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A city that has a history shrouded in mysterious legends, Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh is a lesser explored travel destination. Situated in the fertile regions between the rivers Ganges and Yamuna, the unassuming city has a few treasures to offer travellers eager to explore. In the present day, Aligarh has commercial significance in the state and is popular for its lock manufacturing industry. In fact, the successful industry has earned the city a nickname of 'The City of Locks' or Tala Nagri. Here is a short travel guide unlocking the secrets of Aligarh.
The city offers heritage monuments, ancient ruins, temples, educational institutions and various other landmarks. Take a look at what you can explore on a trip to Aligarh.Aligarh Fort
Considered one of the strongest forts in India, the structure was originally built during the reign of Ibrahim Lodhi in the 1500's. The fort then changed hands and finally was rebuilt as the present structure by the French. The Aligarh Fort or Quila is one of the most popular attractions in the city and is worth visiting.
Aligarh Muslim University
Popular as the oldest central university in the country, Aligarh Muslim University or AMU was built by Syed Ahmad Khan. Considered as one of the best educational institutions in the country, the Amu has grown to have centres in Malappuram, Murshidabad, etc. The beautiful architecture of the university is worth observing, right from the Bab-e-Syed gateway to the AMU to the grand structures that house the Kennedy House, museum, auditorium, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Hhkhan
Sir Syed Masjid
Located in the heart of the Aligarh Muslim University is another stunning work of architecture that is of religious significance, the Sir Syed Masjid. Drawing references from the Mughal Badashahi Mosque of Lucknow, the Masjid is situated against the campus cricket ground presenting a scenic picture. Sir Syed's tomb is also located inside the mosque.
Photo Courtesy: Syed Gibran
Dor Fortress
The interesting delve into the origins of the city leads travellers to discover the legends and facts associated with the Aligarh. The city is believed to have been founded by the Rajput tribe called Dors in 372 AD and the proof is the ancient ruins of the Dor Fortress located at the city center. Presently, the area has an 18th century mosque.
Teerthdham Mangalayatan
A popular religious destination in Aligarh is the Teerthdham Mangalayatan, a Jain pilgrimage complex. The temple and research complex managed by the Shri Adinath Kund-Kund Kahan Digamber Jain Trust occupies an area of 16 acres and has many structures such as the Adinath Temple on Mount Kailash, Mahaveer Temple, Bahubali Temple, Sri Bhagwan Adinath Swami Manstamb, etc and is among the largest such complexes in the country.
Maulana Azad Library
The library in the Aligarh Muslim University is among the largest libraries in educational institutions with over 1,400,000 books housed in a seven-storey building surrounded by beautiful lawns. The library boasts of many popular books and manuscripts, some dating back to over 1,400 years. Some of the literature available here is not found in any other library in the world. The library experience footfalls of more than 5,000 on a daily basis.
Photo Courtesy: Naukhezster
How To Reach Aligarh
Road: The city has many highways connecting it to the various major destinations in the country. Both state and private-run buses are also available for travel by road.
Rail: The Aligarh Railway Station is connected by the Delhi-Kolkota railway line and has trains to all major destinations in the country.
Air: The nearest international airport is located in Delhi at a distance of 147 km.
