Aligarh is a city that lies in the northern region of Uttar Pradesh. In the foregone times, Aligarh was known by the name of Kol. This was confirmed by the discovery of the ruins of the Kol Fort that was built in the 3rd century by Dor Rajputs. The Mughal dynasty fought with Rajputs and defeated them, thus, became the supreme authority to rule over this region. Today, the city of Aligarh is counted amid the largest cities of Uttar Pradesh.
With an approx. elevation of 587 feet, Aligarh sprawls across vast acres of land. Due to its location in the Doab region, the land of this city is fed by the waters of Ganga and Yamuna. Aligarh is surrounded by Bulandshahr in North, Hathras in South, Khair in West, and Kanshiram Nagar in East. It has a subtropical humid climate. The average temperature during summers scales up to 40°C and rests at 15°C on an average during the winter season.
There are different places that are can be visited in Aligarh. The places like Shikha Bird Sanctuary, Khereshwar Temple, Dargah of Hazrat Shah, and the bustling markets and malls of the city.
Tourist Places in Aligarh
The place has a number of tourist attractions. Some of the major places of interest are listed below.
Dor Fortress
The famous Dor fortress is situated in the upper area of the city centre of Aligarh. It has lost its former glory with the passage of time but the magnificent ruins are enough to tell its story. It is believed that the fortress was built by Raja Budhasen Dor who was also the founder of the city of ‘kol’, which is called Aligarh today. The site of the ruins was once the court of Raja Budhasen. These ruins extend up to the police ‘kotwali’ today. A large well, stables for horses and elephants are visible in its plan. The ruins of a tall minaret have a story of their own. It is said that the minaret was built by a Rajput ruler Mangalsen at the behest of his widowed daughter. She wanted to pass her days of widowhood watching the River Ganga. The top of the minaret was constructed to enable her to do the same. The well-planned layout of the ruins declares it to be one of the sturdiest and beautiful forts of yesteryears.
Aligarh Fort
The Aligarh Fort is located on the G.T. Road at a distance of just 6 km from the centre of Aligarh Township. It is a wonderful example of the mix of the Indian and French style of architecture. The fort was initially erected by the son of a governor of Ibrahim Lodhi in the 16th century. The original plan of the court was changed in later years as and when the successive rulers felt the need for reinforcements. This constant tinkering was being done to make it stronger than before. As the result of this addition and changes the Aligarh fort has come to the present time as an example of one of the strongest forts of India.
It was successively used by the rulers of the area for various purposes. Late Madhavrao Sindhia used its large grounds to train his soldiers in the European tactics and methods of war. It was one of the centres of the revolt of 1857 by the Indian soldiers against the British. The grounds of the fort are under the care of the Aligarh Muslim University. The department of Botany manages the inner botanical garden. It is easy to see the fort after taking permission from the head of the department of Botany of the University.
Dargah Baba Barchi Bahadur
The Dargah is a 600 years old symbol of communal harmony. People of all faiths pay homage to the Baba especially at the time of the annual ‘urs’ or the death anniversary of this Sufi saint. The devotees come here and tie a thread and pray to the saint to fulfil their wish. Once the wish comes true the devotee comes again to untie the thread. It is believed that Baba Barchi Bahadur fulfils the wishes of everyone. The Dargah is situated near the Ghantghar circle of Aligarh close to the Ambedkar Park and the Aligarh Railway Station.
Khereshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has an interesting tale to tell. It is believed that the complex of the temple was completed in a day after the enshrining of the Linga. This place is considered as one of the holiest shrines of the area. The temple is replete with beautiful carvings, engraved murals on its ceiling and a beautiful architecture in The Hindu architectural tradition. The temple is situated in the Tajpur village at a distance of about 5 km from the centre of the town. It is connected to the NH 91 through the Khair by-pass road. The temple has several beautiful idols of Hindu deities.
Nagliya Deer Reserve
Aligarh boasts of a conservation reserve of its own kind situated at Nagliya. It is a small village on the G.T. Road at a distance of about 15 km from Aligarh. The widely spread park is dedicated to the conservation of the Black Deer and other native wildlife species. The People of Nagliya have a good level of awareness for conservation that coincides with the high rate of literacy in the village.
Shekha Lake
Situated at a distance of 17 km from the centre of Aligarh, the lake is spread along an irrigation canal. The lake supplies water to the town. It is famous for its bio-diversity and a place for the migratory birds in winter. A variety of geese, ducks and other migratory birds can be seen in winter at the lake. People visit the place for its natural beauty as well as for bird watching in the season.
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