One of the most important cities in North India, Meerut, is one of the fastest-growing cities of Uttar Pradesh. It is a metropolitan city with well-developed infrastructure, attracting all kinds of travellers. The places to visit in Meerut are a blend of historic sites and modern infrastructure.
The city was once a part of the Hastinapur Empire of the Kauravas, which ruled Vedic India. The empire was the protagonist of the Hindu Epic of the Mahabharata, making it an important city for history enthusiasts. The modern city of Meerut is a part of Delhi NCR and has excellent connectivity. It is just 56 km from the national capital and has developed as a significant industrial hub, attracting business travellers.
So, if you are planning to visit the city, here is everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Meerut.
Meerut is one of the most important towns in the Northern part of India. The town, situated in Western Uttar Pradesh, has a long history behind it. The city was part of the Hastinapur Empire of the Kauravas that ruled Vedic India and was the protagonist of the Hindu Epic of the Mahabharata.
Places to Visit in Meerut
1. Augarnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Augarnath Temple is one of the significant religious and historic places to visit in Meerut. The temple is situated in the Cantonment area of the city, where the great revolt of India’s Independence in 1857 started. The temple complex also includes a memorial, built to commemorate the martyrs of the war.
It is also believed that the Maratha rulers used to perform the pilgrimage on auspicious occasions, making it an important place of worship.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
- Location: Meerut Cantt, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250001.
2. Jama Masjid
One of the oldest mosques in Uttar Pradesh, Shahi Jama Masjid of Meerut, offers a blend of Mughal and indigenous architecture. According to some accounts, the mosque was built in 1019 AD by Hasan Mahmudi, the Wazir of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi. And as per another account, it was built 700 years ago by the emperor Nasiruddin.
However, it is an integral part of Meerut’s cultural and religious heritage.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Location: Jama Masjid Rd, Kotwali, Purani Tehsil, Shohrab Gate, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250002.
3. Gandhi Bagh
One of the oldest parks in the city, Gandhi Bagh, is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Meerut. Located on the Mall Road, it was set up by the East India Company. The park is famous for the musical fountain and its lush greenery filled with mango, mulberry and bamboo trees.
The park has a beautiful children’s play area, car rides, boat rides and camel rides along with a walking path, terracotta park and a cricket ground, making it a perfect place to visit with your family.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Location: Gandhi Rd, Meerut Cantt, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250001.
4. St. John’s Church
The Saint John the Baptist, also known as John’s Church, is a parish church in the diocese of Agra of the Church of North India. Built from 1819 to 1821, it is one of the oldest churches in North India, making it a significant historic place to visit in Meerut.
The architecture of the church conforms to a style of English parish church that was popular before the Gothic Revival, making it a popular place to visit for history enthusiasts.
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: Sofipur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250001.
5. Hastinapur Temples
Located in Hastinapur, Digamber Jain Bada Mandir is the oldest Jain temple in the area dedicated to Shantunatha, the 16th Jain Tirthankara. The temple area is believed to be the birthplace of 16th, 17th and 18th tirthankaras, namely, Shantinatha, Kunthunatha and Aranatha respectively, making it one of the religious places to visit in Meerut.
The main temple was built in the year 1801 under the auspices of Raja Harsukh Rai, who was the imperial treasurer of the Emperor Shah Alam II.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Location: Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh 250404.
6. Parikshitgarh Site
Located around 23 km from Meerut, Parikshitgarh is a fort, often called Qila Parikshitgarh. The fort got its name from the ruler of Hastinapur, King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjun.
It is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Meerut, but it holds great significance for history enthusiasts.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Location: Parikshitgarh, Uttar Pradesh 250406.
7. Suraj Kund Park
If you are visiting the city with your family and kids, Suraj Kund Park is one of the best tourist places to visit in Meerut. The park, located in Gandhi Nagar, offers a peaceful environment with lush greenery. The park also holds a mythological importance as it is believed that it is the same place where Lord Krishna was gifted the Kawatch (armour) of Karna, making it a sacred place in the city.
Offering an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, the park is a perfect place for leisurely walks, picnics, yoga and meditation.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
- Location: Surajkund Park, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250001.
8. Abu Lane Market
A bustling hub of the city, the Abu Lane Market is one of the most popular shopping places to visit in Meerut. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, high-end showrooms and jewellery shops.
It is one of the best places to try the culinary delicacies of the city. From golgappe, papdi chaat to momos, burgers, frankes, you will find an endless variety of food in the market.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Location: Abu Ln, Sadar Bazaar, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250001.
How To Reach Meerut
As one of the fastest growing cities of Uttar Pradesh, the city has excellent connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Noida, Rurki and Haridwar.
By Air
The nearest airport to Meerut is Indira Gandhi International Airport, located about 60 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Meerut. You can also find affordable hotels in Delhi, offering a relaxing stay before heading towards Meerut.
By Rail
The city of Meerut is located on the Delhi – Dehradun track of North Central Railways. There are regular trains of various categories running on the route connecting Meerut to other cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ghaziabad.
By Road
Meerut has well-spread road networks connecting it to cities like Delhi, Mathura, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra and Jhansi. There are numerous state and privately-owned buses running to and from the city. You can also take a taxi or self-drive to reach Meerut without a hassle.
Thus, places to visit in Meerut offer a blend of historic and modern sites, making it an ideal place for every traveller.
If you are looking for places to visit near Meerut, Delhi (approximately 56 km), Noida (71 km) and Haridwar (144 km) can be great choices. You can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Delhi, hotels in Noida and hotels in Haridwar for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Also, do check out places to visit in Delhi and places to visit in Noida for a memorable travelling experience.
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