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Moti Bazaar Haridwar | What to Buy, Eat And Explore

June 16, 2025

Moti Bazaar is the most lively street market in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It starts near Har Ki Pauri ghat and runs for about one kilometre along both sides of a narrow stone lane. The market is packed with tiny shops selling colourful bangles, glowing brass lamps, sweet jalebis, and everything a pilgrim needs for the Ganga Aarti.

Every day, thousands of visitors come to Haridwar for a holy dip in the River Ganga. Before or after their ritual, they walk through Moti Bazaar to buy puja items, souvenirs, and street food. The bazaar’s name — moti means “pearl” — shows its special value in the city’s culture. It is a “one‑stop lane” where faith, food, and shopping meet.

Historical Background

How did Moti Bazaar begin

In the late 1800s, Haridwar grew into a major pilgrimage stop on the Grand Trunk Road. Small traders placed wooden stalls near Har Ki Pauri to sell flowers, earthen lamps, and holy threads to passing pilgrims. Over time, these stalls became permanent shops, the lane was paved with stone, and the area took the name Moti Bazaar because it shone like a string of pearls at night.

Growth during British rule

When trains started running to Haridwar in the 1880s, more visitors arrived, and shop number grew quickly. Families kept the business within generations, so many current shopkeepers can trace their stalls back over 100 years.

Role in local festivals

During each Kumbh Mela or Kanwar Yatra, the bazaar turns into a sea of noise and colour. Temporary bamboo bridges guide crowds, and extra police keep order. The market has become a living piece of Haridwar’s religious history.

History of the Bazaar Lane

Early wooden sheds (1870–1900): Traders sold flowers, clarified butter, and cotton wicks from bamboo stalls.
Stone paving & tiled roofs (1900–1950): The municipality replaced muddy ground with stone slabs and asked shopkeepers to build brick walls.
Electric lights (1960s): The first string lights arrived, making the lane sparkle at night.
Modern upgrades (2018–2021): CCTV, LED lamps, uniform shop signs, and no‑plastic rules were introduced by Nagar Nigam Haridwar.

Moti Bazaar Today

Today, Moti Bazaar is a bursting ribbon of colour, sound, and smell:

Shops: About 350 permanent outlets plus seasonal street carts.
Main products: Rudraksha beads, brass diyas, Gangajal bottles, glass bangles, cotton kurtas, ayurvedic herbs, wooden toys, woollen shawls, and framed photos of the Ganga Aarti.
Street food: Hot jalebi, rabri, aloo chaat, kachori‑sabzi, kulhar milk, and lassi.
Atmosphere: Temple bells ring, the air smells of incense and roasted peanuts, and loudspeakers chant bhajans in the background.

A slow walk from one end to the other takes 15 minutes, but most visitors spend at least an hour tasting snacks and bargaining for souvenirs.

Top 10 Things to Buy in Moti Bazaar

1. Rudraksha Beads – Sacred seeds used for meditation and worn as necklaces.

2. Brass Diyas and Lamps – Beautiful oil lamps for home or temple use.

3. Gangajal Bottles – Holy water from the Ganga, bottled for rituals or gifting.

4. Glass Bangles – Available in vibrant colours and sets, perfect for festive wear.

5. Ayurvedic Products – Herbs, oils, and traditional wellness items.

6. Cotton Kurtas & Dupattas – Lightweight, colourful clothing perfect for pilgrims and tourists.

7. Wooden Toys – Handmade, eco-friendly toys with traditional designs.

8. Spiritual Books & Posters – Religious texts, calendars, and images of gods.

9. Puja Samagri Kits – Complete kits with incense, camphor, diya, and more.

10. Sweets & Pickles – Packaged Haridwar sweets and homemade-style pickles.

Famous Shops in Moti Bazaar, Haridwar

While walking through the vibrant lanes of Moti Bazaar, you’ll come across many shops that are not only old but have become local legends. These shops have served generations of pilgrims and tourists, offering authentic items, traditional hospitality, and quality that stands the test of time. Here are some of the most popular and trusted names you should not miss:

1. Jwalapur Rudraksha Bhandar

If you’re looking to buy real Rudraksha beads, tulsi malas, or spiritual accessories, this shop is a must-visit. Located near the entrance of Moti Bazaar, Jwalapur Rudraksha Bhandar is famous for selling certified, lab-tested Rudraksha sourced from Nepal and South India. The shopkeepers are knowledgeable and often explain the significance of each bead and how to use them for meditation or healing.

📍 Tip: Ask them about Panchmukhi Rudraksha and how to energize it at Har Ki Pauri.

2. Mathura Wale Sweets

Follow the delicious smell of hot ghee and sugar to reach Mathura Wale Sweets, one of the oldest sweet shops in the lane. Their jalebis, made fresh every hour, are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Don’t miss their rabri, served chilled in traditional kulhars (clay cups), and peda, a favorite among returning pilgrims.

📍 Must-Try: Jalebi-Rabri combo with a cup of kulhar chai.

3. Jain Brass Store

For anyone interested in buying handcrafted brass items for pooja or decoration, Jain Brass Store is a treasure trove. Operating since the early 1900s, this third-generation family shop offers a wide collection of diyas, ghantis (bells), incense stands, Ganga Kalash, and more. Each item carries that antique, traditional charm that malls simply can’t replicate.

📍 Best Buy: Decorative thalis for Ganga Aarti ceremonies.

4. Sharma Ayurved Bhawan

Hidden between two garment shops, Sharma Ayurved Bhawan is a peaceful little spot offering time-tested Ayurvedic products, herbal oils, digestive churnas, and even handmade soaps. The shop also stocks famous brands like Patanjali and Baidyanath, but is more loved for its custom herbal mixes and oils made on-site.

📍 Ask for: Pain relief oils and seasonal immunity boosters.

5. Bangle House Corner

True to its name, Bangle House Corner sparkles with hundreds of glass bangles in every shade imaginable. From deep maroon wedding bangles to bright turquoise for daily wear, the shop offers sets in every size, with traditional and modern designs. This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir that jingles with every step.

📍 Fun Fact: They offer “bangle matching” for outfits—bring your dupatta and try it!

Why These Shops Stand Out

These aren’t just random vendors — they’re part of the living culture of Haridwar. Each of these shops carries:

Decades (or centuries) of legacy
Warm, personal service
Traditional craftsmanship
Items blessed with spiritual and cultural value

Whether you’re a pilgrim, a curious traveler, or a street food lover, stopping by these stores will make your Moti Bazaar walk even more memorable.

Government Renovation & Clean‑Up

In 2021, Haridwar Nagar Nigam completed a renovation aimed at keeping the ancient look while improving ease of movement:

Re‑laid non‑slip stone flooring.
Installed decorative LED lamp posts.
Fixed uniform signboards to reduce visual clutter.
Added CCTV and loudspeakers for crowd control.
Placed extra dustbins every 20 metres and banned single‑use plastic bags.

These changes make evening walks safer and more pleasant, yet the bazaar still keeps its old‑time charm.

Now a Tourist Hotspot

Moti Bazaar is no longer just a lane for pilgrims. It is a full travel experience where you can:

Shop for religious gifts to take home.
Watch sugar makers pull jalebi batter into hot oil and serve it fresh.
Hear live bhajans drifting from nearby temples.
Enjoy night photography—the golden lights and hanging marigold strings look magical.

Many visitors call it the “soul of Haridwar”.

Things to Do in Moti Bazaar

Moti Bazaar is more than just a shopping lane—it’s a complete cultural and sensory experience. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, food lover, photographer, or curious traveler, there’s something here for everyone. Here are the best things to do in and around Moti Bazaar:

1. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Just 200 metres from the bazaar, Har Ki Pauri is the soul of Haridwar. As the sun sets, priests perform the Ganga Aarti, offering giant brass lamps to the river in a rhythmic ceremony. The reflections of fire on the flowing water create a magical moment you’ll never forget.

📍 Best Time: 6:30 PM in summer | 5:30 PM in winter

2. Join a Walking Food Tour

Take your tastebuds on an adventure! Sign up for a walking food tour that begins right inside Moti Bazaar. Try everything from jalebi, kachori, lassi, to chaat and rabri while listening to stories of local history. Many guides also share food secrets known only to locals.

📍 Tour Duration: 2 hours | Best Time: Late afternoon or early evening

3. Ride a Cycle Rickshaw Through the Old City

Hop on a traditional cycle rickshaw for a slow and scenic ride through Upper Road, Valmiki Chowk, and hidden alleys filled with old temples, wall art, and tiny shrines. It’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the vibe of Haridwar’s historic quarters.

📍 Tip: Ask your rickshaw puller to show you old cinema halls or vintage tea stalls.

4. Take an Early-Morning Photography Walk

Start your day early with a photography walk through Moti Bazaar and nearby ghats. Catch the first light hitting the Ganga, priests preparing for the day, and shopkeepers lifting their shutters. The golden light, rising smoke, and river reflections offer the perfect frame for every shot.

📍 Ideal Time: 6:00 AM–7:30 AM

5. Interact with Local Shopkeepers

Take a moment to talk to the friendly shopkeepers who have run their stalls for generations. Ask about the meaning behind the Rudraksha beads or how traditional bangles are made. These mini-conversations often turn into the most cherished memories of your trip.

📍 Try: Jwalapur Rudraksha Bhandar, Jain Brass Store, Bangle House Corner

These little adventures add life to your Moti Bazaar visit and help you experience Haridwar in a more personal way. Don’t just shop—feel the stories, smell the culture, and taste the heritage of this ancient city lane.

How to Reach Moti Bazaar

Step 1: Reach Haridwar

By train: Haridwar Junction (code HW) is linked to Delhi, Dehradun, Varanasi, and Mumbai.
By road: 220 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs by NH‑334).
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun – 37 km; taxi takes 1 hr.

Step 2: Arrive at Hathipaon Gate / Kotwali Road

From the railway station, walk or take an e‑rickshaw (₹20) to Kotwali Chowk—the main entry point.

Step 3: Explore on Foot

Vehicles cannot enter the lane. Park at the Railway Parking or the Valmiki Chowk multilevel lot.
Walk the 1 km stretch; keep to the left to ease flow.

Total distance
Station → Bazaar far end = about 1.2 km (15 min walk without stops).

Best Time to Visit

Ideal Months
- October to March: Cool weather, clear skies, Diwali lights.
- April and early May: Pleasant mornings before summer heat.
Weather Conditions
- Winter (Dec–Jan): 8–15 °C, best for hot milk and jalebi.
- Summer (May–June): 25–38 °C; visit early morning or late evening.
- Monsoon (July–Sept): 22–30 °C; sudden showers cool the air, but lanes can be slippery.
Avoid Peak Crowd
- Kanwar Yatra (July) and Kumbh Mela years—the market is extremely crowded.
- If you enjoy big festivals, come prepared for long walks and packed lanes.

Why Visit Moti Bazaar

Moti Bazaar is not just a market — it’s an experience that blends spirituality, tradition, and local life into one vibrant lane. Here’s why this 120-year-old bazaar should be on your Haridwar travel list:

1. Immerse Yourself in Colourful Culture

As you enter Moti Bazaar, you’re surrounded by temple bells ringing, incense floating in the air, and bhajans playing from loudspeakers. Every step offers a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Haridwar’s spiritual life. The narrow street bursts with colour, emotion, and devotion, making it a living postcard of India’s pilgrimage culture.

2. Explore Unique & Spiritual Shopping

Moti Bazaar is a paradise for anyone looking for authentic, traditional items that reflect the spiritual heart of India. From Rudraksha beads and Gangajal bottles to handmade brass diyas, glass bangles, and ayurvedic herbs, every item tells a story. These are things you won’t find in regular markets or shopping malls.

📍 Tip: Don’t forget to pick up a framed photo of Ganga Aarti as a souvenir!

3. Taste the Best of Haridwar Street Food

The bazaar is packed with iconic street food stalls serving up local favourites. Try hot jalebis made right in front of you, rabri so creamy it melts in your mouth, spicy aloo chaat, kachori-sabzi, and kulhar lassi. Each bite comes with a blend of tradition and taste passed down through generations.

📍 Must-try: Jalebi at Mathura Wale Sweets & Aloo Chaat at the bend of the lane.

4. Capture Magical Night Photography

As evening falls, the lane lights up with golden string lights, flickering oil lamps, and the warm glow from shop displays. Reflections on the wet stone floor and marigold garlands hanging from roofs add a dreamlike quality, perfect for night photography lovers.

📷 Best Time: 5:30 PM–7:00 PM during winter for golden-hour photos.

5. Walk Through a Living Piece of History

For over 120 years, this bazaar has welcomed pilgrims, tourists, saints, and sadhus. The stone-paved lane, family-run shops, and stories from the past make it feel like you’re walking through a living museum. Each shop holds a slice of Haridwar’s rich spiritual and trade heritage.

📍 Did you know? Some shops here date back to the late 1800s!

Walking Route

Route length: 1 km one way from Kotwali Gate to Bhimgoda Canal.
Trail type: Flat stone lane, sometimes crowded, no steps.
Highlights on the way:
- Rudraksha Gali – stalls selling beads.
- Bangle Corner – glass bangles in every colour.
- Jalebi Bend – the bend in the lane where you smell sweets before you see them.
Beginner‑friendly? Yes. Even seniors and children can walk slowly. Wheelchairs may need extra care because of the crowd.

Nearby Attractions Around Moti Bazaar

Once you’ve explored the vibrant lanes of Moti Bazaar, take time to visit these nearby gems that reflect Haridwar’s spiritual essence and natural beauty. All these places are within 15 km of the market and easily accessible.

1. Har Ki Pauri & Ganga Aarti – 0.2 km (3–5 min walk)

Har Ki Pauri is the most sacred ghat on the banks of the River Ganga. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint. The Ganga Aarti held here every evening is a soul-stirring ritual where priests offer fire to the river, thousands of diyas float on water, and devotional songs fill the air.

Aarti Timings:
- Summer (April–Oct): 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Winter (Nov–March): 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Best time to reach: 30 minutes before the aarti for a good view.
Pro Tip: Stand on the bridge for the best photos of the glowing river.

2. Mansa Devi Temple – 2.5 km (5–10 min via ropeway)

Perched on Bilwa Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, the fulfiller of wishes. You can either trek uphill or take the Udan Khatola ropeway, which offers stunning aerial views of Haridwar city and the Ganga River.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Ropeway Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Duration: 1–2 hours, including ropeway wait time and temple visit.

3. Chandi Devi Temple – 4 km (via ropeway)

Located on Neel Parvat, this ancient temple was built in the 8th century by King Suchat Singh. Goddess Chandi Devi is considered the fierce form of Goddess Durga. You can either hike (about 45 minutes) or ride the ropeway (Udan Khatola).

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Ropeway Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ideal for: Pilgrims, photographers, and adventure lovers.

4. Bharat Mata Mandir – 5 km

Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique eight-storey temple that is not dedicated to a deity but to Mother India. Each floor is themed, representing saints, freedom fighters, rivers, languages, and key personalities of Indian history. A walk through this temple is like a short tour of Indian heritage.

Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Time Required: 1 hour
Best for: History enthusiasts and families with kids.

5. Daksh Prajapati Temple (Kankhal) – 5 km

One of the oldest temples in Haridwar, this site is deeply rooted in mythology. It is where Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort, immolated herself in protest against her father, King Daksh’s, insult to her husband. The temple complex also houses shrines of Lord Shiva and Daksha.

Temple Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Atmosphere: Peaceful and less crowded, perfect for spiritual reflection.

6. Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar Ashram – 6 km

Founded by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, Shantikunj is a major spiritual center promoting Vedic knowledge, meditation, and holistic living. The ashram offers free yoga sessions, discourses, and a peaceful ambiance.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (open to all spiritual seekers)
Highlights: Meditation halls, herbal gardens, spiritual bookstore.

7. Rajaji National Park (Chilla Gate) – 12 km (30–40 min drive)

Rajaji National Park, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, is perfect for a nature escape. It spans across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri and is home to elephants, tigers, deer, leopards, and over 300 bird species. You can go for a jeep safari that takes you through dense forest trails and open meadows.

Safari Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Approx ₹150 per person + guide & jeep charges
Ideal for: Families, wildlife lovers, and photographers.

Tips for Visitors

What to Carry

Re‑usable water bottle.
Small cash notes (₹10–₹100) for easy bargaining.
A cloth bag for shopping.
Hand sanitiser and tissues.

Safety Tips

Keep wallets/phones in front pockets.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery in crowded lanes.
Stay hydrated; summer heat can feel stronger inside narrow lanes.

Facilities

Public Toilets: Near Har Ki Pauri parking and Bhimgoda Canal end.
ATMs: SBI and PNB at Upper Road, 2–3 min walk.
Medical aid: Small pharmacy in the middle of the lane next to Bangle Corner.

Time to Spend

Quick visit: 45 min–1 hr.
Relaxed shopping + food tasting: 2–3 hrs.
Combine with evening Ganga Aarti for a half‑day itinerary.

(Best light for photos is 4:30 pm‑6 pm in winter and 6 pm‑7 pm in summer.)

Conclusion

Moti Bazaar is more than a market. It is a moving river of colour that mirrors the holy Ganga flowing nearby. Glittering lamps, chanting bells, sweet jalebi fragrance, and friendly smiles — they all mix to create an unforgettable travel memory.

Are you ready to walk this pearl‑string lane?
Book your Haridwar tour with WanderSky for guided walks, safe stays, and real local stories.

Let WanderSky handle the plans, so you can follow the light of the lamps.