Roorkee

Roorkee is an important city in Uttarakhand, well-known for its educational institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Roorkee). Located near Haridwar, the city has historical importance because of its old buildings from the colonial era and its role as a center for engineering and research.

District: Haridwar
Division: Garhwal
State: Uttarakhand
Zip Code: 247667
Altitude: 269 m
Best Time To Visit: All Season

Know More About Roorkee

Know more about the place before you visit:

Roorkee, located in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, is well-known for its educational, historical, and cultural importance. It was established during the British era and is home to IIT Roorkee, one of India’s top engineering schools. The city holds historical significance as the place where Roorkee College, India’s very first engineering college, was founded; this later became IIT Roorkee. Roorkee’s good location near the Ganges River adds to its appeal, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and industrial history.

Roorkee is also recognized for its buildings from the colonial period, including the Roorkee Engineering College and several bridges over the Ganga Canal. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to stop for tourists traveling to nearby hill stations. Beyond its academic and historical fame, the town has a lively local culture with festivals and events that show off the region’s rich heritage.

Top Sightseeing Places to Visit

Explore More of the Region with these must visit places in Roorkee.

IIT Roorkee

IIT Roorkee is one of the oldest engineering schools in India and a very important landmark. Visitors can explore its old buildings from the colonial era, its green campus, and its modern research facilities. The campus offers a unique mix of history, education, and modern design.

Roorkee Civil Lines

Roorkee Civil Lines is an area famous for its colonial-style buildings. The houses here offer a look into the city’s past during the British era, with wide streets and old-style homes. This area also serves as a central spot for local markets and activities.

Solani Aqueduct

The Solani Aqueduct is a historic structure built during British rule. It’s an impressive feat of engineering that directs water from the Solani River into the Ganga Canal. The aqueduct’s beautiful design and its importance in managing water for the region make it an interesting place to visit.

Ganga Canal

The Ganga Canal runs through Roorkee and is very important for watering farms in the region. Visitors can take a walk along the canal, enjoy the scenic views, or learn about its history and how it helped develop the area.

Har Ki Pauri

Even though it’s not directly in Roorkee, Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar is very close and a must-visit. It’s famous for its riverside steps (ghats) and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. It holds great spiritual importance and offers a peaceful atmosphere for quiet thought. Sources

Roorkee Images

Find Roorkee's Best images Below with Scenic Beauty.

Travel Tips

Here are top travel tips one should know to make their Discover essential travel tips to make their journey smooth, safe, and memorable.

How To Reach

Via Flight

The closest airport to Roorkee is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 70 km away. From there, you can catch taxis or buses to reach Roorkee.

Via Train

Roorkee has its own train station, Roorkee Junction, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Via Road

Roorkee is well-connected by road. You can hire taxis or buses from nearby cities such as Delhi (about 6-7 hours away), Haridwar (just 30 minutes), and Dehradun (2 hours).

FAQs About Roorkee

Roorkee is famous for IIT Roorkee, which is one of the oldest engineering schools in India. It's also known for its historical places, old buildings from the colonial era, and being close to the Ganga Canal.
The best time to visit Roorkee is during the winter months (from October to March). The weather then is cooler and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Roorkee is about 30 kilometers from Haridwar and you can get there by road in approximately 30 minutes.
Yes, that's right! Roorkee is a great place for a weekend trip, especially for people who love history, are interested in engineering, or simply want to explore its peaceful surroundings.
Popular attractions nearby include Har ki Pauri (a famous spot in Haridwar), the Solani Aqueduct, the Ganga Canal, and the close-by hill stations of Nainital and Ranikhet.

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