Saharanpur: Woodcraft, Gardens and Traditions

Saharanpur district lies at the foot of the Shivalik range and forms a transition zone between the Himalayan foothills and the Upper Ganges Plain. The Yamuna River marks its western boundary. For orientation, it is worth distinguishing between the city of Saharanpur and destinations elsewhere in the district: Deoband, Gangoh and Jasmour each represent their own cultural and visitor themes.

Landscape, Craft and Company Bagh

Woodcraft is the district’s most important handicraft and dates back about 400 years. It is a distinctive part of the regional tradition. Company Bagh has a different claim to fame: approximately 121 varieties of mango grow on a single mango tree, attracting particular attention from visitors. The garden is also home to various bird and butterfly species.

Company Bagh is also home to ten heritage trees that are about 100 years old. The Uttar Pradesh government has officially designated them as such. The garden thus brings together a remarkable horticultural experiment, wildlife and officially designated old trees.

History and Cultural Sites

Phulwari Ashram on the Paandhoi River is a historically significant site in the district and is closely associated with various movements in India’s freedom struggle. A specific episode is also linked to the site: while underground, Shaheed Bhagat Singh hid in a room inside the ashram to evade arrest by the British authorities.

Darul Uloom Deoband, an Islamic seminary where the Deobandi Islamic movement originated, is located in Deoband. Deoband railway station is about 3 km from the seminary. The Bala-Sundari-Devi Temple is also in Deoband. The two sites represent different themes: Darul Uloom Deoband represents the history of religious education, while the Bala-Sundari-Devi Temple represents temple traditions.

Barsi Shiv Mandir is an ancient Shiva temple in the village of Barsi near Gangoh. According to tradition, it dates back to the time of the Mahabharata. Shakti Peeth Shakumbhri is in the village area of Jasmour, about 40 km north of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Baba-Bhuradev Temple is located just under 1 km before the Shakambhari-Devi Temple, along the only road leading to it.

Festivals and Religious Traditions

A three-day festival is held annually at Barsi Shiv Mandir on the occasion of Mahashivratri, attracting pilgrims and visitors from the surrounding areas. The Maa-Shakambhari-Devi festival at the Shakambhari-Devi Temple in Jasmour lasts 30 days each time. It takes place twice a year during Navratri, in Chaitra and Ashwin. Its duration thus differs considerably from the three-day festival in Barsi.

The Mankeshwar-Mahadev festival in the village of Manki near Deoband lasts 3 to 7 days and is associated with the Kanwar Yatra. In Saharanpur, the Gughal Mela lasts 30 days. This religious festival takes place at Jaharveer Shri Gogaji Maharaj Mhadi on Gangoh Road and showcases local cultural traditions. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.

During Diwali, the Swadeshi Mela is held in Company Garden in Saharanpur. The focus is on local products, handicrafts and cultural activities. Unlike the religious festivals, this mela combines its seasonal event with a showcase of regional culture and handicrafts.

Getting There and Planning Your Stay

The centrally located Saharanpur railway station is connected by regular express and passenger trains to New Delhi, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Dehradun, Haridwar, Chandigarh and Jammu. Routes and connections may change, so check the timetable for your travel date. Regular Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses, private bus services and taxis also run between Saharanpur and major cities and pilgrimage destinations.

This distinction can help you choose accommodation based on your own travel plans, without treating the city and other destinations as one and the same.

Discover more destinations: Saharanpur, Bareilly, Meerut, Lucknow, Mainpuri, Ghaziabad, Amroha, Badaun.

For the broader travel overview: Uttar Pradesh.