Haryana, often seen as an agricultural and industrial hub, also has its share of interesting tourist spots, especially historical and religious ones. Here's a breakdown of places in Haryana and nearby:
Tourist Places IN Haryana:
Haryana's attractions are diverse, from ancient historical sites to modern planned cities and natural retreats.
1. Historical & Religious Sites:
* Kurukshetra: The land of the epic Mahabharata.
* Brahma Sarovar: A sacred water tank, believed to be created by Lord Brahma. Crowded during solar eclipses.
* Jyotisar: The place where Lord Krishna is said to have delivered the sermon of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
* Sannihit Sarovar: Believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis.
* Sheikh Chilli's Tomb (Thanesar): A beautiful Mughal-era tomb and madrasa complex with fine architecture.
* Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: Depicts the Mahabharata war with life-size paintings and dioramas.
* Panipat: Known for three historically significant battles.
* Panipat Museum: Showcases archaeology, history, art, and crafts of Haryana with a special focus on the battles.
* Kabuli Bagh Mosque: Built by Babur after the First Battle of Panipat.
* Ibrahim Lodhi's Tomb: Marks the grave of the last Sultan of Delhi.
* Faridabad:
* Surajkund: An ancient reservoir from the 10th century. Famous for the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela (February).
* Raja Nahar Singh Palace (Ballabhgarh): A heritage property from the 18th century.
* Hisar:
* Firoz Shah Palace Complex: Ruins of a 14th-century fort built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
* Rakhigarhi: A major Indus Valley Civilization site (more for archaeology enthusiasts).
* Panchkula:
* Nada Sahib Gurudwara: A revered Sikh shrine on the banks of the Ghaggar river.
* Mata Mansa Devi Mandir: A prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi.
2. Nature & Leisure:
* Morni Hills (Panchkula district): The only hill station in Haryana, part of the Shivalik range.
* Tikkar Taal: Two picturesque lakes, popular for boating and picnics.
* Adventure park and pleasant treks.
* Sultanpur National Park (Gurugram district): A renowned bird sanctuary, especially for migratory birds in winter. Excellent for birdwatching.
* Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens, Panchkula district): A beautiful 17th-century Mughal garden, known for its terraced layout, fountains, and light & sound show.
* Chandigarh (Shared Capital with Punjab, but a UT): Often the gateway to Haryana and Punjab.
* Rock Garden: A unique sculpture garden created by Nek Chand from industrial and urban waste.
* Sukhna Lake: A man-made lake, popular for boating, walking, and sunset views.
* Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden): Asia's largest rose garden.
* Capitol Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier.
* Tilyar Lake (Rohtak): A popular spot for boating, picnicking, and a mini zoo.
* Badkhal Lake (Faridabad): Once a natural lake, now often dry but efforts are made for revival. The surrounding area has resorts.
3. Modern & Urban Centers:
* Gurugram (Gurgaon): A major financial and technology hub.
* Kingdom of Dreams: A live entertainment, theatre, and leisure destination (check operational status).
* Cyber Hub: A popular spot for dining and nightlife.
* Sheetla Mata Mandir: An important local temple.
* Faridabad: An industrial city with some green spaces and the Surajkund complex.
Tourist Places NEAR Haryana:
Haryana's location makes it a good base to explore parts of neighboring states and UTs:
1. Delhi (Borders Haryana on three sides):
* India's capital, rich in history and culture.
* Historical: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple.
* Museums: National Museum, Rail Museum, Craft Museum.
* Shopping & Food: Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Hauz Khas Village.
2. Rajasthan (Borders South/South-West Haryana):
* Jaipur ("Pink City"): Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar. (Approx 4-5 hours from Gurugram).
* Shekhawati Region (Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu): Famous for its beautifully painted havelis. (Relatively close to southern Haryana).
* Alwar: Alwar Fort, City Palace, Siliserh Lake, Sariska Tiger Reserve. (Closer to southern Haryana).
3. Uttar Pradesh (Borders East Haryana):
* Agra: Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri. (Approx 3-4 hours from Faridabad/Gurugram via Yamuna Expressway).
* Mathura & Vrindavan: Major Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Krishna. (Relatively close to Palwal/Faridabad).
* Noida & Greater Noida: Modern cities with malls, entertainment parks (Worlds of Wonder), and the Buddh International Circuit.
4. Punjab (Borders North/North-West Haryana, shares capital):
* Amritsar: Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border ceremony. (Further from most of Haryana, but a popular trip).
* Patiala: Qila Mubarak, Sheesh Mahal, Baradari Gardens, National Institute of Sports.
5. Himachal Pradesh (Borders North Haryana):
* Kasauli: A quiet colonial-era hill station. (Accessible via Kalka, near Pinjore).
* Parwanoo: Known for its fruit orchards and the Timber Trail cable car ride. (Very close to Kalka).
* Shimla: A popular, larger hill station, former summer capital of British India. (Further, but accessible).
6. Uttarakhand (Small border in the North-East):
* Dehradun: The state capital, gateway to hill stations like Mussoorie.
* Mussoorie: "Queen of the Hills," popular tourist destination.
* Haridwar & Rishikesh: Major Hindu pilgrimage sites, also famous for yoga, meditation, and adventure sports (rafting).
Tips for Planning your Trip:
Best Time to Visit Haryana: October to March (pleasant weather). Summers (April-June) are very hot.
Connectivity: Haryana is well-connected by road (excellent national highways) and rail. Chandigarh and Delhi have major airports.
Interests:
History/Religion: Kurukshetra, Panipat, Delhi, Agra, Mathura-Vrindavan.
Nature/Hills: Morni Hills, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Kasauli, Shimla, Mussoorie.
Urban/Modern: Gurugram, Chandigarh, Delhi.
When planning, consider the travel time between destinations, especially if you're combining Haryana with nearby states.
