Haryana

Overview

Making its presence felt rapidly with spectacular development over the last few decades, Haryana is the 16th largest state in India and is steadily gaining popularity. The state borders the national capital, New Delhi, on three sides, making it highly accessible.

Haryana has undergone a major transformation in recent years and today boasts a fertile and picturesque landscape, earning it the title ‘Green Land of India’. Despite having no major rivers, Haryana is a key contributor to India’s agricultural output.
The state enjoys a respectable literacy rate of 71.4%, with Hindus forming the majority. Haryana is also unique in sharing its capital, Chandigarh, with the neighboring state of Punjab. Most residents speak Haryanvi, English, or Punjabi, and Hindi is widely understood.

Historically, Haryana is considered the birthplace of Hinduism, according to mythology. Settlements in the Ghaggar Valley date back to before 3000 BC. The Bharata Dynasty, from which India’s Hindi name ‘Bharat’ originates, ruled this region. Haryana is also prominent in the epic Mahabharata; Kurukshetra is where the legendary battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas was fought.

The weather in Haryana can be extreme due to its proximity to northern mountain ranges, with freezing winters in December-January and hot summers in May-June. The local people are known for their simplicity and hard work. Despite rapid development, a significant portion of the population still resides in rural areas, while the state remains a top producer of milk and food grains in India.

Some of the worthwhile destinations in Haryana are:

Badkhal Lake
The lake is a popular weekend getaway and offers tourists a variety of recreational options, including angling, boating, and swimming.

Panipat
Famous for witnessing three historic battles in Indian history, Panipat also features in Hindu mythology as one of the cities established by the Pandavas. The city is a popular tourist destination with several forts and temples.

Kurukshetra
A site of immense mythological importance in the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is where the epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas took place. Key attractions include Sri Krishna Museum, Brahma Sarovar, Jyotisar, and Sannihit Sarovar.

Saras
The Saras complex is an ideal retreat for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene combination of lush greenery, the Aravalli range, and the Sylvan Lake.

Sohna
A perfect spot for family outings or day trips, Sohna features cultural attractions and Sohna Hills Resorts. Damdama Lake is located nearby, adding to its appeal.

Tourist Attractions

• Badkhal Lake
• Damdama Lake
• Karna
• Kurukshetra
• Magpie Surajkund
• Morni Hills
• Panchkula
• Panipat
• Prithaviraj Ki Kutchery
• Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
• Thaneswar
• Tilyar Lake
• Yadavindra Gardens

Shopping Attractions
Explore colourful traditional attire and handicrafts.

Known for
Typical cuisine: kadhi pakora, besan masala roti, bajra aloo roti, churma, kheer, bathua raita, methi gajar, singri ki sabzi, and tamatar chutney.

For Emergency
Fire: 101
Police: 100
Emergency (civil hospital): 01681-245722

Best time to visit
October–March

How to reach
Air: The main domestic airport is in Chandigarh, connecting to all major towns and cities.
Rail: A well-connected railway network links major cities to Haryana.
Road: Haryana has an excellent network of state and national highways, making travel convenient throughout the state.