Haridwar is not just a spiritual destination but is also a perfect starting point for multiple road trips and short weekend getaways. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a road trip from Haridwar to nearby areas can be an amazing experience. Nestled on the banks of the Ganga, the I-girth of this city will offer you a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure activities and cultural vibes. Whether you want the peace of hill stations, the thrill of wildlife or the charm of historical towns, from Haridwar you can easily explore multiple destinations in a few hours' drive.
These road trips offer their unique fun in every season, be it the greenery of monsoons or the cosy weather of winters. Weekend getaways from Haridwar, like Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Dehradun and Lansdowne, are the best options for you where you can spend quality time with nature. In this article, we will tell you the top places to visit near Haridwar by road, which will make your weekend plans special and add a new charm to your travel bucket list.
Why Take a Road Trip from Haridwar?
Haridwar road trip is one such experience that gives a perfect combo of spirituality and adventure. This city, located on the banks of the Ganga, is famous for its divine vibes and road trips from Haridwar here give you the enjoyment of mountains, rivers and serene landscapes. Whether you want to explore the adventure activities of Rishikesh or enjoy the hill views of Mussoorie, these weekend escapes from Haridwar will refresh you. The biggest plus point of a road trip is that you travel at your own pace, enjoy hot tea and pakodas at local dhabas in between and make new memories at every stop. A road trip from Haridwar is not just a destination, it is the fun of a journey that every traveller should try.
Best Places to Visit Near Haridwar by Road (Under 300 km)
Haridwar is one of the most popular holiday gateways for tourists and devotees. The city is basically renowned as one of the major sacred sites among Hindus, but its location also makes it a great halt while planning a trip. There are several tourist places to visit near Haridwar within 300 Km that offer an incredible experience. Some of the weekend gateways near Hatidwar are:
Rishikesh: Rishikesh, just about 25 km away from Haridwar, is a perfect short road trip destination. You can drive there in 40-45 minutes, and the road is mostly smooth with scenic views of the Ganga and green hills. This place is heaven for adventure lovers, where one can enjoy river rafting, bungee jumping and yoga retreats. The best time to visit is from October to March.
Dehradun: Dehradun, 55 km from Haridwar, is a popular weekend getaway. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach here, and the road route is quite pleasant with lush green forests and hillside views. The weather here is mild throughout the year, but the season from March to June and September to November is the best for sightseeing and nature walks.
Dhanaulti: Dhanaulti, about 120 km away from Haridwar, is a peaceful hill station that is perfect for relaxing away from the crowd. A 4-5 hour drive takes you through winding mountain roads and pine forests. The snow season here from December to February is quite popular, while it becomes a cool retreat in the summer.
Devprayag: Devprayag, located 94 km from Haridwar, is the place where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi join together to give birth to Ganga. The 3-4 hour drive is quite scenic with mountain terrain and river views. The best season to visit here is from October to April, when the weather is clear and both religious as well as nature lovers enjoy it.
Kedarnath: Kedarnath is approximately 240 km from Haridwar, but the last 16 km is a trek to reach the temple. You can easily book a Haridwar to Kedarnath Cab. It takes around 8-9 hours to drive to Sonprayag or Gaurikund. The road passes through mountain terrain where one gets views of rivers, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. The best season is May to June and September to October when the weather is stable and the journey is safe.
Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar, around 280 km from Haridwar, is perfect for a long weekend road trip. The 7-8 hour drive is mostly on the highway, after which there are winding mountain roads. The view of the Himalayan peaks from here is simply unforgettable. The March to June and September to November seasons are the best to enjoy the natural beauty here.
Hill Stations Near Haridwar by Road
If you are looking for a hill station near Haridwar by road, you are in the right place. There are several cool places to visit near Haridwar that are perfect to explore during the scorching summer. They are not only the perfect summer gateways from Haridwar but also the ideal hill station for tourists to explore the divine land.
Dhanaulti – Dhanaulti, almost 120 km away from Haridwar, is a peaceful hill station famous for its greenery and apple orchards. It takes around 4-5 hours to reach here, and the road is mostly smooth, but some hilly curves make the drive exciting. The level of scenic appeal is high as there are pine and deodar jungles along the way. The best seasons here are summer and autumn when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Kanatal –Kantal, located 110 km from Haridwar, is a small, picturesque spot that is perfect for travellers who want to stay away from the crowd. Travel time takes around 4 hours, and the roads are hilly but well-maintained. En route, one gets a combo of valley views and terraced farms, which make the drive memorable. The best time to visit is summer and early winter.
Nainital – Nainital, around 230 km away from Haridwar, is a popular lake city. It takes 6-7 hours to reach here, and the roads are mostly highways, while the last stretch is a hill drive. The scenic appeal is a combo of lakes, pine forests and misty mountains. The best season is April-June and September-October.
Ranikhet –Ranikhet, 300 km away from Haridwar, is a serene cantonment town where it takes 8-9 hours to reach. The roads are hilly but scenic, where one gets a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks. The best seasons are summer and autumn when the weather is mild.
Almora – Almora is a cultural hill town located about 340 km away from Haridwar. Travel time is 9-10 hours, and the roads are winding but scenic. There is a mix of orchards, valleys and mountain ridges along the way. The best seasons are summer and post-monsoon.
Mussoorie – Mussoorie, just 85 km from Haridwar, is perfect for a quick getaway. Travel time takes 3 hours, and the road is smooth but with steep turns. Scenic appeal is high as one gets to view Doon Valley and waterfalls along the entire route. The best seasons are both summer and winter.
Offbeat & Less-Crowded Escapes Near Haridwar
There are also several lesser-known sites around Haridwar that you can easily access by taking a Haridwar taxi service. These sites will offer you something unique that you might not experience anywhere else. We handpicked some of the most popular offbeat places near Haridwar in this guide. These hidden places near Haridwar are ideally peaceful weekend trip options.
Khirsu: If you want a quiet and picture-perfect weekend, Khirsu is one of the best offbeat places near Haridwar. This small hill station is about 190 km away from Haridwar, and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach here. The road is mostly smooth with some winding mountain stretches that make the drive quite scenic. From here, one gets a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, which is a dream spot for photography lovers. The best season to visit Khirsu is March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Binsar: For nature lovers, Binsar is a perfect peaceful weekend trip from Haridwar. This wildlife sanctuary and hill destination is about 340 km away from Haridwar, where the drive duration is around 9-10 hours. A considerable part of the road consists of mountain curves, but the views are worth the entire journey. One gets a mesmerising combo of dense oak, pine forests and snow peaks here. October to March is considered the best time to visit here, when one gets cool weather and crystal clear mountain views.
Peora: Hidden hamlet Peora is an untouched beauty, approximately 300 km away from Haridwar, drive duration of around 8-9 hours. Roads are mainly hilly but well-maintained, and along the way, you get to see lush green valleys and orchards. This place is a hidden gem for photographers and peace seekers. March to May and September to November are ideal times when the weather here is mild and nature is in its full glory.
Pangot: Pangot is a paradise for bird watchers, which is about 240 km away from Haridwar, and one can reach here in 7-8 hours. The road is smooth with some hilly curves in the last stretch, which look quite charming. More than 300 bird species are found here, and the misty mornings feel quite magical. October to April is the best time when migratory birds also come, and the climate remains cool.
Satpuli: Satpuli is a peaceful riverside town, which is only 110 km away from Haridwar, and one can reach here in about 3-4 hours. The road is mostly plain with scenic river views along the way. This place is perfect for fishing lovers and those who want to enjoy a slow-paced weekend. The best time to visit here is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the river flow is serene.
Chamba: Chamba is a quiet hill town around 100 km away from Haridwar that takes about 3 hours to reach. The road is smooth with occasional winding stretches and breathtaking views of Tehri Lake. The weather here is pleasant throughout the year, but the place looks even more beautiful in summer.
Adventure & Wildlife Getaways Near Haridwar
Haridwar also opens gateways to several thrilling and adventurous sites of the region. You can enjoy the serene mountain view to the wildlife places near Haridwar. It's well connected to them by road, and you can easily take a cab or bus to get there. There are some of the most popular adventure gateways from Haridwar.
Assan Barrage: Assan Barrage, about 43 km away from Haridwar, is a perfect spot if you want to explore wildlife places near Haridwar. The drive here is around 1 hour, and there are mostly smooth highways and some hilly curves, which add to the fun of the road trip. The scenic appeal is very wonderful as you get greenery and river views along the way. You can see migratory birds here, which is heaven for birdwatchers. The season from October to March is the best time to visit here, as there is the maximum variety of birds during this time.
Jim Corbett National Park: If you want the real thrill of a Haridwar road trip with safari, then there is nothing better than Jim Corbett National Park. It is approximately 125 km from Haridwar, which you can cover in 3-4 hours. The route is mostly highways with some forest stretches, which also makes the drive adventurous. In the scenic view, you will see dense forest, hills and sometimes a flow of river on both sides of your car. The safari experience is the main highlight here, where you can try tiger spotting. The best season is from November to June when the park is fully open.
Rishikesh: Rishikesh, just 20 km away, is an adventure getaway from Haridwar that operates in every season. The drive is just 30-40 minutes, and the route goes along the banks of the Ganga, which looks like a real postcard. Here you can try adventure sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, and giant swing. The scenic appeal is a combo of mountains, riverside beaches and temples. The best season for rafting is from September to June when the water flow is at its best.
Nag Tibba: The Nag Tibba trek is around 170 km from Haridwar, which takes 5-6 hours to drive. The route goes through Dehradun and Mussoorie, so the level of scenic views is different. This route is of winding mountain roads, which are a bit challenging but have great scenic views. The best season for the trek is October to April, when the weather is clear and one can see the snow-capped peaks. This place is a dream destination for trekking lovers.
Spiritual Places Near Haridwar
There are many spiritual destinations near Haridwar that are perfect for religious road trips from Haridwar. Here you will find peaceful temples, natural beauty and a divine atmosphere which creates a unique experience for every traveller.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: If you want to explore spiritual places near Haridwar, then Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a must-visit. It is approximately 32 km away from Haridwar, and it takes approximately 1 hour to reach here. The road is mostly hilly but well-maintained, and in between, one gets views of lush green forest and river valley, which make the drive more scenic. The time from after the monsoon to the beginning of winter is the best time to visit here, as the weather is pleasant and nature is in its full charm.
Kunjapuri Temple: Kunjapuri Temple is around 85 km from Haridwar, and it takes around 2.5-3 hours to drive. The road is a mix of plain stretches and hilly turns, but watching the sunset and sunrise from here is a unique experience. This spot is quite popular for religious road trips from Haridwar. The best season here is March to June and September to November, when the sky is clear and the view of the mountains is crystal clear.
Vashishta Gufa: This peaceful spiritual spot is situated approximately 50 km from Haridwar, near Rishikesh. Travel time takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the road is smooth except for the last little hilly patch. The scenic appeal here is mainly the serene environment of the Ganga banks and the ancient vibe of the caves. Winter and early summer are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and meditation lovers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this place.
Kainchi Dham: The distance from Haridwar to Kainchi Dham is approximately 280 km, and it is a full-day road trip, usually taking 7-8 hours. The road is mostly highway, and then the last stretch is of hilly turns, in which one gets a very beautiful view of the pine forest and the valleys. The best season is from May to October when the temperature remains comfortable. Neem Karoli Baba ji's ashram is the main attraction here, and devotees come from many faraway places.
Badrinath: Haridwar is the ideal place to start your journey to Badrinath. The distance of Badrinath from Haridwar is approximately 320 km, which you can easily cover by taking a Haridwar to Badrinath taxi. By cab, your travel time will be around 10-11 hours. The road is a winding mountain route that runs along the Alaknanda River, offering views of glaciers and meadows in between. It is an iconic destination for religious road trips from Haridwar. May to June and September to early October are the best seasons when the climate is mild and road conditions are good.
Travel Tips for Road Trips from Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the perfect places to explore the mind-blowing beauty of Uttarakhand. It is the base camp for the Char Dham Yatra and other adventure trails. But whether you are going for a pilgrimage trip or a holiday, planning is essential, especially if you are planning a road trip. Your road trip from Haridwar is enjoyable only when the planning is perfect.
- First of all, if you are travelling on a weekend, leave early in the morning. The weather is cold in the early morning, and there is very little traffic.
- Keep some snacks, water bottles and a power bank with you so that you do not have to worry about getting hungry on the way or your phone battery going down.
- Before leaving, check the weather and road conditions once because sudden changes occur sometimes in hilly areas and on highways.
- Keep some cash ready for toll points; online payment does not work everywhere.
- And when it comes to choosing the best and hassle-free option for travel, there is no better option than CabBazar. Here you can make easy online cab booking and enjoy a comfortable journey with trusted drivers.
This way, your Haridwar road trip will not just become a journey but a perfect travel experience.
Best Time to Visit These Places from Delhi
If you are planning to explore the destinations on the Haridwar side from Delhi, then it is very important to choose the best time so that the fun of the trip is doubled. During the summer season, i.e. from March to June, the weather here is hot, but the morning and evening times are quite pleasant. This time is perfect for those travellers who want to enjoy Ganga aarti, temple darshan and some adventure activities like rafting. During the monsoon, i.e. from July to September, Haridwar and the nearby hill stations turn into a green carpet. The romantic mood of the rain and the experience of the cold breeze make the vibe of this place even more special. Just bring a raincoat or umbrella while travelling in this season.
Winter, i.e. from October to February, is the most peaceful season here. In winter, a morning walk on the banks of the Ganges, a cup of hot tea and the serene atmosphere of the temples provide a unique solace. This season is especially considered the best for family trips and spiritual getaways. Every season has its charm, just choose your Haridwar getaway timing according to your interest and comfort and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best weekend getaways near Haridwar by car?
From Haridwar, you can easily plan a weekend getaway to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, and Jim Corbett National Park. All these destinations are within a 2-5 hour drive and offer the perfect combo of nature, adventure, and peace.
Q2. Can I take a one-day road trip from Haridwar?
Of course, for a short one-day trip, you can visit Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park, Patanjali Yogapeeth or Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir. You can leave early in the morning and easily return by evening.
Q3. What are some good family-friendly destinations from Haridwar?
Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Har Ki Doon Valley and Jim Corbett near Haridwar are perfect for a family trip. Here the safe environment, comfortable stays and sightseeing options are easily available, which are liked by every age group.
Q4. How can I book a cab for a road trip near Haridwar?
You can book a cab from local cab service providers, travel agencies or trusted taxi booking apps. Booking online gives you the benefit of fixed fare, clean cars and experienced drivers, which makes road trips hassle-free.
Q5. Are there hill stations within 300 km of Haridwar?
Yes, within 300 km from Haridwar, you get beautiful hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, Lansdowne, Dhanaulti and Chakrata. All these are the best options for road trips and give a heavenly experience to nature lovers.
If you want to take a little break from your daily routine, then now is the best time to plan your next adventure. A weekend road trip to nearby destinations from Haridwar is a perfect idea where you can enjoy nature, peace and a little thrill. Whether you want to explore hill stations or visit spiritual spots, just book a cab and get going. CabBazar gives you a smooth travel experience with clean cabs, verified drivers and affordable fares, such that your focus is only on enjoying the journey. So don't delay, book your weekend getaways from Haridwar cab now and create memorable memories with your friends and family. Now is the time to get on the road and explore beyond Haridwar.
