Roorkee is a small town, which lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in
Haridwar District of
Uttaranchal. It is the gateway to the pilgrim centers of
Haridwar,
Rishikesh,
Badrinath and Kedarnath.
The highlights are Thompson College of Engineering, the third oldest colleges in the world, and Indian Institute of Technology. Thompson College has been now changed to University of Roorkee. Apart from this, a number of research and development organizations such as Central Building Research Institute, Irrigation Research Institute and Army's Bengal Engineering Group can be found.
Roorkee is also known for its canals and is one of the first Indian towns to channel river water for farmers. During winter (December - January), the temperature goes up to 4 degree celsius, and in summer (in May and June), it rises up to 40 degree celsius.
Haridwar is 30 km from Roorkee. Other nearby towns are Bhagwanpur to the north-west and Manglaur is to the south.
Roorkee, on the National Highway 58, is 180 km from New Delhi. National Highway 73 passes nearby.
Roorkee Railway Station, on the Amristsar-Howrah rail route, is the nearest railhead. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
