Aligarh Travel Guide

Aligarh is best known for the university that carries its name: Aligarh Muslim University, founded in 1875 by the reformer Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, its red-brick Indo-Saracenic buildings, including the university's own Jama Masjid and the Maulana Azad Library, still drawing visitors interested in its architecture and its history as a centre of modern Muslim education in India. The city has an equally distinctive working identity as India's largest centre for lock-making, a trade going back to the late 19th century that still ships hardware across the country. Aligarh Fort, its origins traced to the Lodi period and later strengthened by the Marathas and British, stands quietly on the city's northern edge.

Aligarh, a city that hasn't received a lot of tourist attention in the past, has but witnessed several important events in history. The region was under a lot of dynasties such as the Lodi Dynasty, the Mughals and the British East India Company.

The Aligarh Fort, built during the time of Ibrahim Lodi, is one of the prime attractions in the city. The Dor Fortress, although in ruins today, throws light on the history and importance of the place. Aligarh has been called the 'Mecca of Education' in India and for all the right reasons - the Aligarh Muslim University established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875. Originally called the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, the college came to be known as Aligarh Muslim University only in 1920.

The Maulana Azad Library, one of the largest libraries in India, is also housed in Aligarh. Other notable spots are the Kheereshwar Temple, Teerthdham Mangalaayatan, Sir Syed Academy Museum, Chacha Nehru Gyan Pushp, Hakim Karam Hussain Museum, Baba Barchi Bahadur Dargah and the Shekha Lake that one must visit if in Aligarh.