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Things to Do in Kurukshetra

Sheikh Chillis Tomb

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, India

Price: Indian citizens and visitors of SAARC are charged Rs. 25/- per head. Cost of tickets is Rs. 100/-, or $2 for foreigners

Timing: 09:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Srikrishna Museum

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, India

Price: 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 closed

Best Time to Visit: Reach early, within 09:00 AM to circumvent long queues

Brahma Sarovar

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, India

Timing: Open at all times

Best Time to Visit: November and December, when Gita Jayanti is celebrated by floating oil lamps in the water and on Somvati Amavasya tithi

Kurukshetra Panorama And Science Centre

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, India

Price: 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 closed

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Sannihit Sarovar

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 Kurukshetra

Price: There are no entry fees

Timing: Not confirmed

Best 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.

Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth Shri Devikoop Temple

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 136118

Price: 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.

Tau Devi Lal Town Park

This recreational park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Nature lovers can spend some peaceful time quietly watching birds or studying the considerable variety of plants that are housed here. The park spreads over an area of two acres and has a 1 km long walkway popular for morning walks and evening jogs, and the greenery here is well maintained.

Health enthusiasts taking a walk or running in the park are greeted with the exhilarating smell of roses from its rose garden. Some of the exotic species of birds that can be viewed here include the Plain Prinia, the Ashy Prinia, the Intermediate Egret, the Green Bee-eater, the Red-Wattled Lapwing and the Common Hoopoe.

Location: Sector - 7, Sector - 6, HUDA, Panipat, Haryana 132103

Timing: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Enjoy pleasant walks in the early mornings and evenings.

Valmiki Ashram

The Valmiki Ashram in Kurukshetra is a monastery dedicated to the sage Valmiki who is renowned as the author of the epic Ramayana. The entire construction is made from white cement and white marble, signifying peace. The distinctive flag of this ashram Nishan Sahib displays an emblem of a bow and arrow that stand for the disciples of Valmiki and sons of Lord Ram, Luv and Kush.

The Gurus disseminate the teachings of the Ramayana in the ashram and Langar, which is a free meal for the devotees and other visitors to this ashram, is provided here. Additionally, the daily aarti at Valmiki Ashram is a remarkable sight, a place of peace and harmony, travellers must include it in their lists of places to visit in Kurukshetra.

Location: Opposite Thanesar Railway Station, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Timing: All day.

Best Time to Visit: Valmiki Jayanthi in October

Karn Ka Kila

Once a sprawling fort, the Kila is now in ruins but whispers tales of splendors of the bygone era. Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1921 have revealed several prehistoric objects in this ancient mound. The artefacts belong to three cultural periods, from the 4th Century BC to the 3rd Century AD.

First, 4th to 1st century BC: The significant antiquities recovered from this period include terracotta seals with depictions of spiritual symbols like crescent, swastika, snake, and ‘nandipada’.

Second, 1st century BC to 3rd century AD: Accommodations built of baked bricks and mud, stamped pottery, artifacts made of terracotta, clay seals bearing Brahmi scripts and ‘Red Polished Ware’ represent this period.

Third, 15th century AD: Some ramparts and a well-preserved house built of Lakhauri bricks with lime plaster constitute the remains of this phase of history.

At another mound situated to the east of the main area, archaeological digs have unearthed a protohistoric residence, that is believed to have origins in the Harappan civilization. Two rooms with mud-brick walls were revealed, with a fireplace, an oven, a refuge pit and a corn bin.

Location: Raja Karna Ka Kila is located adjacent to the campus of the Kurukshetra University, Haryana 136118, India

Timing: The monument is always open

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Nilkanth Mahadev Mandir

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 136118

Timing: not confirmed

Best Time to Visit: Pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during the month of Savan

Mini Zoo & Black Buck Breeding Centre

The zoo in Pipli was established in 1982 and is spread over an area of 25 acres. The perfect place for animal lovers or a day out, the zoo is home to several species of animals like the tiger, barking deer, bonnet monkey, marsh crocodile, Guinea fowl, silver pheasant and more.

The breeding centre for the blackbuck located here is another one of the exciting tourist places in Kurukshetra.

Location: On Grand Trunk Road, near Pipli bus stand, Thanesar, Haryana 136131, India

Price: Entry fees for children aged 3 to 12 years is Rs. 2/- per head and for persons above the age of 12 years it is Rs. 4/- per person

Timing: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM in summer. In winter the timing changes, the zoo remains open between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and then between 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The zoo remains closed on Mondays, and on 15th August, 2nd October & 26th January every year.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple

A temple of many mythological legends, it is believed that the Pandavas from Mahabharata worshipped Lord Shiva at this shrine and obtained his blessings for triumphing over the Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The temple is dedicated to Mahadev or Lord Shiva and this holy pilgrimage site is one of the must-visit tourist places in Kurukshetra.

The adjoining reservoir’s water is believed to be blessed along with having medicinal properties. Legend has it that King Ban, a sufferer of leprosy, was healed by taking a bath in this tank. It is also believed that the Kshatriyas were annihilated at this place by Lord Parashuram, the valiant Brahmin warrior. Sthaneshwar is also famous as the ancient capital city of Emperor Harshavardhana.

Location: Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Haryana 136118, India

Price: There are no entry fees

Timing: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Early morning and evening from September to March

Dharohar Museum

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, India

Price: 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

Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir

One of the revered tourist places in Kurukshetra, this shrine dedicated to the Narayana Avatar of Shri Vishnu and his consort Goddess Laxmi was erected in the 12th century while the Cholas were the reigning dynasty in this region, and was restored in the 16th century.

The Kalash that was originally placed on this temple is said to have been made of gold, but the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb plundered it. The temple is constructed so that the first ray of the rising sun touches the deity’s feet. Devotees firmly believe that completing seven circumambulations around this temple will give them the result equivalent to the Char Dham Yatra.

Location: Dukh Bhanjan Colony, Kurukshetra, Haryana 136118, India

Price: The temple has no entry fee

Timing: 4:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 2:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Early morning and evening, from September to March

O.P.Jindal Park

Industrialist and Member of Parliament Sri Naveen Jindal constructed the Park to commemorate his father, O. P. Jindal, who was the Power Minister of Haryana. The Park is considered to be the largest of its kind in this region of India.The expansive park spreads out over an area of 14 acres and is one of the most attractive tourist places in Kurukshetra.

Sprawling verdant green lawns, perfumed with the delightful fragrance of roses carried on the breeze from the rose garden offers the perfect setting for meditation in its serene meditation centre. A jogger’s park, a musical fountain present at the centre of the park, and a fully equipped children’s play area draw visitors of all ages. The park also houses a quaint zoo and offers some form of entertainment for everyone.

Location: Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Haryana 136118, India

Timing: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: An all-year-round destination, early mornings are best for meditating and jogging. At the same time, kids can utilize the play area in the afternoons.