Bareilly, India
- 745,435 people
- 15 places to visit
- 28.367, 79.4304
Places to Visit (15)

Bareilly is a prominent city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Bareilly district and is situated approximately 252 kilometers (156 miles) northeast of the national capital, New Delhi. Established around 1650, Bareilly has a rich cultural heritage, and its name is believed to be derived from the term "Bari Ilahi," which means "abode of the gods." The city is well-known for its diverse population, consisting of people from various religious and ethnic backgrounds, which contributes to its vibrant cultural milieu.
A major center for trade and commerce, Bareilly has a robust economy primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The city is recognized for its production of furniture, textiles, and engineering goods, and it is an important hub for the wholesale supply of various products. Bareilly is also renowned for traditional crafts, particularly ‘jhumka’ earrings and ‘Bareilly ki biryani,’ which reflect the city's culinary richness. The city’s infrastructure includes well-connected road and rail networks, making it accessible from various parts of India. Bareilly Airport, located about 10 kilometers from the city center, further enhances connectivity.
Culturally, Bareilly is a melting pot of traditions and practices. It hosts several festivals celebrated by different communities, including Diwali, Eid, and Christmas, exemplifying communal harmony. The city is home to notable educational institutions like Bareilly College, established in 1837, and various schools and universities that attract students from surrounding regions. Bareilly is also famous for its religious sites, including the revered Ala Hazrat Dargah, which draws thousands of pilgrims annually. Overall, Bareilly is characterized by its historical significance, economic vibrancy, and rich cultural fabric, making it an essential city in Uttar Pradesh.
Facts about Bareilly
- Bareilly is known as the 'Nawabi City' due to its historical significance and royal influence during the 18th century.
- The city is famous for its traditional craft of making 'Zari' or decorative embroidery, particularly used in wedding attire and ceremonial clothing.
- Bareilly is home to the renowned 'Bareilly Ki Sassi', a folk tale that has inspired many adaptations in literature and theater, deeply rooted in local culture.
- The city hosts the famous 'Bansuri' (bamboo flute) making industry, which is recognized for producing high-quality flutes used in classical music.
- Bareilly's Izzatnagar railway station is one of the largest railway workshops in the region, contributing significantly to Indian Railways' operations.
- The city is known for its vibrant festivities, particularly 'Bareilly Ki Mela', which showcases local crafts, cuisine, and cultural performances.
- Bareilly is the birthplace of several prominent figures, including the Urdu poet Ameer Hamza, who played a significant role in Indian literature.
- The city has a unique cuisine featuring dishes like 'Biryani' and 'Kebabs', which reflect its rich cultural diversity and culinary heritage.
- Bareilly is famous for the historical 'Dargah of Ala Hazrat', a significant pilgrimage site for followers of the Barelvi school of thought in Islam.
- The city is strategically located, making it a hub for trade and commerce in North India, with a growing economy focused on agriculture and manufacturing.