Sardhana near Meerut

The quaint town of Sardhana is located 30 kilometres from Meerut situated within its municipal limits. It is renowned for many a sites and places of historical significance some of the temples here date back to the times of Mahabharata. In present times, Sardhana is also commonly associated with the Nauchandi Mela and Boodha Babu Mela that is held here every year. The city is the birthplace of the Urdu scholar Maulana Sadiq Hussain Sardhanwi as well as Raja Deen Dayal, who, often is referred to as India’s first photographer. The city is famed for its cotton textiles as it is a home for a number of textile weavers and textile manufacturing industries.

History of Sardhana

Known for its deep-rooted history, the city of Sardhana is acclaimed for a number of historic sites and places. During the 17th and 18th century Sardhana was ruled by Farzana Zebunissa more popularly known as Begum Sombre. She married to Walter Reinhardt Sombre a mercenary, adventurer who belonged to Luxemburg and assumed her catholic name as Joanna. She supported a number of religious and social causes, and had built a number of churches and religious places in this region. Sardhana was the only catholic kingdom while it was ruled by Begum Sombre.

Places of Interest in Sardhana

The Basilica of our Lady of Graces

Built in 1822, this church is known as finest examples of medieval architecture. Also called as the Sardhana Church, it was built by Her Highness Begum Farzana Samru or Begum Sombre. The exteriors of the church are decorated by high minarets while the interiors are famed for their high vaulted walls and high roofs. The main altar is adorned by inlay work dedicated to the blessed mother. The chandeliers of the church have been bought from Belgium. The church occupies a place of pride as it is frequented by the people from the world over.

Palace of Begum Sumru

This was the old Palace of Begum Sumru, which now has been converted into St. John’s minor Seminary. This was the chosen place of dwelling of Walter Reinhardt, who with his wife Begum Sombre or Sumru resided here. The long verandah in the exterior and the underground rooms which used especially during the summer days to escape from the summery heat add to its architectural uniqueness.

Annual Fairs in Sardhana

Sardhana is a home to a number of annual fairs which attract people from all walks of life. Some of the popular fairs include Nauchandi Fair, Sardhana Fair, Boodha Babu Mela etc. Of these the Nauchandi fair is the most popular and is held every year one week after holi. The fair is held on a grand scale and attracts crowd from all over.

How to Reach Sardhana near Meerut

All major state and private buses ply on a regular basis from Meerut to Sardhana. Tempos, jeeps and taxis also ply from the city center of Meerut.

Sardhana Meerut Pin Code: 250342