Lion Statue
The Lion Statue in Roorkee is an iconic symbol of the city's rich civil engineering history. These statues are located at the ends of the historic Solani Aqueduct, which was a pioneering project of the British Raj. Constructed in the mid-19th century under the supervision of Sir Proby Cautley, the aqueduct was designed to carry the Upper Ganga Canal over the Solani River. To give the structure a sense of grandeur and imperial might, four majestic lion statues were placed as guardians at the entrance and exit points of the aqueduct path. For generations, these lions have stood watch over the canal, becoming a popular landmark for locals and students of IIT Roorkee. The statues represent the strength and resilience of the engineering marvel they protect. Over the years, the Lion Statue area has evolved into a popular gathering spot. It is not just a piece of stone; it is a cultural touchstone that appears in local folklore and even the official emblems related to the city's heritage. The site offers a unique perspective of the canal's flow, which is the lifeline of the agricultural plains of Western Uttar Pradesh. Sitting near the statues, one can feel the historical gravity of the place, where the sounds of the bustling B.T. Ganj market fade into the rhythmic flow of the water. It is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the 'Engineering City' identity of Roorkee. The craftsmanship of the lions, despite decades of exposure to the elements, remains remarkably intact, showcasing the quality of 19th-century masonry. It serves as a reminder of a time when infrastructure was built with both utility and aesthetic pride in mind. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Historical Monument & Heritage LandmarkEntry Fees:
There is No Entry Fee to visit the Lion Statue.
Public Access: It is located in a public area and is free for everyone.
Parking: While there is no ticket for the monument, you might need to pay a nominal parking fee of 20-50 INR if...There is No Entry Fee to visit the Lion Statue.
Public Access: It is located in a public area and is free for everyone.
Parking: While there is no ticket for the monument, you might need to pay a nominal parking fee of 20-50 INR if you park your vehicle in the nearby B. T. Ganj municipal parking lots.
:Timing:
Open 24 Hours as it is a public monument.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM for a peaceful experience, or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to see the city come alive.
Night View: Visiting after 8:00 PM allows you to ...Open 24 Hours as it is a public monument.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM for a peaceful experience, or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to see the city come alive.
Night View: Visiting after 8:00 PM allows you to see the statues under the soft glow of the streetlights.
:Special Events:
During Independence Day and Republic Day, the statues are often illuminated with the tricolor lights, creating a patriotic and festive atmosphere.
IIT Fest: During the annual festival of IIT Roorkee, 'Cognizance', the area sees an influx of students participating i...During Independence Day and Republic Day, the statues are often illuminated with the tricolor lights, creating a patriotic and festive atmosphere.
IIT Fest: During the annual festival of IIT Roorkee, 'Cognizance', the area sees an influx of students participating in heritage walks.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Frontal View of the lion with the canal stretching behind it is the most iconic shot.
The Plinth Angle: Shooting from a low angle makes the lion look even more formidable against the sky.
Action Shots: Capturing the movement of...The Frontal View of the lion with the canal stretching behind it is the most iconic shot.
The Plinth Angle: Shooting from a low angle makes the lion look even more formidable against the sky.
Action Shots: Capturing the movement of the canal water in contrast with the stationary, stoic statue provides a great conceptual photograph.
Night Lights: The statues are now lit at night, offering a dramatic look for long-exposure photography.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visiting the Lion Statue is a journey through time and local life.
Historical Exploration: Walk along the aqueduct path marked by the lions to appreciate the sheer scale of the 19th-century masonry. Reading about Sir Proby Cautley’s contribution adds depth to the visit.
Leisure Walking: The stretch between the statues is a favorite for evening walks, offering a cool breeze from the Upper Ganga Canal.
Photography: Take the classic 'Roorkee Selfie' with the lions. The perspective of the canal stretching into the distance from the statues is a photographer's delight.
Market Visit: Since it is located near B. T. Ganj, you can combine your visit with a shopping spree in one of Roorkee's oldest and most vibrant markets.
Stre...Visiting the Lion Statue is a journey through time and local life.
Historical Exploration: Walk along the aqueduct path marked by the lions to appreciate the sheer scale of the 19th-century masonry. Reading about Sir Proby Cautley’s contribution adds depth to the visit.
Leisure Walking: The stretch between the statues is a favorite for evening walks, offering a cool breeze from the Upper Ganga Canal.
Photography: Take the classic 'Roorkee Selfie' with the lions. The perspective of the canal stretching into the distance from the statues is a photographer's delight.
Market Visit: Since it is located near B. T. Ganj, you can combine your visit with a shopping spree in one of Roorkee's oldest and most vibrant markets.
Street Food Tasting: Sample local Roorkee delicacies like 'Bedmi Poori' and 'Lassi' from the vendors stationed near the entrance.
Student Interaction: Engaging with the local students from IIT Roorkee who often frequent the spot can provide insights into the modern educational culture of the city.
Observing the Canal: Spend time watching the massive volume of water flow under the aqueduct; it’s a great way to understand the scale of the Ganga Canal irrigation system.
Bird Watching: The canal banks often attract local water birds like Kingfishers and Cormorants.
Sunset Watching: The statues look particularly majestic when silhouetted against the setting sun over the western horizon of the city.
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Information
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Why Famous:
The Lion Statue is famous as the unofficial mascot of Roorkee.
Colonial Heritage: It is a primary landmark of the British engineering era, specifically marking the Solani Aqueduct, which was the largest of its kind in the world when built.
Read MoreThe Lion Statue is famous as the unofficial mascot of Roorkee.
Colonial Heritage: It is a primary landmark of the British engineering era, specifically marking the Solani Aqueduct, which was the largest of its kind in the world when built.
Symbol of IIT: It is deeply associated with IIT Roorkee (formerly Thomason College of Civil Engineering), as the aqueduct was the reason the college was established nearby to train engineers for the canal's maintenance.
:Architecture:
The architecture of the Lion Statue and the supporting aqueduct is a masterclass in colonial masonry.
Design Style: The statues are carved in a classical European style, depicting lions in a 'couchant' or sitting posture, symbolizing watchful guardianship.
...The architecture of the Lion Statue and the supporting aqueduct is a masterclass in colonial masonry.
Design Style: The statues are carved in a classical European style, depicting lions in a 'couchant' or sitting posture, symbolizing watchful guardianship.
Dimensions: Each lion stands approximately 5 feet tall and rests on a massive rectangular plinth that is 8 feet long. The statues are made of reinforced brick and lime mortar, coated with a weather-resistant finish.
Aqueduct Scale: The lions mark the beginning of the Solani Aqueduct, which consists of 15 arches, each with a span of 50 feet, stretching over a total length of nearly 2 miles including the embankments.
:How To Reach:
Located in the heart of the city, the Lion Statue is easily accessible.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (70 KMS) is the nearest. Taxis are available to Roorkee.
By Train: Roorkee Railway Station is just 2 KMS away. You can take an e-...Located in the heart of the city, the Lion Statue is easily accessible.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (70 KMS) is the nearest. Taxis are available to Roorkee.
By Train: Roorkee Railway Station is just 2 KMS away. You can take an e-rickshaw or auto.
By Road: Roorkee is on NH-58. The statues are located near the main market area.
By Local Transport: E-rickshaws are the most convenient way to reach the statues from any part of the city.
:Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to March) is ideal as the weather is pleasant for walking.
Summers: Can be harsh, so stick to early mornings.
Monsoons: July to September makes the canal look full and powerful, though the humidity can be high.
...Winter (October to March) is ideal as the weather is pleasant for walking.
Summers: Can be harsh, so stick to early mornings.
Monsoons: July to September makes the canal look full and powerful, though the humidity can be high.
Seasons: The festive season of October/November brings a unique charm to the nearby markets.
:Near Tourist Places:
IIT Roorkee (1 KM), Solani Aqueduct (0. 5 KM), Crystal World (5 KM), Piran Kaliyar (7 KM), Haridwar (30 KM), Rishikesh (50 KM), Dehradun (70 KM), War Memorial (2 KM), Solani Park (1. 5 KM), Survey Museum (2 KM).Tourism Tips
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This is a busy area, so be mindful of traffic while crossing the road to reach the statues.
Health & Safety: Do not climb on the statues as they are historical monuments and need to be preserved.
Packing: No special gear is needed;...This is a busy area, so be mindful of traffic while crossing the road to reach the statues.
Health & Safety: Do not climb on the statues as they are historical monuments and need to be preserved.
Packing: No special gear is needed; just a good pair of walking shoes.
Cash & Connectivity: There are numerous ATMs and high-speed 4G/5G networks available as it is a central city area.
Other: Keep the area clean and do not litter in the canal.
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