Things To Do In Kurukshetra

Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium

Located near Jyotisar, the museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated to one of the most accomplished and inspiring personalities from the state of Haryana, Kalpana Chawla. Established in 2007 By Haryana State Council for Science and Technology, the planetarium is famous for imparting non-formal education in astronomy. It is a great place to visit for students. The main attractions include the astronomy shows, exhibit gallery and the astro-park.

Thanesar Archaeological Site Museum

Adjacent to Kurukshetra, Thanesar is an archaeologically important site, a short trip away from the city. The museum is home to many important excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which have revealed the history of the region. Some of the interesting exhibits include stones and terracotta sculptures, coins, ornaments and ritualistic objects among others.

48 Kosa Parikrama (Circumambulation)

The term '48 kosa parikrama' literally translates into circumambulation which is 48 kos long. This covers a number of important destinations related to the Mahabharata and other Vedic era tirthas (pilgrimages). Since Kurukshetra is a significant spiritual destination, devotees come here to visit these sites. Visiting the various Mahabharata-related and other Vedic times tirthas around the holy city of Kurukshetra means a complete parikrama.

Light And Sound Show

Based on the theme of the Bhagwad Gita, a light and sound show is put up at Jyotisar. The shows depict the war of Mahabharata, with a special emphasis on the teachings of Gita.

Shri Krishna Museum

Kurukshetra has a museum dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is at the heart of the ethos and identity of the city. One can find exhibits related to the various events in the epic Mahabharata and the Gita involving Lord Krishna. The museum has six galleries, three in each of its two blocks. On display are stone sculptures, bronze castings, leaf etchings, miniature paintings, clay pottery and terracotta artefacts. Haryana tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has also set up a Multimedia Mahabharata and Gita Gallery that are a must visit here. Shri Krishna Museum is located right next to the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre.

Kurukshetra Panorama And Science Centre

A unique combination of science and religion, the central attraction of the science centre is a life-like panorama of the battle of Kurukshetra. The exhibit gives travellers an alternate and scientific reading of various events of the battle. Built in a cylindrical shape, the centre is home to a number of interesting exhibits on ancient Indian concepts of properties of matter, structure of atoms, geometry, arithmetical rules, astronomy, medicine and surgery.

One should not miss the panorama of the battle of Kurukshetra that is on display in the institution. It showcases the battle of Mahabharata and offers a scientific explanation of each episode of the battle. There are several paintings that are part of the exhibit, some as high as 34 ft, which create a larger than life experience into lore and science of the Mahabharata war. The park outside has been used as an informal space for science exhibits for children that impart scientific knowledge in informal and interactive ways.