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Picturesque Pinjore
December 2, 2020 in Hotlists, Haryana
Picturesque Pinjore, the ancient town perched on the foothills of Shivaliks is famous for the Yadavindra gardens. It is believed that the Pandavas came here during their exile and the place came to be known as Panchpura.
Yadavindra Gardens: The famous garden of Pinjore is the oldest surviving Mughal gardens in India. It was built in the 17th century by Nawab Fidai Khan, a famous architect, and builder, who was appointed as the Governor of Punjab by Aurangzeb. He adopted the concept of descent into the vista of beauty, unlike the famous Shalimar and Nishat gardens of Kashmir, where one ascends the steps, one terrace after another. The ornamental waterway in the center with fine fountains is flanked by the traditional palm, cypress, and magnolia trees and well said out lawns and flower beds. After the death of Nawab Fidai Khan, the garden was ignored and abandoned. Later on, the royalty of Patiala revived the garden. Finally, Haryana Tourism fully recovered the pristine glory of the garden and re-named it in honor of late Lieut. Gen. Yadavindra Singh, the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala. Mango groves, orchards of citrus fruits, and litchi are maintained in the inner gardens. Rang Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Jal Mahal, the original palaces over here have also been opened for the tourists. The Budgerigar Motel run by Haryana Tourism is excellent. There are also facilities of restaurant, bar, conference hall and Oasis fast food. The Fountain and Light display during evenings on the weekends, Baisakhi and Mango Mela is a big tourist attraction. The beautifully illuminated garden, shopping arcade, arcade gift shops, etc. are added attractions for the tourist. Other attractions are a Mini zoo, a Japanese Garden, and Bhima Devi Temple.
Around Pinjore
Kalka (5 kms.)
Famous for the sacred shrine of Goddess Kali, one of the ‘Shakti Peeths’ and Railway Station building built during the British time. The popular toy train to Shimla originates from here.
Mansa Devi Temple
The sacred ‘Siddh Peeth’ of goddess Mansa Devi lies 8 kms. from the Chandigarh bus stand and 3 kms. from Mani Majra. A large number of devotees visit the shrine.
Beautiful Panipat
December 2, 2020 in Destinations, Haryana
The historic city on the banks of the river Yamuna is known for the three battles which changed the course of Indian history. The first battle was fought on 26 April 526, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi. Ibrahim Lodhi was defeated and the Mughal rule started in India. The second battle was between Bairam Khan, the guardian of young Akbar, and Hemu on November 5, 1556. While the third battle took place on 13 January 1761 between Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler, and the Marathas. The Marathas were defeated and they lost their influence in Northern India. Panipat is now popularly referred to as the *weaver’s city’, due to its world-renowned handloom industry. It is also an important industrial center and is also famous for the pickles called ‘Pachranga Achar’.
Ibrahim Lodhi’s Tomb: Ibrahim Lodhi was killed in the battle of Panipat. The simple rectangular headstone on a high platform marks the grave of Ibrahim Lodhi. It was renovated by the British in 1866.
Kabuli Shah Mosque: It was built by Babur after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi. When Humayun defeated Salim Shah, he built a platform around the mosque.
Abu Ali Kalandar Dargah: It commemorates a famous Muslim saint. Other attractions are Jain temples, relics of a fort, and a park.
Morni Hills, the Hill Resort of Haryana
December 2, 2020 in Hotlists, Haryana
Morni Hills, the only hill resort of Haryana, lies on the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. The idyllic hill retreat is a paradise’ for nature lovers. The two lakes and the Ghaggar river are the main attractions for the tourist. The lakes are separated by a hillock but are believed to be interconnected through a hidden channel, that always keeps the same water level in both the lakes. A 12th-century shrine dedicated to the Hindu Trinity is located on the banks of the lake. Morni Hills is also a delight for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. One can see animals like jackal, langur, hare, hyena, nilgai, sambar, barking deer (Kakadu), and even leopards in the jungles around Morni Hills. The commonly sighted birds here are blue peafowl, khalij pheasant, red jungle fowl, quails, Himalayan bulbul, etc.
The region is also ideally suited for trekking. Haryana Tourism has built the Mountain Quail Tourist Complex near the ruins of an old fort. There are a forest tourist hut and a PWD rest house, which provides accommodation to tourists and trekkers.
Kurukshetra, the ‘Land of Mahabharta’
December 2, 2020 in Haryana
Kurukshetra, the ‘Land of Mahabharta’ is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim centers in the country. It is named after King Kuru, the descendent of legendary king Bharat, after whom India was named Bharat. According to Puranas, Kurukshetra is the site from where Lord Brahma created the universe. It was here that the 18-day long Mahabharta battle between Kauravas and Pandavas was fought. And, where Lord Krishna preached the philosophy of ‘Karma’ to Arjuna, before the start of the epic battle. The very first verse of ‘Bhagwat Gita’ describes Kurukshetra as ‘Dharam-kshetra’ or the Region of Righteousness’. The region has 360 sacred sites associated with Mahabharta. Kurukshetra is also a highly revered Sikh pilgrim site, as it is one of the very few places visited by all the Sikh Gurus. It also has sacred sites for Muslims like the beautiful white marble tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Chehli Jalal, Chini Masjid, and Pathar Masjid, etc.
Brahma Sarovar: The huge water tank is one of the most sacred sites of Kurukshetra. The lotus-like temple of Sarveshwar Mahadev in the center of the tank is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythological legends, Lord Brahma established a Shivalinga and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The holy water body is 1298 meters long and 630 meters wide and is divide into two by a small passage. It is surrounded by 20 ft. wide platforms, stairs, and a 40 ft wide ‘parikrama’. There are also some meditation Chambers built for the convenience of pilgrims. Some ancient shrines are located around the tank. A holy dip in the waters of the Sarovar absolves one of all sins and is considered De of great importance, especially on the days of an eclipse, Amavasya (moonless night), and during the Kumbh.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple: This important shrine located just opposite the Brahma Sarovar is dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu) and his consort Lakshmi. The towering spire of the shrine dominates the skyline and its architecture is noteworthy.
Sannehit Sarovar: The sacred water body is located about 1 km. north-east of Brahma Sarovar. Mythological legends suggest that the Sarovar was created by the holy water that flowed from Lord Brahma’s navel. It is believed that the devotees are blessed by praying, bathing, or just by touching the water of the tank.
Gurudwaras: There are some gurudwaras at Kurukshetra. The most important are the Gurudwara Sidhbati, Gurudwara Patshahi, and Gurudwara Rajghat.
Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb: The beautiful tomb resembling the Taj was built by Dara Shikoh (Shah Jahan’s son) in memory of his spiritual teacher.
Kurukshetra Panorama Project & Science Centre: Highlights the scientific progress of man and the epic Mahabharata.
Sri Krishna Museum: It lies near the Brahma Sarovar and provides a glimpse of the history and archaeology of the region. The museum has beautiful sculptures of Lord Krishna.
Around Kurukshetra
Jyotisar (5 kms.)
The small pond of Jyotisar or the source of light and inspiration is said to be the place where Lord Krishna preached the philosophy of Karma through the ‘Gita Upadesh’, just before the battle of Mahabharta. The Jyotisar tank is surrounded by bathing ghats and ancient shrines.
The main attraction on the banks of the sacred pond is – 150-year-old Shiva temple built by the Maharaja of Kashmir, the Shankracharya temple, where Adi Shankracharya is said to have meditated and an ancient banyan tree, under which the marble image of Lord Krishna and Arjuna were erected by the Shankracharya of Kanchi in 1967. An excellent sound and light show is held in the evening which brings the message of Bhagavad Gita. Haryana Tourism has built the Jyotisar complex here for the convenience of the pilgrims.
Thanesar
Thanesar, the twin city of Kurukshetra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers. It is named after the ‘Sthan-esver’ or the abode of God (Mahadev) and was an ancient center of learning. The main attractions here are the temples of Sthanesvar Mahadev and Ma Bhadrakali.
Pehowa
The pilgrim center 27 kms. west of Thanesar is regarded to be a sacred site for the ceremony of ‘pind-daan’, which grants Moksha (salvation) to the departed soul.
Surajkund Fair
December 2, 2020 in Fairs & Festivals, Haryana
Surajkund is located just 8 kms. from south Delhi on the Delhi-Agra National Highway and is also very well connected by road with Faridabad and Gurgaon. Today, it is synonymous with the world-famous Surajkund Crafts Fair, held every year from February 1 to February 15. Some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of India are on display here. Visitors can buy these products directly from the weavers or craftsperson, bypassing the middlemen and distributors. One can also view the craft and loom techniques in the demonstration sections. The fair is also an introduction to rural life in India. One can enjoy the various colorful cultural programs as well as the authentic Indian cuisine at the mini Food Festival. Hermitage Huts, Rajhans, and Sunbird are the three tourist resorts run by Haryana Tourism at Surajkund.
Gurgaon, Industrial Center of Haryana
December 2, 2020 in City Guide, Haryana
According to mythological legends, the ashram of Dronacharya, the Guru of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharta epic was located here. The place was gifted to Dronacharya by Yudhistar, the Pandav prince as Guru Dakshina’ and it came to be known as Gurugram’, which later on became ‘Gurgaon’. Today, Gurgaon is one of the major corporate and industrial center of Haryana. It has emerged as the most important center of the IT industry and software development in Northern India. It lies on the National Highway – 8, closer to Indira Gandhi International Airport, at New Delhi, and offers world-class facilities to the corporate sector. Gurgaon has attracted huge investment from Multinational companies, large business houses, foreign investors, and Non-Resident Indians (NRI), etc. It has also emerged as an important shopping and recreation destination due to its numerous world-class shopping malls. Some places of attraction in Gurgaon are Shiv Temple, Sheesh Mahal, and Sheetala Devi Temple.
Around Gurgaon
Sultanpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary (15kms.)
It sprawls over an area of 359 acres on the Gurgaon – Farukh Nagar Road. The sanctuary was set-up in 1972 and Peter Jackson, the fämous ornithologist is credited for discovering the site. Over 250 bird species have been recorded here. Every year over 100 species of migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary.
Sohna (24 kms.)
This historic village is famous for its hot springs. The sacred Shiv Kund (tank) was once used by saints and sages. The sulfur springs here are believed to have curative properties. Haryana Tourism has built a fine resort named Barbet over here.
Faridabad, a City of Haryana!
December 2, 2020 in Haryana
Faridabad, the most industrialized and populated city of Haryana is said to be founded in 1607. The city is believed to be named either after Sheikh Farid, the treasurer of Mughal emperor Jehangir or Baba Farid, a famous Sufi saint.
Aravalli Golf Course
The beautiful golf course is located on the Delhi – Agra National Highway No.2. The resort run by Haryana Tourism also has Golfing huts and a Clubhouse. Other facilities include Restaurant, Bar, Conference hall and Billiards. Another attraction of the town is Baba Farid’s Tomb. Around Faridabad
Badkhal Lake
The beautiful lake resort nestled amidst the Aravalli hills is just 32 kms. from Delhi. The charming lake attracts a large number of migratory birds during the winters,
Hodal
The Dabchick Tourist Resort on the Delhi – Agra highway has facilities of restaurants, bars, filling stations, gift shops, and animals for joy rides.
Ambala, the ‘City of Scientific Instruments’
December 2, 2020 in Haryana
Ambala, the ‘City of Scientific Instruments’ is an important industrial and Sikh Pilgrim Centre. A large British cantonment was established here in 1843, since then it has been an important army cantonment. The main attractions of Ambala are Bhawani Amba Temple, Kali Mata Mandir, Badshahi Bag Gurudwara, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Manji Sahib Gurudwara, and Sangat Sahib Gurudwara. Lakhi Shah and Taqwal Shah are two popular Muslim shrines. The Saint Paul’s Church and an old British Christian cemetery are worth visiting.
Chandigarh, The City Beautiful
December 2, 2020 in City Guide, Haryana
The Union Territory of Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. This best-planned modern city of India was planned and designed by Le Corbusier, a famous French architect, and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret. The charming town referred to as the ‘paean to the urban planning’ is divided into several self-contained sectors, with its market-place, hospitals, educational institutions, worship places, gardens, and open playgrounds, etc. Provision for a separate self-contained industrial zone at the east end of the city was made, to keep the city pollution-free.
Chandigarh ushered into India “the modern architectural era” and is a manifestation of the dreams and aspirations of young India. Jawahar Lal Nehru remarked -“Let this be a new town, symbolic of the freedom of India, unfettered by the traditions of the past…an expression of the nation’s faith in the future”.
Rock Garden: This unique garden made out of rubble ranging from industrial to urban waste was conceived and created by Nek Chand. It is a must-visit site of Chandigarh.
Rose Garden: This largest Rose Garden in Asia was named after Dr. Zakir Hussain, the former President of India. The garden sprawls over an area of 27 acres and has more than 17,000 plants representing about 1,600 varieties of rose species. It also has beautiful fountains and a large number of trees known for medicinal value.
Sukhna Lake: The beautiful lake provides water sports facilities like boating, water- skiing, canoeing, etc. It also has a cafeteria and pub.
Other places of interest are – Govt. Museum & Art Gallery, City Museum, Panjab University, International Doll Museum, national gallery of Portraits, etc.
Explore Tarkarli
November 26, 2020 in Maharashtra
Beautiful Tarkarli, set at the mouth of the Karli river is one of the loveliest beaches of Maharashtra. The swaying casuarina trees, crystal clear water, and blue skies enhance the beauty of the virgin beaches here.
Tarkali Creek: Home to a rich variety of resident and migratory birds. An angler’s paradise.
Sindhudurg Fort: The famous island fort has a temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji and several relics of the warrior king.
