Kurukshetra
A historic visit
Kurukshetra Tourism
There are some trips which are meant not just to entertain oneself or to break the monotony of daily life rather they are meant to be one with the true history of India, swamped oneself into the cultures of past and get an insight into the beginning of something great. Kurukshetra, a city in the state of Haryana is counted among one of the greatest pilgrimage sites. The place is located around 170km north from Delhi and has an elevation of 258 meters height.
Known for its ancient places and sites this place marks as a large historical district which also lays the foundation for the Hindu beliefs as well. The site was famous for its association with the epic Mahabharata as the great war between Pandavas and Kauravas took place here only. It is also a belief that this is the district where Krishna recited Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna and to commemorate this preaching, town celebrate Gita Jayanti during the months of November and December.
Sadhus and pilgrims from across the country and many foreigners visit Kurukshetra for Gita Jayanti.
It is an amazing fact that based on the archeological studies on various parts of Kurukshetra, reports stated that the place existed before the times of Harappan civilization and focal point for learning and Vedic civilization. There are many historically significant points, things, and people, events attached to the place hence, a vital spot for heritage lovers.
Moreover, people interested in or who are attached to Hindu religion and its beliefs will be attracted to Kurukshetra as the other name that is Thanesar means ‘place of God’ giving it a religious elevation and placing it among one of the ancient places of India
Things to do in Kurukshetra
2.Bhadrakali Temple
1735 kilometres from city centre
Bhadrakali Temple, as the name suggests devoted to the Goddess Ma Kali. This temple is ...
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3.Brahma Sarovar
5 kilometres from city centre
Marked among Asia's largest man-made bathing tanks and country's largest ceremonial bat...
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4.Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
5 kilometres from city centre
Sthaneshwar temple is yet another important religious and a historical visit of this to...
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5.Krishna Museum
4 kilometres from city centre
Krishna Museum is the place which satisfies the theoretical and visual needs of history...
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6.Sannihit Sarovar
4 kilometres from city centre
Sannihit Sarovar is known for its sheer holiness as it is the humble abode of Lord Vish...
Read moreKurukshetra Photos
History
The town of Kurukshetra has a long history and various anecdotes dated back to the 7th century. One of the important stories was regarding the name of the town which was named after King Kuru. King Kuru was an ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas. According to Vamana Purana, Thanesar or Kurukshetra was selected by King Kuru for incorporating eight virtues, which are brahmacharya, yajna, charity, purity, kindness, forgiveness, truth, and austerity. Impressed by the work of King Kuru, Vishnu gave him two boons. One of the boons was that the land will be named after him as Kurukshetra and it forever will be called Holy Land. The second boon was that those who die here will go to heaven. The land has seen many dynasties and empires. Many people believed that this is the place where the universe was created by Brahma. And there are many stories regarding this town. Hence, a visit to this place will justify the needs of empirical people and pilgrims.
Food
As Kurukshetra is a holy town, only vegetarian food is served here. Consumption and sale of non-vegetarian food were banned by the civic authority in 2012. Most of the popular restaurants are located in Sector 17. You can find restaurants selling non-vegetarian food on the outskirts of the town.
Around the town
Besides the town, there are many places outside the town which interests the visitors. There are many sanctuaries, places, kunds and churches and mosques to visit to. One must explore the deep-rooted places of this district.
How to reach
The small district of Kurukshetra located in the state of Haryana do not have a chief airport of its own but there are many facilities to commute from Chandigarh Airport to the main city as the distance between them is 92.1 km. But there are the main railway junction and bus stops for the town which could help you travel easy and pocket-friendly.
How to Reach by Flight
Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport for Kurukshetra. From the airport, one can either take a bus to the main city or hire a cab to reach Kurukshetra. It will be a convenient way for visitors from far off destinations.
How to Reach by Train
Kurukshetra Junction (KKDE), Kurukshetra Railway Station is the chief railway station of the town. It is located around 2km from the main city. You could hire a cab or take a bus to reach the city center. The broad gauge is connected to the main stations including Delhi.
How to Reach by Bus
There is a bus stop in the town which connects many state-run buses to the metropolitan cities. The roads are quite smooth and services are available for both AC and Non AC buses.
How to Reach by Road
Hiring a cab or traveling by yourself is also a convenient option as the town is a one day trip and the nearby locators will be comfortable in choosing a car as an option to visit the place.
How to travel within
As the town is a small district of Haryana one could either walk, take a car or use the local rickshawas to travel within the town.
Kurukshetra Itinerary
Every place however small or humble it is in comparison to the cities require two to three days. But an ideal trip to Kurukshetra requires one day trip. A perfectly planned trip would be inclusive of temples, Sarovar and a good place to eat and relax.
You could begin your day by visiting the Bhadrakali temple and moving on to the Sannihit Sarovar and Bharmasarovar as it is pilgrimage site which necessitates one to visit such places. Then as the town is famous for its historic significance one should visit the museums and tombs which mark as the highlighter of the town. You could end your day by exploring the eateries and scrumptious street food there.
