket. I love to stay in a lakeside camp and the silence is broken only by lapping water that make it feel surreal.

13. ⇒ Asan Barrage (Asan Lake)

• Distance: ~99 km | Drive time: 2.5 hrs
  
• Best for: Birdwatchers, picnics, kayaking
  
• How to Get There: Easy drive towards Dehradun-Paonta Sahib road.
  
• What to Do:
  Spot migratory birds (Oct–Mar is peak season)
  Try boating or kayaking
  Relax with a picnic by the water
  
• Our Tip: Visit in the morning when birds are most active. I love to watch flocks of bar-headed geese fly low over the lake. This is a postcard moment.

14. ⇒ Kempty Falls (Mussoorie)

• Distance: ~97 km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hrs
  
• Best for: Families, couples, first-time Mussoorie visitors
  
• How to Get There: Drive via Dehradun–Mussoorie route. Parking is available near the falls.
  
• What to Do:
  Dip in the cold waterfall pool (refreshing on a hot day!)
  Stroll around small eateries and shops nearby
  Enjoy the ropeway ride for an aerial view
  
• Our Tip: Mornings are quieter. Reach early and have the pool almost to yourselves — by noon it will be packed!

E). Heritage, Forts & Offbeat Villages

Here comes the history lovers paradise. I am listing the famous spots here.

15. ⇒ Chakrata

• Distance: ~141 km | Drive time: hrs
  
• Best for: Offbeat explorers, trekkers, nature lovers
  
• How to Get There: Scenic drive via Dehradun. The roads are winding but rewarding.
  
• What to Do:
  Trek to Tiger Falls (one of the tallest in Uttarakhand)
  Explore dense Deodar forests and caves like Budher Caves
  Enjoy local homestays with warm pahadi hospitality
  
• Our Tip: Carry cash because ATMs are scarce. Share endless cups of chai with locals who tell about old legends and the hills. Priceless.

16. ⇒ Kalsi (Ashokan Rock Edict)

• Distance: ~98 km | Drive time: 2 hrs
  
• Best for: History buffs, culture lovers
  
• How to Get There: Drive towards Dehradun–Chakrata road.
  
• What to Do:
  See the Ashokan Rock Edict, carved in 3rd century BCE
  Visit local markets and enjoy simple village life
  Explore nearby Yamuna riverside spots
  
• Our Tip: Stop here on the way to Chakrata. We once had fresh mangoes from a roadside vendor. This was simple joy that made the journey sweeter.

👉 These offbeat gems are best for travelers who prefer stories over selfies. If the hustle of Mussoorie feels too much, places like Landour or Kanatal will soothe your soul.

F). Short Nature Escapes (<30 km from Haridwar)

If you are short on time but still want to get enough of the mature lap, then try out these short nature escapes near Haridwar within 50 kms.

17. ⇒ Shantikunj Ashram

• Distance: ~10 km | Drive time: 20–30 mins
  
• Best for: Spiritual seekers, meditation lovers
  
• How to Get There: Quick auto/cab ride from Haridwar town.
  
• What to Do:
  Attend meditation and yoga sessions
  Walk through peaceful gardens and shrines
  Learn about social initiatives of the Gayatri Parivar
  
• Our Tip: Mornings are quieter and more serene. Try to reach out earlier than the start of mediation.

18. ⇒ Lachhiwala Nature Park

• Distance: ~38 km | Drive time: 40–50 mins
  
• Best for: Families, picnics, nature strolls
  
• How to Get There: Drive towards Dehradun with well-marked entry point.
  
• What to Do:
  Enjoy man-made water pools fed by natural streams
  Take forest walks under Sal and teak trees
  Spend a lazy afternoon picnicking
  
• Our Tip: Great for kids. In summer trips, Cool off the shallow pools while munching on homemade pakoras. It is just a bliss!

19. ⇒ Bhimgoda Barrage

• Distance: ~5 km | Drive time: 15 mins
  
• Best for: Evening strolls, bird lovers
  
• How to Get There: Just outside Haridwar town, accessible by cycle rickshaw or auto.
  
• What to Do:
  Watch migratory birds near the reservoir (winter is best)
  Evening walks along the canal banks
  Enjoy sunset views with the Ganga’s calm flow
  
• Our Tip: Carry a camera. You will spot pelicans here during December. It is completely unexpected and delightful.

20. ⇒ Patna Waterfall (near Rishikesh)

• Distance: ~35 km | Drive time: 1 Hours
  
• Best for: Hikers, photographers
  
• How to Get There: Drive to Rishikesh and hike ~1.5 km through a forest trail.
  
• What to Do:
  Trek through lush forest with butterflies everywhere
  Relax at the cool natural pool below the falls
  Have tea at local stalls on the trail
  
• Our Tip: Start the trek early. Reach there before the crowd and have the entire waterfall to yourselves. It is one of those rare travel moments you never forget.

👉 These little escapes are perfect when you don’t have much time but still crave nature, peace or a quick dip into Haridwar’s spiritual vibe.

Sample Itineraries

Here is what you can plan according to your time schedule.

2-Day Trip From Haridwar

Day 1:

• Morning: Start with Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (if you arrive the night before, even better!)
  
• Midday: Head to Rishikesh for rafting and lunch at a riverside café
  
• Evening: Stroll at Lakshman Jhula and attend evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Day 2:

• Morning: Short drive to Rajaji National Park for a safari at Chilla Range
  
• Afternoon: Picnic at Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar or Bhimgoda Barrage
  
• Evening: Wrap up with local street food in Haridwar before departure

3-Day Trips From Haridwar

Day 1:

• Explore Haridwar: Ghats and local markets
  
• Evening: Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Day 2:

• Full day at Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Mall Road stroll, sunset at Lal Tibba
  
• Optional detour to Landour for a slower vibe

Day 3:

• Early morning safari at Rajaji National Park
  
• Afternoon: Stop at Lachhiwala Nature Park for a relaxed picnic
  
• Evening: Return to Haridwar

5-Day Trips From Haridwar

Day 1:

• Haridwar highlights — ghats, and Shantikunj Ashram
  
• Evening Ganga Aarti

Day 2:

• Rishikesh adventure — rafting, Neer Garh waterfall, yoga café hopping

Day 3:

• Mussoorie + Landour exploration (waterfalls, Mall Road, Char Dukan stroll)

Day 4:

• Day trip to Tehri Lake for water sports and lakeside camping

Day 5:

• Offbeat charm at Chakrata or Kanatal
  
• Evening drive back to Haridwar

Travel Tips for Exploring Around Haridwar

Here are the best travel tips to follow while traveling around Haridwar.

Transportation

• Best Way: Hire a cab or self-drive if you are comfortable with mountain roads. It gives the most freedom to stop at waterfalls, tea stalls or random viewpoints.
  
• Budget Option: State buses are reliable for Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Dehradun but slower.
  
• Quick Hack: Shared jeeps and autos are available for short distances. Hop into a shared jeep from Rishikesh to Shivpuri for rafting. It cost less than a coffee in Delhi!

Accommodation

• Haridwar: Stay close to Har Ki Pauri for easy access to ghats and markets.
  
• Rishikesh: Try riverside camps or yoga hostels for a vibe like spiritual meets adventure.
  
• Hill Stations: Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Kanatal have homestays with stunning views.
  
• Tip: Always book in advance during weekends or peak seasons.

Food

• In Haridwar: Don’t miss aloo puri, kachoris and sweets like jalebi and rasmalai.
  
• Rishikesh: Café culture shines here, so try wood-fired pizzas, organic bowls and masala chai with a view of the Ganga.
  
• Hill Stations: Simple pahadi thalis, Maggi at roadside stalls and hot momos are the real comfort foods.

Safety & Family Tips

• With Kids or Seniors: Stick to shorter drives (like Rishikesh, Lachhiwala, or Rajaji Park). Avoid very bumpy routes.
  
• Adventure Activities: Always book with licensed operators for rafting, paragliding or water sports.
  
• Health & Comfort: Carry medicines for motion sickness because mountain roads can be twisty.
  
• Monsoon Travel: Watch out for landslides. Check local updates before heading to hill stations.

Packing Reminders

• Layered clothing (from hot plains to chilly hills in one trip!)
  
• Comfortable walking shoes
  
• A small day backpack for water, snacks and essentials
  
• Carry Sunscreen and sunglasses even in winter at higher altitudes
  
• Reusable water bottle (eco-friendly and handy)

Conclusion

Traveling around Haridwar is like opening a treasure chest in which every turn in the road reveals a new gem, whether it’s a quiet ghat, a roaring waterfall or a misty hilltop village. Within 200 km, you can dip your toes in the Ganga, hike to waterfalls, sip chai in hidden hill cafés or spot wild elephants in the forest.

What I love most is the mix of spiritual calm in Haridwar, adrenaline in Rishikesh, romance in Mussoorie and offbeat magic in places like Kanatal or Chakrata. No two days ever feel the same here.

So whether you are planning a short weekend break or a week-long adventure, pack an open heart, a curious spirit and maybe a little extra patience for the mountains. The hills and rivers always reward those who slow down and look around.

FAQs about Tourist Places near Haridwar within 200 kms

Here is the list of frequently asked questions:

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