Loni is a town that has a rich and diverse heritage, with stories and monuments that span across centuries and civilizations. Loni is said to be the place where Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana cut off the nose of the demoness Surpanakha, an event that triggered the epic war of the Ramayana. Loni is also the place where the Mughal empress Zinat Mahal, the last wife of Bahadur Shah Zafar, lived and died.
Loni is home to the majestic Loni Fort, the lush orchards of Zinat Mahal, and the numerous religious places that reflect the harmony and diversity of the town. Loni is also close to the Tronica City, a modern township that offers a contrast to the historical charm of Loni. Loni is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the history, culture, and nature of India in a small and serene town.
History and Culture
Loni has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the ancient times of the Ramayana. According to legend, Loni was the site of a fierce battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana, who had abducted Rama’s wife Sita. Loni was also the place where Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, cut off the nose of Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister, who had tried to seduce Rama. Loni derives its name from Lonnkaran, the king who built the Loni Fort in the 12th century.
The fort was later captured by the Mughals, who added more structures and gardens to it. The fort was also the residence of Zinat Mahal, the last wife of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. Zinat Mahal was known for her beauty, intelligence, and influence over the emperor. She also played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which led to the end of the Mughal rule. Zinat Mahal died in Loni in 1886 and was buried in the fort.
Loni is also famous for its orchards, which were originally planted by the Mughals in the 16th century. The orchards are spread over an area of 300 acres and produce a variety of fruits and flowers, such as mangoes, guavas, lemons, roses, and jasmine. The orchards are also associated with Zinat Mahal, who used to spend her time in them and enjoy their beauty and fragrance. The orchards are a source of income and livelihood for the local farmers and also provide a green and serene environment for the visitors.
Places to Visit
Loni has many places to visit that showcase its history, culture, and nature. Some of the popular places to visit in Loni are:
Loni Fort:
The Loni Fort is the main attraction of Loni, as it is a symbol of its glorious past and its legends. The fort is built on a hill and has a circumference of about 4 km. The fort has four gates, each named after a direction: Purab Darwaza, Paschim Darwaza, Uttar Darwaza, and Dakshin Darwaza. The fort also has a mosque, a palace, a tomb, and a garden. The fort is said to have a secret tunnel that connects it to the Red Fort in Delhi. The fort is also the resting place of Zinat Mahal, whose grave can be seen inside the palace. The fort offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside.
The Orchards:
The orchards of Loni are a treat for the eyes and the senses, as they offer a burst of colors, aromas, and flavors. The orchards are located near the Loni Fort and are open to the public. The orchards have a variety of fruits and flowers, such as mangoes, guavas, lemons, roses, and jasmine. The orchards are also home to many birds and butterflies, which add to the charm of the place. The orchards are a great place to relax, picnic, and enjoy the nature.
Shiva Temple:
The Shiva Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Loni. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and the transformer. The temple has a shivalinga, which is believed to be self-manifested and very powerful. The temple also has a statue of Nandi, the bull, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The temple attracts many devotees, especially during the festivals of Shivaratri and Shravan.
The Mosques:
Loni has several mosques that reflect the Islamic influence and architecture of the town. Some of the prominent mosques in Loni are:
Jama Masjid:
The Jama Masjid is the largest and the oldest mosque in Loni. It was built by the Mughals in the 16th century and has a capacity of 5000 people. The mosque has a dome, a minaret, and a courtyard. The mosque is also known for its beautiful calligraphy and paintings.
Zinat Mahal Mosque:
The Zinat Mahal Mosque is a small and elegant mosque that was built by Zinat Mahal in the 19th century. The mosque is located inside the Loni Fort and is adjacent to the palace of Zinat Mahal. The mosque has a dome, a minaret, and a fountain. The mosque is also decorated with floral motifs and inscriptions.
Bibi Ka Maqbara:
The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a tomb and a mosque that was built by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, in the 17th century. The tomb is dedicated to his wife, Dilras Banu Begum, who died in childbirth. The tomb is also known as the Mini Taj Mahal, as it resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb has a dome, four minarets, and a garden. The tomb is also adorned with marble, stucco, and inlay work.
Khatu Shyam Baba Temple:
The Khatu Shyam Baba Temple is a popular Hindu temple that is dedicated to Khatu Shyam Baba, a manifestation of Lord Krishna. The temple is located on the Delhi-Saharanpur road and is visited by many pilgrims. The temple has a statue of Khatu Shyam Baba, which is made of marble and is adorned with jewels and clothes. The temple also has a hall, a kitchen, and a garden. The temple is also known for its charitable activities, such as providing free food, education, and medical facilities to the needy.
Prachin Hanuman Temple:
The Prachin Hanuman Temple is an ancient Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and the devotee of Lord Rama. The temple is located near the Loni Fort and is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The temple has a statue of Lord Hanuman, which is made of stone and is covered with sindoor, a red powder. The temple also has a pond, a well, and a tree. The temple is also famous for its miraculous healing powers, as many people claim to have been cured of their diseases after visiting the temple.
Loni Hanuman Mandir:
The Loni Hanuman Mandir is a modern Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the Loni-Baghpat road and is one of the tallest temples in the region. The temple has a statue of Lord Hanuman, which is made of metal and is 108 feet high. The temple also has statues of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. The temple also has a hall, a library, and a garden. The temple is also known for its cultural and social events, such as bhajans, kirtans, and festivals.
Mokshdhaam Temple:
The Mokshdhaam Temple is a unique Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma, the three supreme gods of Hinduism. The temple is located on the Loni-Meerut road and is built in the shape of a pyramid. The temple has statues of the three gods, as well as other deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple also has a meditation hall, a library, and a garden. The temple is also known for its spiritual and educational programs, such as yoga, pranayama, and vedic studies.
Lal Bagh Ashram:
The Lal Bagh Ashram is a spiritual and humanitarian center that was founded by Swami Shri Hari Prasad Ji Maharaj, a renowned saint and social worker. The ashram is located near the Loni Fort and is spread over an area of 25 acres. The ashram has a temple, a school, a hospital, a library, and a garden. The ashram is also known for its charitable and humanitarian activities, such as providing free food, education, medical care, and shelter to the poor and needy.
Indirapuri Gurudwara:
The Indirapuri Gurudwara is a Sikh place of worship that was established by the followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The gurudwara is located on the Loni-Baghpat road and is visited by many Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The gurudwara has a hall, a kitchen, and a pond. The gurudwara also serves free langar, a communal meal, to the visitors and the locals.
Things to Do in Loni
Loni has many things to do that offer fun, adventure, and relaxation to the visitors. Some of the best activities to do in Loni are:
Cycling:
Cycling is a great way to explore the town and the countryside of Loni, as it allows the visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and the fresh air. Loni has many cycling routes that pass through the orchards, the fields, the villages, and the historical monuments. Some of the best places to cycle in Loni are the Loni Fort, the orchards, the Shiva Temple, and the Tronica City. Cycling is also a healthy and eco-friendly activity that benefits the body and the environment.
Boating:
Boating is another enjoyable activity that can be done in Loni, as it offers a chance to experience the water and the nature. Loni has a few water bodies that are suitable for boating, such as the pond near the Prachin Hanuman Temple, the well near the Loni Fort, and the canal near the Tronica City. Boating is also a romantic and relaxing activity that can be done with friends, family, or partners.
Camping:
Camping is a thrilling and adventurous activity that can be done in Loni, as it allows the visitors to stay close to the nature and the stars. Loni has some camping sites that are ideal for camping, such as the orchards, the fields, and the hills. Camping is also a social and cultural activity that can be done with groups, as it involves bonfires, music, games, and stories.
Birdwatching:
Birdwatching is a fascinating and educational activity that can be done in Loni, as it enables the visitors to observe and learn about the various birds and their habitats. Loni has a rich and diverse birdlife, as it has many trees, plants, and water sources that attract the birds. Some of the common birds that can be seen in Loni are parrots, pigeons, sparrows, mynas, kingfishers, peacocks, and eagles. Birdwatching is also a peaceful and calming activity that can be done with binoculars, cameras, and books.
Photography:
Photography is a creative and artistic activity that can be done in Loni, as it offers a chance to capture and preserve the beauty and the memories of Loni. Loni has many photogenic spots that are worth capturing, such as the Loni Fort, the orchards, the temples, the mosques, and the sunset. Photography is also a personal and expressive activity that can be done with different styles, angles, and filters.
Shopping:
Shopping is a fun and exciting activity that can be done in Loni, as it provides an opportunity to buy and bargain for the local products and souvenirs of Loni. Loni has many markets and shops that sell a variety of items, such as fruits, flowers, handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. Some of the best places to shop in Loni are the Loni Bazaar, the Loni Chowk, and the Tronica City Mall. Shopping is also a cultural and social activity that can be done with friends, family, or locals.
Loni is a town that has many hotels and packages that suit different budgets and needs of the visitors. It's a town that is worth visiting and exploring, as it offers something for everyone. Loni is waiting for you to discover its secrets and surprises. Happy Travels!