Interesting Places To Visit In Ghaziabad, India
Located in the western end of Uttar Pradesh state of India, Ghaziabad is one of the neighboring cities of Delhi (Capital of India) and comes under National Capital Region (NCR). At one point in past, the city was notoriously infamous for its crime rates but today, it is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial cities of India. While the city doesn't have much to offer in terms of tourism compared to Delhi, there are still a few interesting places you must check out in case you find yourself in the vicinity.
City Forest: Spread over a large forested area near societies of Raj Nagar Extension, the City Forest of Ghaziabad offer a green and calm escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. The place is ideal for family picnics and having long walks in the lush green surrounding. Along of well kept paths and greenery all around, City Forest offer many other things to enjoy like adventure park for kids, horse riding, gypsy ride, bicycling, etc. There is a small artificial lake within where you can enjoy boat rides as well. Food stalls are present near the lake area while navigation maps are present at various spots for convenience. You can even spot some wildlife while you are here like rabbits, geese and many different types of birds.
RDC: Raj Nagar District Centre (RDC) can be called the "Connaught Place" of Ghaziabad. This commercial area is filled with variety of shops, outlets, eateries, restaurants, cafes, bank and office branches, etc. Two shopping malls - Dubai Mall and Gaur Central Mall - are also located here. This is the place in Ghaziabad which will fulfil your food and shopping needs!
Dudheshwarnath Mandir: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is associated with many historic legends. It is one of eight major "matha" in India and is believed to be 5000 years old. In Puranas, there is a mention of Hiranyagarbh Jyotirlinga near Harnandi river where Vishrava, father of Ravana (from the holy Ramayana epic), performed severe austerity/penance. It is also believed Ravana performed prayers at the same location and presented one of his heads to please Lord Shiva. The Harnandi river mentioned in the Puranas is believed to be Hindon river of Ghaziabad and located at the depth of 3.5 feet below the ground of Dudheswarnath Mandir is the self-manifested Hiranyagarbh Jyotirlinga. Mahant Narayana Giri of the temple believes that there was even an underground passage within the temple premises in ancient times which opened in the Nanihaal Bisrakh, Ravana's home village.
The main door of temple with Lord Ganesha carved on it, is believed to be carved from a single stone. It is also believed that this door was created on the orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of Maharastra.
The legend behind this temple's name goes like this - Before the current temple was built, there was a mound at the location. Grazing cows from nearby villages sometimes wandered here. It is believed that when cows came to this location, they started giving milk here on their own. When people noticed this, the mound was dug and the ancient Shiva linga was discovered. This is why the temple was named Dudheshwarnath ("Dudh" means milk in Hindi). Believers even say that the water from the well within the temple tastes sweet, like cow's milk.
This temple attracts pilgrims and worshippers of Lord Shiva from all across the country (especially during Kawar Yatra). Great celebration and rituals occur here during Shivaratri.
Central Park, Raj Nagar: Located in Raj Nagar, Central Park is one of the larger parks among numerous ones in Ghaziabad. Spread over a large area and filled with greenery, the park with its well kept paths is a good place for walking, jogging and exercise. The park is visited by many residents nearby daily in mornings and evenings. There is a small open gym within where one can use exercise machines for a modest fee. There is also a large flagpole in the center of the park hoisting the Indian National Flag.
Durga Temple, Mohan Nagar: Located next to Narender Mohan Hospital, this well-maintained temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various avatars/forms. Beautiful intricate carving and grand idols and sculptures adorn this temple and make it worthwhile to visit.
Make sure to visit these places when you visit Ghaziabad. I will keep updating this list as I visit other places too!
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