📅 June 15, 2026
Discover the centuries-old craft that earned Saharanpur its title as India's City of Wood Art. The intricate art of Sheesham (Indian rosewood) carving has been passed down through generations of master artisans in Saharanpur since the Mughal era. Each piece tells a story — from floral motifs inspired by Mughal gardens to geometric patterns reflecting Islamic artistry.
Walking through the narrow lanes of Lakkad Bazaar, you'll hear the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of chisels and mallets — the heartbeat of this ancient craft. We follow master craftsman Mohammad Iqbal, whose family has been carving wood for seven generations, as he transforms a raw block of Sheesham into an heirloom-quality screen panel.
What makes Saharanpur's wood carving unique? Unlike mass-produced furniture, each piece here is individually hand-carved. The artisans use over 30 different types of chisels to create varying depths, textures, and patterns. The signature Saharanpur style features deep undercutting that creates striking shadow-and-light effects — a technique that requires years of practice to master.
Read more about our wood carving workshop experience on our Experiences page.
📅 May 28, 2026
Saharanpur's spiritual landscape is as rich and varied as its wood carving heritage. This city, nestled between the Gangetic plains and the Shivalik hills, has been a meeting point of different faiths for centuries. From the hilltop Shakumbhari Devi Temple to the serene Nau Gaza Peer Dargah, the city offers a unique spiritual tapestry.
Our journey begins at the Shakumbhari Devi Temple, perched on a hill about 15 km from the city center. The 360-degree view from the top — with the Shivalik range to the north and the endless plains to the south — is nothing short of breathtaking. During Navratri, the temple comes alive with thousands of devotees, chanting and celebration.
Next, we visit Nau Gaza Peer Dargah, a Sufi shrine named after a nine-yard-long grave. Here, Hindus and Muslims come together to offer prayers — a beautiful example of India's syncretic tradition. The Thursday evening qawwali sessions are particularly moving.
Explore all spiritual sites on our Attractions page.
📅 May 10, 2026
A trip to Saharanpur is incomplete without diving into its vibrant food scene. The city's cuisine reflects its location — a delightful fusion of Punjabi, Mughlai, and UP-style cooking. Here are 10 dishes you absolutely must try:
- Saharanpur Peda — The city's signature sweet, a creamy milk-based delight.
- Kachori Sabzi — Crispy fried kachoris served with spicy potato curry.
- Chaat — Tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive street-side chaat varieties.
- Kebabs — Mughlai-style seekh and shami kebabs from old city eateries.
- Biryani — Fragrant, slow-cooked biryani with tender meat or vegetables.
- Aloo Tikki — Golden-fried potato patties with chutneys.
- Jalebi — Hot, crispy, syrup-soaked spirals — a perfect dessert.
- Samosa — Stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas, served with mint chutney.
- Lassi — Refreshing yogurt drink, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
- Chai — Classic Indian spiced tea from roadside stalls.
Book our guided Food Trail experience for a curated tasting journey!
📅 April 22, 2026
Lakkad Bazaar — the name literally means "Wood Market" — is a shopper's paradise. But with hundreds of shops and countless products, where do you start? Here's our curated shopping guide:
Must-Buy Items: Carved furniture (dining tables, chairs, bed frames), decorative screens (room dividers), wall panels, jewelry boxes, photo frames, coasters, and kitchenware like rolling pins and chopping boards. All made from sustainably sourced Sheesham wood.
Price Guide: Small items like coasters and photo frames start from ₹100–500. Medium pieces like jewelry boxes run ₹500–3,000. Large furniture pieces can range from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000+ depending on intricacy and size.
Pro Tips: Bargain respectfully. Look for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Ask about the wood source. Many shops can arrange shipping to your home city — inquire about costs upfront.
Plan your shopping trip with our Craft Shopping Tour.
📅 March 15, 2026
Tired of the usual weekend getaways? Manali, Jaipur, Agra — been there, done that. Here's why Saharanpur deserves a spot on your travel list:
Just 170 km from Delhi — that's a comfortable 4-hour drive or train ride — Saharanpur offers something completely different. No tourist traps, no crowded monuments. Instead, you get authentic craft experiences, peaceful spiritual sites, and food that will make you forget about Delhi's famous eateries.
The best part? It's still unexplored by mainstream tourism. You'll have Lakkad Bazaar's narrow lanes almost to yourself. The artisans have time to chat and show you their techniques. The temples feel serene, not crowded. And your travel money directly supports local families and centuries-old traditions.
Plan your weekend trip with our itinerary suggestions.
