HARYANA YATRA Location : Northern part of India Capital City : Chandigarh Major Attractions : Kurukshetra, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Sohna Mostly Visited For : Surajkund Craft Fair, Adventure Sports

Haryana - Where The Head Is Always Held High

The Mesmerising Traditional Ghoomar Dance In The House Courtyard

Imagine a land where opulence is determined by the number of cows each family has! Where the morning sun skates its rays over lush green paddy fields and evenings dive into the heart of a colourful horizon that bespeaks an impeccable embroidery of a martial language and inimitable cordiality. Embraced by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the north, and Rajasthan to the west and south, the state of Haryana is sliced by the blue waters of Yamuna in the eastern border to Uttaranchal & Uttar Pradesh. Applauded as the grainery of this great nation, Haryana actively participated in the Green Revolution and White Revolution that took place in India during the 1970s. It fed thousands of Indians and today, it rejoices the kudos via the colourful festival of Baisakhi that sprinkles showers of merriment all over the state. It is a state that blazed a trail of holiday traditions, with its highway tourism policy, creating all roads to success. All in all, Haryana is place which will help you to unwind your definition for a perfect holiday! Check it out!

Chandigarh - A Melting Pot of Tradition And Modernity

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, is famous for its affluent but quiet, laid back attitude ideal for a solitaire tourist that has much more to offer beyond its modern town frolic. You will be amazed to know that Chandigarh is the first city to initiate the concept of town planning in India. Designed by Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is strategically segregated into 61 sectors. The pollution free air, the wide tree-lined boulevards and avenues, the cool ambiance of Sukhna Lake and the plush interiors belying the dull exteriors contribute to making Chandigarh a haven for fun-loving tourists. Adding a cherry on top of the cake, the trendy city now has found a new way to celebrate life, reflected in its bustling shopping areas, spilling restaurants and spanking new malls. Visit any restaurant in the downtown (Sector 17) and savour on a traditional Punjabi menu in a luxurious ambience, an experience of a lifetime. For a terrific weekend action, drive to the outskirts of the city; at a newly opened mall (Fun Republic) with a multiplex at Mani Majra or to the picturesque Morni hills on Panchkula Road. The latter also houses a bird sanctuary and you can relax amidst lush forests and euphony of colourful birds.

Kurukshetra - The Land of Holy Legends

The Ruins of Mahabharata At Kurukshetra

The green land that you can see today, once turned red with the blood of one of the mightest clans of Hindu mythology, the 'Kauravas'. But it is only here that the lotus of self-enlightment bloomed in the heart of valiant 'Arjuna', it is here that Lord Krishna preached about the goals of human life and 'Karma'. Welcome to the chapters of Kurukshetra (Land of Kauravas) that tell the tales of blood and blade and of course modern day politics. The town is dotted with numerous sacred shrines and is a revered place for Hindu pilgrimage. Visit the famous Brahma Sarover, a sacred water tank caressing the cradle of civilization. A holy bath during new moon is said to bring salvation form all sins. Besides you can also enjoy the radiant Deep Daan ceremony, a bustling sphere of devotion when earthen lamps carrying flowers and coconuts are floated on the shimmering waters and the whole ambience reverberates with spiritual hymes and prayers.

The Extraordinary People And Their Unique Lifestyle

Have you ever tried a wallnut? Isn't it amazing to meet people who carry a tough air around themselves, but are as soft as butter from inside? And to savour the butter of brotherhood, you need to come to Haryana. Interestingly, the people of Haryana are still conservative and continue to practise old routine and customs as a matter of community. You will see men in white 'Kurtas' taking their cows to the fields or women churning out butter from milk. Step inside their mansion and you will be amazed to see opulent motifs and premium furniture embellishing their homes, that endorse their treasures of millions. The best part is that, they are simple, hardworking and extrovert by nature. But surely they know how to enjoy life.

Moments of Merriment

Local Folks Playing Traditional Music At Surajkund Crafts Fair

Since the heart of Haryana traces its roots to agriculture, every moment of frolic is woven around this particular pursuit that brings smile on every face. To get a better insight, visit the popular Surajkund Crafts Mela, held in the month of February at a distance of 8 km from the national capital at Delhi. Affording some of the best handlooms and handicrafts of the country, the Mela is colourful and rich in experience. Wander around the bustling stalls that shine with the brilliance of mirror encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, the tinkle of bangles, shimmer of iridescent silks and the jingle of toys and trinkets. Offering a crowd of people who come from every corner of the country, in colourful dresses and carrying curious traditions, the Mela is indeed a keleidoscope of myriad cultures.

Adventure on The Rocks

The valiant sands of Haryana encourages adventure enthusiasts with an open heart. With the opening of an Adventure Club in November 1991 by the Tourism Department, the pleasure boomed to an extent such that there is always an adventure campaign going on at any part of this rustic state. Come, be a part of it. Get into a rubber dinghy and feel the adrenaline speeding down your spine while on white water river-rafting on Yamuna, near Hathinkkund. Brave a sheer rock-face while fighting to gain a foot hold in a bid to rock climb at Damdama Lake. Enjoy a memorable boat cruise at Morni Hills near Chandigarh. Drive to Surajkund or Badkhal Lake to kayak past amidst many adventure enthusiasts. Get a feel of rural Haryana with a whiff of the countryside aroma at Sohna on a bicycle. Relax by camp fires with a glass of chilled beer, listening to the sounds of silence under the vast canopy of Haryana sky. No doubt, there is so much to do, things that you will love to do again and again..

Drive Your Way

Sarus at Green Fields of Haryana

Haryana, situated in the northern part of the country is well connected to major destinations all across the country. Indian Airlines connects Chandigarh, the capital to Delhi, Amritsar, Leh, Mumbai and Goa. One can also go for Jet Airways, connected to Delhi with regular flights. The airport is situated at 11 km from the city centre and taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to commute to the city. Chandigarh railway station is about 8 km from the city centre (sector 17). Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi and Himalayan Queen provide train connections every day between Chandigarh and Delhi. Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and CITCO buses ply to and fro from the railway station to coincide with the arrival and departure of important trains. Pre-paid taxi and luxury buses are available just outside the airport for onward tour.

Chandigarh is very well connected by road to all major centres of the region and Delhi. The NH 21 (Ambala-Shimla) and NH 22 (Chandigarh-Manali) are the main roads linking chandigarh with the rest of the country. From Delhi (245 km), normally the journey takes around 5 hours, with most of the journey being along the NH 1, popularly known as the GT Road. Take a short break for refreshment at Oasis, a multiple facility arena managed by Haryana Tourism. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 17 is a modern complex with restrooms, retiring rooms, food outlets and reservation offices of RTCs. The road transport corporations of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh run deluxe coaches (some air-conditioned) to Chandigarh as do some private companies, including Indo Canadian Transport Company's deluxe coach services. Most of Haryana's inhabitants use their private vehicle to commute inside the cities. Rickshaw, bus and auto-rickshaws are the prime modes of public vehicle here.