Ashrams and Dharamshala in Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the holiest pilgrimage cities in India and welcomes millions of devotees every year. Pilgrims visiting the city for spiritual purposes often prefer to stay in ashrams and dharamshalas, which provide simple, affordable, and peaceful accommodation.
There are more than 300 ashrams and dharamshalas in Haridwar, many of which are located near important spiritual areas such as Sapta Sarovar, Kankhal, and Bhimgoda. Together, these accommodations can host over 15,000 pilgrims during major religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela, and other auspicious occasions.
Most ashrams and dharamshalas charge very nominal fees and provide basic facilities such as simple rooms, vegetarian meals, and a spiritual environment. These places are ideal for pilgrims who wish to experience the devotional atmosphere of Haridwar.
Popular Ashrams in Haridwar
Many spiritual organizations run ashrams in Haridwar where devotees can stay and participate in satsang, meditation, and yoga activities.
Soham Ashram
Name of Swamiji- Sri Sw. Maheshananda Bhavan Turst
Address- Rishikesh Rd, Bhagirathi Nagar, Motichur, Haridwar, Motichur Range, Uttarakhand 249410
Yogananda Yogashram
Name of Swamiji- Sri Yogananda Saraswati
Address – Sapta Sarover, Ananda Van
Umeshwar Dham
Name of Swamiji – Sw. Satguru Dev Paramhansa Uma Bharti Ji Maharaj
Address – Sapta Sarover Marg
Parmarth Ashram, Sukhdevananda Trust
President – Sw. Chinmayanand Saraswati
Manager – Sw. Mangalanand Saraswati
Address – Sapta Sarover
Jai Maa Ashram
Founder – 1008 M.M. Sadgurudev Chakravarti
Caretaker – Jyoti Maa Usha Mata Ji Maharaj
Address – Motichoor
Vivek Niketan
Name of Swamiji – Sw. Vivekanad Ji Maharaj
Address -Ananada Van, Sapta Sarover
Sri Sadhu Guru Kabir Gurukul Ashram
Founder – Mahant Sri Gurumukh Sahib Ji
Manager – Sri Dev Narayan Das
Address – Sapta Sarover
Sri Madhwashram
Name of Swamiji – Sri Ram Vithala Turst
Address – 336, Haripur Kalan, Sapta Sarower
Hari Sharanam Satsanga Bhavan
Manager – Sw. Shailendracharaya Ji
Address – Ananada Van, Haripur Kalan
Sri Bhrama Nivas Ashram
President – M.M Parmarth Dev Ji
Address – Sapta Sarover Road
Shivananda Ashram
Founder – Sri 1008 Shivananada Ji Maharaj
Address – Sapta Sarover Road Bhupatwala
Siddeshwar Mahadev mandir
Name of Swamiji – Sachchidananda Ji Maharaj,
Address – Jigyasu Ashram, Sapta Sarover Road
Mataji Ashrams in Haridwar (Women-Only Ashrams)
Haridwar also has several Mataji Ashrams that are specifically meant for women devotees and spiritual seekers. These ashrams provide a safe and peaceful stay for female pilgrims visiting the city. Many of these are located in Kankhal, which is an important spiritual area of Haridwar. Some well-known Mataji Ashrams include:
Anandamai Maa
Address – Daksha Prajapati Kankhal
Ashram – Tripura Yoga Ashram
Address – Kankhal, Daksh Road, Haridwar
Ashram – Basanti Ashram
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Santoshi Ashram
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Mahila Milan Mandir
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Parvati Ashram
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Balabharti Ashram
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Bhuma Shakti Peeth
Address – Sanyas Marg, Kankhal
Ashram – Gita Bharti
Address – Kankhal
Ashram – Sri 1008 Sri Shubha murti Maa
Address – Niranjani Akahara Road
Ashram – Santoshi Maa Ashram
Address – Shravana Nath Nagar
Ashram – Radha Mai Ashram
Address – Shravana Nath Nagar
Ashram – Janki Mai Ashram
Address – Bhima Goda
Ashram – Radha Mai Ashram
Address – Bhima Goda
Ashram – Sita Mai Ashram
Address – Bhima Goda
Ashram – Mira Krishna Kunj
Address – Bhima Goda
Ashram – Lalita Yoga Ashram
Address – Bhima Goda
Ashram – Navajyoti Ashram
Address – Bhima Goda, Haridwar
Tips for Staying in Ashrams and Dharamshalas in Haridwar
If you are planning to stay in an ashram or dharamshala in Haridwar, keep these points in mind:
- Most ashrams provide simple accommodation with basic amenities.
- Rooms are usually available at very affordable prices or donation-based stays.
- Advance booking is recommended during major events like the Haridwar Kumbh Mela.
- Pilgrims are expected to follow the rules of the ashram, such as maintaining silence, wearing modest clothing, and avoiding alcohol or non-vegetarian food.
- Many ashrams also organize daily prayers, meditation sessions, and spiritual discourses.
FAQ's About Ashrams and Dharamshala in Haridwar
Are there any free dharamshala in Haridwar for pilgrims?
Yes, there are some free dharamshala in Haridwar that offer accommodation on a donation basis, mainly for pilgrims. However, these are limited in number and fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons and Kumbh Mela, so it is better to arrive early or check availability in advance.
Is advance booking required for ashram stay in Haridwar?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended for a comfortable ashram stay in Haridwar, particularly during weekends, festivals, and major events like Kumbh Mela. Early booking helps secure better rooms and avoids last-minute inconvenience due to heavy rush.
Which areas are best for dharamshala in Haridwar near Ganga?
Popular areas for dharamshala in Haridwar near Ganga include Har Ki Pauri, Bhimgoda, Kankhal, and Sapta Sarovar. These locations are close to the main ghats, temples, and aarti points, making them convenient for daily darshan and holy dip.
Do ashrams in Haridwar provide food facilities?
Most ashrams in Haridwar provide simple and hygienic vegetarian meals. In many places, meals are included in the stay or offered at a very nominal cost. The food is usually sattvic, and served at fixed times as part of the daily routine.
Is dharamshala stay better than hotels in Haridwar?
For pilgrims, staying in a dharamshala in Haridwar is often preferred due to its affordability, peaceful environment, and proximity to ghats and temples. However, hotels may be a better option for those looking for more comfort, privacy, and modern facilities.
Is it safe for families and women to stay in dharamshala in Haridwar?
Yes, dharamshala and ashrams in Haridwar are generally safe for families and solo women travelers. Many places have basic security arrangements, and there are also dedicated women-only (Mataji) ashrams, especially in Kankhal, offering a secure and comfortable stay.
Do dharamshalas in Haridwar allow online booking?
Some Haridwar dharamshala booking options are available online, especially for well-known trusts and large accommodations. However, many smaller dharamshalas still prefer direct phone booking or on-arrival reservations.
Can large groups stay in ashrams and dharamshala in Haridwar?
Yes, many ashrams and dharamshala in Haridwar are suitable for group stays, including families, yatri groups, and spiritual organizations. It is advisable to book in advance and inform them about group size to ensure proper arrangements.
