Forming part of India’s sprawling National Capital Region, Baghpat is a small city on the banks of the Yamuna River, just north of New Delhi. It was originally known as Vyaghraprastha (“Tiger City”) due to the large number of tigers that inhabited the area and was renamed Baghpat during the Mughal Era for its beautiful gardens.
Things to do in Baghpat
Spend a day exploring the lively streets of Baghpat, which are lined with fresh produce markets, Hindu temples and the towering minarets of mosques. Admire the beautiful paintings of the Shri Digambar Jain Bada Mandir and visit the Hanuman Temple before wandering through the leafy temple grounds of Bhole Nath.
Want to escape the hustle and bustle? Head to the Yamuna River Side Park, which offers picturesque views across the wetlands that fringe the river. It’s particularly atmospheric at sunrise and sunset when locals come to stroll or bathe in the holy waters and features a playground where children can let off some steam.
If you’re a fan of cricket, you can watch the locals in action at Baglamukhi Sri Vidya Shakti Sadhana Kendra, a grassy recreational centre in Baghput’s north-west. Continue north to photograph the Shahmal Tomar Bridge, a local feat of engineering that spans the Yamuna River and its islands en route to Bahalgarh.
Getting there
Baghpat is just over an hour’s drive from New Delhi and 1.5 hours from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Buses travel throughout the region and connect Baghpat to the surrounding towns and villages. The centre of Baghpat is compact enough to explore on foot and rickshaws are also available for getting around.