Hastinapur is one of the oldest cities in Uttar Pradesh and India as well; it has a huge history that takes us back to the era of Mahabharata. This ancient city has a lot to explore and observe, especially if you are interested in history, mythology and wildlife. Yes! Hastinapur has an array of things to explore. Since this is a tourist destination, you can easily get to the city via car, bus, flight or even the train. One you reach the city, you can easily get around by using public transportation. Tourism in Hastinapur is popular during the winters when people like to visit due to the climate being perfect to go sightseeing. Look through our travel guide to Hastinapur to have an idea of the places you must visit and things you must do in this ancient city of Hastinapur.

By Air:

The closest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and it is located at a distance of 130.5 km from the center of Hastinapur city. This airport caters to both international and domestic travelers to Hastinapur and vice versa. This is the fastest way to travel to this city.

By Road:

If you aren’t willing to spend as much on flights, you can go to Hastinapur by road. You can either drive out there or you can take busses that connect one state to another and then finally take the state transport in the state to reach Hastinapur. Use the UPSRTC bus service if you in the state of Uttar Pradesh or you can use luxury busses that commute from adjacent states to Uttar Pradesh.

By Rail:

The main rail head that is close to the city is Meerut Cantt. This railhead is located at a distance of 41.6 km from the center of Hastinapur city and is the most convenient way to visit due to the proximity to the main part of the city. Several trains pass from this station and go to different cities in other states.

Getting Around:

Public transport is readily available if you want to commute in Hastinapur. You can use an auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw to move around; you can also use comfortable commute like a cab or the best is to use a bus, which is always on time and also pocket friendly. 

Summer (April-June):

The summer is the hottest season in Hastinapur, just like any other city in Uttar Pradesh. Temperatures in this region range from 32°C in the night to 42°C in the day, making it very hot and stuffy. This is not the best time to visit Hastinapur, but if you have to, make sure you have appropriate clothing.

Monsoon (July-October):

Monsoons are a bit cooler than the summers in Hastinapur. Temperatures during this season range from 25°C in the night to 32°C in the day, making it a lot cooler. At the same time, there is a lot of humidity in the air. The region has a decent amount of rainfall and one should carry their raincoats and umbrellas along.

Winter (November-March):

Winter season is the best time to visit Hastinapur. The weather then is absolutely pleasant and apt to go sightseeing. Temperatures during this time range from 22°C in the night to 10°C in the daytime. Some winters may be brutal and temperatures may dip down even further.

Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary:

One of the biggest attractions in the city is the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over 2073 sq km of land, this sanctuary houses a lot of endangered birds and animals. They are now in their natural habitat in the sanctuary and harmoniously live with each other. Visiting this Wildlife Sanctuary is a must do if you in Hastinapur.

Bada Digambar Jain Mandir:

An avid follower of Jain religion and culture? Head over to Bada Digambar Jain Mandir in Hastinapur, one of the biggest and the oldest temples in the vicinity. The temple is situated on a 40 ft high hiloock giving it a more dramatic look. This is an important pilgrimage spot visited by many every year.

Go Camping:

Once you are done touring all the temples in the city, make your way to the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary where you can go camping. Set up a tent close to the other lodging inside the sanctuary and set base for a peaceful camping atmosphere. Gaze at the starry night sky or watch some animals come by a pond close to you to drink water, either way it’s all very exciting.

Spend a Day at Pakka Talab:

If you are looking to have a relaxing day without the pressure of sightseeing, go to Pakka talab, a water body located close to the city center of Hastinapur. This is a recreational pond meant for people to pass by or sit and have a glimpse of the serenity the place has to offer.

Bird Watching:

Pick up your binoculars and head over to the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary to observe some birds and their characteristics. Bird watching is a typical activity at the sanctuary and many indulge in the same. You can get to see and observe more than 150 species of birds that migrate from different areas as well as are the locals in the Hastinapur region.

Hastinapur is famous for its history, its temples and the wildlife sanctuary. After all the sightseeing, it is a given that one must eat. Given the fact that the city is a pilgrimage town, it is hard to find non vegetarian items and most of the food joints are vegetarian. Most restaurants serve north Indian cuisine and the food is quite simple. Go to Jain Marwari Bhoj and Restaurant to enjoy a scrumptious Jain meal and the dal fry at this restaurant is absolutely amazing. If you are looking for buffets, you can go to Recipes Restaurant that serves a variety of items in the buffet section, this is pure veg as well and the quality of the food is absolutely amazing. Other than these, you can find street food in certain places outside different attractions where you can grab a quick bite.

Wherever you are, don’t miss the opportunity to shop, especially from a place like Hastinapur that has so much to offer. The city has various spots that you can shop from; you can go to Shastri Nagar, which is almost 30 km from the city center of Hastinapur to shop from various items like handicrafts, idols of the Pandava brothers from Mahabharata, idols of deities and a lot more. There are small markets right outside temples that sell religious products that you can take back home as a souvenir from there. In these street shops you can also find products for home interiors, decorative items and a lot fo stuff that is manufactured in that city. Uttar Pradesh itself and some parts of Hastinapur are famous for selling sports goods that have high durability.