There are journeys, and then there are experiences that touch your soul. Last week, during the holy month of Sawan, we had an unforgettable experience when our group of friends decided to visit Haridwar — the sacred land of Lord Shiva and one of India's holiest cities. As the month of Sawan is deeply connected with spirituality, devotion, and the worship of Lord Shiva, we couldn't think of a better place than Haridwar to begin this divine chapter.
Planning the Trip from Delhi
We were a group of friends who were excited to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Since it was Sawan, the idea of visiting Haridwar came naturally to us. To make our journey comfortable and smooth, we booked an Urbania on hire in Delhi. This decision was perfect for our group travel. The Urbania was spacious, luxurious, and very well-maintained — making our road trip joyful right from the start.
We started our journey early in the morning from Delhi. As soon as we boarded the Urbania, the mood was already set. Music, laughter, snacks, and non-stop chit-chat filled the air. We were all in high spirits, excited to soak in the spiritual vibes of Haridwar.
The Road Journey Experience
The ride from Delhi to Haridwar is approximately 230 kilometers and takes about 5 to 6 hours. Thanks to the comfort of our Urbania vehicle and the skill of our driver, the journey felt smooth and enjoyable. We made a few stops on the way for breakfast and tea, capturing candid moments, clicking selfies, and enjoying the lush green views.
The monsoon showers added to the beauty of the drive. The earthy smell of rain and the freshness in the air made our road journey even more special. It felt like nature itself was blessing our trip.
Arrival in Haridwar – A Spiritual Welcome
As we entered Haridwar, we could already feel the spiritual energy that makes this city so special. Devotees dressed in saffron, the sound of temple bells, the chanting of mantras, and the fragrance of incense — it was a divine atmosphere that gave us goosebumps. The sight of the Ganges flowing gracefully amidst the ghats was breathtaking.
We checked into our pre-booked hotel, freshened up, and headed out to explore the sacred city.
Exploring Haridwar – Temples, Ghats, and Sawan Vibes
Our first destination was the famous Har Ki Pauri Ghat. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy Ganges during the month of Sawan washes away sins and brings blessings from Lord Shiva. We all took a holy dip and felt a sense of inner peace. The cool water and the calm ambiance were deeply rejuvenating.
Later, we visited several iconic temples like:
Mansa Devi Temple – Located on a hilltop, we reached it via a ropeway and enjoyed panoramic views of Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple – Another beautiful temple on a hill, giving us a spiritual yet adventurous trek.
Daksha Mahadev Temple – A must-visit Shiva temple associated with mythology and divine stories of Sati and Lord Shiva.
Everywhere we went, we saw the devotion of Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) carrying holy water in decorated pots, barefooted, chanting "Bol Bam!" The festive mood of Sawan was truly contagious.
Evening Ganga Aarti – A Magical Experience
One of the highlights of our trip was attending the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in the evening. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold. Hundreds of devotees gathered by the ghat, diyas (oil lamps) floated on the river, priests performed synchronized aarti rituals with giant fire torches, and the sound of bhajans echoed in the air.
We lit our diyas, made wishes, and gently floated them into the Ganga. Watching the lights drift away on the river was a moment of pure bliss. We captured beautiful photos and videos, but more than that, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
Local Food and Culture
No trip is complete without indulging in local food. Haridwar didn't disappoint us at all. We enjoyed delicious North Indian thalis, kachoris, aloo puri, jalebis, and refreshing lassi. The streets were lively, with vendors selling religious souvenirs, Rudraksha malas, and colorful trinkets.
We also explored the local bazaars and shopped for handcrafted items and spiritual souvenirs to bring back to our families at home.
Staying the Night and More Exploration
Our hotel was cozy and had a great view of the river. After a peaceful night's rest, we woke up early the next day and went for a walk along the ghats. The early morning air, the chants, and the sight of saints meditating along the river banks gave us a deeper appreciation for the spiritual fabric of Haridwar.
We spent our second-day exploring Sapt Rishi Ashram, Bharat Mata Mandir, and Shantikunj – all of which provided us with more insight into yoga, meditation, and spiritual philosophy.
Wrapping Up – A Soulful Return Journey
With hearts full of gratitude and phones full of photos, we started our return journey back to Delhi. Our Urbania Tempo Traveller made our trip just as enjoyable as it began. We sang songs, played games, and shared our favorite moments from the trip.
Everyone agreed that this was more than just a weekend getaway — it was a spiritual journey, a bonding experience, and a beautiful celebration of Sawan and friendship.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a short escape during the month of Sawan, there's no better destination than Haridwar. Whether it's your first visit or a return, the city never fails to leave a spiritual imprint on your soul. If you're traveling with a group, hiring an Urbania on hire from Delhi is the most innovative and comfortable way to enjoy the journey. From the road trip to the holy dip, from temple visits to Ganga Aarti and local food to soulful mornings — everything about our trip was magical.
We highly recommend visiting Haridwar this Sawan. Reconnect with your inner self, seek blessings from Lord Shiva, and experience the beauty of India's spiritual heartland.
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