Scores of flat topped houses interspersed with minarets and smartly turned-out students from all walks of life characterize Aligarh. Home to the famous Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh is a town with many monikers; University Town, Sabzabad, Tala Nagri and formerly Kol/Koil, Muhammadnagar, Sabitgarh and Ramgarh. Through its multi layered history and succession of rulers, Aligarh has remained an important city situated along the iconic Grand Trunk Road, on the ‘doab’ the region between the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers. Head to Aligarh as a stopover while touring North India, or explore this vibrant city for its own worth.
Without doubt, the shining star on Aligarh’s topography is the AMU. Relearn what a university should look like by taking a turn around the well-tended pathways and manicured lawns of the campus. Marvel at the architecture of the beautifully constructed structures of Sir Syed Hall, Strachey Hall, Mushtaq Manzil, Asman Manzil, Nizam Museum and Lytton Library. All these heritage buildings and other structures such as the famous Victoria Gate and the Jama Masjid are lovingly maintained from the pre-independence era and serve as reminders of the vision of its founder and architect Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Aligarh Fort also goes by several names just like its city; Aligarh Quila, Ramgarh Quila or Baunasaur Quila, are a few of them. The fort was built in 1525 during the rule of Ibrahim Lodhi and ostensibly designed by a French architect. Located on a hill, the ancient fort is shaped like a polygon with angled bastions looking over the city. Spend a day exploring the ancient structure and imagining what life in the 1500s would feel like. A short drive away from Aligarh town is the Mangalayatan Temple also known as Teerthdham Mangalayatan. In actuality, a pilgrimage center for Jains, the temple campus is large, green and clean, providing a soothing respite from the city. The campus has a cave where Buddhist monks meditated and prayed, as well as a shrine atop some steps that depicts information about the life of Mahavira. It is a great place for a day picnic; you can rest, rejuvenate and tuck into some simple yet delicious Jain food served just outside the main gate. Located 5 km away from Aligarh is the Khereshwar Temple known as one of the holiest shrines in the region. This temple is set against an idyllic background featuring a small water body and spreading green fields. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple stands out for its distinctive architecture and engravings. For a full complement of spiritual succor, head to Vrindavan. Just 60 km from Aligarh, the famed abode of Lord Krishna is full of beautiful temples big and small for those looking to lose themselves in worship.
Aligarh is one of the 13 metros in Uttar Pradesh. State-run and private buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, taxis and car rentals are easily available for travelling within and outside the main city limits.
On a daily basis there are approximately 5 flights that operate at Agra Airport.Air India is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Aligarh through train.Aligarh Jnis one of the most popular train stations in Aligarh.On an average about 80 trains pass through Aligarh on a daily basis.Kanpur to Aligarh, Allahabad to Aligarh, Tundla to Aligarhare some of the most popular routes to Aligarh with 182, 133, 123 trains weekly respectively.
By road Aligarh is surrounded by Hathras, Sikandra Rao, Shikarpur which are 21.04 km, 23.41 km, 26.71 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Aligarh has a total of 5 hotels.There are 5 hotels in Aligarh with the popular ones being Hotel Mahajan Palace etc.