Bareilly — Travel Guide
Bareilly (the historic royal capital of Rohilkhand, affectionately revered across India as the sacred "Nath Nagari" — the city protected in all eight directions by seven ancient Shiva temples, the global center of the Barelvi Sufi movement at Dargah e Ala Hazrat, and world famous for its royal Zari Zardozi embroidery, herbal Surma, cane furniture, and the iconic Bollywood *Jhumka*, situated along the Ramganga River basin in northern Uttar Pradesh at an elevation of 166 meters above sea level), is one of Northern India's most culturally vibrant heritage metropolises.
Alakhnath Temple — 930-Year-Old Ancient Shaivite Seat and Headquarters of Anand Akhara in Bareilly
Founded in 1537 AD by Rajput ruler Jagat Singh Katehriya and later fortified by Mughal governors and Rohilla Afghan chiefs, Bareilly presents a vibrant fusion of ancient Vedic Mahabharata antiquity (Ahichchhatra capital of North Panchala), sacred Shaivite spiritual tradition, Barelvi Sufi scholarship, and rich North Indian craftsmanship.
The city is famous globally for its ancient Nath Shiva shrines, world renowned Sufi dargahs, ancient archaeological capitals, and vibrant craft bazaars: the revered **Nath Nagari Circuit** of 7 ancient Shiva temples (the 930 year old Alakhnath Temple — headquarters of the Anand Akhara Naga Sadhus, the 1474 AD Trivatinath Temple — self manifested under three sacred banyan trees, the Madhinath Temple, the Vankhandinath Temple — dating back to the Dwapara Yuga, the Tapeshwarnath Temple, the Dhopeshwarnath Temple — birthplace of Dronacharya, and the grand Pashupatinath Temple), the internationally revered 19th century Sufi pilgrimage shrine of Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat (Aala Hazrat Bareilly Sharif) (the resting place of Islamic jurist Imam Ahmed Raza Khan attracting millions of international devotees during Urs e Razvi), the monumental 3,000 year old archaeological city of Ahichchhatra (located 40 km away in Ramnagar, the capital of Northern Panchala described in the Mahabharata, featuring a colossal 22 meter multi tiered brick Buddhist stupa visited by Gautam Buddha, painted grey ware pottery, and ancient Jain temples), the 25 acre modern entertainment park of Fun City & Boobiya Water Park, the historic Tulsi Math (where saint poet Tulsidas composed verses of Ramcharitmanas), the scenic Gandhi Udhyan, the famous Jhumka Tiraha monument on NH-24, and the bustling handicraft ateliers of **Zari Zardozi embroidery** and **Bareilly Surma**.
Connected via prime 4 lane national expressways, North Eastern Railway & Northern Railway broad gauge trunk routes, and Bareilly Airport just 130 km from Moradabad, 240 km from Delhi, 250 km from Lucknow, 110 km from Kathgodam / Nainital, 140 km from Jim Corbett, and 280 km from Agra, Bareilly is Rohilkhand's premier cultural, industrial, and spiritual capital.
Best Time to Visit Bareilly:
- October to March (Winter / Best Season): Mild, sunny, and crisp weather (10°C to 26°C), ideal for touring the seven Nath temples, visiting Ahichchhatra stupa, and shopping in Sadar Bazaar.
- November (Urs-e-Razvi): Millions gather at Dargah e Ala Hazrat for spiritual gatherings.
- April to June (Summer): Warm days (34°C to 43°C).
Famous Bareilly & Rohilkhand Culinary Specialties:
- Bareilly Seekh & Shami Kebabs: Melt in the mouth tender spiced meat kebabs served with mint chutney and thin roomali rotis from Koharapeer.
- Deen Dayal Lassi & Rabri Kulfi: Thick creamy sweet yogurt lassi served in earthen kulhads topped with malai.
- Civil Lines Chaat & Tikki: Crispy spiced potato patties served with sweet curd and tamarind chutney.
- Moong Dal Halwa & Jaleba: Rich pure desi ghee winter halwa and giant crispy jalebis.
- Khari Biscuit & Rusk: Famous crunchy layered tea biscuits from traditional Bareilly bakeries.
By Train:
Bareilly Junction (Station Code: BE - City Center) & Izzatnagar Junction (IZN): Major multi line railway terminal on Northern Railway and North Eastern Railway. Direct Vande Bharat Express (Lucknow Bareilly Dehradun route), Rajdhani Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express, and over 100 express trains connect Bareilly daily to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
By Air:
Bareilly Airport (Airport Code: BEK - 6 km north at Trishul Airbase): Operational civil enclave with direct daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur. Pantnagar Airport (PGH - 75 km north) provides additional regional connectivity.
By Road:
- From Delhi (~240 km / 4.5 hours): Via 4 lane NH-30 (Delhi Bareilly Lucknow Highway) through Hapur and Moradabad.
- From Lucknow (~250 km / 4.5 hours): Via 4 lane NH-30 through Shahjahanpur and Sitapur.
- From Kathgodam / Nainital (~110 km / 2.5 hours): Via NH-109.
- From Agra (~220 km / 4.5 hours): Via NH-509 through Aligarh and Badaun.
- UPSRTC operates deluxe AC Janrath, Shatabdi, and Volvo buses 24x7 from Old Bus Stand (Ayub Khan Chauraha) and Satellite Bus Terminal.
Local Transport:
Auto rickshaws, battery operated e rickshaws, app based cabs, and city buses provide easy transit across all city sights and temple circuits.
Shopping in Bareilly features Zari Zardozi embroidery, herbal Surma, Jhumkas, and cane furniture:
- Sadar Bazaar, Meena Bazaar & Kutubkhana: Authentic **Handcrafted Zari Zardozi Sarees & Lehengas**, certified **Bareilly Herbal Surma (Hashmi Surma)**, traditional golden **Bareilly Jhumkas**, and hand-woven **Cane & Bamboo Furniture**.
Must-Visit Places in Bareilly
Bareilly features ancient Nath Shiva temples, Sufi shrines, Mahabharata stupas, and modern parks:
1. Nath Nagari Shiva Circuit: Alakhnath Temple & Anand Akhara (930-Year-Old Shaivite Seat)
The premier shrine of the Nath Nagari circuit, serving as the headquarters of the Anand Akhara order of Naga Sadhus. Encircling the city, this 930 year old complex features sacred courtyards, holy samadhis of Himalayan ascetics, cow shelters (*gaushala*), and a constant stream of Shaivite pilgrims.
Alakhnath Temple — 930-Year-Old Ancient Shaivite Seat and Headquarters of Anand Akhara
2. Trivatinath Temple (1474 AD Ancient Swayambhu Shivalinga Under Three Banyan Trees)
An ancient Shiva temple constructed in 1474 AD around a self manifested lingam discovered by a shepherd beneath three sacred banyan trees (*Vata Vriksha*). Known for its ornate marble domes, towering gateway, and vibrant Shivratri celebrations.
Trivatinath Temple — 1474 AD Historic Swayambhu Shiva Temple and Marble Complex
3. Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat (Global Barelvi Sufi Islamic Shrine & Urs-e-Razvi)
The globally revered resting place and mausoleum of 19th century Islamic scholar and reformer Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (Ala Hazrat) located in Saudagran. It is the epicenter of the global Barelvi movement, drawing over two million pilgrims annually during the Urs e Razvi festival.
Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat — World-Famous Barelvi Sufi Spiritual Shrine and Pilgrimage Hub
4. Ahichchhatra Archaeological Stupa & Panchala Capital (Mahabharata Fortress - 40 km)
A monumental 3,000 year old fortified archaeological capital in Aonla/Ramnagar. Celebrated as the capital of North Panchala ruled by King Drupada in the Mahabharata, the site features a colossal 22 meter terraced brick Buddhist stupa, Painted Grey Ware relics, and ancient Jain temples.
Ahichchhatra — 3,000-Year-Old Ancient Panchala Capital and 22-Meter Buddhist Stupa
5. Fun City Amusement & Boobiya Water Park / Gandhi Udhyan (Premier Family Leisure)
One of Western UP's largest amusement and water theme parks, featuring roller coasters, wave pools, speed slides, go karting tracks, and 5D cinema theatres on Pilibhit Bypass Road, alongside the historic landscaped walking gardens of Gandhi Udhyan.
Fun City & Gandhi Udhyan — Premier Amusement Park and Landscaped City Garden
6. Dhopeshwarnath Temple & Drona Lake (Ancient Birthplace of Guru Dronacharya)
A sacred temple located in the Bareilly Cantonment area where Guru Dronacharya (the royal martial master of the Pandavas and Kauravas) was born and performed severe austerities to Lord Shiva.
7. Tulsi Math & Chunne Miyan Laxmi Narayan Temple (Historic Communal Harmony Shrine)
A serene 16th century hermitage where Goswami Tulsidas stayed while penning verses of Ramcharitmanas, alongside the iconic Laxmi Narayan Temple built with generous patronship from Muslim philanthropist Chunne Miyan in 1960.
8. Jhumka Tiraha & Iconic Bollywood Monument (NH-24 Bareilly Gateway)
A grand 14 foot brass and stone earring (*Jhumka*) replica installed at the Parsakhera rotary on NH-24, commemorating the legendary 1966 Bollywood song *Jhumka Gira Re Bareilly Ke Bazaar Mein*.
9. Izzatnagar Rail Heritage & IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute Campus 1889)
A prestigious national scientific institute established in 1889 across 750 lush acres, preserving vintage steam locomotives, railway heritage museums, and sprawling botanical green belts.
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