Saharanpur Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Saharanpur

Shakumbhari Devi Temple is situated at a distance of 40 km from Saharanpur in the Shakumbari area. Although there are no historical or archaeological data to back the claim, the general belief is that the temple dates to ancient times.

The idols within the temple don’t seem very old, and there are some who say that it was built during the Maratha period while others believe that Adi Shankracharya performed his tapasya. Various beliefs apart, the temple attracts a fair share of devotees every year.

With regards to the presiding deity, it is believed that Ma Shakumbari killed Mahishasur Maha Daitya here and also performed tapasya for over 100 years while eating just one vegetarian meal each month end.

The city of Deoband is also known as Devvrand Dham and finds mention in Hindu epics. It is famous for the Maa Bala Sundari Temple. It is believed that Maa Bala was the sister of Shakumbhari Devi who too has a temple dedicated to her in the nearby Shakumbari area.

The temple boasts of a stunning idol of the presiding deity resplendent in her colourful attire. The temple attracts hordes of Hindu devotees especially during the festive months and more so during navratraas or the nine days dedicated to the worship of Hindu Goddesses.

The Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India dating to before 1750. It was an initiative of the British East India Company. In 1887, when the Botanical Survey of India was established, Saharanpur became the centre for the survey to study and maintain the flora and fauna of the region.

Today, the garden is considered second only to the Calcutta Botanical Gardens in terms of contributing to research and science and the study of flora and fauna. Several notable researches have been carried out including the introduction and acclimatisation of medicinal plants. The garden is now known as the Horticultural Experiment and Training Centre.

The pilgrimage centre is located at National Highway 73 and is visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The main attraction here is the 26 ft long mazaar which appears of different size each time it is measured.

It is little wonder that there are several myths and legends associated with the peer, the common one being that the height of a man used to be 26 ft at the time the tomb was built. The tomb attracts several politicians, passengers and bus drivers who stop here en route to offer prayers.

The Ghuggha Veer, also known by the names Ghugghal or Jahar Deewan Guggha Peer is located about 5 km from Saharanpur. Like the Naugaja peer the Ghugghal Peer also attracts a large number of both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Legend has it that the King of Patan had two daughters by the name of Vachhal and Kachhal.

After their marriage Vachhal worshipped Guru Gorakhnath so that she could be blessed with a son. It is said that just when she was about to be blessed her sister came there, and she got blessed with two sons which were actually meant for Vachhal. The Guruji came to know of this, and he once again blessed her with a son but with a rider that Gugghal would kill the sons of her sister.

Later when Gugghal grew up, he performed a tapasya to ensure that this condition was not fulfilled. The place where he meditated came to be known as Ghugghal Veer Ki Marhi. A festival by the name of Shukla Paksh Dashmi is held every year to mark the event.

This is another religious site in Saharanpur which attracts both Hindus and Muslims. It commemorates Shri Baba Lal Das, a famous seer who is believed to have performed his meditation here during the Mughal period. The story goes that by the powers of his meditation he ensured that the Mughal ruler Dara Shikoh accepted the Indian culture. The memorial is built at the place where he meditated.

The Ambedkar Park pays homage to Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an important political leader who was responsible for writing the constitution of India. He was from the Dalit community, which even today remains vulnerable to exploitation. His life was and is a source of inspiration to the people of India and more so to the Dalits.

He belonged to Uttar Pradesh, and during her rule, the then chief minister of the state Mayavati commissioned several memorials throughout the state. The Ambedkar Park is one such memorial. The beautiful landscaped gardens attract both locals and visitors. During the mornings and evenings, you can see people jogging and exercising, and children playing games.