Whether you are a believer in God or non-believer, ‘The Abode of God’, as Haryana is famously referred to, might make you think if there is a god, he might probably be here. The land is so ancient, which can be gauged by the fact that this was the place where Veda Vyasa, the saint, wrote the famous epic Mahabharata. The place gains more importance for those following religious faith as being the land where Lord Krishna is said to have uttered the famous saying, “Do your duty and be detached from results” to Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers on the eve of Mahabharata war.
Haryana has more to offer. Also known as the Green Land of India, Haryana not only has a rich past but a great present and a promising future too. This 16th largest state in India ranks amongst the leading industrialized states in the country. It is a major producer and supplier of agricultural products in India. Here are the leading attractions in the land you would never want to miss on your tour to Haryana.
1. Chandigarh
Chandigarh earns the unique distinction of being the capital of two states – Punjab and Haryana. Considered the best-planned city in India, Chandigarh has preserved its ancient beauty while keeping in line with the modern world. Here are the top attractions in Chandigarh.
- Leisure Valley
- The Rock Garden
- Le Corbusier Centre
- Morni Hills
- Government Museum and Art Gallery
- Shanti Kunj
- Butterfly Park
- Garden of Fragrance
- Sarkaria Cactus Garden
- Rose Garden
- Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
- Chhatbir Zoo
- Terraced Garden
- Yadvinder Garden
- International Dolls Museum
2. Gurgaon
Gurgaon is the second-largest city in the state of Haryana. The land has spiritual importance as it finds its place in Mahabharata. It adds to Haryana’s overall contribution to the industrial sector with its amazing infrastructure. No wonder it has emerged as the state’s corporate capital. The tourist attractions in Gurgaon include the following.
- Sultanpur National Park Bird Sanctuary
- Leisure Valley Park
- Damdama Lake
- Badshahpur Fort
- Begum Samru Palace
- Farrukh Nagar Fort
- Sohna
- Sheesh Mahal
- Tikli Bottom
- Kingdom of Dreams
- Wet ‘n’ Wild
- Urusvati Museum of Folklore
- Stellar Children’s Museum
- Aapno Ghar Amusement Park
- Shikhar Adventure Park
- CRPF Shooting Range
- Ambience Mall
3. Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a popular pilgrim destination as this ancient land was the battleground of the famous Mahabharata war. Dating back to 2800 BC, the land is where Lord Krishna preached Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the eve of the epic war. Here are the leading tourist attractions in Kurukshetra.
- Brahma Sarovar
- Sannihit Sarovar
- Sheikh Chehlli Tomb
- Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre
- Dharohar Haryana Museum
- Kalpana Chawla Planetarium
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Birla Mandir
- Sri Krishna Museum
- Jyotisar Birthplace of Bhagavad Gita
- O. P. Jindal Park and Musical Fountain
4. Panipat
Situated on River Yamuna banks, Panipat finds mention in Mahabharata as one of the five cities founded by the five Pandava brothers. Its historical importance extends beyond Mahabharata as the place witnessed three crucial battles in the history of India. The tourist attractions in Panipat are given below.
- Panipat Museum
- Kabuli Bagh
- Old Fort
- Salar Gunj Gate
- Kabuli Shah Mosque
- Devi Temple
- Grave Of Ibrahim Lodhi
- Bu Ali Shah Kalandar
- Kala Amb Tree Site
5. Ambala
Ambala is one of the ancient cities in Haryana. Archaeological evidence found here prove that the land was inhabited as back as the Paleolithic age. During the British rule, the district of Ambala played its part by rising against the British army on many an occasion. Here are some of the important tourist destinations in Ambala.
- Ropar
- Nalagarh
- Sis Ganj Gurudwara
- Badshahi Bag Gurudwara
- Gurudwara Manji Sahib
- Rani Ka Talab
- Anandpur Sahib
- Planetarium
- Kharga Golf Club
- Holy Redeemer Church
- Paget Park
6. Hisar
Hisar is yet another part of Haryana that boasts of rich historic association. The land has evidences of being home to pre-historic man. The monuments here are feast to those who love to have a feel of the bygone era. Here are the top tourist destinations in Hisar.
- Agroha
- Banavali
- Kunal
- Gumbad
- Jahaj Kothi
- Barsi Gate
- Fort Of Prithviraj
- Feroze Shah Palace
- Gujri Mahal
- Lat Ki Masjid
- Durgah Char Qutab
- Town Park
- Devi Bhawan Mandir
7. Faridabad
Faridabad is the biggest city in the state of Haryana. It is ranks amongst the leading industrial hubs making a fat contribution to the state’s revenue. Though the city is not as ancient as some of the major cities in Haryana, it has its share in history. Given below are some of the tourist spots in Faridabad.
- Surajkund
- Badkhal Lake
- Peacock Lake
- Dhauj Lake
- Raja Nahar Singh Palace
- Camp Wild
- Nepal Photography Day Tours
- The Aravalli Golf Course
8. Karnal
The significance of Karnal’s place in history will be appreciated by those who have read Mahabharata. The city is said to have been established by Kauravas for King Karna, who was famous for his generosity and the attitude to give away anything anyone requested of him. Here are the leading attractions of ‘The City of Daanvir Karna’, as Karnal is also called.
- Karnal Fort
- Karnal Lake
- Naraina
- Miran Sahib’s Tomb
- Kalander Shah’s Tomb
- Cantonment Church Tower
- Pukka Pul
9. Pinjore
Pinjore, a town situated at 1800 feet above sea level, is one of the beautiful tourist destinations in Haryana. It is home to Asia’s best garden of the 17th century. Apart from being beautiful, the garden attracts historians and archaeologists alike. Given below are some of the tourist attractions in Pinjore.
- Pinjore Gardens
- Mughal Gardens
- Bhima Devi Temple
10. Panchkula
Panchkula is a satellite city of Chandigarh. The land was named thus as it is home to five irrigation canals.
- Kalka
- Pinjore
- Raipur Rani
- Cactus Garden
- Chhatbir Zoo
- Mohali Stadium
- Gurudwara Nada Sahib
- Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
11. Morni Hills
The only hill station in Haryana, Morni is a scenic delight. The lush greenery and the dense forests make you feel oneness with nature. This is the right place to land if you love trekking. Boating and cycling facilities are also available here. Here are some interesting places to visit and do in Morni Hills.
- Tikkar Taal Lake
- Gurudwara Nada Sahib
- Mansa Devi Temple
12. Sonipat
Sonipat is said to be in existence even before the times of Mahabharata. It is said that the place was founded by the Pandava brothers. The place gains importance for being among the five towns demanded by the Pandava brothers in an attempt to avoid war. Here are the top attractions in Sonipat.
- Tomb Of Khwaja Khizr
- Jurasik Park Inn
- Abdullah Nasir Ud Din Mosque
- Baba Dham Temple
- Methodist Mission Church
Haryana, the ancient land, is so compelling that you are drawn towards every one of its attractions. It is just impossible for one to overlook any of the tourist destinations here. But as always, time plays spoilsport and hence I could not say that I covered the state enough to include all tourist spots here. I would be glad to hear from you if you have more to add about Haryana’s attractions.