Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple stands on Neel Parvat, the eastern peak of the Shivalik range above Haridwar, and is one of the three Siddh Peeth temples of the city. Pilgrims reach it either by a steep walk from Chandighat or by ropeway, and the hilltop gives a wide view over the Ganga and the city. This guide covers timings, how to get up, what to expect and how to fit the temple into a Haridwar day.

Chandi Devi Temple at a glance

History and legend

The temple is linked to the story of Shumbh and Nishumbh, two demon kings who drove the gods out of heaven. The goddess Chandi, a form of Parvati, defeated them, and the two peaks of this hill range are named after the brothers. Tradition says Adi Shankaracharya installed the main idol in the 8th century. The present temple is generally credited to Suchat Singh, king of Kashmir, who built it in 1929. The hill is also known as Neel Parvat Teerth, one of the five Panch Tirth of Haridwar.

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple

There are two practical ways up.

Ropeway. The lower station is near Gauri Shankar Temple on Nazibabad Road. Most visitors choose it because the ride takes only a few minutes and spares older travellers the climb. Some guides list a return fare of around Rs 240 per person, but fares change, so check the counter before you plan your budget.

Trek. The footpath starts at Chandighat and runs about 3 km uphill. It is paved in parts and takes roughly an hour for a fit walker. Start early in summer, because the slope is exposed to the sun.

The base is a short drive from Har Ki Pauri, so a cab or auto from your hotel is the easiest start. Our Haridwar taxi service can wait while you finish darshan.

What to see at the temple

• The main shrine of Goddess Chandi, where the day begins with morning aarti.
• Viewpoints on the hilltop that look over the Ganga, the city and the Haridwar plains.
• Anjana Devi Temple, dedicated to the mother of Hanuman, which sits close by.
• Neeleshwar Temple at the foot of Neel Parvat.

Best time to visit

October to March is the most comfortable season for the trek. Summer afternoons are hot, so go in the morning. During the monsoon the path can be slippery, though the hills are green. Navratri and Chandi Chaudas bring the biggest crowds, and Kumbh years add many more pilgrims, so allow extra time in those periods.

Tips for your visit

• Reach the ropeway counter early on weekends and festival days to avoid a long queue.
• Wear comfortable shoes with grip if you plan to walk.
• Carry water and keep valuables light, as there are limits on what you can carry into the shrine.
• Dress modestly and be ready to remove footwear at the temple.
• Do not feed or tease the monkeys that gather along the path.
• Combine the visit with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi for a full Siddh Peeth day.

Combine it with other places

Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi and Maya Devi are traditionally visited together. Add the evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri to finish the day. If you prefer a planned route with a driver, see our Haridwar sightseeing tour.

Plan your Haridwar trip with Gokeys India

Gokeys India is a Haridwar-based travel company. We arrange pickups from the railway station, cabs for local sightseeing, hotels near Har Ki Pauri and full Uttarakhand tour packages. Tell us your dates and group size and we will build a route that fits your time. Visiting for the Kumbh? See the Ardh Kumbh Haridwar 2027 package.

Related on Gokeys India

• Tour packages: Haridwar sightseeing tour · Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2027 package
• Read next: Haridwar travel guide: best places to visit · Ganges ghats in Haridwar

Frequently asked questions

What are the Chandi Devi Temple timings? The temple is generally open from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Timings can shift by season and on festival days, so confirm with the ropeway counter or your driver.

Is there a ropeway to Chandi Devi Temple? Yes. The ropeway starts near Gauri Shankar Temple on Nazibabad Road and takes you to the hilltop in a few minutes.

How long is the trek to Chandi Devi? The trek from Chandighat is about 3 km and takes around an hour for most people.

Is there an entry fee? There is no entry fee for the temple. The ropeway is charged separately.

How much time should I keep for the visit? Keep 2 to 3 hours including travel, a little more on festival days.