Tourism in Haryana

Haryana has a grand history, that dates back to the Vedic age. The state was home to the legendary Bharata dynasty, which gave the name 'Bharat ' to India. Kurukshetra, the scene of the great epic battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, is situated in this state. Haryana was made into a full - fledged state on 1st November, 1966.

The state is bound by Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in the east, Punjab in the west, Himachal Pradesh in the north, and Rajasthan in the south.

Haryana has a network of 43 tourist complexes, which are, incidentally, named after birds. These have been set up along the national/ state highways, and at districts, towns and places around Delhi. Some of the tourist complexes in Haryana are Badhkal Lake, Dabchik, Jungle Babbler, Karna Lake, Kala Teetar, Kingfisher, Parakeet, Magpie, Rajhans, Skylark, Sohna, Surajkund and Yadvindra Gardens at Pinjore. The immensely popular Surajkund Crafts Mela is held every year, in the month of February, to promote Indian arts and handicrafts. The 'Mango Festival' and the 'Kurukshetra Festival' are the other much - awaited events.

Places to see in Haryana

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra has been, the fountainhead, as it were, of Hinduism. This was the place, where the glorious epic battle of the Mahabharata was fought. Kurukshetra is dotted with about 360 places of pilgrimage, intrinsically related to the Mahabharata. Principal amongst the holy water tanks of this revered land, is the Brahma Sarovar. The main attraction of this tank, is the small temple built at its very centre. Another sacred water tank is the Sannihit Tank. Beside this lake, are temples of Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga. The Krishna Museum has beautiful wooden carvings, and other images depicting the various phases of Lord Krishna's life. The Gurudwara dedicated to Guru Hargobindji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, is near the Sannihit Tank.

Badhkal Lake

Just 32 km from Delhi, in the district of Faridabad, Badhkal lake is a popular picnic spot. Badhkal charms with its vibrant gardens and overwhelming serenity. It boasts of a bath complex, which comes equipped with a swimming pool and sauna facilities. Boating facilities are also available.

Dabchick

Located on the Delhi - Agra highway at a distance of 92 km from Delhi, Dabchick is an idyllic locale. Draping vernonia, bright bougainvillae and tall casuarinas have been strategically laid out.

Karna Lake

Located at a distance of 124 km from Delhi, the beautiful Karna lake, was once a marshy and shallow land. It is now the site of a plush restaurant, bar, conference hall and elegant cottages. Sprawling green lawns, perfect for picnicking and boating facilities render it a popular tourist attraction.

Saras

Also known as the Damdama lake, Saras is located at a distance of 64 km, from Delhi. The Aravalli hills form the majestic backdrop, while the depressions before these hills have been banked up on one side, forming a vast water body. This lake is deep, and nearly 8 km in length. The lake has excellent facilities for canoeing, kayaking and angling.

Yadavindra Gardens

Located in Pinjore at a distance of 22 km from Chandigarh, the Yadavindra Gardens are perhaps the only Mughal gardens, that have a symmetric design. One of the most sought after holiday resorts, the gardens offer a restaurant, bar, conference hall and guest rooms. A mini zoo, and a Japanese garden are the other attractions.

Surajkund

Just 8 km from South Delhi, Surajkund is a complex of sorts. Though pristine and suburban, it provides some of the most luxurious of facilities. The 5-Star Hotel Rajhans provides restaurants, bars, a 24-hour coffee shop and conference halls. It also has a health club with facilities for sauna, steam bath, massage, swimming, billiards, tennis and yoga.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Just 42 km away from Delhi, this bird sanctuary was founded by the famous ornithologist Peter Jackson. Here, there are more than a hundred species of birds. The sanctuary has hideouts, watch towers, and a museum.

How To Get There

By Air: Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, is well - connected by air with New Delhi. Indian Airlines and Vayudoot operate regular flights.

By Road: Buses ply quite frequently between Chandigarh and New Delhi ( 250 km ), and the trip takes about five hours.

By Rail: The superfast Shatabdi Express runs daily between Chandigarh and New Delhi.