Sahāranpur, India
Region: Uttar Pradesh
Geographic Coordinates: 29.964000, 77.546000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with monsoon season from July to September.
Population: 705478
Language: Hindi
Sahāranpur is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is situated at the foothills of Shivalik Range and is surrounded by lush green forests. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has been ruled by various dynasties including the Mauryas, Guptas, Mughals, And British. One of the most popular attractions in Sahāranpur is its wooden handicraft industry. The city is known for its intricate wood carvings which are crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. These crafts include furniture, Toys, Decorative items, And other household articles.
Another significant attraction in Sahāranpur is the Shakumbhari Devi Temple which attracts thousands of devotees every year. This temple dedicated to Goddess Shakumbhari Devi who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The city also has several other temples such as Baba Lal Das Temple, Baliakheri Temple, And Gita Bhawan among others that attract tourists from all over India. Sahāranpur also boasts several natural attractions such as Nakta Chauhan Bird Sanctuary which houses a variety of bird species including migratory birds during winters. The Khatling Glacier located close to Sahāranpur offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
The city also has several educational institutions including Deen Dayal Upadhyay University which offers courses in various fields such as engineering, Management sciences, Law among others. Food lovers can indulge in delicious street food like chaat papdi or try out local delicacies like kachori sabzi or chole bhature at local eateries throughout the city. Sahāranpur offers a unique blend of history, Culture and nature with its wooden handicrafts industry being one-of-a-kind attraction that makes it stand out from other cities in India.
With its numerous temples, Natural attractions, And educational institutions, Sahāranpur is a must-visit destination for tourists looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of India.
- Shakumbhari Devi Temple
- Shri Baba Lal Das Ji Temple
- Gurdwara Nanakmatta Sahib
- Jama Masjid Saharanpur
- Saint Mary’s Church Saharanpur
- Kali Mandir, Deoband
- Badi Maa Temple, Gangoh
- Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Saleemuddin Chishti, Behat
- Chaukhandi Tombs, Deoband
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Botanical Garden
- Sahāranpur is renowned for its woodcarving industry and ranks among India’s most significant exporters of wooden handicrafts.
- The city also boasts a thriving retail sector, with numerous markets and shopping centers.
- Other notable industries and businesses in Sahāranpur include:
- Agriculture
- Textiles
- Paper
- Sugar
- Steel
- Moreover, the city houses several educational institutions and healthcare facilities that contribute to the local economy.
- The city was founded by Sah Ranbirsingh, a Mughal commander in 1340 AD.
- The Battle of Saharanpur took place in 1399 AD between Timur’s army and the Sultanate of Delhi.
- The city was an important center for trade during the Mughal Empire.
- In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion against British rule, Saharanpur was a site of significant resistance.
- Sir James Thomason, the Lieutenant Governor of North-Western Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1843 to 1853, made significant contributions to the development of infrastructure and education in Saharanpur.
- Notable personalities from Saharanpur include former Prime Minister Charan Singh; freedom fighters like Baba Ram Chandra; and poets like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Akhtarul Iman.
- The city is also known for its wood carving industry that dates back to the Mughal era producing intricate wooden furniture that is exported all over the world today.
- Saharanpur is also home to several Sufi shrines including Dargah Hazrat Shah Jamaluddin Ganj-e-Sakhi where people come from far-off places to offer their prayers.
- The city has many temples such as Shakumbhari Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga who is worshipped as Shakumbhari Devi or Bankey Bihari Mandir dedicated to Lord Krishna situated at Deoband Road.
- The Ghantaghar Clock Tower located in Sadar Bazaar area is one of the oldest landmarks in town built-in 1885 by Nawab Yusuf Ali Khan on his mother’s name ‘Begum Khairun Nisa’.
- Baba Farid’s Tomb
- Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)
- Jama Masjid Saharanpur
- Gandhi Park
- Panjab University Regional Centre
- Saint Mary’s Church
- Shahi Jama Masjid
- Kala Bhawan Art Gallery
- Sarsai Nawar Jheel Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shakumbhari Devi Temple
- Bikhauti Mela is a popular fair held in Sahāranpur during the month of March-April. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and attracts a huge number of devotees from all over the region.
- Shivratri Mela is another important religious festival celebrated in Sahāranpur, which falls in February or March. The city witnesses grand celebrations, including fairs and processions.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by the Muslim community in Sahāranpur, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great fervor in Sahāranpur as well as other parts of India where people smear each other with colored powder and water to celebrate this vibrant festival.
- Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus across India, including Sahāranpur where people light earthen lamps and burst firecrackers to mark this auspicious occasion.
- Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary and is an important festival for Hindus in Sahāranpur as well as across India.
- Urs-e-Sharif marks Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Mohammad Hasan Ali Miyan Chishti (RA)’s death anniversary who was buried at Darbar Sharif Mohalla Qutub Sher on 13th Ramadan every year which attracts people from all faiths to pay their respects at his tomb.
- Lohri Festival that marks winter solstice celebration among Punjabi communities also finds its place here like other parts where Punjabi people reside.
- Christmas celebrations can be seen among Christian communities living in Saharanpur.
- Baisakhi marks beginning of harvest season & commemorates formation Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji & it’s celebrated by the Sikh community in Sahāranpur.
- Chole Bhature: A spicy Punjabi dish consisting of chickpeas cooked in a tomato-based gravy, served with fluffy fried bread.
- Kachori: A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils or vegetables, often served with chutney.
- Lassi: A refreshing yogurt-based drink flavored with fruit or spices.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and spices.
- Dahi Bhalla: Deep-fried lentil balls soaked in yogurt and topped with chutney and spices.
- Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail Restaurant: Known for its tandoori dishes and biryanis.
- Milan Sweets & Restaurant: Famous for its chaat (savory snacks) and sweets like gulab jamun (fried dough soaked in syrup).
- Pind Balluchi Restaurant: Offers a range of North Indian dishes including kebabs, curries, and biryanis.
- The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor: Serves modern Indian cuisine created by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
- Hotel Rajmahal Deluxe Family Restaurant & Bar: Popular for its vegetarian thalis (platters) featuring a variety of dishes from different regions of India.
- Company Garden: This is a popular public park in Saharanpur with lush green lawns, colorful flowers, and a variety of trees. It also has an artificial lake where visitors can enjoy boating.
- Shaheed Smarak Park: This park is dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence struggle. It has well-maintained gardens, fountains, and statues of freedom fighters.
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Botanical Garden: Spread across 10 acres of land, this botanical garden boasts over 200 species of plants and trees from all over the world.
- Kaliyar Sharif Dargah: This is a famous pilgrimage site located on the outskirts of Saharanpur city. Visitors can offer prayers at the dargah and also enjoy picnicking in its beautiful surroundings.
- Shakti Peeth Shakumbari Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Shakumbari is located on the banks of river Yamuna near Saharanpur city. Visitors can take a dip in the holy river and explore nearby forests for trekking or hiking activities.
- Chhota Bazaar Market: This bustling market in Saharanpur offers various shopping options for tourists including handicrafts, wooden furniture, jewelry, clothes etc.
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji: Located near Deoband town in Saharanpur district, this gurdwara commemorates Guru Tegh Bahadur’s visit to this place during his travels across India. It’s an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
- Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary situated around 40 km from Saharanpur. It houses many wild animals like tigers, leopards, deer etc. It’s spread across more than 200 hectares. Visitors can enjoy jungle safari here.
