Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is beautifully nestled amidst the dense forests of the Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. It holds immense mythological significance as the spot where Lord Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison (Halahala) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), turning his throat blue (hence “Neelkanth” – blue throat). If you’re traveling from Haridwar, reaching this revered temple involves a scenic journey, mostly by road, leading through the spiritual town of Rishikesh.
Distance Between Haridwar and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
The temple is located at a convenient distance from Haridwar, making it a popular day trip destination:
- By Road: Approximately 50-55 kilometers.
How to Reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Haridwar
Road transport is the primary and most convenient way to reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Haridwar. The journey is scenic, passing through Rishikesh and then winding up the hills.
- Journey Time: The drive usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic, especially around Rishikesh, and road conditions on the uphill section.
1. By Road (Most Convenient and Direct)
Traveling by road is the best way to get to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The route is well-connected, offering picturesque views.
a. By Private Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable and direct way to reach the temple, especially if you’re traveling with family, elderly people, or have luggage.
- Where to Find Them: You can easily find private taxis at Haridwar Railway Station, the main Haridwar Bus Stand, or through various local taxi services across the city.
- Route: The most common route is Haridwar – Rishikesh – Cheela Dam Road/Neelkanth Temple Road. The journey from Rishikesh to Neelkanth is about 26-32 km and involves winding uphill roads.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, comfortable, flexible to stop for breaks or photos. Ideal for a hassle-free pilgrimage.
- Cons: More expensive than shared options.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple typically costs around ₹1,700 – ₹2,500 for a sedan (like Etios/Dzire) and ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 for an SUV (like Innova/Ertiga). Confirm if the fare includes tolls and driver charges.
- Tips: Book from reputable taxi services. Clearly negotiate the total fare before starting your journey.
b. By Shared Auto-Rickshaw/Jeep (Economical, Involves Transfers)
This is a budget-friendly option, though it typically involves a transfer in Rishikesh.
- Step 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh: Take a shared auto-rickshaw or a local bus from Haridwar (Railway Station/Bus Stand) to Rishikesh. This leg takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs ₹50-₹100.
- Step 2: Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: From Rishikesh (often from near Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula), you can find shared jeeps or larger auto-rickshaws specifically heading to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. They wait until they are full.
- Pros: Very economical. Offers a local travel experience.
- Cons: Can be crowded, less comfortable, especially with luggage. You might have to wait for the vehicle to fill up.
- Price Estimates: A shared jeep from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Temple costs around ₹250-₹350 per person.
- Tips: This option is best if you’re traveling light and on a budget. Confirm the drop-off point at the temple.
c. By Local Bus (Most Economical, Involves Transfers)
While direct buses are scarce, you can use local buses for segments of the journey.
- Step 1: Haridwar to Rishikesh: Take a frequent local bus from Haridwar Bus Stand to Rishikesh Bus Stand.
- Step 2: Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: From Rishikesh, look for local buses that go towards Neelkanth. These might be less frequent than shared jeeps, but they are the cheapest option.
- Pros: Extremely low cost.
- Cons: Can be slow due to multiple stops. Less frequent and might involve longer waits.
- Price Estimates: Bus fares would be very low, likely under ₹100 for each segment.
- Tips: This option is best for very budget-conscious travelers and those with plenty of time.
d. By Trekking (From Rishikesh, for Adventurous)
While not directly from Haridwar, adventurous devotees can trek to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Rishikesh.
- Starting Point: The trek usually starts from Ram Jhula in Rishikesh.
- Distance/Duration: The trekking trail is about 12-14 kilometers (one-way) and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete, winding through scenic forests and offering beautiful views.
- Pros: Offers a unique spiritual and natural experience.
- Cons: Requires good physical fitness. Not suitable for everyone, especially children or the elderly.
- Tips: Start early in the morning. Carry sufficient water, some snacks, and wear comfortable trekking shoes.
2. By Train or Air (Not Applicable)
- By Train: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (RKSH), which is well-connected to Haridwar. However, to reach the temple itself from Rishikesh, you would still need to rely on road transport.
- By Air: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is about 40-45 km from the temple. There are no direct flights from Haridwar to Dehradun, making air travel an impractical choice for this short distance.
Best Time to Visit and Road Conditions
- Best Time: The ideal time to visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is from February to April and September to November. The weather is pleasant and conducive for travel and temple visits.
- Avoid: It’s best to avoid the monsoon season (July to August) due to heavy rainfall, which can lead to slippery roads, landslides, and potential disruptions. The temple also sees a huge influx of devotees during the Hindu month of Sawan (monsoon) and on Maha Shivratri, leading to very heavy crowds.
- Road Conditions: The road from Haridwar to Rishikesh is generally good. The uphill road from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is winding but generally well-maintained.
Parking Facilities
There are paid parking facilities available near Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. During peak seasons and festivals, parking can be challenging due to high demand, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
For a smooth and comfortable journey to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple from Haridwar, a private taxi is highly recommended. If you’re on a budget, take a shared auto or bus to Rishikesh, and then catch a shared jeep to the temple.