ByKurukshetra is an ancient city located in Haryana, 170 km from Delhi. It attracts many tourists and devotees due to its association with the epic Hindu battle called the Mahabharata.
Also known as the “Land of the Bhagavad Gita” and Dharmakshetra, there are many religious places to visit in Kurukshetra where visitors can learn about the deep history of Hindu mythology. The city is famous for being the legendary place where the biggest Hindu war in history, the Mahabharata, took place.
During this 18-day battle, Lord Krishna and the Pandavas fought against the Kauravas to win the crown of Hastinapur. The city is full of attractions and places that visitors can visit during their trip to the land of Bhagavad Gita. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 9 tourist places in Kurukshetra, including temples, museums, and other recreational places that will make your trip hard to forget.
Places to Visit in Kurukshetra:
1. Bhadrakali Temple
This temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeths that are located in India. Located in Thanesar, Kurukshetra, this is the place where the left ankle of the goddess Sati fell. Being one of the famous places in Kurukshetra, the temple attracts a horde of tourists and visitors, particularly on weekends. According to the locals & pandits, Pandavas used to visit this place often to get the blessings of Durga Mata before the epic war.
2. Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre
Another recommended place on our list is a combination of science and religion named Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre. Located in Kurukshetra, Haryana, this beautiful place is loved by children and adults. Built-in a cylindrical shape, the Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Center looks very elegant from the outside. Nearby the entrance, visitors can see some beautiful, well-maintained gardens divided into different themes.
The ground floor of this famous building has a science centre that is both informative and entertaining. The first floor of the building is dedicated to Mahabharata scenes. One can view the important & special moments of Mahabharata in the form of models and sculptures, with background sound that is related to each scene.
This site is also a popular destination for school groups as it offers a wealth of information to children about India’s history as well as some science equipment and illusions. If you are with your family and looking for some fun & informative places to visit near Kurukshetra, then this place should definitely be on your top list.
3. Sri Krishna Museum
Another famous tourist destination to visit in Kurukshetra is located just adjacent to the Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre, with the name Sri Krishna Museum. Built-in 1987, this famous place attracts a lot of devotees & tourists as this museum showcases the life & important role of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata.
The three-story museum is home to six galleries, including paintings, statues, and sculptures of Lord Krishna, as well as some archaeological findings from Haryana. If you are a person who is fond of Lord Krishna, then you will be amazed by the vibe & atmosphere of the museum. The staff of the museum is humble and welcoming, and they keep the museum clean and well-maintained throughout visiting hours.
4. Jyotisar
Situated close to the Jyotisar Sarovar, Jyitisar, also known as Gita Sthal, is the popular Hindu sacred place where Lord Krishna depicted Bhagwat Geeta to Arjuna in his universal form called virat rupa. As per history, this is the place where the Mahabharata war begins. Visitors to this religious place can see the sacred banyan tree, which was present at the time when Lord Krishna depicted the Bhagwat Geeta to Arjuna.
This famous place also has a big bronze statue of Lord Krishna in his Viswaroop avatar that looks very astonishing. The best time to visit Jyotisar is during the evening when visitors can watch a light & sound show that adds to the beauty of this place. While visiting this place, keep your belongings with you or in a safe place, as the area has a lot of monkeys around. Being one of the famous tourist places in Kurukshetra, the area has ample parking for tourists to park their vehicles.
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5. Brahma Sarovar
Brahma Sarovar is a beautiful lake located just a few kilometres away from Kurukshetra’s railway station. Lying in the heart of Kurukshetra, Brahma Sarovar is one of the most popular and picturesque locations. This site is known as Brahma Sarovar because Lord Brahma performed a sacred ritual here and created this beautiful lake.Haryana Police is now monitoring this popular place as it attracts many tourists throughout the day.
The lake has a very peaceful & quiet atmosphere that will bring peace to your mind. Visitors can also see the huge chariot where Lord Krishna taught Arjuna about the right paths in life. As Brahma Sarovar offers a picturesque location, don’t forget to keep your mobile charged, as you will find so many photography locations in and around the lake.
6. Bhishma Kund
Found in Narkatari, Bhishma Kund is one of the religious places to visit in Kurukshetra, where Bhishma or Bhishma Pitamah was lying over the bridge of arrows. Near the Kund, there is a beautiful, well-maintained temple where visitors can visit during their visit to the lake.
It is believed to be the spot where Arjuna fired an arrow from his bow at the ground in order to obtain drinking water for Bhishma. According to history, a bath in Bhishma Kund will help cure any skin disease.
7. Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, or Mahadev, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples to visit in Kurukshetra. This temple is believed to be more than 5000 years old and attracts many devotees from all over India.
According to the legends, Lord Brahma placed the Shiv Lingam at this exact location. Lord Krishna and Pandavas used to visit this religious site to receive blessings from Lord Shiva before the epic battle of the Mahabharata. Near Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, devotees can also visit some other popular temples like Bala Jii Temple, Navagrah Temple, & Maa Durga Temple.
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8. Sheikh Chilli Tomb
The Sheikh Chilli Tomb, located in Thanesar, near Kurukshetra, is a popular tourist attraction because of its architectural beauty & historical significance. The complex includes the tombs of Sheikh Chilli and his wife, as well as a mosque with beautiful Madarsa & Mughal gardens. Visitors can find historical artifacts like ornaments, swords, and sculptures under the complex.
The complex was built to honor Sheikh Chilli, the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and a well-known Sufi saint. The Sheikh Chilli Tomb has stunning Persian-style architecture that looks very elegant from both inside and out. If you’re in Kurukshetra and looking for historical places to visit near Kurukshetra, then the Sheikh Chilli Tomb should be on your list.
9. Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium
The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium was built in 2007 by NCSM as a tribute to Kalpana Chawla, an Indian astronaut who hails from Karnal. This place, located near Jyotisar, showcases Kalpana Chawla’s achievements and life journey, along with information about space.
A 30-minute astronomy film in a planetarium explains details about space. The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium in Kurukshetra is a great family destination where kids and visitors can have fun learning about our space.
10. Pipli Zoo
Pipli Zoo, often called the Mini Zoo, is a great place to visit in Kurukshetra for families seeking quality time together. Opened in 1982, Pipli Zoo draws numerous visitors who enjoy observing wild animals. Spanning 27 acres, it features a diverse range of birds and animals. Guests can also find a delightful restaurant on-site to satisfy their appetites.
Additionally, there is a designated selfie point where visitors can capture memorable photos. Within the zoo, you can see various wildlife, including lions, jackals, hyenas, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, deer, and several rare bird species. For families looking for an enjoyable outing in Kurukshetra, Pipli Zoo stands out as an excellent choice.
These places will give you peace of mind and take you to historical & religious sites where you can witness the glory of Hindu deities. In this blog, we have mentioned all the best places in Kurukshetra where you will have a good time with your loved ones while learning about the history of this ancient city.
