Tourist Attractions in Kurukshetra Haryana

Kurukshetra, located in the Indian state of Haryana, is a city rich in history, spirituality, and mythological significance. Kurukshetra, known as the mythical Mahabharata's country, attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its rich cultural legacy and religious significance. This historic city has it all, from ancient temples to tranquil lakes and educational museums. 

Brahma Sarovar: The centrepiece of Kurukshetra is Brahma Sarovar, a sacred water tank steeped in mythology and mysticism. According to legend, Lord Brahma constructed this ancient water body, which is considered one of the holiest in India. It is a renowned pilgrimage place for Hindus, who gather here to take a plunge in its holy waters and seek blessings. It is surrounded by beautifully planted gardens.

Jyotisar: Jyotisar is a famous site where Lord Krishna gave Arjuna the divine teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. This historic place is distinguished by a calm and ancient banyan tree known as "Krishna's Tree." It is a religiously significant site that draws worshippers and spiritual seekers from all walks of life.

Sannihit Sarovar: The Sannihit Sarovar is another famous water tank in Kurukshetra, and it is thought to be the meeting place of seven sacred Saraswatis. This holy reservoir, surrounded by temples and ghats, is said to have healing effects. During festivals and religious occasions, devotees bathe in its hallowed waters.

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: A visit to the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre is a necessity if you want to learn more about the history and significance of Kurukshetra. This museum provides an immersive experience with its realistic dioramas depicting Mahabharata events. It also contains scientific information on ancient Indian culture, astronomy, and the great battle that occurred on this area.

The Bhadrakali Temple is dedicated to the fiery goddess Kali and is located on the banks of the Brahma Sarovar. The architecture of the temple, with its elaborate carvings and colourful ornaments, is a visual treat. Devotees flock here to seek the goddess' graces and to take part in the many religious events and festivals.

Sheikh Chehli's Tomb: In Kurukshetra, the tomb of Sheikh Chehli, also known as Abdul Quddus Gangohi, is a cherished shrine for Muslims. Sheikh Chehli was a Sufi saint who was a follower of Hazrat Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya Suhrawardi. The calm environment and architectural grandeur of the tomb make it an important religious and historical site.

Harsha Lake: Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax at Harsha Lake. This lovely lake, named for King Harshavardhana, provides a tranquil setting for picnics, boating, and leisurely walks. The lush green surroundings and glistening waterways combine to provide a gorgeous scene ideal for unwinding and relaxation.

Birla Mandir: Perched on a hill in Kurukshetra, the Birla Mandir is a modern architectural marvel. This magnificent white marble temple honours Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Aside from providing a serene setting for prayer and meditation, the temple also offers a panoramic view of the city and its surrounds.

Kurukshetra is best visited in the spring.

The winter months, from October to March, are ideal for visiting Kurukshetra. The weather is nice and warm at this time of year, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Because the weather is not too hot or humid in the winter, it is great for exploring the city's tourist sites.

During the winter months, you can attend many Kurukshetra festivals and events, such as the Kurukshetra Festival, which commemorates the city's cultural legacy. This is an excellent opportunity to see lively performances, traditional music, dance, and other cultural events.

It is crucial to remember that Kurukshetra endures high temperatures from April through June, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). The searing heat can make outdoor activities and sightseeing miserable. From July through September, the monsoon season delivers torrential rain, which may interfere with your vacation plans and outdoor exploration.

How to Get to Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is well-connected to major Indian cities and is easily accessible via numerous forms of transportation. Here are the several routes to Kurukshetra:

By Air: The closest airport to Kurukshetra is Chandigarh International Airport, which is 85 kilometres away. To get to Kurukshetra, you can take a taxi or a bus from the airport. Another option is to fly into Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is around 170 km distant, and then travel by road or rail to Kurukshetra.

By Train: Kurukshetra Junction Railway Station connects to important cities around India. This route is served by a number of trains, including express and superfast trains. You can check the train timetable and buy your tickets in advance by visiting the official website of Indian Railways or other online ticket booking sites.

By Road: Kurukshetra is well-connected by road, and you may reach the city by bus or automobile. Kurukshetra is served by National Highway 44 (NH 44), which connects it to important cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ambala. These routes are served by both public and private buses. You can either take a taxi or drive yourself to Kurukshetra.

By Metro: Another handy way to go to Kurukshetra is to take the Delhi Metro. You can take the Delhi Metro's Yellow Line to the Kashmiri Gate Metro Station and then a bus or taxi to Kurukshetra. Depending on traffic, the journey by metro and road could take several hours.

Local Transportation: Once you are at Kurukshetra, you can explore the city by taking auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or taxis. These are easily accessible and may transport you to a variety of tourist spots throughout the city.

Kurukshetra is famous for its gastronomy.

Kurukshetra serves a delightful selection of traditional North Indian food, with an emphasis on flavorful vegetarian dishes. Here are some popular foods to sample when visiting Kurukshetra:

Peda: Kurukshetra is famous for its delicious Pedas. Simmering milk and sugar until it thickens and creates a fudge-like consistency yields these delicious, milk-based sweets. Pedas are a popular choice for sweets and festive events since they are flavoured with cardamom and adorned with nuts.

Kadhi Pakora: The Kadhi Pakora at Kurukshetra is a must-try. This sour yogurt-based dish is created with gramme flour (besan) and spiced with turmeric, cumin, and asafoetida. It's usually accompanied with crispy pakoras (gramme flour fritters), steamed rice, and roti (Indian bread).

Rajma Chawal: Rajma Chawal, a traditional Punjabi dish, is also popular in Kurukshetra. It's made with kidney beans in a thick and savoury tomato-onion sauce and served with steamed basmati rice. The combination of tender beans and aromatic spices creates a filling and substantial dish.

Chole Bhature: Chole Bhature is a popular street food item that is enjoyed by both residents and visitors. The cuisine consists of a spicy and acidic chickpea curry (chole) accompanied by deep-fried bread (bhature). It is frequently served with pickles, onions, and a cool mint-coriander chutney.

Kachori with Aloo Sabzi: Kurukshetra is also known for its delectable Kachoris. These flaky deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced lentil filling and served with a tangy and spicy potato curry (aloo sabzi). This combo makes a delicious and filling breakfast or snack.

Lassi: No trip to Kurukshetra is complete without a refreshing glass of Lassi. This classic Punjabi yoghurt drink is made with thick, creamy yoghurt, sugar, and sometimes saffron or cardamom. It's refreshing on hot summer days when served chilled.

Rabri Faluda: Rabri Faluda is a lovely delicacy for individuals with a sweet craving. Layers of sweetened condensed milk (rabri), vermicelli noodles, rose syrup, and various toppings such as almonds and tutti frutti make up this dessert. This creamy and fragrant delicacy is a favourite of both locals and tourists.

Kurukshetra activities and sightseeing

Kurukshetra has a variety of activities and tourist alternatives for history aficionados, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers. Here are some of the most popular activities and must-see sights in Kurukshetra:

Investigate the Mahabharata Sites: Kurukshetra is thought to be the scene for the epic Mahabharata. Visit Jyotisar, where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita, and see the tranquil Banyan tree associated with the occasion. Learn about the Mahabharata through realistic dioramas at the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre.

Pay a visit to the hallowed Brahma Sarovar, a sacred water tank surrounded by beautifully planted gardens. Take a plunge in its fortunate holy waters and tour the temples and ghats that surround the sarovar.

Seek Blessings at Temples: Kurukshetra is home to a number of temples that are extremely religiously significant. Visit the Bhadrakali Temple, which is dedicated to the fiery goddess Kali, as well as the Sanjeevani Hanuman Temple, which is recognised for its healing qualities. Another significant temple complex that displays numerous avatars of Lord Krishna is the Shri Krishna Museum.

Explore the Thanesar Temples: Travel to the ancient town of Thanesar, which is located near Kurukshetra, and marvel at its mediaeval temples. Visit the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, a well-known Lord Shiva temple, as well as the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva's avatar, Bhima.

Take a Boat Ride on Harsha Lake: Take a relaxing boat ride on Harsha Lake, which was named after King Harshavardhana. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, rich flora, and calm lake waters. Picnics and leisurely hikes are great here.

Visit Sheikh Chehli's Tomb: In Kurukshetra, pay your respects at the tomb of Sheikh Chehli, a respected Sufi saint. The calm environment and architectural grandeur of the tomb make it an important religious and historical site.

Visit Kurukshetra University, which is noted for its gorgeous campus and educational relevance. Explore the university's library, museums, and famous architectural structures.

Attend Festivals & Events: Check the calendar for upcoming festivals and events in Kurukshetra. Annually, the Kurukshetra Festival commemorates the city's cultural legacy via vivid performances, traditional music, dance, and other cultural activities.

Local marketplaces: Visit Kurukshetra's local marketplaces, such as the Pehowa Road Market and Thanesar Bazaar. Traditional handicrafts, textiles, and religious artefacts are available.

Native Cuisine: Savour the flavours of Kurukshetra by eating native specialties such as Pedas, Kadhi Pakora, and Chole Bhature. Don't forget to sip a cool glass of Lassi, a popular yogurt-based beverage.