Chandi Devi Temple crowns the Neel Parvat hill on the eastern bank of the Ganga, looking out over Haridwar from one of the most dramatic vantage points in the city. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, it is one of the Siddha Shakti Peethas and holds a place of deep significance in the Hindu pilgrimage tradition. Most visitors to Haridwar make the trip here alongside Mansa Devi Temple, completing what is considered the essential hilltop pilgrimage circuit of the city.
Whether you plan to take the ropeway or walk the forest trail, this guide gives you everything you need: timings, ticket prices, what to expect on the day, and a few practical tips to make your visit smooth.
About Chandi Devi Temple
The temple is believed to have been built by the Kashmir King Suchat Singh in 1929, though the idol of Goddess Chandi Devi is said to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The goddess is worshipped as a powerful form of Parvati, and the temple draws both devout pilgrims and curious travellers throughout the year.
Chandi Devi is one of three Shakti Peethas in Haridwar, the others being Mansa Devi and Maya Devi. Visiting all three forms a significant pilgrimage within the city, and many devotees aim to complete the circuit on a single trip.
Chandi Devi Temple Timings
The temple follows a two-session darshan schedule:
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) |
| Evening | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
The temple is closed during the afternoon break between noon and 3:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if you are combining Chandi Devi with a morning visit to Mansa Devi or an evening at the Ganga Aarti.
Chandi Devi Ropeway: Ticket Price and Timings
The Udan Khatola ropeway is the most popular way up. The cable car station is located in the Chandi Ghat area and offers a short, scenic ride up to the hilltop.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| One-way | Approx. Rs. 163 per person |
| Round trip | Rs. 349 per person |
Ropeway operating hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Temple entry itself is free. The ropeway fee is purely for the cable car ride. Children above 3 feet in height require a ticket; smaller children typically travel free. Queues at the ropeway can be long on weekends and during festival periods, so plan to arrive early or allow extra time.
Note: If you are also visiting Mansa Devi Temple on the same trip, a combo ropeway ticket covering both temples is available. Check at the counter for the current combined fare.
How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple: Trek Route
Skipping the ropeway is a genuine option. A forest trail leads from the base at Chandi Ghat up to the temple, taking around 45 to 60 minutes at a comfortable walking pace. The path passes through trees and offers views of the Ganga and the city as you climb. It is a meaningful walk in its own right, and many pilgrims prefer the trek as part of the devotional experience.
The trail involves some steep sections and uneven ground. It is manageable for healthy adults but may not suit elderly visitors, young children, or those with mobility concerns. In those cases, the ropeway is clearly the better choice.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The hilltop temple complex is active and atmospheric, with priests, prasad stalls, and fellow pilgrims throughout the day. A few things to keep in mind before you go:
- Remove footwear before entering the temple premises
- Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas but restricted inside the sanctum
- The views from the top over Haridwar, the Ganga, and the distant hills are exceptional, especially in the early morning and late afternoon
- Prasad, flowers, and offerings are available from stalls near both the base and the hilltop
- Keep belongings secure; the ropeway and summit areas can be crowded during peak season
Best Time to Visit Chandi Devi Temple
October to March is the most comfortable time to visit. The weather is cool, the skies are clearer, and the post-monsoon months bring particularly sharp views from the hilltop. Navratri (March to April and October) sees the highest footfall and the most devotional intensity, but also the longest queues. Weekday morning visits before 9:00 AM are the quietest.
For help choosing your travel dates, see our guide on the best time to visit Haridwar.
Combine With Mansa Devi Temple
Most visitors do both hilltop temples on the same trip. Mansa Devi sits on Bilwa Parvat on the opposite side of the city and has its own ropeway. The two temples are different enough in location and atmosphere that visiting them back to back gives you a complete picture of Haridwar's Shakti Peetha circuit. Our Mansa Devi Temple guide has full timing and ticket details.
Where to Stay for Your Chandi Devi Visit
After a full day of hilltop temples and the evening Ganga Aarti, a calm place to return to makes a real difference. Baromas Retreat in Bahadrabad is on Haridwar's outskirts, about 40 minutes from Chandi Ghat, on the Rishikesh side of the city. It is a quiet, family-friendly base well placed for anyone covering both Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi in a single trip. See our full where to stay in Haridwar guide for a breakdown of all areas.
Ready to plan your Haridwar pilgrimage? Book your stay at Baromas Retreat directly on WhatsApp at 7248557777 for the best rate.