Positioned on the Upper Ganges Canal, Roorkee is an educational hub home to a lively student population, Bollywood cinema, numerous sport stadiums and waterfront parks. The city is also dotted with fascinating historical sites and has a nearby amusement park.
Things to do in Roorkee
Roorkee’s city centre is a haven for shopping and dining, particularly on the western side of the Upper Ganges Canal, where you’ll find modern boutiques, local markets and authentic Indian eateries. Check out Ramdayal's for an assortment of confectionary, purchase handmade goods from Tyagi Ji Ki Market and sip on freshly-squeezed juice from New Delhi Juice & Shakes.
Historians can explore a number of sites around town, including the Thomson’s Steps, iconic Lion Statue and Howitzer Square. The latter is a war memorial with old war weapons, including canons. Stop to marvel at the mesmerising Buland Darwaza, an intricate gate structure located on the water.
Looking for some family-friendly fun? Head slightly out of town to the Crystal World amusement park. Here you can enjoy video games, boating, water slides and rides for children of all ages. Afterwards, stop off at the neighbouring Shree Laxmi Food Plaza or Nancy Restaurant & Dhaba for delicious Indian meals.
If you want some modern entertainment, catch the latest Bollywood movies at either R R Cinemas or Neelam Cinema. Alternatively, you can rest your legs in Army Cantt Area Park or unwind in Solani Park, which sits on the canal bank and has a small playground.
Getting around Roorkee
Roorkee is about 200 kilometres from New Delhi International Airport and has regular bus and train services to neighbouring cities. You can walk around parts of Roorkee but will need to use the cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws for longer distances.