Major Cities and Tourist Places of Haryana

Overview of the State of Haryana and its Famous Cities and Tourist Destinations

• Geographical Location: Haryana is situated in the northwestern part of India, located between 27 degrees 37' North to 30 degrees 35' North and 74 degree 28′ East to 77 degree 36' east, at an altitude of 700 to 3600 feet above sea level. The state shares its borders with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to the east, Delhi to the southeast, Punjab to the west, Himachal Pradesh to the north, and Rajasthan to the south.
• Area and Population: The total area of Haryana is 44,212 sq. km and the population is 2.54 crores as per the census of 2011.
• Historical Significance: Haryana has a rich history with ties to Indus Valley and Vedic civilizations, as evidenced by the Banawali site which belongs to the former. Many significant battles of the past were fought on Haryana's land, including the battles of Panipat and the Mahabharata epic fought in the city of Kurukshetra.
• Famous Cities and Tourist Destinations: Haryana has many famous cities and tourist destinations. Kurukshetra is known for its historical events and numerous battles, including the Mahabharata war. Jyotisar, a sacred site, is where Lord Krishna addressed Arjuna about the values of Karma, which were later inscribed in the Bhagwad Gita.

Other major cities and tourist places in Haryana include:

Chandigarh

Chandigarh, the capital city of Haryana, is known for its greenery and cleanliness. It is considered as the best planned city in India and is a great place to live in. Despite being modern, Chandigarh has maintained its ancient beauty.
There are many tourist attractions in the city, including:

• Leisure Valley
• The Rock Garden
• Rose Garden
• Government Museum and Art Gallery
• Shanti Kunj
• Garden of Fragrance

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is a famous city in Haryana, known for its education, tourism, religion, cleanliness, and clean environment. It is a popular pilgrimage destination as it was the battleground of the famous Mahabharata war. Dating back to 2800 BC, this ancient land is where Lord Krishna preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the eve of the epic war. 
Some of the major tourist attractions in Kurukshetra include:

• Sri Krishna Museum
• Jyotisar Birthplace of Bhagavad Gita
• Brahma Sarovar
• Sheikh Chehlli Tomb
• Dharohar Haryana Museum
• Kalpana Chawla Planetarium

Panipat

Panipat is famous for being the site of several significant battles in Indian history. The city is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata as one of the five cities established by the Pandava brothers.
Some popular tourist spots in Panipat include:

• The Panipat Museum
• Kabuli Bagh
• The Old Fort
• Salar Gunj Gate
• Kabuli Shah Mosque
• The grave of Ibrahim Lodhi

Hisar

Hisar is a significant city in Haryana that is renowned for its rich historical significance. This land has evidence of being inhabited by prehistoric man. The monuments located here are a treat for those who love to experience the past.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Hisar include:

• Banavali: An archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization
• Gumbad: A tomb built in the early 15th century
• Barsi Gate: A gateway to the city that dates back to the 14th century
• Fort of Prithviraj: A fort built in the 12th century by Prithviraj Chauhan
• Feroze Shah Palace: A palace built by Feroze Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.

Ambala

• Ambala is an ancient city in Haryana with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic age. It also played an important role in India's fight against British rule.
• Badshahi Bag Gurudwara is an important religious site in Ambala that attracts many visitors.
• Rani Ka Talab is a beautiful pond in Ambala that is surrounded by greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings.
• The planetarium in Ambala is a great place to learn about astronomy and space science. It features various exhibits and interactive displays.
• Holy Redeemer Church is a historic church in Ambala that has beautiful architecture and is a popular site for photography and sightseeing.

Faridabad

• Faridabad is the largest city in Haryana and is known for its significant contribution to the state's economy through industrial development.
• Although it is not as ancient as some other cities in the state, Faridabad has its own place in history.
• Some of the top tourist destinations in Faridabad are:
  • Surajkund, a popular tourist spot known for its annual Surajkund Crafts Fair, showcasing Indian handicrafts and cultural performances.
  • Badkhal Lake, a scenic spot located in the Aravalli Range, which was once a man-made lake but is now a dried-up bed.
  • Peacock Lake, another lake in the Aravalli Range, known for its natural beauty and as a popular picnic spot.
  • Dhauj Lake, an artificial lake situated in the Dhauj village that offers adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and kayaking.
  • Raja Nahar Singh Palace, a historical palace built during the reign of Raja Nahar Singh, known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

Karnal

This location is referred to in the epic Mahabharata. According to the legend, it was founded by the Kauravas for their king Karna, who was known for his magnanimity and willingness to give anything that was requested of him. It is also known as the "City of Daanvir Karna".
Here are some of the popular tourist sites in Karnal:

• Karnal Fort
• Karnal Lake
• Miran Sahib's Tomb
• Kalander Shah's Tomb

Pinjore

Pinjore is a charming tourist spot located at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level. The highlight of this place is Asia's most exquisite garden, which was established during the 17th century. The garden's stunning beauty fascinates not only tourists but also historians and archaeologists.
The following are some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Pinjore:

• Pinjore Gardens
• Mughal Gardens
• Bhima Devi Temple

Gurgaon

• This city is ranked second in terms of size in the state of Haryana. According to the Mahabharata, the land holds spiritual significance. 
• The city has impressive infrastructure that has helped it make a significant contribution to Haryana's industrial sector. 
• It is now known as the state's corporate capital and is part of the National Capital Region of Delhi.

Sonipat

• Sonipat is a historically significant city of Haryana, believed to be in existence prior to the times of Mahabharata. 
• According to the legend, the city was established by the Pandava brothers and was one of the five towns they requested in order to prevent a war. 
• Its ancient history makes it one of the oldest cities in Haryana.

Yamuna Nagar

• One of the important cities in Haryana is known for its wood industries and provides timber to large industrial units. Additionally, the town has many famous places to visit.
• Haryana has many other major cities, such as Jhajjar, Jind, Bahadurgarh, Rewari, Sirsa, Bhiwani, each with its own distinct culture and importance.
• Haryana is an ancient land of the country, famous for various tourist attractions. There are numerous tourist destinations, both small and large, that cannot be overlooked.