Manglaur — Travel Guide
Manglaur, celebrated across Uttarakhand and northern India as the historic fortress town founded by King Raja Mangal Sen, the sacred home of the 13th century Sufi shrine Dargah Hazrat Shah Wilayat, a key stop along the Upper Ganges Canal (Gangnahar) corridor, and an agricultural hub for organic sugarcane and timber, is an engaging destination in Uttarakhand.
It works as a primary southern highway gateway connecting the national capital New Delhi with the pilgrimage hubs of Haridwar and Rishikesh along National Highway 334.
It represents a rich cultural crossroads where centuries old Sultanate brick ramparts stand beside emerald canal embankments, where Sufi devotional qawwalis blend with the ringing of temple bells, and where the fertile plains of southern Haridwar district yield sweet sugarcane and wholesome wheat crops.
Located at an elevation of 260 meters in Haridwar district, it sits 10 km south of Roorkee IIT, 38 km from Haridwar Har Ki Pauri, 65 km from Rishikesh, 75 km from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, and 170 km north of New Delhi.
Morning breezes drifting over the Upper Ganges Canal banks and local highway dhabas carry the appetizing aroma of authentic Western UP Bedmi Puri served with spicy Hing Aloo Sabzi, authentic Garhwali Kafuli with hot rice, crispy Jalebi with thick Rabdi, hot sugarcane gur (jaggery), sweet Bal Mithai, and steaming clay kulhad cups of masala chai, while morning birds chirp along the waterways.
Ancient brick fortress walls, white dome Sufi dargahs, lush green sugarcane plantations, and passing highway vehicles define the daily rhythm of this historic Uttarakhand town.
Manglaur is famous for Dargah Hazrat Shah Wilayat, Raja Mangal Sen Fort, Upper Ganges Canal promenade, organic sugarcane jaggery, and delicious highway dhaba food.
It's a practical base if you want to explore ancient Sultanate fort ruins, seek blessings at historic Sufi shrines, take relaxing walks along the Ganges canal, and enjoy authentic Garhwali North Indian cuisine.
The surrounding Haridwar plain territory holds deep antiquity shaped by ancient Hindu rulers under King Vikramaditya and Raja Mangal Sen, the Delhi Sultanate under Balban and Alauddin Khalji, the Mughal Empire, and the 19th century British irrigation engineers who built the Ganges Canal. From the sacred courtyards of the Dargah to the historic brick ramparts, you'll discover rewarding cultural landmarks across the district.
Local life centers around sugarcane cultivation, jaggery manufacturing, timber trade, brick making, and warm northern Indian hospitality. You can view the sunrise over the Upper Ganges Canal at dawn, explore the historic fort walls by midday, and watch the sunset from the canal promenade by evening.
Neighboring destinations like Roorkee, Haridwar, and Rishikesh offer Solani Aqueduct, Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, and Laxman Jhula. Adding Manglaur to your travel plans works well for heritage enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, highway road trippers, and pilgrims exploring Uttarakhand.
You can view the glowing golden sunset reflecting off the flowing waters of the Upper Ganges Canal and watch the evening lamps illuminate the shrine courtyards by dusk. The journey is worth every rupee. Manglaur provides an authentic, peaceful, and culturally deep travel experience.
Planning your trip around the pleasant winter sightseeing season from October to March, the annual Urs festival at Dargah Hazrat Shah Wilayat, or the sacred Ganga Dussehra celebrations along the canal will give you the best experience across Uttarakhand. Here is the seasonal breakdown:
Best Time to Visit by Season
• Winter Season (October to March): The premier travel window. Pleasant, sunny, and crisp with cool breezes and daytime temperatures between 10°C and 25°C, ideal for heritage walks, shrine visits, and outdoor canal exploration.
• Monsoon Season (July to September): Heavy monsoon showers refresh the Upper Ganges Canal basin and turn the agricultural plains lush green.
• Summer Season (April to June): Warm and sunny with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C. Early morning shrine visits and evening canal strolls are recommended.
Major Annual Cultural & Spiritual Celebrations
• Annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Wilayat: Grand spiritual gathering celebrating the Sufi saint with devotional qawwalis, flower chadar offerings, and communal langar feasts.
• Ganga Dussehra along Upper Ganges Canal (May June): Sacred festival celebrating the descent of the holy river Ganga, observed with ritual bathing and earthen oil lamp floatings (Deep Daan).
• Navratri & Dussehra at Kali Temple: 9 days of special Shakti worship followed by grand festive fairs and cultural programs.
• Eid & Diwali Celebrations: Celebrated with traditional sweet preparations, illuminated bazaars, and warm community harmony across town.
What Manglaur is Famous For
• Dargah Shah Wilayat: 13th century Sufi pilgrimage shrine and Urs fair.
• Raja Mangal Sen Fort: Historic ancient brick fortress ramparts.
• Highway Flavors: Crispy Bedmi Puri with Hing Aloo Sabzi, Jalebi Rabdi, and hot Gur.
Reaching Manglaur in Uttarakhand is simple because National Highway 334 (Delhi Haridwar Highway), nearby Roorkee Railway Station on Northern Railway, and Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport provide reliable multi modal transit connectivity. Here is your complete transit guide:
By Air
• Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED): Located 75 km north of Manglaur (approx 1.5 hours drive via smooth 4 lane NH 334 with direct flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad operated by Air India and IndiGo).
• Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (DEL): Located 175 km south via Delhi Meerut Expressway and NH 334 (approx 3 hours drive).
• Airport Transfers: Pre paid cabs, app taxis from Dehradun and Delhi, and UTC Deluxe buses operate regular direct highway transfers to Manglaur.
By Train
• Roorkee Railway Station (Station Code: RK): Located 10 km north on Northern Railway's mainline with daily Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Jan Shatabdi, and superfast express halts.
• Laksar Railway Junction (Station Code: LRJ): Located 20 km east on the main railway junction.
• Haridwar Railway Junction (Station Code: HW): Located 38 km north, a major national terminal connected across India.
• Connecting Express Trains: Dehradun Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express, Mussoorie Express, and Hemkunt Express connect nearby stations smoothly across India.
By Road
• National Highway 334 (Delhi Meerut-Roorkee Haridwar Corridor): Excellent 4 lane national highway passing directly through Manglaur.
• State Highway 12 (Manglaur Laksar Corridor): Connecting Manglaur with the eastern plains of Haridwar district.
• Bus Services: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC), UPSRTC, and private deluxe buses operate frequent direct Volvo AC, Janrath, and Ordinary buses between New Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate), Meerut, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Manglaur every 10 minutes.
Local Commuting
• Auto Rickshaws & E Rickshaws: Readily available at Manglaur Highway Chowk, Dargah Gate, and Main Market for quick local commuting.
• Rental Private Cabs: Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient way to explore the regional circuit covering Dargah Shah Wilayat, Raja Mangal Sen Fort, Solani Aqueduct, and Haridwar Har Ki Pauri in a single day.
Exploring local sugarcane markets and tasting authentic Garhwali, Western UP, and North Indian culinary specialties is an enjoyable part of visiting Uttarakhand. Here are the top items to buy and try:
What to Buy (Gur, Timber & Sweets)
• Fresh Organic Sugarcane Jaggery (Gur): Pure, chemical free golden jaggery blocks and spiced gur with dry fruits purchased straight from traditional kolhus.
• Handcrafted Shisham Wood Articles: Durable wooden furniture, rolling pins, kitchen boards, and decorative carvings produced in local timber workshops.
• Authentic Bal Mithai & Singori: Famous roasted khoya fudge coated in sugar balls and sweet mawa wrapped in fragrant malu leaves.
• Pure Mustard Oil & Basmati Rice: Cold pressed pungent mustard cooking oil and aromatic Dehradun Basmati rice grains.
• Traditional Garhwali Woolen Shawls: Handwoven warm woolen shawls and stoles woven by mountain artisans.
Famous Local Food Specialties
• Crispy Bedmi Puri with Hing Aloo Sabzi: Deep fried lentil stuffed wheat puris served with spicy fenugreek asafoetida potato gravy and sweet pumpkin sabzi.
• Authentic Garhwali Kafuli with Steamed Rice: Nutrient dense thick green curry prepared with spinach and fenugreek leaves, tempered with local jakhiya seeds.
• Crispy Hot Jalebi with Creamy Rabdi: Golden fermented batter spirals soaked in saffron syrup, served hot with chilled thick condensed milk.
• Garhwali Aloo Ke Gutke: Boiled mountain potatoes stir fried with mustard oil, red chilies, coriander, and jakhiya spices.
• Steaming Clay Kulhad Masala Chai: Strong boiling tea brewed with fresh buffalo milk, crushed ginger root, and aromatic cardamom pods.
Must-Visit Places in Manglaur
Manglaur and the surrounding Haridwar Roorkee heritage corridor offer 13th century Sufi shrines, ancient brick fort ruins, 19th century canal engineering marvels, and peaceful river ghats. Here are the top attractions to visit during your stay.
1. Dargah Hazrat Shah Wilayat Sufi Shrine (Manglaur)
Historic 13th century Sufi pilgrimage shrine founded during the Delhi Sultanate, attracting devotees of all faiths for annual Urs gatherings and soulful qawwalis.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in central Manglaur town.
2. Ancient Raja Mangal Sen Fort & Historic Brick Ramparts
Historical brick fort ruins founded by King Raja Mangal Sen during ancient times, featuring thick medieval brick walls and arched entry portals.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in Old Fort Quarter near Dargah.
3. Upper Ganges Canal (Gangnahar) Ghats & Banks
Scenic British era canal promenade carrying the sacred holy Ganga river waters through tree lined banks, ideal for peaceful morning strolls.
Timings: Open all day
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along the western edge of Manglaur.
4. Shri Sidhpeeth Kali Temple & Sati Kund (Manglaur)
Ancient Shakti temple on the canal banks revered for spiritual protection, sacred banyan trees, and festive Navratri poojas.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located near Canal Ghat Road.
5. Solani River Aqueduct & Roorkee Canal Works (10 km)
grand 19th century British civil engineering marvel carrying the Upper Ganges Canal across the Solani river valley with stone lion sculptures.
Timings: Daylight hours
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 10 km north near Roorkee.
6. IIT Roorkee Heritage Campus & Thomason Building (10 km)
Historic campus of Asia's oldest engineering institution founded in 1847, featuring grand Greco Roman colonnades and lush botanical gardens.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (With campus pass)
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 10 km north in Roorkee.
7. Haridwar Har Ki Pauri & Mansa Devi Temple (38 km)
World famous sacred Hindu pilgrimage ghats on the Ganges River, renowned for the daily evening Ganga Aarti and cable car temple rides.
Timings: Open all day (Ganga Aarti at sunset)
Fee: Free access
Route: Located 38 km north via NH 334.
8. Manglaur Organic Sugarcane Farms & Gur Kolhus
Traditional open pan jaggery production units where fresh sugarcane juice is boiled in giant iron cauldrons to create pure golden gur blocks.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Winter months)
Fee: Free access with farmer permission
Route: Located along rural village lanes.
9. Manglaur Timber, Woodcraft & Agricultural Mandis
An active regional market trading quality Shisham hardwood, agricultural implements, and building materials.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Timber Market Road.
10. Manglaur Traditional Sweet Shops & Halwais
Renowned local confectioneries serving hot Jalebi with creamy Rabdi, fresh Bal Mithai, sweet Peda, and Gulab Jamun daily.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along Main Bazaar.
11. Traditional Highway Dhabas & Bedmi Puri Stalls
A delightful food street serving crispy Bedmi Puri with spicy Hing Aloo Sabzi, Dal Makhani, Tandoori rotis, and kulhad chai.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located along NH 334 highway corridor.
12. Traditional Handloom Cotton & Woolen Bazaars
Artisan textile shops selling cozy Garhwali shawls, pure cotton fabrics, and winter blankets.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Fee: Free access
Route: Located in Cloth Market.
Manglaur Photo Gallery & Attractions
Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic temples, historical monuments, and scenic landmarks in Manglaur.
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