Top Destinations In Haryana

The name Haryana means the abode of God. It is a blend of two Sanskrit words ‘Hari’ which means God and ‘ayana’ meaning home. It is a land where guests are treated equal to god. Haryana represents the face of modern India. The one which is heralding the future yet prides itself of being rooted in its magnificent culture. Today Haryana is positioned among one of the wealthiest and most economically developed regions in South Asia. Haryana is a vivid kaleidoscope of diverse landscapes, showcasing magnificent archaeology and celebrating art and culture. A state that has transcended on a journey and preserved the best of both worlds – the footprints of the bygone era and futuristic vision. From being referred to as ‘heaven on earth’ in ancient Sanskrit texts to being the bedrock of Indus valley civilization, Haryana has one of the most unique histories. This land has also witnessed historical battles, including the famous battles at Panipat and has lent canvas for the epic battle of Mahabharata at Kurukshetra. Today Haryana stands tall with its achievements in agriculture, industrialization and flourishing art and culture. Rich in history, monuments, heritage, flora and fauna, human resources and tourism with well developed economy, national highways and state roads, Haryana is a journey worth experiencing.

Panipat

With a rich history, intricately woven with spirituality, epics and legends, the city of Panipat, in Haryana, is a historian's delight. With a smattering of tombs and baked brick stupas, the city boasts many gems that would enthrall the avid traveller. Panipat is believed to be one of the cities (prasthas) founded by the Pandava brothers during the times of the Mahabharata. Panipat traces its renown to the three pivotal battles of Indian history that were fought on its soil.

The First Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, between Ibrahim Lodhi, Sultan of Delhi, and the Timurid warlord Zaheeruddin Babur. Babur’s force defeated Ibrahim’s much larger force of over one lakh soldiers. The first battle of Panipat thus ended the Lodi rule established by Bahlul Lodhi in India. The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on November 5, 1556, between the forces of Akbar and Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya, a king of North India, who belonged to Rewari in Haryana. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought in 1761 between the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali and the Marathas under Sadashivrao Bhau Peshwa of Pune. Ahmad Shah won but with very heavy casualties on both sides. It resulted in the worst defeat of Marathas in their history.

The war led to a power vacuum, which later led to the British conquest of India. Panipat is also known as a city of weavers, with its handloom products appreciated the world over. Durri (a type of carpet), carpets, and home furnishings woven here are exported to countries like Canada, Japan, Germany and Australia. Don't forget to shop for them while here.

Kurukshetra

A sprawling city dotted with temples, sacred tanks and pilgrimage sites, Kurukshetra, in Haryana, is rooted in history. It is said to be the battleground of the epic war between Pandavas and Kauravas as mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. It boasts its rich heritage and past glory in various majestic temples and holy tanks like Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar. Named after king Kuru, an ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas, Kurukshetra has been a silent witness to many great events through the course of the history. It is also believed that Lord Krishna preached the Bhagwat Gita to Arjuna, a Pandava prince, here. According to mythology, Kurukshetra is spread over 48 kos (an ancient system of measuring land, wherein one kos is about 3 km) and envelops in its holy folds many temples. Legends abound here and have kept the stories of Mahabharata alive.

The sacred River Saraswati (now non-existing), along which the mighty Aryan civilization began and bloomed, was once the lifeblood of this land. In fact, if one is to believe the mythology that is associated with Kurukshetra, the holy waters of all the rivers that are considered to be sacred in Hinduism flow converge in Kurukshetra’s Sannihit Sarovar, at the time of Somavati amavasya and solar eclipse. It is also believed that if one takes a dip in the holy waters of one of tanks in Kurukshetra, one can attain freedom from the cycle of rebirth and ascend to heaven. Similarly, the locals are very fond of quoting the Mahabharata that says anyone who dies in this city attains salvation after death. This is the very city where it is said the great sage Manu wrote Manusmriti, the book of law and morality, which guides Hindus. Moreover, it is also believed that this is the place where learned sages compiled the Rig Veda and the Sama Veda.