Kurukshetra

Established in Circa 17th Century AD, this elegant structure is the eternal resting place of the venerable Sufi saint Abdur Abdur-Rahim. He was popularly known as Sheikh Chilli or Chili and Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, was a devotee and disciple of this erudite scholar. Moreover, Sheikh Chilli's Tomb is constructed in beige sandstone, has a white marble lofty pear-shaped dome and delicate Parisian overtones that are imbued in this charming edifice. Additionally, pleasant Mughal gardens surround the mausoleum, along with the mortal remains of the saint's wife that are also present in a smaller tomb. One of the attractive places to visit in Kurukshetra, the building also houses a madrasa and an archaeological museum where antiquities unearthed during excavations at Kurukshetra are exhibited.Location: Darra Khera, Kalyan Nagar, Thanesar, Haryana 136118, IndiaPrice: Indian citizens and visitors of SAARC are charged Rs. 25/- per head. Cost of tickets is Rs. 100/-, or $2 for foreignersTiming: 09:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on FridaysBest Time to Visit: September to March

The museum was founded in 1987 and inaugurated by Sri R. Venkataraman, the then president of India. In February 2012, President Ms Pratibha Patil opened two new blocks that house the Gita Gallery and Multimedia Mahabharata. The museum is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu’s Krishna avatar, where his several incarnations as described in the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana are depicted through paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, antique relics and other objects. Intricately carved wood panels, exquisite bronze castings, delicate works on ivory, ancient etchings on palm-leaves or Tala Patra, stunning sculptures in stone, and miniature paintings are also on display. A stunning tableau built out of clay and paper-mâché is on show in this interesting attraction, making it among the places to visit in Kurukshetra. Location: Thanesar City Railway Station, Railway Station Area, Thanesar, Haryana 136118, IndiaPrice: Entry is free for children up to the age of 5 years. Above the age of 5 years and up to the age of 10 years, the tickets cost Rs. 10/-. Rs. 30/- is the entry fee for persons over the age of 10 years.Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday closedBest Time to Visit: Reach early, within 09:00 AM to circumvent long queues

This sacred reservoir has been mentioned in the writings of Al Beruni. It is among the principal places to see in Kurukshetra. Thousands throng the bathing fair here on a solar eclipse, with the belief that taking a dip would provide eternal salvation. The site presents a breathtaking view of the sunset, with the golden streaks of the setting sun reflecting on the tranquil waters creating an ethereal ambiance.The place is vibrant with tourists all day, attracted to this place by the sights, the shops offering exquisite handicraft items and the delicious local dishes. Crossing a concrete bridge, the visitors can reach a beautiful temple in the middle of the lake dedicated to Lord Shiva. They can witness the divine ritual of aarti in the evening and connect to their spirituality.  Location: Kurukshetra, Thanesar, Haryana, IndiaTiming: Open at all timesBest Time to Visit: November and December, when Gita Jayanti is celebrated by floating oil lamps in the water and on Somvati Amavasya tithi

The Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre was founded to display the influence of science on the religious beliefs in India. The ground floor is utilized for showcasing interactive science exhibits that highlight the amalgamation of technology with traditional Indian culture. The ancient Indian advances in science, including Indian perspective on the structure of the atom, properties of matter, arithmetic, geometry, medicine, surgery and astronomy are demonstrated.A lifelike panorama depicting the epic battle of Mahabharata is installed on the first floor and the uniqueness of this display lies in the scientific justifications provided about each episode of the encounter. The light-and-sound technology adds to the panorama with the chanting of shlokas from the Gita with war cries wafting in from the distance and creative use of lighting, all this gives rise to a sensational ambience. Location: Pehowa Road, near Theme Park, Dukh Bhanjan Colony, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136118, IndiaPrice: The entry fees is Rs. 20./- per person and for students it is Rs. 10/- per head (Group Visits)Timing: 10 AM–5 PM, Monday closedBest Time to Visit: September to March

According to the Hindu mythology, this lake that sprawls across an area of 550 ft is the abode of Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that all the holy waters of the Saraswati's confluence in this lake on the auspicious day of the solar eclipse. Pilgrims believe that taking a bath in this reservoir would give them the fruit of a thousand Ashwamedha Yajna, a sacred Hindu ritual. Shrines of religious entities like Dhruv Narayan, Dhruv Bhagat, Lord Vishnu, Laxmi Narayan, Shri Hanuman, and Goddess Durga are located in this sacred site, one of the leading spiritual places to visit in Kurukshetra. Besides that some of the Renowned Sikh Gurus have also visited this place. Location: Pehowa Road, 3 km from KurukshetraPrice: There are no entry feesTiming: Not confirmedBest Time to Visit: It is believed that bathing in the lake on the day of Amavasya or the day of a solar eclipse would absolve the bather of all sins.

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas (shrines), this temple is believed to be the site where the lower limb of Goddess Sati landed and is among the principal places to visit in Kurukshetra. While, some legends suggest that the anklet of the Goddess fell here. Another legend says that the hair removing ceremony or ‘mundan’ of the brothers Krishna and Balaram took place here. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas performed certain religious rites in this place before the final battle of Kurukshetra commenced. After their victory, they returned to offer their horses in the service of the Goddess. Furthermore, the devotees still offer metal and terracotta horses to the Devi in the belief that their wishes will be fulfilled.  Location: Jhansa Road, Kuber Colony, opposite Jindal Park, Kurukshetra, Thanesar, Haryana 136118Price: There are no entry fees. Timing: 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Sunday to Friday, and 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays. Best Time to Visit: It is best to visit in the early mornings to avoid the rush of devotees. The temple is beautifully decorated during the Navratri celebrations.

Dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the temple worships the lord as Nilkanth. This incarnation signifies the blue throat of the divine Lord who is said to have swallowed Garal or poison arising out of Samudra Manthan in Indian mythology. Devotees throng this religious shrine seeking salvation from their sins and relief from ailments, praying for wealth and attainment of knowledge. The temple has a vast Sarovar or lake beside it that adds to the charms of this picturesque destination among the sacred places to visit in Kurukshetra.Location: Dukh Bhanjan Colony, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136118Timing: not confirmedBest Time to Visit: Pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during the month of Savan

Kurukshetra is rich in archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage, all of which is showcased in this museum, a socio-cultural hub and one of the must-visit places to see in Kurukshetra. Over 3000 extraordinary and historical artifacts, countless paintings, manuscripts and photographs displayed on more than 23 galleries here attract not only tourists but researchers from abroad as well. The open-air amphitheatre in the museum campus hosts many live cultural and folk performances throughout the year, which are a must-see. Location: Kurukshetra University, Thanesar, Haryana 136119, IndiaPrice: There are no entry fees for children below ten years. The ticket price for adults and children over ten years of age is Rs. 5/- per head.Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mondays are closed.  Best Time to Visit: Any day is good but the best time to visit is between September and March