We were recently in Meerut, a city in Northern India, for a family function and decided to extend our stay to explore the town. This article documents our experience in the town and describes what you could explore in a day in Meerut.
An Overview of Meerut
Meerut is a historically significant city with a rich cultural heritage. The city has a long and storied past, dating back to ancient times, and has played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of the region. The city is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology, and is considered the in-laws home of Shiva. It has been an important center of trade and commerce since ancient times, due to its strategic location on the Ganges River. The city is known for its contribution to the Indian independence movement, with iconic figures like Mangal Pandey hailing from this region. It is this city where the Mutiny of 1857 started against the Britishers, triggered by the use of meat in gun cartridges which had to be opened by mouth. The city is also known as the Sports City of India owing to the large-scale manufacturing of sports equipment and supplies.
Meerut is also famous for its vibrant markets, bustling streets, and delicious street food. The city’s unique blend of traditional and modern influences can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals.
How to Reach Meerut
One of the most common ways to reach Meerut is by road. The city is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur through a network of highways. One can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Meerut from these cities. In fact, there is a 14-lane access-controlled expressway connecting Meerut with the national capital, Delhi, and takes only about 2 hours to cover the distance. The drive on this expressway is an incentive in itself to take out your car and press the pedal. If air travel is more your style, the nearest airport to Meerut is in Delhi which is approximately 100 kilometers away.
For those who prefer traveling by train, Meerut has its own railway station which is connected to major cities across India. Trains like Shatabdi Express and Garib Rath regularly ply between Meerut and Delhi. The latest to be added for rail travel to Meerut is the Rapid Rail Transit System or RRTS which takes you from Delhi to Meerut. The engineering marvel allows you to ride the elevated (and sometimes underground) track at 160 kilometers per hour covering the entire distance in slightly over an hour.
Where to Stay in Meerut
Meerut offers a range of accommodation options for visitors looking to explore its rich history and vibrant culture. From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels, there is something for every traveler’s preference and budget.
For those looking for a taste of luxury, the city boasts several upscale hotels with modern amenities and impeccable service. These establishments offer spacious rooms, fine dining options, and recreational facilities to ensure a comfortable stay.
On the other hand, budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses and homestays that provide basic amenities at a fraction of the cost. These accommodations are often located in convenient locations near popular attractions and offer a more authentic experience of local life.
We would recommend considering two hotels based on our research. Since we did not stay at any of these, we do not have first-hand information. However, we did research quite a bit to arrive at these two options: Hotel Ananta and XYZ
What to Explore in A Day in Meerut
While no city can truly be explored and delved into in a day, you will always have limited time. Hence we bring to you a potential itinerary for exploring Meerut in a day. This is a relaxed itinerary and can be easily covered in a day. If you prefer, you could cover a few additional sites but we recommend at least considering the below ones.
Shri Baba Augharnath Shiv Mandir
You could start your day by seeking blessings at this revered temple. This is a special temple with both religious and spiritual significance. It was the location of the start of the Mutiny of 1857 by Indian soldiers in the British Army. The architecture of the temple is awe-inspiring, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls and pillars. The sanctum sanctorum houses a magnificent idol of Lord Shiva in his fierce form as Augharnath. Since the temple closes for lunch at around 1, you may want to come over early in the day.
Once you are done with the darshan, and if you haven’t had your breakfast so far, you could try some street snacks around the temple. It is important to energize yourself before you head to the next destination on your journey of Exploring Meeruti in a Day.
Hastinapur
Hastinapur is a town in the suburbs of Meerut and is located about 25 kilometers away. It takes about an hour of drive (depending on traffic) to reach Hastinapur. We recommend adding this to your itinerary but only if you have a few hours to spend on this site. Hastinapur is believed to be the birthplace of the epic Mahabharata. It is said that after the Pandavas won the war, they ruled this city for the next 36 years, until the Kalyug age. The city is said to have been founded by King Hastin, from whom it gets its name.
Hastinapur is home to numerous ancient temples and ruins that serve as a reminder of its glorious past. Visitors can explore sites such as the Draupadi Ghat, where it is said that Draupadi emerged from the sacred river after her wedding ceremony. Other sites of interest to be considered are temples like Karn Temple, Old Pandeshwar Temple, Digambar Jain, and Bada Temple.
In addition to its historical significance, Hastinapur also offers breathtaking natural beauty with lush green landscapes and serene rivers flowing through the city. For those interested in wildlife, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary gives a chance to view some of the endangered species. animals like wild cats, foxes, monkeys, leopards, wild hogs, etc can be spotted in the sanctuary.
Once you are done exploring Hastinapur, you can head back to Meerut and maybe relax a bit at your hotel. After that, you can venture out for an evening of unwinding.
Gandhi Bagh/Garden
Gandhi Bagh in Meerut is a place of historical significance and natural beauty. Named after the great leader Mahatma Gandhi, the lush greenery, well-maintained gardens, and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The park features beautifully manicured gardens, towering trees, and a serene pond that adds to its charm. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the winding pathways or relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the park. Children can enjoy playing on the playground equipment while families can have picnics on the well-maintained lawns. There are some activities to engage kids including a boat ride and bouncy trampolines.
Kettle and Travel 