Haridwar Height From Sea Level – Complete Guide
Haridwar Height From Sea Level – Haridwar is one of India’s most sacred cities — a spiritual gateway where the holy River Ganges leaves the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains of North India. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage, studying geography, or writing travel content, knowing Haridwar height from sea level helps understand its climate, landscape, and cultural context. In this guide, we break down Haridwar’s elevation, geography, weather, and why its height matters. haridwaronline.in+1
What Is Haridwar’s Height From Sea Level?
Haridwar is located at an average elevation of about 314 meters (1,030 feet) above mean sea level. haridwaronline.in
Some sources also mention the wider Haridwar district’s height from sea level as approximately 249.7 meters due to variations in terrain across the region. haridwar.nic.in
Most urban parts of Haridwar, including the city center and key pilgrimage points like Har Ki Pauri, are generally cited as being around 314 m above sea level — about 1,030 feet. haridwaronline.in
Haridwar Elevation Summary
| Location/Part | Height From Sea Level |
|---|---|
| Haridwar city center | ~314 m (1,030 ft) above sea level haridwaronline.in |
| Haridwar district (general) | ~249.7 m (819 ft) above sea level haridwar.nic.in |
| Motichur Railway Station (Haridwar) | ~312.95 m above sea level Wikipedia |
This range reflects Haridwar’s position in the foothills of the Himalayas and adjacent plains, which causes mild variation in elevation across neighborhoods and the surrounding district. haridwaronline.in
Where Is Haridwar Located?
Haridwar is situated in Uttarakhand state in northern India, at approximately 29.58° N latitude and 78.13° E longitude. haridwar.nic.in
It lies on the right bank of the sacred River Ganga, where the river emerges from the mountains to enter the Northern Plains — a geographical transition that makes Haridwar both spiritually and geographically significant. Visit Uttrakhand
Haridwar sits between the Shivalik hills to the north and the Ganga basin to the south, giving it a mixed landscape of low foothills and fertile plains. haridwaronline.in
How Elevation Influences Haridwar’s Climate
Haridwar’s moderate elevation at around 314 meters above sea level influences its climate in several ways:
Summers
Haridwar experiences hot and dry summers, with daytime temperatures often rising above 40 °C. However, at this elevation, nights can be comparatively cooler than deeper plains regions, especially after sunset. Encyclopedia.pub
Winters
Winters in Haridwar are pleasant to cool, and temperatures can occasionally drop below 10 °C in December and January. The elevation helps temper extremes when compared with lower altitude areas further south. Encyclopedia.pub
Monsoon
The monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, and being at the edge of the Himalayan foothills, Haridwar receives runoff and increased moisture from nearby highlands. haridwaronline.in
Breezes & Air Quality
A modest elevation and open plains setting allow frequent breezes, especially near the riverbank, which can moderate humidity and temperature — though air quality remains seasonal and can worsen in chilly winter smog. haridwaronline.in
Topography of Haridwar
Haridwar’s topography includes:
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Shivalik Hills to the North: Gentle foothills of the Himalayas that slope down toward the plains. haridwaronline.in
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Ganga River Basin to the South: Flat plains where the Ganga flows toward Middle India. Visit Uttrakhand
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Urban Elevation Variations: Parts of the city closer to the hills can be slightly higher than areas along the riverbank. haridwaronline.in
Because of this mix, Haridwar’s elevation transition contributes to distinctive river landscapes, fertile soils, and varied microclimates across small distances. haridwar.nic.in
Why Haridwar Elevation Matters
✔ Pilgrimage & River Flow
Haridwar’s height helps shape the flow of the Ganges as it leaves the brisk waters of the mountains and begins its long journey through the plains — an important aspect for rituals, aartis, and river bathing. Visit Uttrakhand
✔ Climate for Festivals
The moderate elevation and associated climate make Haridwar relatively comfortable for massive gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of pilgrims. haridwar.nic.in
✔ Biodiversity & Landscape
The mix of hills, plains, and river ecosystems supports diverse flora and fauna, including areas around Rajaji National Park near the northern edges of Haridwar district. haridwaronline.in
How to Reach Haridwar
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (~54 km away), with taxi and bus connections to Haridwar. udd.uk.gov.in
By Train
Haridwar is a major railway hub on the Northern Railways network, with multiple trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities. Station elevations (such as Motichur at ~312.95 m) also reflect the city’s average height. Wikipedia
By Road
Well-connected highways link Haridwar to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Delhi, and other pilgrimage towns — making it a key transit point for the Char Dham circuit. udd.uk.gov.in
Traveling uphill from the plains to Haridwar isn’t dramatic but does involve a gentle increase in elevation as the road approaches the foothills. haridwaronline.in
Best Time to Visit Haridwar
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Cool, pleasant weather for sightseeing & rituals Encyclopedia.pub |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Moderate temperatures, festive vibes Visit Uttrakhand |
| Summer (May–Jun) | Hot days, but nights are tolerable Encyclopedia.pub |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Lush surroundings, occasional showers haridwaronline.in |
October to March is often considered the most comfortable period for visiting Haridwar due to mild temperatures and clear skies. Visit Uttrakhand
Quick Facts – Haridwar Height From Sea Level
✔ Haridwar city elevation: ~314 m (1,030 ft) above sea level. haridwaronline.in
✔ Haridwar district average: ~249.7 m above sea level. haridwar.nic.in
✔ Motichur Railway Station elevation: ~312.95 m. Wikipedia
✔ Location: In Uttarakhand, India, on the bank of the holy Ganga. Visit Uttrakhand
Travel & Pilgrimage Insights
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Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and a major stop for pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra. Visit Uttrakhand
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The city’s elevation and river flow influence how Ganga rituals like Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri are performed, especially during festivals. Visit Uttrakhand
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The surrounding landscape also makes Haridwar a gateway to Rishikesh and Himalayan hill stations up north. udd.uk.gov.in
Conclusion
Haridwar’s height from sea level — approximately 314 meters (1,030 feet) — shapes its climate, landscapes, and cultural experience. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and along the Ganga, this elevation helps create a blend of spiritual energy, natural beauty, and comfortable travel conditions that draw millions of visitors every year.