Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

Bustling yet deeply rooted in tradition, Bareilly offers a fascinating window into northern India’s cultural heartland. Famous for its surma (kohl), elegant zari embroidery, and deep Sufi connections, it’s a city where the echoes of history blend with everyday life. A thriving trade centre with spiritual depth, Bareilly rewards the curious traveller with a slower, more local pace.

Bazaar Life & Local Crafts

Bareilly’s bazaars are a sensory delight, packed with colourful bangles, intricately embroidered fabrics, and the city’s iconic surma. The streets of Shahdana Bazaar and Kutubkhana pulse with energy, as shopkeepers call out over piles of shimmering cloth and jewelled juttis. One of the city’s most prized crafts is zari embroidery — delicate metallic threadwork that adorns everything from saris to wedding outfits, continuing a tradition honed for generations.

Faith, Music & Sacred Spaces

The city has long been a centre for Islamic learning and Sufi devotion. The Dargah-e-Aala Hazrat, an important pilgrimage site, draws visitors from across India, especially during the annual Urs festival. The air is often filled with qawwali and the scent of rosewater, especially around the dargahs and old mosques. It’s a city that wears its spiritual heart openly.

When to Visit

The best time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cool and ideal for exploring on foot or by cycle rickshaw.

Where to Stay

Options here include smart city hotels and more modest heritage-style properties. We recommend the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Bareilly Civil Lines, a modern stay with comfortable rooms, professional service, and all the facilities you’d expect from an international brand.

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