What is Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar?
Chandi Devi Temple is a Siddh Peeth on Neel Parvat hill in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi — who slew demons Chanda and Munda here. Accessible by cable car (₹265 RT) or a 3 km trek from Chandighat. Temple timings: 6 AM – 8 PM (summer). One of the Panch Tirtha of Haridwar. Entry to the temple is free; cable car is optional.
Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most revered Siddh Peeths in Haridwar, perched dramatically on the crest of Neel Parvat (also called Neel Giri) hill at an elevation of approximately 900 metres. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi — a fierce and powerful manifestation of Goddess Parvati who embodies the combined energy of all divine beings. The presiding deity idol in the sanctum is said to have been installed by the revered saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, making this one of the oldest active temple sites in the Haridwar region. The temple was later renovated and expanded by the ruler of Kashmir, Raja Suchat Singh, in 1929 — the same year the FRI building was completed in Dehradun — and the structure visitors see today reflects that 20th-century restoration.
According to the Markandeya Purana, this hilltop is where Goddess Chandi slew the demon commanders Chanda and Munda, who were generals of the demon king Shumbha. The demons had been tormenting the gods, and the collective divine energy of all deities coalesced into Goddess Chandi — who descended on this very hill to vanquish them. The victory is commemorated in the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati), one of Hinduism's most sacred texts. The site is classified as a Siddh Peeth — a temple where the goddess is believed to grant boons to sincere devotees — and is considered especially powerful for seekers of strength, courage, and protection.
The temple is one of the Panch Tirtha (five sacred sites) of Haridwar, alongside Har Ki Pauri, Kushavarta, Bilkeshwar Mahadev, and Maya Devi. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims annually and is particularly crowded during Navratri (twice yearly), when special Durga pujas and aartis are conducted throughout the day and night. The temple complex offers panoramic views of the Ganga valley, the Haridwar cityscape, and on clear days, the distant Himalayan peaks — making it simultaneously a spiritual destination and a scenic viewpoint that rewards the effort of the climb or the cable car ride.
Significance, History & Mythology of Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple's significance rests on three pillars: it is a Siddh Peeth where Adi Shankaracharya installed the deity in the 8th century; mythologically, this is where Goddess Chandi slew the demons Chanda and Munda; and architecturally, it is the only Haridwar temple accessible by cable car, offering breathtaking views of the Ganga valley and Himalayas.
The Siddh Peeth classification is significant in Hindu tantric and devotional tradition. A Siddh Peeth is a site where the goddess is believed to be in an exceptionally manifest, accessible form — where spiritual practice (sadhana) yields results far more rapidly than elsewhere. Tantric practitioners, sadhus, and advanced devotees have historically gathered at Neel Parvat for this reason, and the hill has a long history of ascetic practice dating back centuries before the current temple structure. The goddess here is worshipped in a fierce form, holding weapons and standing in a warrior posture — reflecting her role as a protector and destroyer of evil forces rather than the more benign aspects of Parvati or Lakshmi worshipped elsewhere.
The cable car (aerial ropeway) was added to make the temple accessible to all devotees, including elderly pilgrims and families with children who cannot manage the steep 3 km trek from Chandighat. Operated by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), the ropeway covers approximately 940 metres and takes about 5–7 minutes. The views from the cabin — of the Ganga winding through Haridwar, the Rajaji National Park forests on the opposite bank, and the Shivalik hills — are spectacular and themselves justify the cable car fare. The trek route via stairs is also maintained and takes approximately 45–60 minutes for a moderately fit person.
The main temple sanctum houses the ancient idol of Goddess Chandi, believed to be over 1,200 years old. The idol is flanked by images of Munda and Chanda — the demon commanders she slew — lying at her feet. The sanctum is small and intimate; during peak times a queue forms outside, but the darshan itself is brief and powerful. The inner walls are covered with devotional paintings depicting scenes from the Devi Mahatmyam.
The aerial ropeway from Chandighat gondola station to the hilltop covers 940 metres and takes 5–7 minutes. The views from the cabin — Haridwar cityscape, Ganga River, Rajaji National Park, and distant Himalayan ranges — are some of the best available in the region. The ropeway runs from 7 AM to 6 PM. Return ticket (₹265) is most practical; one-way tickets are also available for those who prefer to trek down.
For those preferring to walk, a well-maintained staircase path leads from Chandighat to the temple over approximately 3 km. The path passes through the forested slopes of Neel Parvat, with deodar and sal trees lining the route. Several small shrines and rest points are located along the way. The trek takes 45–60 minutes uphill and is manageable for moderately fit pilgrims. The descent takes 30–45 minutes. Wear comfortable footwear — the steps can be slippery in monsoon.
The hilltop offers 360-degree views that are among the finest in Haridwar. To the west, the Ganga meanders through the city; to the north, the Shivalik range frames the view; on very clear winter mornings, distant snow-capped Himalayan peaks are visible on the horizon. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful from the hilltop. Photography from the cable car cabin, the hilltop terrace, and the approach path is unrestricted.
Chandi Devi Temple — Timings & Entry Fee
Chandi Devi Temple follows seasonal timings. In summer (March–October), the temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM, with a brief afternoon break from 12 PM to 2 PM. In winter (November–February), timings are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The cable car operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM year-round. Entry to the temple itself is free; the cable car fare is ₹265 (round trip) or ₹165 (one-way) per adult.
Best Time to Visit Chandi Devi Temple
October to March is the best time to visit Chandi Devi Temple — cool weather (8–22°C), clear Himalayan views, and comfortable trek conditions. Within any day, early morning (6–9 AM) is ideal: cool air, soft light, and shorter queues before the afternoon rush. Navratri (Oct & April) is the most spiritually powerful time but extremely crowded.
The best time to visit Chandi Devi Temple is October to March. The post-monsoon and winter months offer clear skies and excellent visibility from the hilltop — on crisp winter mornings, the Himalayan snowline is often visible from the cable car and temple terrace. The trek path through the forest is pleasant in cool weather, and the temple atmosphere is calm and devotional outside peak festival periods. Avoid the heat of May–June for the trek (cable car remains comfortable year-round). Navratri in October and April brings the highest footfall — arrive at dawn (6 AM) during Navratri to avoid multi-hour queues.
Cool weather (8–22°C), clear Himalayan views, comfortable trek. Best for photography and peaceful darshan. Navratri (October) is spiritually significant but very crowded — arrive at 6 AM.
Warm to hot (25–40°C). Cable car is comfortable; the open-air trek gets hot after 9 AM. Navratri in April brings large crowds. Best time within the day: early morning (6–8 AM).
Monsoon season — forests turn intensely green and the valley views are dramatic with low clouds. The trek path can be slippery. Cable car may suspend operations during heavy rain. Check before visiting.
How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple?
Chandi Devi Temple is 4 km from Har Ki Pauri. From Haridwar Railway Station (4 km), take an auto to Chandighat (₹40–60), then cable car (7 min) or trek (45–60 min) to the temple. From Delhi: 6–7 hours by road (215 km) or train to Haridwar then cab.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — 35 km from Haridwar (50 min by cab, ₹700–900). Direct flights from Delhi (40 min). From the airport, pre-book a cab to Haridwar or Chandighat directly.
Haridwar Railway Station is 4 km from the Chandighat cable car base. Trains from Delhi (Shatabdi: 4.5 hrs), Rishikesh (30 min), Dehradun (45 min). Auto-rickshaw to Chandighat: ₹40–60, 10 minutes.
UPSRTC and Uttarakhand Roadways buses from Delhi (6–7 hrs), Dehradun (1 hr), Rishikesh (30 min). Haridwar ISBT is 3 km from Chandighat. Shared auto or e-rickshaw: ₹20–40.
From Delhi: 215 km (6–7 hrs). From Dehradun: 52 km (1.5 hrs). From Rishikesh: 26 km (45 min). Tour Venture India provides private cabs — WhatsApp +91-8057146497.
Visitor Tips — Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is an active pilgrimage site on a forested hill. Plan your visit with the following practical points to make the most of your trip:
Combine with These Haridwar Attractions
All within Haridwar — easily covered in a single day tour.
- Location: Neel Parvat hill, Chandighat, Haridwar — 4 km from Har Ki Pauri
- Entry: Free · Cable car ₹265 RT / ₹165 OW
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM (summer) · 7 AM – 5 PM (winter) · Open daily
- Classification: Siddh Peeth · Panch Tirtha of Haridwar
- Famous For: 8th-century idol by Adi Shankaracharya · Cable car · Panoramic Himalayan views
- Best Time: October–March · Early morning 6–9 AM for short queues
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours including cable car and darshan
Frequently Asked Questions — Chandi Devi Temple
What is the cable car fare for Chandi Devi Temple?
The cable car (aerial ropeway) fare at Chandi Devi Temple is ₹265 for a round trip and ₹165 for a one-way ticket per adult. Children's fares are lower. The ropeway is operated by GMVN and runs from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. During heavy monsoon rain, the ropeway may be temporarily suspended — check before visiting between July and September.
What are Chandi Devi Temple timings?
Chandi Devi Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer (March–October) with a break from 12 PM–2 PM, and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter (November–February). The cable car operates 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The temple is open every day of the year with no weekly off.
How to reach Chandi Devi Temple from Har Ki Pauri?
From Har Ki Pauri, take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to Chandighat (4 km, ₹40–60). At Chandighat, board the cable car to the hilltop (₹265 RT, 5–7 min). Alternatively, climb the 3 km stone staircase from Chandighat — 45–60 minutes uphill. The cable car is recommended for elderly visitors and families.
Is Chandi Devi Temple a Shakti Peeth?
Chandi Devi Temple is classified as a Siddh Peeth — a highly sacred Shakti site where the goddess is said to be especially accessible to devotees. It is not listed among the 51 Shakti Peethas (which are sites where parts of Goddess Sati's body fell), but is revered as a place where Goddess Chandi manifested in her warrior form to slay demons Chanda and Munda.
Can Tour Venture India arrange a Haridwar tour including Chandi Devi?
Yes. Tour Venture India's Haridwar day pilgrimage package includes Chandi Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti, Maya Devi Temple, and Mansa Devi Temple in one comfortable day, starting from ₹4,999 per person with a private AC cab. WhatsApp +91-8057146497 for a free itinerary within 30 minutes.
Tour Venture India is a registered travel agency in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, specialising in pilgrimage tours, Char Dham Yatra, and Himalayan travel. Our team visits Chandi Devi Temple regularly with clients and updates this guide based on first-hand experience. Last visited: October 2026. For any query, call +91-8057146497 or WhatsApp.