Mansa Devi Temple

The basics

The multi-domed hilltop Mansa Devi is one of Haridwar’s three “siddha peetha”—places where the faithful believe their wishes will be granted. Pilgrims flock to the impressive-looking temple via a hillside pathway or cable car, pausing to buy offerings like flower garlands and tie ribbons to trees before worshipping at its inner shrines.

Visitors can explore the Mansa Devi independently or take private Haridwar tours showcasing the temple and other Haridwar shrines, sometimes encompassing the city’s food stalls and horse-drawn carriage rides. Other possibilities include day trips by road or train from Delhi, some combining Haridwar and its “aarti” (lights ceremonies) with nearby Rishikesh, another sacred city. Alternatively, book a Golden Triangle tour that tags Haridwar and Rishikesh onto wider Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur itineraries.

Things to know before you go

• The Mansa Devi is a must-visit for Hindu devotees and any travelers wanting to discover more about the Hindu faith.

• Visitors must remove their shoes and socks before entering.

• Take cash to make donations during your visit.

• The walk to the temple is steep and long: bring bottled water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes.

How to get there

The Mansa Devi sits on Haridwar’s northwest outskirts and is best reached by cable car. Energetic travelers, however, might prefer taking the hillside path, although it’s a steep 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) hike, made extra challenging in India’s heat. One-way and round-trip cable car tickets are available online and at the Manasa Devi Temple Road ticket office, an approximate 5-minute cab ride from Haridwar train station.

When to get there

The best time to visit the temple is November through April when Haridwar’s weather is mild and the summer monsoon has long gone. The temple opens daily from around 8am–12pm and 2pm–5pm, but check beforehand as times vary according to the season and festivals. The cable car operates from approximately 8am–4pm daily, but again, check in advance.

Why Mansa Devi is sacred to Hindus

For Hindus, Haridwar is one of four sacred places where drops of an immortality-giving elixir fell to earth, affording it substantial religious significance. The faithful believe the temple is the abode of its namesake deity, Mansa Devi, a serpent goddess and daughter of Lord Shiva. “Mansa” means “wish,” and while laying offerings, pilgrims recite prayers at the shrines believing they will be answered.