Nestled in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh has emerged as a major educational and commercial hub in Northern India. Originally called Kol or Koli, the city is believed to be established in 372 AD by the Dor Rajputs and has been home to the renowned Aligarh Muslim University since 1875. Locks dying, Salim nagar – another aspect of Aligarh
Even though Aligarh has seen limited tourist activity up till now, the city definitely has its share of historical events to speak about. It has been ruled by several dynasties like the Lodi Dynasty, the Mughals and British East India Company.
The Aligarh Fort that was build during the reign of Ibrahim Lodi is one of the major crowd-pullers in this city. No wonder the Dor Fortress, now a ruin, tells a story. Aligarh, fondly called the ‘Mecca of Education’ in India and it’s no wonder – with the Aligarh Muslim University’s establishment by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875. Known as the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College formerly, it was only in 1920 that it became Aligarh Muslim University.
Also present in Aligarh is the Maulana Azad Library, India’s largest university library. Some of the other must-visit spots in Aligarh include Kheereshwar Temple, Teerthdham Mangalaayatan, Sir Syed Academy Museum, Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp Udyan, Hakim Karam Hussain Museum and Baba Barchi Bahadur Dargah.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through the
famous places to visit in Aligarh, giving you a glimpse into the spiritual
(famous temple in Uttar Pradesh) and historical wonders that await you.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit:Khereshwar Temple, Baba Barchi Dargah, Sir Syed House Museum, Aligarh Fort, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples and museums.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
If you’re looking for peace and spirituality, you can visit all the places in Aligarh through our great Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages deal!
Here are some popular places to visit in Aligarh:
- Khereshwar Temple
- Baba Barchi Dargah
- Sir Syed House Museum
- Aligarh Fort
- Naqvi Park
- Teerthdam Mangalayatan
- Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp
If you are planning to visit Aligarh? Here, we have compiled a list of top 7 places to visit in Aligarh & things to do in Aligarh that should be on your wishlist!
1.) Khereshwar Temple
The Khereshwar Temple, situated in Aligarh is recognized for the holy Shiva linga which is very small and it’s famously known as Invisible Shiva linga. Some other attractions of the temple are ceiling cover inked with metallic murals and apprehension in brass idols of other Hindu deities.
Dating back to thousands of years, the Khereshwar temple sees hordes of devotees visiting the complex in faith with regard to the myths and legends that surround the Dvapara Yuga! Every year, on the auspicious day of Maha Shivratri, the Khereshwar Temple sees an influx of devotees from the surrounding areas.
2.) Baba Barchi Dargah
Baba Barchi Bahadur Dargah, a 600 year old Sufi shrine, where people of all religions are welcome to come and pray and pay respects to the holy man Baba Barchi Bahadur. Be ready to get two chadors for both the qabrs, complete with flowers, sugar, incense and a candle. If you don’t know, dargahs remind both women and men. The blokes at the qabrs will help you to distribute the chaddars, flowers, and sugar. Then you go to an altar to burn your candle and incense.
There were Qawwals singing Qawwali too, whom you could tip. You may of course distribute your kindness to the poor, the sick, and the lame who have assembled there, and it is propitious to do so. If you do not know the alms giving system at a dargah, give INR 10-20 instead, Give up to रु25 if you are in a rush to go. Such a pretty dome; don’t forget to capture this Dargah’s one-of-a-kind architecture in your Aligarh pictures!
3.) Sir Syed House Museum
Sir Syed House Museum, is one of the popular art galleries among masses in Aligarh Muslim University Once the residence of Sir Syed, the founder of Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (which became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920), this museum was. The gallery was created to promote among masses the idea of Sir Syed’s contribution towards reforming education and society at large.
Sir Syed House Museum is a place where we show the personal life of Sir Syed through his belongings with the history of AMU in pictures and written records. The house of Sir Syed is partitioned into 3 galleries. Part one portrays the life of Sir Syed and his companions, part two unfolds the Aligarh Muslim University’s development stage-by-stage, and the third consists of AMU campus photographs with its Vice Chancellors. Also, photos from the university’s events and achievements over the years are shown here.
4.) Aligarh Fort
Aligarh Fort, or Aligarh Quila, is one of the most impregnable forts in India. Fondly christened as “Bonay Chor ka Kila”, it stands testament to the historical Islamic influences through its splendid architecture and detailed symbolic carvings, although most of it is currently in ruins. Aligarh Fort’s majesticness is attributed to its unique minarets, bastions, terraces and a grand arched entrance which echoes the same for the distance viewers.
There is a garden (maintained by the Botanical Department), which contributes to the grandeur of the fort. It boasts an assortment of colorful flora, from beautiful orange marigold and cheerful sunflowers to the pink heliconia. Inside the oasis, housed in habitats reminiscent of different Indian terrains such as forests, the desert or a village farm are species native to that environment – vivid parakeets in their lush green sanctuary to the ferret and Koel bird among others.
5.) Naqvi Park
Naqvi Park is among the most famous parks of Aligarh. Also called the Rajkeey Udhhan Jawahar Park, the park is famous for its greenery and fountains. They also have walking trails and a playground, plus a plant sale nursery. Known for its popularity among Aligarh’s locals and couples, Naqvi Park is a frequently visited place. Typical morning and evening sightings: those in Samye Ling, meditators’, joggers’.
What draws most people are the park’s greenery and the sight of its enchanting birds. With so many photoshoots happening in the park the peacock becomes one of the park’s most familiar inhabitants. Throughout the year, Naqvi Park is flocked by visitors and photographers.
6.) Teerthdam Mangalayatan
Teerthdham Mangalayatan complex is one of the biggest Jain religious centres in the country. It is located on Aligarh – Agra highway, outskirts. In the Mangalayatan complex, The famous college with 5 temples inside is an attractive place dedicated to Jain Religion.
Bhagwan Mahavir,Bhagwan Adinath, Bhagwan Bahubali, Bhagwan Adinath Swami Mansthamb.Bhagwan Jiwani Mandir. The Bahubali Temple, which has an area of 4000 sq.feet .
Also in the standing posture, Muniraj Bharat and Muniraj Bahubali are there beside the mandap. The architecture of this temple is a replica of Mahaveer Temple. With portraits of Muniraj Padmaprabhamaldharidev and Dharsenacharyadev, the hall of the temple is decked. These portraits are engraved in marble panels 4.0' x 4.5'. The slabs of marble and it’s size is 4’x2’.
7.) Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp
The Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp, situated in the Three Dots School complex, is a well kept museum. Established in 1982, the museum is renowned for its diverse collection of nature and culture exhibits. The museum has gems, rocks, minerals, feathers and coins – all important examples for young students to view and study.
The numerous sketches and state-of-the-art scientific equipments make it one of the most prominent of the new age museums in India. Though there are tourists too especially for those evenings. The purpose of the museum was to give kids a hands-on, engaging opportunity to learn about science, the planet and outer space.
Conclusion
Aligarh, a historical city located in the northern Indian state of
Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its cultural and educational significance. Being the abode of the famous AMU, it has had a major contribution in nurturing the intellectual ambience of India.
A stunning amalgamation of Mughal and British architectural influences can be witnessed throughout the city that is reflected by its marvelous monuments like the Aligarh Fort and Sir Syed Masjid. Not only bazaars are the specialty of Aligarh, the city’s delectable street food and its cosmopolitan fabric also add charm to it.
