Kurukshetra Travel Essentials

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"The land of Mahabharata"

Kurukshetra Tourism

A city in the state of Haryana, Kurukshetra, also known as Dharmakshetra is known as the "Land of the Bhagavad Gita". Situated 170 km north to Delhi, the place is famous for the battle between the Kauvaras and the Pandavas in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is the place where Lord Krishna is said to have recited the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. 

In the past, Kurukshetra was one of the most important centres for Vedic civilization as well as education. Lord Buddha and several Sikh Gurus are known to have visited and spent time in Kurukshetra. The place has a large number of devout centres, holy shrines and kunds which trace back to the epic ages and the earliest Indian civilisation. Archaeological evidence claim that this city was in existence during the pre-Harrapan times. Kurukshetra was also called Thanesar or Sthaneswar, meaning 'place of God'. The Archaeological evidence lists that Ashoka, the Mauryan ruler made Kurukshetra a centre of learning for people from all over the world. The place is famous for its temples, lakes and museums documenting the history of pre-Harappan and Harappan civilisations. A few kilometres from Kurukshetra is the village known as Amin, where there are remnants of a fort which is believed to be Arjun's son, Abhimanyu's fort.

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History of Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is the holy land which has witnessed the rich history of the Mahabharat epic. The city is named after the King Kuru who was the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. From its epic architectural edifices to its rich history, this place brings you closer to the Hindu mythology. There are several architectures that are sprawled in every nook and corner of the city, that reflects the saga of Mahabharat.
Jyotisar is the place where Bhagavad Gita was delivered to Arjun under a tree. Srikrishna museum showcases the well-preserved artefacts and paintings that depict the Mahabharat war. Kurukshetra is also known for its 48 kos parikrama, which holds an immense importance for the Hindu pilgrims. During the 48 kos (48 miles) yatra, the devotees take a complete round of the Kurukshetra, visiting all the religious sites of the city. Kurukshetra with its great influence of history and mythology is a great place to visit to get close to the Hindu mythology.

Places to Visit

1. Brahmasarovar: According to many legends and folklores, Brahma, The Supreme Creator, created this tank. Considered to be the 'cradle of civilization', it has withstood the test of time and is a preserved pilgrim site for many Hindus. The northern bank of the tank has a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the Linga in the shrine was placed by Brahma himself. Al Beruni, the 12th-century scholar has mentioned this Sarovar in his memoirs on India.

2. Jyotisar: Considered to be one of the holiest sites in the city, Jyotisar is the place where Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjun to prepare him for the battle of Kurukshetra. It is also the same place where Krishna revealed his Virat Roop or Vishwaroop (universal form) to Arjun. A Banyan Tree stands in the district which is revered by many Hindus and is considered to have witnessed the preaching of the holy scripture. Every now and then, there's a light and music show organised by the Haryana Tourism Department, that takes place around the Banyan Tree that narrates a part of the epic. Another important place in Jyotisar is a beautiful statue of Krishna on a chariot preaching Arjuna, which is made out of marble.

3. Bhishm Kund: A large reservoir dedicated to Bhishma, the forefather of the Kauravas and the Pandavas, legends say that this is the place where Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows. As he lay on the bed of arrows, he felt thirsty and asked for some water to quench his thirst. The Kauravas offered him water, he refused to drink it. Arjuna shot his arrow (called Parjanyastra) into the earth and the water gushed out and quenched Bhishma's thirst. Bhishma Kund is the place where Arjuna shot the arrow and is also referred to as Banganga by many.

4. Kos Minars: Known as the 'mile pillars', Kos Minar are the pillar built by Sher Shah Suri during the 16th century. The pillars are about 30 feet high placed on a masonry platform. While these structures might look like architectural marvels to us, they were actually used by Mughal emperors to calculate distance.

Other places of interest in Kurukshetra are the Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Sheikh Chilli's Tomb, Raja Harsh ka Tila, Bhadrakali Temple, Shrikrishna Museum, Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre and Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is almost ideal for enjoying authentic, rich and elaborate Haryanvi food and an absolutely flattering platter. Though non-vegetarian food is not available in the town, it makes up for it in more than one mouth watering ways. The Rotis of Bajra, Wheat, Corn flour are the staple essentials. The delicacies that go with these are Singri ki sabzi, Mixed Dal, Cholia, Kadhi Pakora and countless more that form a typical North-Indian menu.
Other than these, do lose yourself in the delicious Kheer, Malpuas, Churma and Aloo Roti. The area also has the lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine, that one just cannot miss. This includes Dal Makhani, Paneer Amritsari, Kulcha, Channa-Bhatura, Chhole Bature, Rajma and lots more to relish. Also sip into the local and staple, refreshing beverage made of milk such as Chaaj, Lassi and Thandai. Other than these beer and other alcoholic beverages are also easily available in the town.
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Suggested Itinerary for Kurukshetra

Day 1- Arrive in Kurukshetra. Check-in at the hotel. Leave for local tour of the historic city after breakfast. First visit the Brahma Sarovar, which is believed to be created by Lord Brahma himself. Then, visit the Sannihit Sarovar which is the meeting point of seven tributaries of river Saraswati. Later, visit the Krishna museum, it houses various artefacts of Lord Krishna and Krishna's incarnations from 1st Century AD to 11th Century AD.
Day 2- Visit the Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb, who was the great Sufi saint. The tomb comprises of Mughal architecture with gardens, mosques, and museum. Then, visit the Raja Harsh ka Tila, a 7th-century edifice which reflects the civilisations of the reign of Raja Harsh. Then, head to Jyotisar, a small town close to Kurukshetra where the holy Bhagwat Gita was added to Mahabharat.

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How to Reach Kurukshetra

How to Reach Overview

Kurukshetra does not have its own airport, but through a flight, you can reach Chandigarh (102 km) or Delhi (160 km) and take a cab/bus from there. Kurukshetra is a junction on the Amritsar-Delhi railway line and can be easily reached via trains. The Grand Trunk Road also called National Highway 1 runs through Kurukshetra which is 150 km off Delhi and 90 km south of Chandigarh. Buses are also easily available.

How to reach Kurukshetra by flight

Kurukshetra does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to the city is Chandigarh airport which is located at a distance of 91 km from Kurukshetra. From Chandigarh, the most convenient way to reach Kurukshetra is to hire a taxi. Else, you can also take state buses that run from Chandigarh to Kurukshetra.

How to reach Kurukshetra by road

Located within the close proximity to the state capital, Kurukshetra is well-connected by road with the nearby cities such as Amritsar, Ludhiana, Delhi, Rohtak etc.

How to reach Kurukshetra by train

Kurukshetra has its own junction, which is well-connected with the major cities of India. Commuting by rail to Kurukshetra is convenient and economical.

Local transport in Kurukshetra

Auto-rickshaws are the best ways to travel the city.

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Kurukshetra Photos

Kurukshetra, Haryana
Brahma Sarovar
Gurudwara Shri Patshahi Chevin Sahib, Kurukshetra
Gurudwara, Pahli Patshahi, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

+ 19
photos

FAQs on Kurukshetra

What is famous about Kurukshetra?

Full of history, architecture and mythological importance. Easy access to rail and road network.

What is not so good about Kurukshetra?

Cannot be visited during Monsoons and Summers.

Who should visit Kurukshetra?

Perfect place for Hindu pilgrims and history lovers.

What is the best time to visit Kurukshetra?

September to March is the ideal time to visit Kurukshetra as the weather is pleasant. The summers and monsoons are very hot and humid over here. The commencement of the winter season brings the pleasant weather in Kurukshetra. Hence, the period from October to March is considered as the best time to visit Kurukshetra.
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What is the local food in Kurukshetra?

Kurukshetra is almost ideal for enjoying authentic, rich and elaborate Haryanvi food and an absolutely flattering platter. Though non-vegetarian food is not available in the town, it makes up for it in more than one mouth watering ways. The Rotis of Bajra, Wheat, Corn flour are the staple essentials. The delicacies that go with these are Singri ki sabzi, Mixed Dal, Cholia, Kadhi Pakora and countless more that form a typical North-Indian menu.
Other than these, do lose yourself in the delicious Kheer, Malpuas, Churma and Aloo Roti. The area also has the lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine, that one just cannot miss. This includes Dal Makhani, Paneer Amritsari, Kulcha, Channa-Bhatura, Chhole Bature, Rajma and lots more to relish. Also sip into the local and staple, refreshing beverage made of milk such as Chaaj, Lassi and Thandai. Other than these beer and other alcoholic beverages are also easily available in the town.
Read More

What is the best way to reach Kurukshetra?

Kurukshetra does not have its own airport, but through a flight, you can reach Chandigarh (102 km) or Delhi (160 km) and take a cab/bus from there. Kurukshetra is a junction on the Amritsar-Delhi railway line and can be easily reached via trains. The Grand Trunk Road also called National Highway 1 runs through Kurukshetra which is 150 km off Delhi and 90 km south of Chandigarh. Buses are also easily available.
Read More

What are the things to do in Kurukshetra?

The top things to do in Kurukshetra are Brahma Sarovar, Krishna Museum, Sannihit Sarovar, Jyotisar, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Kurukshetra. You can see all the places to visit in Kurukshetra here

What are the places near Kurukshetra?

The top places near to Kurukshetra are Shimla which is 129 km from Kurukshetra, Delhi which is located 155 km from Kurukshetra, Rishikesh which is located 146 km from Kurukshetra, Mussoorie which is located 136 km from Kurukshetra, Chandigarh which is located 81 km from Kurukshetra

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Surbhi Parashar

5 years ago
- Carry good socks and shoes to avoid frost-bites during winter.
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