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Places to visit in Kurukshetra

Steeped in ancient legends and spiritual significance, Kurukshetra – Haryana offers a transformative journey for every history enthusiast. Discover sacred tanks, historic battlefields, and profound religious sites among the top places to visit in Kurukshetra.

A wide-angle view of the sacred Brahma Sarovar tank, a key place to visit in Kurukshetra during the evening aarti.

Brahma Sarovar

Brahma Sarovar is one of Asia’s largest sacred water tanks, central to Kurukshetra’s religious identity. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the universe from this very spot, giving the sarovar its name and profound significance. 

Pilgrims flock here to take a holy dip, especially during solar eclipses and the Gita Jayanti festival, believing it liberates the soul. The serene ambiance, especially when thousands of lamps float during evening aarti, creates a truly divine and mesmerizing experience.

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Pilgrims performing rituals at Sannihit Sarovar, one of the most holy places to visit in Kurukshetra.

Sannihit Sarovar

A holy tank believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswati rivers.

The ancient banyan tree and marble chariot at Jyotisar, a seminal place to visit in Kurukshetra for spiritual seekers.

Jyotisar

The revered spot where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita sermon.

The circular building of the Panorama museum, a modern place to visit in Kurukshetra illustrating the Mahabharata.

Kurukshetra Panorama

A unique museum depicting the Mahabharata war with life-like panoramas.

Artistic sculptures of Lord Krishna displayed inside the Shri Krishna Museum, a cultural place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Shri Krishna Museum

Showcases artifacts and art related to the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.

The ornate shikhara and entrance of the ancient Bhadrakali Temple, a powerful place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Bhadrakali Temple

The Bhadrakali Temple is an ancient and powerful Shakti Peetha, ranking among the 51 revered shrines of the Goddess. It is believed to be the place where the ankle of Goddess Sati fell, making it a site of immense spiritual energy for devotees. 

The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the Mahabharata, as the Pandavas are said to have worshipped here for victory. Its tranquil setting and potent deity attract thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings and strength.

The red sandstone architecture of Sheikh Chilli's Tomb, a historical place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Sheikh Chilli's Tomb

A 17th-century monument dedicated to a Sufi saint, with Mughal architecture.

A serene view of Bhishma Kund, a historically significant place to visit in Kurukshetra from the Mahabharata.

Bhishma Kund

The water body created where Arjuna shot an arrow to quench Bhishma Pitamah’s thirst.

The tranquil pond and temple at Narkatari, a mythological place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Narkatari

The site believed to be the pond where Lord Krishna bathed after beheading the demon Kesi.

Traditional Haryanvi artifacts on display at Dharohar Museum, a folk-cultural place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Dharohar Museum

A cultural museum showcasing the heritage and folklore of Haryana.

Devotees offering prayers at the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, an ancient Shiva place to visit in Kurukshetra.

Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple

The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is a historically pivotal site where the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva for victory in the Kurukshetra war. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted them his divine blessing, or “Pashupat Astra,” at this very location, changing the course of the epic battle. 

The temple houses a revered ‘Swayambhu’ (self-manifested) Shiva Linga, adding to its sanctity. This ancient shrine offers a direct connection to the legendary events of the Mahabharata.

Archaeological excavations at the Bhirrana site, the oldest place to visit in Kurukshetra region.

Bhirrana Archaeological Site

The Bhirrana Archaeological Site is a landmark of immense historical importance, revealing one of the earliest phases of the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations here have uncovered evidence of a pre-Harappan culture dating back to 7500 BCE, pushing back the origins of Indian civilization. 

The site shows a continuous evolution of habitation, with finds including pottery, terracotta figurines, and copper artifacts. It stands as a silent testament to the advanced and ancient societies that thrived in this region.

A street view of the historic temples and markets in Thanesar, a nearby place to visit near Kurukshetra.

Thanesar

Thanesar is the historic old city that forms the core of the larger Kurukshetra region, steeped in mythological and political history. It was the capital of the ancient Vardhana Empire under the legendary King Harsha, a great patron of arts and culture.

The city is dotted with its own set of ancient tanks and temples, including the sacred Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple. Exploring Thanesar is like walking through the living layers of India’s grand historical narrative.

Pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Saraswati River at Pehowa, a major nearby place to visit near Kurukshetra.

Pehowa

A major pilgrimage town known for its ancient Saraswati River temple and sacred baths.

The ancient tomb and archaeological site in the village of Amin, a historical nearby place to visit near Kurukshetra.

Amin

 A historical village featuring a pre-Sultanate period tomb and archaeological remains.

The historic Ladwa Fort built from red bricks during the Mughal era.

Ladwa

A town with a historical fort built during the Mughal era by a Sikh chieftain.

 

The beautiful terraced gardens and fountains of Pinjore Gardens.

Panchkula

Famous for the Mughal-style Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore.

The idol of the goddess inside Sulhaani Devi Temple, a Shakti Peeth nearby place to visit near Kurukshetra.

Sulhaani Devi Temple

The Sulhaani Devi Temple is a significant and ancient Shakti shrine located on the banks of the sacred Saraswati River in Pehowa. It is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the ‘Angutha’ (thumb) of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. 

The temple’s serene riverside location and powerful spiritual aura make it a key destination for devotees, especially during Navratri. It represents a vital part of the region’s deep-rooted goddess worship tradition.

A scenic view of Karna Lake with the Cantonment Church Tower in the background.

Karnal

Home to the Karna Lake and the historic Cantonment Church Tower.

The white facade of the historic Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara in Ambala Cantonment.

Ambala

A major cantonment city known for its historic Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara.

Weaver working on a handloom in Panipat, known as the city of weavers.

Panipat

The “City of Weavers,” famous for its historic battlefields and textile industry.

The peaceful tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Abdul Qadir in Radaur.

Radaur

Radaur is a tranquil town known for its deep Sufi connections and historical significance. It is home to the majestic tomb of the revered 17th-century Sufi saint, Sheikh Abdul Qadir, a site of harmony and peace. 

The annual Urs festival at the dargah attracts devotees from all faiths, creating an atmosphere of communal unity. The town offers a quiet retreat into the spiritual and cultural syncretism that defines this part of Haryana.

A wide shot of the bustling city of Yamunanagar with its industrial backdrop.

Yamunanagar

Yamunanagar is an industrial city situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, known for its historical and religious sites. It is the gateway to the sacred Bilaspur Kapal Mochan, a fair held near a holy tank believed to wash away all sins.

The city also serves as a base for visiting the picturesque Chhachhrauli, the former capital of the Kalsia princely state. It blends industrial progress with a rich cultural and spiritual hinterland.

The ancient temples on the banks of the Markanda River in Shahbad.

Shahbad Markanda

Shahbad Markanda is an ancient town historically known as ‘Sthanishvara,’ holding great significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is situated on the banks of the Markanda River, named after the sage Markandeya, who performed intense penance here.
The town is famed for its cluster of over two dozen ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing exquisite Nagara-style architecture. Its historical layers and spiritual heritage make it a fascinating destination for history buffs and pilgrims alike.

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Kurukshetra Blogs

  • Haryana Cultural Guide
  • Places to visit in Kurukshetra
  • Places to visit nearby Kurukshetra
  • India’s epic historical battlefield
  • India’s archaeological & spiritual sites

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