Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat)
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Chandi Devi Temple crowns the Neel Parvat, the easternmost summit of the Shivalik range that rises steeply above the Ganga at Haridwar. Dedicated to the fierce goddess Chandi — a warrior aspect of Adi Shakti — it is counted among the Panch Tirth (five principal pilgrimages) of Haridwar, alongside Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Maya Devi and Kankhal. Devotees revere it as a Siddh Peeth, a seat where sincere prayers are believed to bear fruit, and the temple draws an especially dense stream of pilgrims during the Navratri festivals and the Chandi Chaudas fair, as well as during the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh gatherings when Haridwar swells with millions.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Long-standing pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas and satvik thali houses around Upper Road, Haridwar — thalis, chole-bhature and North Indian staples for pilgrims; confirm current hours locally.
- ✦Pure-veg sweet houses near Har Ki Pauri — mithai, kachori-sabzi and lassi; a reliable post-darshan stop (verify the specific outlet on arrival).
- ✦Bhagwati Chaat Bhandar and Moti Bazaar snack counters — pure-vegetarian tikki, chaat and jalebi in the old bazaar lanes; busy and hygienic in the well-known stalls.
- ✦Ganga-front dhabas along Upper Road serving satvik (no onion-garlic) thalis — plentiful and pure-veg by custom throughout Haridwar; pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter.
About
Chandi Devi Temple crowns the Neel Parvat, the easternmost summit of the Shivalik range that rises steeply above the Ganga at Haridwar. Dedicated to the fierce goddess Chandi — a warrior aspect of Adi Shakti — it is counted among the Panch Tirth (five principal pilgrimages) of Haridwar, alongside Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Maya Devi and Kankhal.
- Devotees revere it as a Siddh Peeth, a seat where sincere prayers are believed to bear fruit, and the temple draws an especially dense stream of pilgrims during the Navratri festivals and the Chandi Chaudas fair, as well as during the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh gatherings when Haridwar swells with millions.
- The temple's sanctity is anchored in the Skanda Purana, which places here the episode in which the goddess vanquished the demon generals Chanda and Munda — the deed from which she takes the name Chamunda — after they had displaced the gods from their heavenly realm.
- The principal idol of the sanctum is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher-saint credited with revitalising temple worship across the subcontinent; the present stone edifice was raised in 1929 by Suchat Singh, then ruler of Kashmir.
- A short walk along the ridge leads to a subsidiary shrine of Anjana, revered as the mother of Hanuman, and the ridgeline commands a sweeping panorama of Haridwar, the Ganga canal and the plains dissolving into haze beyond.
- Reaching the shrine is part of the experience.
- From the base station near Gauri Shankar Temple on the Najibabad Road side, an Udankhatola cable car glides roughly 740 metres up the slope, gaining over 200 metres in altitude and depositing pilgrims near the summit in about five minutes.
- The devout, and those who prefer to earn the darshan, climb a stone-paved trekking path of about three kilometres from Chandighat that takes an hour or more; the trail is steep in stretches and best attempted in the cool of early morning.
- Macaques patrol both the trek and the summit, so guard prasad, spectacles and phones closely.
- Haridwar is a sacred, wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free city, so eating well here is effortless and worry-free.
- No cooked meals are sold at the summit beyond tea, packaged snacks and offerings of prasad, so plan to eat down in the town.
- The lanes around Har Ki Pauri and Upper Road brim with pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, satvik thali houses and famous sweet counters — many following the no-onion-no-garlic tradition favoured by pilgrims.
- Carry water for the climb and modest, covered clothing for the sanctum.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Neel Parvat summit, eastern Shivalik ridge above Chandighat, off Najibabad Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249401
How to Reach: The base is at Chandighat, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri on the far bank of the Ganga. From Har Ki Pauri or Haridwar Junction railway station, an auto-rickshaw to the ropeway base costs roughly ₹100–150 (15–20 minutes). From the base, take the Udankhatola cable car (about 5 minutes to the summit) or climb the stone trekking path of about 3 km (an hour or more) from Chandighat. There is no metro in Haridwar; shared autos (Vikrams) and cycle-rickshaws are the usual local transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar?
The temple is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with morning worship beginning around 5:30 AM. The Udankhatola ropeway to the summit typically runs from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a midday break, but ropeway hours vary by season and demand — confirm locally on the day, especially during festivals.
Is there an entry fee for Chandi Devi Temple?
No, entry to the temple itself is free, as with most Hindu shrines. You only pay if you choose the Udankhatola ropeway, which charges a return fare (reported in the low hundreds of rupees per adult, with a lower child fare); confirm the current price at the base station. The trek up is free.
How do I reach Chandi Devi Temple — ropeway or trek?
The base is at Chandighat, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri; an auto-rickshaw there costs roughly ₹100–150. From the base you can take the Udankhatola cable car, which reaches the summit in about five minutes, or climb a stone-paved trekking path of around 3 km that takes an hour or more. The trek is steep in places and best done in the cool early morning.
What is the significance of Chandi Devi Temple?
It is a revered Shakti shrine and Siddh Peeth to Goddess Chandi, a fierce aspect of Adi Shakti, and one of Haridwar's Panch Tirth (five key pilgrimages). The Skanda Purana links the site to the goddess's slaying of the demon generals Chanda and Munda. The principal idol is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, while the present temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh of Kashmir.
When is the best time to visit Chandi Devi Temple?
October to March offers cool, clear weather and the best summit views. Come early in the morning to avoid crowds, heat and long ropeway queues. Navratri (in spring and autumn) and the Chandi Chaudas fair bring the most fervent atmosphere but also very heavy crowds. Watch out for monkeys on the trek and summit, dress modestly for the sanctum, and carry water.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Chandi Devi Temple?
Haridwar is a wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free city, so pure-veg food is everywhere. No proper meals are sold at the summit beyond tea and packaged snacks, so eat down in town: the lanes around Har Ki Pauri and Upper Road are full of pure-vegetarian bhojanalayas, satvik (often no-onion-garlic) thali houses, chaat stalls and famous sweet counters. Pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter for the best experience.
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