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
Surajkund with 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.
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.
Just
around the corner from south Delhi, a mere eight-kilometre drive away lies
Surajkund with 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. 
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. 
Hayana
Day (1st September) at all Tourist Resorts 
