It is popularly believed by the people that the name Hardoi comes from distorted version of its earlier name Haridrohi, which is a Hindi word that means "anti to God".

According to Hindu theology, in the past it was ruled by a king Hiranyakashipu, who didn’t have faith in God, but instead declared himself as God. He wanted the people to pray to him, but later his own son Prahlad rebelled. Later, to save Prahlad, God himself came in disguise, such that he was neither human nor animal, and killed Hiranyakashipu.

According to some scholars, the term "Hardoi" originated from the term "Haridwaya" which means two gods. Since there were two gods, Vamana Bhagavan (in the regime of King Bali) and Narasimha Bhagavan (in the regime of King Hiranyakashipu) had been incarnated hence the place called Haridwaya and later called Hardoi.

In 1901, the main activities were wood-carving industry, saltpetre works and grain trade. The district exports grain, sugar, hides, tobacco and saltpetre.

Best time to Visit

October to March.