September 21, 2026 · Haridwar, UttarakhandAbout · Contact

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Kankhal Heritage Walk: Old Havelis, Temples and Quiet Lanes

Haridwar's oldest neighbourhood rewards a slow morning on foot.

Anandamayi Ma Ashram - HaridwarCulture
Photo: Naresh Balakrishnan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kankhal, in the south of Haridwar, is one of the oldest parts of the city. It's known for the Daksha Mahadev temple, which tradition links to the legend of Sati, and for its lanes of old havelis, ashrams and family homes.

What you'll see

Carved wooden doorways, painted walls and small courtyard shrines line the narrow streets. Many buildings belong to families who have served as priests and record-keepers for pilgrims over many generations.

How to explore

  • Go on foot, early in the morning, and allow two to three hours.
  • Be respectful when photographing homes and people. Ask first.
  • Finish at the riverside for a quiet end to the walk.

Kankhal is a quieter part of Haridwar, and a slow walk there shows you the city's history as well as its pilgrim sites.

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