Roorkee is a city in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand. This place is famous for IIT Roorkee institution. Since 1853, it is one of the India’s oldest headquarters of Bengal Engineer Group. Word Roorkee is derived from the name Rurimadi Imran. She was the wife of local Rajput Chieftain. During the Moghul Period, this place acted as capital of the Moghul Mahal. It came under the rule of Landhaura State during the 18th century. Later Britishers occupied this place.
What to see at Roorkee:
Roorkee Cantonment: In India it is one of the oldest cantonments. It is the prime attraction of the city. Inside the cantonment visitors can see a stroll around the war memorial. In order to honour the soldiers of the army this war memorial was constructed.
IIT Roorkee: with the assistance of Sir James Thomason it was established in 1847. Earlier name of this institution is Thomason College of Civil Engineering. In this university there are 18 departments. This university is well known for Civil Engineering training Classes regarding project of Upper Ganga Canal.
Solani Aqueduct: In 1846 it was constructed by the britishers. In Uttarakhand this is the perfect example of engineering marvel. It was constructed with the inspiration of Alcantara Aqueduct in Portugal on the River Solani.
Geophysics and Geology Museum: Specimens of minerals, fossils and rocks can be seen at this place. From Shivalik mountain range fossil tree brought here. Fossilised boned of elephants can also be seen here. Collection of geological models and charts can be seen here.
Sabir Paak: This place is also known as Piran Kaliyar Sharif. It is dedicated to 13th century Sufi Saint. All religion people come to this place believing that saint is having the healing powers.
Survey Museum: In 1950 this was established. In this region it is one of the best educational museums. Several types of surveying equipment and mapping can be seen here. These are dates back to centuries old.
Roorkee Group Museum and Achieves: It was established in 1978. Visitors can see huge number of pamphlets, photographs, paintings, documents, historical books. Portraits of Bengal Engineer Group, Weapons, and medals are also can be seen here.
What to see around Roorkee:
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a sacred place to Hindu devotees. Rishikesh Attractions are Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Temple, and Neelakanta Mahadev Temple.
Narendra Nagar: This place has historical importance. In 1919, this city was built by Maharaja Narendra Shah. Major attractions of this place are Nandi Bull and Royal Palace.
Haridwar: It is located 19kms away from Rishikesh. This place is a gateway to God. Major attractions of this place are Vaisho Devi Temple, Shravanathji’s temple, Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Sapt Rishi Ashram.
Getting to Roorkee: Roorkee is well connected with roads and railways. From Chennai, Delhi, Nagpur, Agra etc buses come to this place. From Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Thane etc trains come to this place. Nearest airport is located at Jolly Grant Airport which is located at Dehradun.
Getting around Roorkee: Several private buses, taxis, autos are available to visit the surrounding places of Roorkee.
Best time to visit Roorkee: Best time to visit this place is in the months of February, March, October, November and December.
Where to stay at Roorkee: Budget, Middle range and luxury hotels are available here to stay at this place. Best hotels which are located at this place are Hotel Royal Palace, Motel Polaris, Hometel, and Centre Point Hotel.
Where to eat at Roorkee: Best restaurants are available to have food at this place.