Haridwar - Shopping in the Markets, Where to Eat, Where to Stay

Haridwar situated on the right bank of the River Ganga is among the seven sacred cities of India. All journeys to the spiritual towns of Uttaranchal start from Haridwar which literally means the Gateway to God ('Hari' meaning God and 'dwar' meaning Gate). The city is a four hour journey on the well constructed highway from Delhi and 1 hr drive from Rishikesh. This is also the place where 'Amrit Kalash' or 'The Nectar of Immortality' is believed to have fallen thus making it one of the sites where one of the largest spiritual gathering – The Kumbh Mela – is held once after every 12 years.

The most striking aspect of this spiritually tinted town is that it leaves a unique impression on every pilgrim. For some it is a religious soul stirring expedition, others say it’s a tad too crowded and a bit contrived, some say it’s fascinating with all its mystical flavors and deep historical antiquity... For me, it's a town that has a magnetic pull, a town that is intriguingly charming, a town that is so very close to my heart...

Well, because no matter which part of the town I am in, it tells me a story that is deeply rooted in my ancestral history... Because almost every lane I walk into, I can see those priceless impressions of the footprints of my grandparents… Because every gully (alley) I turn into, it resonates with lovely memories of my dad’s childhood days that the place has so lovingly stacked up for me... Because; I love that glint in his eyes and the zest in his voice when he fondly narrates them all to me...

Markets of Haridwar

In the evening lights, the town looks like a jumble of colors – houses, shops, bazaars, snarling traffic and dhabas – all drenching you in a thick coat of religious fervor and enthusiasm.

Markets of Haridwar

Hundreds of shops selling souvenirs, sweets, food, music cassettes and CD’s, books and other religious paraphernalia were put up for sale. As we wandered down the meandering gullies (lanes) of the city along with the bustling crowd that was sifting around, we realized, that this place called the Bara Bazaar was not just a shopping place but also a tourist attraction.

A CD and cassette shop in the lanes of Haridwar

There are lots of things that you can pick up from here like jholas (bags), beads, woolies, etc and expect some great bargains on them too but this is what we bought back home…

A shop displaying a wide variety of different pickles and churans (digestives)

Big Red Chilly Pickle! Yummy it was… All over now :)
Recommended buy from my side the next time you are in the city.

From the Markets

My Pick: Big Red Chilly pickle

Where: Bara Bazaar

Where to Stay in Haridwar

There are a lot of ashrams for staying along with many good hotels (Hotel Suvidha is one where I have stayed before). It is better to book in advance to avoid any last moment hassles. Rates are low during off-season.

Where to Eat in Haridwar

1. Bhagwati Chole Bhandar

Bhagwati Chole bhandar - A popular local eating joint in Haridwar

I like the buns here but their other offerings like bhatures, kulches and even chaval (rice), each served with hot and spicy chole (spicy chickpeas curry, a popular north Indian delicacy) are equally tempting. Also do not leave without gulping down the special tari (the gravy that floats atop the chole) at the end of your meal. And be sure to come here before 6 p.m. or the joint will be closed.

My Pick:   Chole Tari and Bread buns

Where:   Upper Road, Near Kotwali (Haridwar Police Station)

Timings: 11.00 Am - 6.00 Pm

2. Jain Chaat Bhandar

Jain Chaat Bhadar another joint serving good local North Indian street food fare

Serves a variety of street side stuff like gol guppas, dahi vadas, aloo tikiyas and kanji vadas but I would recommend you to try out their spicy and tangy papri chaat, sure leaves a tantalizing aftertaste!

The kanji vadas soaked in tangy mustard flavoured water are good too...

light, soft and fluffy!

But My Favorite... Papri chaat
Crunchy, crispy and mushy at the same time,

teamed with sweet tamarind and spicy green chili chutneys

and a host of other flavorful masalas thrown in - I love it!

My Pick:      Papri Chaat

Where:       A narrow lane off Moti Bazaar leading towards Upper Road

Phone No:  09837061452 / 09219601805

3. Dibiya Fresh Fruit Chaat

And last but not the least, something to reduce that guilt of taking in so many useless calories...

Round off your street food love affair with a healthy option
Dibiya's Fresh Fruit Chaat

My Pick:    Mix Fresh Fruit Chaat

Where:    Outside Bhatinda Dharmashala,

              Opp. Shivalik Hotel, Near Laltaro bridge

Timings:  After 5.00 PM

Tips for Travelers

Be very very careful with the beggars and the sadhus. Trust no one as there are many who are always on the lookout for ways to fleece the tourists. Auto rickshaws are available in plenty but the best way to explore the town is by cycle rickshaw or on foot.