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Places to visit in Roorkee

Explore the historic and academic heart of Uttarakhand in Roorkee. Discover iconic engineering marvels, prestigious campuses, and vibrant culture among the top places to visit in Roorkee.

IIT Roorkee Campus

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious technical institutions, originally established in 1847 as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering. Its sprawling campus is a blend of historic colonial architecture and modern academic facilities, set amidst lush greenery.

Key landmarks include the iconic Main Building, the Saraswati Temple, and the extensive library. The campus atmosphere is vibrant with academic excellence and serves as a significant landmark in Roorkee’s identity.

Sahastradhara Road

The headworks of the Upper Ganga Canal, a masterpiece of British-era hydraulic engineering.

Roorkee City Market

The bustling local market area offering a glimpse into the daily life and local cuisine of the city.

National Institute of Hydrology

A premier institute dedicated to water resources research, located within a scenic campus.

St. John the Baptist Church

A historic Anglican church built in 1842, showcasing colonial-era architecture.

Thomason College of Civil Engineering

Thomason College of Civil Engineering is the historic cornerstone of IIT Roorkee, renowned as Asia’s first engineering college. Its grand colonial-era building, constructed with distinctive yellow stone, stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of India’s technical education heritage.

The college was pivotal in training engineers for monumental projects like the Ganga Canal system. Today, it remains an active department, embodying a legacy of innovation and academic prestige.

Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a prominent and serene Sikh place of worship located on Laksar Road in Roorkee. The white-marble structure is known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance, attracting devotees and visitors seeking solace.

It actively serves the local community with daily prayers (Ardas), langar (community kitchen), and religious celebrations. The gurudwara exemplifies the principles of equality, service, and devotion central to Sikhism.

Roorkee Cantonment

A well-maintained military area with colonial bungalows, parks, and a sense of old-world charm.

Baba Augharnath Temple

A revered Shiva temple located near the canal, frequented by locals and students.

Solani Aqueduct

The massive and impressive structure that carries the Ganga Canal over the Solani River.

Hindustan College of Science & Technology

Hindustan College of Science & Technology is a leading private academic institution in Roorkee, contributing to the city’s reputation as an educational hub. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, management, and applied sciences.

Its modern campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and hostels designed to foster learning and innovation. The institution plays a key role in shaping the future professionals of the region.

Haridwar

Haridwar, one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities, is a major spiritual destination where the sacred Ganges River enters the plains. It is famous for the daily Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a mesmerizing ceremony of lights, chants, and floating diyas.

The city is dotted with ancient temples, bustling markets, and ashrams, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. It also serves as the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage and offers a profound experience of devotion and tradition.

Rishikesh

The “Yoga Capital of the World,” renowned for its ashrams, adventure sports, and spiritual vibe.

Rajaji National Park

A vast tiger reserve and national park known for its elephants, diverse wildlife, and birdwatching.

Corbett National Park

India’s first national park, famous for its Bengal tiger population and rich biodiversity.

Devprayag

The sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the Ganga officially begins.

Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula

Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are iconic suspension bridges spanning the Ganges River in Rishikesh, steeped in mythological lore. These pedestrian bridges are flanked by temples, ashrams, cafes, and shops, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding hills.

They are vital connectors between parts of the town and hubs of spiritual and tourist activity. Walking across these bridges is a quintessential Rishikesh experience, combining devotion, scenery, and local culture.

Piran Kaliyar Sharif

A revered Sufi dargah (tomb) near Haridwar, known for its harmony and large annual Urs festival.

Mansa Devi Temple

A popular Shakti temple atop the Bilwa Parvat, accessible by cable car.

Chandi Devi Temple

Another important hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, reached by a trek or cable car.

Beatles Ashram

The Beatles Ashram, officially known as Chaurasi Kutia, is the abandoned ashram within Rajaji National Park where The Beatles famously stayed in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation. Its graffiti-covered meditation cells and dilapidated structures have become an offbeat tourist attraction, celebrating a unique fusion of Western pop culture and Eastern spirituality.

The site offers a nostalgic and photogenic glimpse into a pivotal chapter in music history, now reclaimed by nature.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a revered Shiva temple nestled in the dense forests of the Pauri Garhwal district, about 32 km from Rishikesh. According to legend, it marks the spot where Lord Shiva consumed the poison (Halahala) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan, turning his throat blue (Neelkanth).

The temple’s scenic location, amidst waterfalls and hills, adds to its spiritual aura, making it a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination.

Byasi

Byasi is a popular adventure spot on the Ganges River, located between Rishikesh and Shivpuri. It is renowned for its challenging Grade III and IV rapids, making it a hotspot for white-water rafting enthusiasts. The area also offers riverside camping, kayaking, and cliff jumping amidst beautiful Himalayan scenery.

Byasi provides an ideal blend of adrenaline-pumping activity and natural serenity, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world.

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