Photo spot in Haridwar
Mansa Devi Temple
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
A hilltop temple to the wish-fulfilling goddess Mansa Devi, reached by a cable-car ropeway with sweeping views over Haridwar.
Best time
Early morning for clear views over the town before the haze; late afternoon for warm light on the river channels below.
Best angle
Take a photo from the cable car window looking down over the bazaar rooftops, with the Ganga channels spreading out behind them.
Entry fee
Free (ropeway extra)
Opening hours
From about 5:00 AM to early evening; ropeway hours vary — check before you go
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Mansa Devi Temple
Early morning for clear views over the town before the haze; late afternoon for warm light on the river channels below. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Mansa Devi Temple
Take a photo from the cable car window looking down over the bazaar rooftops, with the Ganga channels spreading out behind them. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the ropeway with the city below
At the hilltop temple
Outfit guide
What to wear at Mansa Devi Temple
For photos at Mansa Devi Temple, red, saffron and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Mansa Devi Temple.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Haridwar.
Eat nearby
Food near Mansa Devi Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kachori sabzi nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Take the first cable cars of the morning to beat the queues and the heat.
Buy the combined ticket if you plan to visit Chandi Devi the same day.
Check that the cable car is running if it is stormy or windy, as it stops in bad weather.
Keep sunglasses, phones and prasad out of reach of the monkeys on the hilltop.
Walk down the footpath instead of queuing again for the ride down on busy days.
Wear shoes that are easy to take off, as you enter the shrine barefoot.
Bring a red thread from the stalls below if you want to tie one on the wish tree.
The wish-granting goddess
Mansa Devi is a form of Shakti, the goddess who grants the wishes of the mind, or mansa. Her temple stands on Bilwa Parvat, the Shivalik hill directly above the bazaar, and it is one of the Panch Tirth of Haridwar. The shrine holds two images of the goddess. Devotees tie a sacred red thread to a tree in the compound when they make a wish and come back to untie one when it is granted.
Getting up
Most people take the Udan Khatola cable car, run by Usha Breco. Its lower station is close to the town centre near Upper Road. The ride takes a few minutes and passes low over the rooftops. It usually starts early in the morning, around 5 am, and runs until early evening. It stops in storms, high winds and for maintenance, so check before you go. Tickets are sold at the counter and on the official Udan Khatola website, including a combined ticket with the Chandi Devi ropeway.
The footpath from the bazaar is steep, with steps most of the way, and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It is shaded in parts and lined with stalls, and it is the only way up if the cable car is closed.
At the top
Queues for darshan can be long on weekends, festival days and during the Navratris. Photography of the idols is usually not allowed; the viewpoints outside the temple are fine. Monkeys are bold here. Keep glasses, phones and prasad bags in hand or zipped away.
Planning
The Mansa Devi cable car starts earlier than the one to Chandi Devi. Do this hill first thing, then cross the river to Chandi Devi. Both fit in a morning if you start early. Avoid late morning on weekends, when the queue at the lower station can take longer than the visit itself.
Questions
Mansa Devi Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mansa Devi Temple?
Early morning for clear views over the town before the haze; late afternoon for warm light on the river channels below. Take a photo from the cable car window looking down over the bazaar rooftops, with the Ganga channels spreading out behind them.
Is there an entry fee at Mansa Devi Temple?
Entry to Mansa Devi Temple is free (ropeway extra).
What are the opening hours of Mansa Devi Temple?
Mansa Devi Temple is open from about 5:00 AM to early evening; ropeway hours vary — check before you go.
What should I wear at Mansa Devi Temple?
Red, saffron and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Mansa Devi Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning for clear views over the town before the haze; late afternoon for warm light on the river channels below.
What food should I try near Mansa Devi Temple?
Try kachori sabzi at spots close by.
How long does the Mansa Devi cable car take?
The ride itself is a few minutes. On busy days the wait at the lower station can be much longer, so go early.
Can I walk up to Mansa Devi?
Yes. A steep path with steps climbs from the bazaar and takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Does the ropeway run in the rain?
It runs in light rain but stops for storms, lightning and strong wind. Check at the counter or on the official site on doubtful days.
Can I combine Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi?
Yes. A combined ticket covers both cable cars. Do Mansa Devi first, as its ropeway opens earlier.