Meerut
Meerut town in northwestern Uttar Pradesh state lies northeast of Delhi. Meerut
is a major trade centre for agricultural products and has a considerable amount
of industry, including manufacturing, smelting, handicrafts, and the milling of
sugar, cotton, flour, and oilseeds. Meerut University (1965) is located in the town
apart from Meerut College (1892) and several other colleges are affiliated with
the university. The town also has a 12th-century mausoleum and a number of old temples
and mosques. Meerut is an important army headquarters. The initial uprising of the
1857 Indian Mutiny occurred there. Modinagar, a sprawling industrial township establish
by the Modi industrial group, is closeby. Meerut is fabled for its scissor-making.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 62 km.
By Rail
Nearest railhead is Ramnagar, 78 km and Khatima 15 km.
By Road
Well connected by road. Bareilly, 124 km Nainital, 121 km.
Tourist Attractions
St. John's Church
Established in 1819 in Meerut Cantonment this church was completed in 1822. Seat
up by Chaplin revered Henry Fisher on behalf of the East India Company, this Church
was dedicated to the people by Bishop Wilson. The church has a seating capacity
of 15,000 people. During the 1857 uprising this church was the scene of heavy fighting
between the rebels and the British forces. The church also has the honors of being
oldest church in North India.
Baba Vishwanath Temple
The town has Baba Vishwanath temple, another ancient temple of Lord Shiva probably
built around 1887. The temple draws thousands of pilgrims every year during festive
seasons and is among the most visited Shiva Temples in Uttar Pradesh
Dargah of Shah Pir
Situated near Shah Pir Gate, the Moghul mausoleum, the red stone construction was
built in 1620 A.D., by Noor Jehan. .
Sardhana:
19 km northwest of Meerut lies the fascinating town of Sardhana with a romantic
and historically significant past. In the late 18th century the French adventurer
Walter Reinhardt came to India and soon became popular as 'Samru'. He received Sardhana
from Najaf Khan of Delhi for successfully supporting his troops and in 1773 the
principality of Sardhana was formally established. After his death in 1778 his formidable
widow Begum Samru who converted to Roman Catholic Faith in succeeded him 1781.