Known for the battle of Mahabharta and the birth place of Shree Bhagvad Gita, Kurukshetra is one of the most important religious places for Hindus. Situated in state of Haryana, Kurukshetra is also significant place to Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists. According to the Puranas Kurukshetra got its name from King Kuru, the ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas. Lord Krishna preached holy Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on this very soil during the Kurukshetra war. Thousands of people come each year at Kurukshetra to take a holy dip at famous Brahma Sarovar. It is said that if you take a bath at holy sarovar then you are free from all sins and from cycle of birth-death. 360 Tirthas are located in Kurukshetra, among them Sannihit sarovar, Sthanesvra Mahadev Mandir, Jyotisar, Baan-ganga, Bhisam Kund (Narkatari) Chandrakupa, Nabhi Kamal, Bhadarkali Mandir, Arnai Temple, Prachi Tirath Pehowa, Saraswati Tirath Pehowa, Prithduk Tirath Pehowa, Rantuk Yaksh Bir pipli and Karan Ka Tila are popular with Hindu deities. Not only for Hindus, Kurukshetra has many Islamic religious places, some of the renowned are Sheikh Chehli’s tomb and Madrasah, Pathar Masjid and Chini Masjid. There are many Gurdwara located in Kurukshetra. Gurdwara Raj Ghat Patshahi Dasvin, Gurdwara Teesari Patshah, Gurdwara Teesari Patshah nare are some of the important holy cradle for Sikhs. Apart from religious places and historical buildings, there are many archaeological expeditions including the pre-Harrapan civilization. This great holy city with temples from different religious is a perfect example of a secular city in India with its integral historical charm.
A little tourist guide for you about Kurukshetra:
Route:
• By Air: Kurukshetra has no airport; the nearest airports are in Delhi and in Chandigarh. From airport you can take taxi or bus to reach Kurukshetra city.
• By Train: Kurukshetra railway junction is connected to all major railway stations in India. There is handful of regular trains between Delhi and Kurukshetra and from Amritsar to Kurukshetra. Shatabadi Express stops here.
• By Road: Kurukshetra is well connected with rest of India through roadways. National Highway 1 passes through Kurukshetra which connects all major North Indian cities with Kurukshetra. Regular buses are available from Delhi, Ambala, Karnal, Chandigarh, Haridwar, and Amritsar to Kurukshetra.
Nearest Railway Station – Kurukshetra Railway Station
Nearest Bus Station – New Bus stand at Thanesar
Nearest Airport –Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
ATM locations: You can find plenty of ATMs at Railway road and other parts of this city. Axis Bank ATM at Pipli Road; HDFC Bank ATM, Canara Bank ATM, Central Bank of India ATM are available at Railway Road in Kurukshetra. Corporation Bank ATM is in Red Road, Union Bank of India ATM and Oriental Bank of Commerce ATM is available at Thanesar, Kurukshetra. Bank of Baroda ATM is in Jhansa Road, Kurukshetra.
Famous Places around the area: Being one of the most important historical and religious places in India, Kurukshetra has lot to offer to tourists. Visit Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar along with n-number of temples and be blessed. Jyotisar – the birth place of Bhagavad Gita, Kalpana Chawla Planetarium, Birla Mandir, Dharohar in Kurukshetra University are must-visit locations here. Take a look at Bhishma Kund at Naraktari where Arjuna shot an arrow to generate water for Bhisma Pitamah’s thirst. The paintings at SriKrishna Museum are another popular attraction here. Thanesar town, which is identified as the main ‘kurukshetra’ war zone will fill you with mythological charm. Nearby Amin village has still some remnants of a fort which is believed to belong to Arjun’s son Abhimanyu. Do take a look at Saraswati Forest Reserve to view rich flora and fauna of Haryana.
Best time to visit: September to March is the best time to visit Kurukshetra.
Climate: Summer 35 to 45°C, Winter -4 to 17°C.
Population:964655 (2011 census)
Local Famous Foods: Authentic Haryanvi cuisine is the specialty here at Kurukshetra. Haryanvi cuisine is mainly made from fresh vegetables, staple and milk products. Bajre ki khichri, Besan Masala Roti Makhan, Teet ka achar, Singri ki sabzi, Kachri ki Sabzi, Methi Gajar, Bathua Raita are some of the popular dishes in Kurukshetra. Tasty Kadhi Pakora, delicious Churma, Kheer, Malpuas and yummy Raabri are some of the must-try food here. Drink lots of Lassi and thandai (Kachi lassi) during your stay here.
Local restaurants: You will find many dhabas and local food joints across all the roads in Kurukshetra. Sagar Rattana and Moti Mahal at Kessel Mall in Sec-17 offer authentic Haryanvi cuisine. Bhavaya, Near New Bus Stand delivers tasty dishes. Tripati Foods in Sec-7 is also very good restaurants.
Emergency numbers: Police Control Room – 100
Nearest Hospitals/Nursing homes:
1. Gita Hospital
Gita Colony, Kurukshetra
01744-291547 / 242547
2. Kurushetra Nursing Home
Pipli Road
01744-221396/97
3. Shri Krishan Dham Hospital
Railway Rd, Kurukshetra H O,
(01744) 292521
4. Meeta Nursing Home
Jat Dharamsala, Main Road
01744-645545/9466152999
Budget and safe hotels for middle class:
1. Hotel Silver Sand
Sector 17, Kurukshetra,
For booking contact Mumbai office: (022-61506363)
Tariff: 1400 onwards
2. Neelkanthi Yatri Niwas,
Near Birla Mandir,Kurukshetra
Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited
Tel: 01744-291615
Tariff: 900 onwards
3. Hotel Saffron
Opposite P.N.B Regional Office
Pipli Road, Kurukshetra
Ph: 01744-227404
Tariff: 1600 onwards
4. Parakeet Hotel, Kurukshetra
Tourist Complex, Kurukshetra
Tel : 01744-230250
Tariff: 1000 onwards
5. Balmiki Mandir And Dharamshala
Near Brahamsarovar
Ph. No: 9896047200
Tariff: 500 onwards
6. Gita Bhawan Trust Lodge
Near Brahamsarovar
Ph: 01744-292758
Tariff: 600 onwards
Tags: Kurukshetra Religious places in India
