Situated on the bank of the holy river Ganga, 68 kms from Ghaziabad, Garhmukteshwar is a revered pilgrim centre.Also referred to as Khandvi Van and Shiva Vallabhpur because of its being an important centre of the Vallabh cult, Garhmukteshwar has been associated with mythology.It is said that this was the place where King Shivi, an ancestor of Lord Rama, had passed the fourth period of his life as an ascetic.Later, with the help of renowned sage Parshuram, he built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.It is also believed that after two Ganas or disciples of Lord Vishnu, Jai and Vijai, had achieved Mukti or salvation at Shiva Vallabhpur the place came to be known as Ganamukteeshwar. With time, this name changed to the present Garhmukteshwar.It is believed that during the Mahabharat period, this place was an important centre of trade and also formed part of the capital of Hastinapur state.Garhmukteshwar and its twin city, Brij Ghat have more than 100 temples.It is also famous for its big annual fair.

The name of the place is derived from the great temple of Mukteshwar Mahadeva. The temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga.Ganges is worshipped here in as many as four different temples.These temples are situated on the cliff overlooking Ganges and below it.One of them is situated alongside Meerut road.The place is famous for its 80 Sati Pillars. These pillars mark the spots where Hindu widows are said to have committed sati.The town also boasts off a mosque built by Gays-ud-din Balban that bears an inscription in Arabic dating 682 Hijri or 1283 A.D.Garhmukteshwar is like mini Banaras.The main attraction is the Ganges and the bathing ghat along it.The Ganges here can be seen flowing water as far as the eyes can see.The river here was of the colour of cold coffee, but unlike how she is at Haridwar and Rishikesh; the Ganga is much cleaner here.Garhmukteshwar is also famous for its bathing fair that takes place on the Full Moon Day of the month of Kartik.About 6 Lacks persons, from far and near, come to have a dip in the river Ganga that they consider to be holy. Another fair, held on the occasion of Dussehra, attracts about around 50,000 devotees.