Things To Do In Karnal: Your Ultimate Guide To Haryana’s City Of Lakes

Relaxing by the shores of Karna lake is one of the refreshing things to do in Karnal

Situated in the heart of the state of Haryana, Karnal is a city known for its scenic brilliance and picturesque landscapes. Commonly known as the “city of lakes”, the place is blessed with serene water bodies that decorate its landscapes and provide a treat for the eyes of all who decide to visit. With all its aspects combined, Karnal makes for the perfect place for you to take a break from the monotony of daily life and unwind in the arms of nature.

Top 10 Things To Do In Karnal

Here is a carefully curated list of things to do in Karnal to make your trip even more memorable and worth remembering:

1. Unwind At The Karna Lake

Panoramic view of the Karna lake aligned with lush trees at its shore

Photo: Jagdeep Singh gill / Shutterstock

The Karnal Lake in the city of Karnal is a celebrated tourist spot. The place is famous for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes that allow you to appreciate the beauty of nature. The lake is away from the fast paced life of the city, making it the perfect place for you to relax and rejuvenate. The lake also holds a historical significance and is known to be the lake where the warrior Karna from Mahabharata used to bathe.

Things To Do: Picnic, Photography, Go on a walk

2. Explore The Karna Taal Park

Walk around the serene trails of the park and immerse yourself in the tranquil air

Photo: Manojkhurana / Wikimedia Commons

The Karna Taal Park is a park in Karnal that offers a window into Karna’s natural beauty and provides the site for recreational activities. The park surrounds a beautiful lake, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace for you to enjoy. The park is also equipped with a children’s play area to keep the children happily engaged in frolicking and fun. The Karna Taal park with its greenery and its majestic waters is a peaceful oasis.

Things To Do: Picnic, Enjoy leisure time, Go on a walk

3. Explore The Architectural Glory Of Babur’s Mosque

Majestic view of arching halls of the mosque, offering a grand and royal ambience

Photo: Uphogaphy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Babur’s Mosque in Karnal is a revered monument in Karnal that enhances its reputation as a city of great historical value. The mosque built by the mughal emperor Babur in the 1500s has ever since stood against the tides of time, making it a source of intrigue for history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike. Even though the mosque’s outer structure is partly in ruins, it is still a testament of the historical significance of the city of Karnal.

Things To Do: Photography, Learn about history

4. Play Golf At The Karnal Golf Course

Scenic view of a vast golf course with forested hills in the backdrop

Photo: AJAY KUMAR / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Karnal Golf Course is a lush green golf course in the city of Karnal. Looking over at the Karnal River on one side, the golf course offers a picturesque and magnificent view that complements your golfing experience. It is the perfect place to catch a break and engage in recreational activities to wash off all the stress of the monday to friday life. The Karnal Golf Course is also known to host tournaments from time to time which you can catch if you are lucky enough.

Things To Do: Golfing

5. Have A Picnic Near The Cantonment Church Tower

Picturesque view of the church tower standing amidst lush greenery

Photo: Parneet Singh / Wikimedia Commons

The Karnal Cantonment Church Tower is a reminder of the architectural structures made by the Britishers in the colonial era. The tower, once part of the St. James Church now stands alone in a field of lush green trees. The place makes for an excellent picnic spot to hangout with friends and family and experience a leisurely time that is full of relaxation and joy. Being a part of Karnal’s historical chapter, the church tower is a famous destination among locals and tourists alike.

Things To Do: Have a picnic, Take a walk, photography

6. Experience Spiritual Divinity At The Manji Sahib Gurudwara

Image of the Gurudwara against the clear blue sky

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Gurudwara Sri Manji Sahib in Karnal is a revered place of worship, cherished by pilgrims both in and out of the city. The place holds great historical significance due to its association with the divine Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The gurdwara is an ideal place for you to experience the positivity and radiance that is ever present in its holy environment.

Things To Do: Pray, Seek blessings

7. Shop At The Local Bazaars

View of a vibrant narrow street in the local markets of the city with shops displaying a variety of items

Photo: Dmgultekin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Your trip to Karnal cannot come to an end without exploring the local bazaars and engaging yourself in a little shopping spree. The bazaars offer a wide range of products ranging from handicrafts to fashionable clothes and accessories. In addition to that, your exploration of the bazaars will lead you to some of the most delectable dishes that are locally famous in Karnal.

Things To Do: Shopping, Explore local culture, Try local cuisine

8. Visit The Sita Mai Temple

Seeking blessings at the Sita Mai temple is a must thing to do in Karnal for devotees

Photo: Kooolxcv / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Sita Mai Temple in Karnal is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Sita. Being one of the only temples in the whole country that is dedicated to Goddess Sita, the temple has its unique charm that attracts pilgrims from far and wide. The temple is attached to Karnal’s rich cultural history and an age-old legend from Ramayana. The temple is believed to be situated in the exact spot where Goddess Sita got swallowed by mother Earth as a proof of her purity and integrity.

Things To Do: Pray, Seek blessings

9. Have Fun At The Dreamland Waterpark

Trying the thrilling water slides at Dreamland waterpark, is one of the best things to do in Karnal

Photo: Adones Bentulan / Pexels / Image For representation Only

Just a few Kilometres away from Karnal, The Dreamland Water park is a great destination for you to have loads of fun. The water park is fully equipped with water slides and pools of various intensities and depths ensuring a fun experience for both children and adults. In addition to the water park, the place is also home to many joy rides like the Giant Wheel, Dragon Train and Columbus.

Things To Do: Check out the joyrides, Enjoy the thrilling waterslides, Take a dip in the pool, Raindance

10. Visit The Sky Jumper Trampoline Park

Top view of people bouncing around on the trampolines and having fun

Photo: cameranest / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

The Sky Jumper Trampoline Park in Karnal offers a fun and exciting experience for both children and adults alike. The indoor arena has trampolines instead of the floors and the walls with many exciting activities that you could partake in. It is the perfect place to hangout with friends and family and break the monotony of day to day life. It is an ideal place to cater to your inner child and let it run free.

The city of Karnal has a perfect balance of history, culture and the beauty of nature which makes it an ideal place to visit. You can explore multiple historical places, savour the taste of local delicacies or just sit by a beautiful lake; whatever you pick among the multitude of things to do in Karnal promises a memorable experience. Plan your trip with Trip XL!

Cover Photo: SUDARSHAN BHATLA / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

Karnal is a city that is well connected with its neighbours via roads and railways. The city is connected to all the major cities in northern India via National Highway 44 (NH 44). The city is connected to all major cities through the Karnal Junction.
The winter months beginning from October and ranging till March are the best months to visit the city of Karnal. The city’s weather is at its best and most pleasant during these months, allowing you to escape the extreme heat that the region experiences and to have a convenient and comfortable trip.
Yes, there are many options for accommodation in Karnal to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Some of the options are Leela grande hotel, Noormahal Palace, Raghav Inn, Hotel Bhumi Residency and many more. It is advised to book your accommodation in advance to escape any last minute hassle.
The entry fee at Dreamland Water Park is ₹600 for adults and ₹ 500 for children.
The word Karnal comes from the words ‘Karna’ meaning the warrior Karna from Mahabharata and ‘Alaya’ meaning home or abode. The place is believed to have been the residence of Karna.

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