Haryana

Haryana has a proud history, dating back to the Vedic age. The state of Haryana was home to the  legendary  Bharata  dynasty, which gave the name Bharat to India. Kurukshetra, the scene of the  epic battle between the Kauravas  and the Pandavas, is situated in Haryana. Haryana was made into a full fledged state on 1st November 1966 from the Hindi - speaking regions of Punjab  state. The state is located to the southeast of Punjab state. Chandigarh is the capital of both Haryana and Punjab states. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture yielding  grain, sugar, oilseeds, and cotton. Historically, Haryana goes back to Mahabharat times, for it was here, at Kurukshetra, that the war was fought. On the Mahabharata war battlefield, Lord Krishna preached his divine message The Bhagavad Gita, to Arjuna. Haryana has a network of 43 tourist complexes, named after birds. These have been set up along the national/state highways and at districts, towns and at places around  Delhi.

Imagine a land where opulence is determined by the number of cows each family has! Where the morning sun skates its rays over lush green paddy fields and evenings dive into the heart of a colourful horizon that bespeaks an impeccable embroidery of a martial language and inimitable cordiality. Embraced by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the north, and Rajasthan to the west and south, the state of Haryana is sliced by the blue waters of Yamuna in the eastern border to Uttaranchal & Uttar Pradesh. Applauded as the grainery of this great nation, Haryana actively participated in the Green Revolution and White Revolution that took place in India during the 1970s. It fed thousands of Indians and today, it rejoices the kudos via the colourful festival of Baisakhi that sprinkles showers of merriment all over the state. It is a state that blazed a trail of holiday traditions, with its highway tourism policy, creating all roads to success. All in all, Haryana is place which will help you to unwind your definition for a perfect holiday!

Tourist Attractions in Haryana

Just around the corner from south Delhi, a mere eight-kilometre drive away lies Surajkundwith its large sun pool and amphitheatre. Built during the 10th century AD by Raja Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty, Surajkund combines proximity to the national capital with many amenities and comforts in an ambience that is typically rural and far away from the trappings of the urban centres. 

Also within an easy motoring distance from New Delhi is the Badkhal Lake. Here, the Aravali hills are on the fringe and the lake offers special opportunities for water sports such as canoeing, kayaking or just a simple boat ride. In addition, there is a luxury yacht for those interested. But the real attraction of Badkhal Lake are its serene waters around which small cottages have been built at an elevation, thus affording the occupants a splendid view of the lake alive with the activity of birds during the winter months. 

Farther afield, yet well connected to Delhi and on the National Highway No 1, is another manmade lake, named after Karna, one of the heroes of the epic Mahabharat. Having been carved out of a marshy area, the Karna Lake offers all the advantages of a designer complex with charming cottages overlooking a landscaped garden and tall eucalyptus trees planted to act as a barricade against the noise of the highway. Other trees and the emerald waters of the lake become the home for the pied crested kingfishers, darters, ducks and geese during the winter months.

Haryana is proud of its many lake retreats besides Badkhal and Karna. There is the Tilyar Lake at Rohtak, 70 kilometres away from Delhi, with facilities like boating and kayaking. In a different direction and located 64 kilometres from Delhi on the old highway to Alwar, is the Damdama Lake with cottages built on higher ground and mirrored in the calm waters of the lake. A camping complex for the adventurous is also there and facilities for sports such as rock climbing on the surrounding Aravali ranges, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and trekking are all available.

Not far from the Damdama Lake is Sohna, named thus after traces of gold were found in the nearby waters in the old times. Sohna has become quite popular due to the annual Vintage Car Rally that takes place in February. Motorists drive the 56 kilometres from Delhi and come to rest and picnic here, half way away from the venue of the rally.

If one wants to get away from Delhi towards the shadow of the mountains, there are the Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore, just 22 kilometres from Chandigarh. Here, a historic building belonging to the 17th century is set in a Mughal garden, with a waterway surrounded by green lawns. A later addition to this beautiful spot is a Japanese garden.

Kurukshetra in Haryana is the name given to an area covering 48 kosas (an Indian unit of measuring land) where 860 places of pilgrimage related to the Mahabharata exist today. The important sites are the Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Sarovar, Gurudwara Sadbhiti, Thaneswar Tirtha, and Rajghat.

Near Kurukshetra, Thaneswar is a sacred town for Hindus because Lord Shiva in the form of the lingam (phallic representation of Shiva) was first worshipped here. Also situated here is the tomb of Sheikh Chilli Jalal. It is a fascinating monument, octagonal in shape, crowned with a dome of white marble and surrounded by a white marble courtyard. Also worth a visit are the Chini Masjid and Pathar Masjid, two outstanding Islamic monuments. 

Fairs & Festivals of Haryana

Baisakhi(13th April ) at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore  The Harvest Festival of Baisakhi is unforgettable in Northwest India. It is one of the liveliest moments of celebration at the Yadavindra Gardens, Piniore.

Mango Mela (June/July ) at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore  Summers can never be over without a mango feast. That is what the Mango mela at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore , is all about. Hundred of species of Mango from as far away as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh as also from Haryana, Himachal ,Punjab, arrive delighting just about every one with their hybird shapes and quality. Competitions of preserved goods, fruit and products are held, colours of cultural extravaganza are also held at the event while stalls sees fastfoods. 

Hayana Day (1st September) at all Tourist Resorts  This festival celebrates the birthday of Tourism in Haryana. It was on Ist September that Haryana Tourism Corporation came into existence.This day marks the Tourism Day celebrations.Cycle rally-cum-race is held from Chandigarh on to Panchkula town,. The day also marks on ”Pakwan Pratiyogita, Blood Donation camp and Run for Fun events. competition. Musical evenings are held. Illumination and contest are orgainsed at all complexes of Haryana Tourism.

Mahabhartha Festival(December) at Kuruksehetra  One of the most delightful experiences that has begun at Kurukshetra is the Gita Jayanti celebrations. A series of events are held. These include the recitation of the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita,,pageants celebrating the Epic Mahabharata and Lord Krishna. Seminars on the holy Bhagwad Gita and performances by theatre groups, Bhajan recitals, the ‘aarti’ and ‘Deep’ Daan’ at the Brahma Sarover holy water tank mark the day. Each event is glittering memorable and a deeply soulful experience.The celebrations commemorate the holy scripture: Bhagwad Gita and lord Krishna. The event is celebrated with seminars and cultural events.