Meerut, the district headquarters of
Meerut District, is situated at the confluence of
Ganges and
Yamuna. This city was one of the 16 major towns during the time of
Ashoka. Meerut has different derivations in name such as Merat and Mirath. It is 70 km north-east of
Delhi.
At present, Meerut is a famous center for cotton trade and agricultural products. It is the headquarters of the 7th division of the northern army and is one of the largest cantonments in India. A 12th-century mausoleum and a number of old temples and mosques are the main attractions.
Other tourist spots of Meerut are Hastinapur,
Suraj Kund,
Chandi Devi Temple,
Mansa Devi Temple, Bale Miyan ki Darghah,
Jama Masjid, Shaheed Smarak, Augharhnath Mandir,
Sardhana,
Mawana, Parikishatgarh, Pura, Kharkhauda, Kithore, Lawar, Bahsuma, Baleni and Barnawa.
Nearby tourist spots are Kali PaltanBhagvann Shiva Temple, Appu Ghar (Amusement Park), and Modinagar, a sprawling Industrial township establish by the Modi industrial group. The main festival of Meerut is Nauchandi Mela, which is held from second Sunday after the Holi festival.
Indira Gandhi International Airport at
New Delhi is the nearest airport.
Meerut Cantonment Railway Station and
Meerut City Railway Station serve the town. National Highway 58 passes through Meerut.
