Circle

As a child, I remember clutching my mother’s hand tightly while walking barefoot along the ghats of Haridwar. The scent of incense, the rhythmic chants, the hypnotic flicker of oil lamps during the Ganga Aarti — these memories are etched in my heart like sacred verses. Back then, Haridwar was, to my little mind, a city of prayer, ritual, and devotion. We’d visit Mansa Devi by ropeway, take a dip in the chilly waters at Har Ki Pauri, and return to our hotel wrapped in the calm that only a spiritual town could offer.

Fast forward to the present — decades later — I found myself back in Haridwar, only this time with a backpack and a soul full of adventures. And what greeted me wasn’t just nostalgia. It was awe.

Haridwar has changed. Or perhaps, evolved is the better word.

Yes, the spirit of the city is still deeply spiritual. Har Ki Pauri still draws thousands of devotees every evening, and the Ganga Aarti remains as magical and soul-stirring as I remembered it. The temples of Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi still stand proud on their respective hills, welcoming seekers with the same grace and energy.

But in between those ancient rhythms, a new beat has emerged — the pulse of adventure, exploration, and youthful vibrancy.

Haridwar’s Surprising Adventure Side

I never imagined I’d associate Haridwar with adrenaline. And yet, there I was, strapping on a helmet and life jacket, ready to raft down the very river I once offered my diyas.

River rafting on the Ganges in Haridwar is, quite honestly, surreal. It’s like playing on a divine playground. The rapids are thrilling, the scenery is heart-stoppingly beautiful, and the experience — pure joy. There’s something poetic about being carried by the same river that carries centuries of prayers.

And this wasn’t even the only surprise.

Haridwar now has paramotoring! I didn’t try it on this trip (next time, for sure!), but seeing the parachutes gliding against the sky as the Ganga shimmered below was a visual I won’t soon forget. Add to that the Rajaji National Park nearby, offering safaris and a peek into Uttarakhand’s wild side, and suddenly Haridwar isn’t just a destination for pilgrims — it’s a playground for all kinds of travellers.

Rediscovering Stillness at Pebbles by the Ganges

On this trip, I stayed at a peaceful riverside homestay stay called Pebbles By the Ganges. The name is poetic, yes, but the setting is even more so. Just steps away from the river, the property gave me the quiet mornings I love and the thrill of adventure just when I needed it. It’s one of those rare places where you can do Ganga Aarti at sunrise and go rafting in the afternoon.

The property has just eight rooms, so it never feels crowded or commercial. My room had a warm, cozy feel — think local textures, modern comforts, and the soft lull of the Ganges in the background. But what made Pebbles By The Ganges stand out wasn’t just the ambiance — it was the access.

They’re partnered with Himalayan Flyers for paramotoring (yes, those gorgeous parachutes I saw!) and offer river rafting right from their property. Imagine walking out of your room, grabbing a paddle, and being in the rapids within minutes — that’s exactly what I did. I never thought I’d say this, but Haridwar gave me my first rafting experience, and it was nothing short of magical.

It also helped that the property is just a short drive from Har Ki Pauri and the main temples. So I didn’t have to miss out on the spiritual side of Haridwar either. One morning, I hiked up to Chandi Devi, another evening I lit a diya at the ghat. But in between those quiet, soulful moments, I was laughing mid-rapids and sipping chai by the river, completely at peace.

A City That Now Has It All

What struck me most on this trip was how beautifully Haridwar balances both its worlds. You can come here to reconnect with your spiritual roots, and you can also come here to feel alive in the wildest, most adventurous ways. Families, solo travelers, yoga seekers, wildlife enthusiasts — Haridwar now welcomes them all.

It’s no longer a “temple town” — it’s a dynamic, multifaceted destination.

As a travel blogger who thrives on discovering places that blend culture with experience, I can’t recommend Haridwar enough. Come for the temples, stay for the thrill. Or come for the thrill and let the calmness of the Ganga surprise you.

Just don’t forget to pack an open heart — and maybe, a waterproof camera.

Because this isn’t just the Haridwar of my childhood anymore.

It’s something better.