Kurukshetra, being the administrative headquarters of the Kurukshetra district in Haryana also holds a storied past. The place holds religious significance as well. Kurukshetra is locally known as ‘Land Of Bhagwat Geeta’ and Dharmakshetra which means ‘Realm Of Duty’. This place was renowned historically and remains important to date. There are many places to visit in Kurukshetra which reflect its importance. The places invite visitors to delve into the past and learn about the place’s unique blend of spirituality, religiousness and culture. Kurukshetra has been a chosen place for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
10 Popular Places To Visit In Kurukshetra
One of the major highlights of this place is associated with the Indian Epic of Mahabharata. There are extraordinary places to visit in Kurukshetra each telling the tales of its storied past.
1. Sri Krishna Museum
Photo: आशीष_भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Krishna Museum is solely dedicated to Lord Krishna and his life. There are paintings which depict his life and important events which have occurred on the land of Kurukshetra. The museum presents the personality of Krishna as mentioned in Mahabharata and Ramayana. There are six galleries in the museum divided into two blocks with three galleries each. Stone sculptures, bronze pottery, bronze castings, leaf etchings, clay paintings, clothes, miniature paintings and varied terracotta paintings have been put on display.
Location: Thanesar City Railway Station, Railway Station Area, Kurukshetra, Thanesar, Haryana
Highlights: Bronze pottery, Terracotta Paintings, Krishna’s life paintings
2. Brahma Sarovar
Photo: आशीष_भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
Brahma Sarovar is beautiful in Kurukshetra. This lake is dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is believed that Brahma created the universe from this place. There are many temples in the vicinity which are of immense importance. Visitors shall also visit Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath Haveli. Many migratory birds fly to Brahma Sarovar in winter making bird-watching activity an ideal thing to witness. The place is visited by devotees from borders and beyond.
Location: Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Highlights: Birla Gita Mandir, Somavati Amavasya
3. Sannihit Sarovar
Photo: Cssambala / Wikimedia Commons
Sannihit Sarovar is an important pilgrimage site in Kurukshetra. This place is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Sarasvati. It is also a permanent abode of Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims gather at this place during both solar eclipse and lunar eclipse. Sikh Gurus have visited this place too over time. It is believed that if devotees visit this place during a solar eclipse, perform Shradhs and take baths in holy water then he is blessed with the fruit of 1000 Ashwamedh sacrifices.
Location: Sannihit Sarovar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Highlights: Solar And Lunar Eclipse, Shradh, Abode Of Lord Vishnu
4. Kurukshetra Panorama And Science Centre
Photo: Kavurisgs / Wikimedia Commons
This place is of utmost importance as it combines science with religion. Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre is located near Sri Krishna Museum and is the main centre of attraction for all history enthusiasts. There is a life-like panorama of the war of Kurukshetra, known as the Mahabharata War. The depictions justify the war by giving scientific explanations. Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre is a two-storied building and has a floor dedicated to ‘India: A Heritage in Science, Technology and Culture’ which is an exhibition. This exhibition talks about the Indian concept of the structure of atoms, properties of matter and geometry.
Location: Pehowa Road, Dukh Bhanjan Colony, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Highlights: Interesting Exhibitions, Indian Concepts Of Science
5. Jyotisar
Photo: आशीष_भटनागर / Wikimedia Commons
Jyotisar is another important pilgrimage site and one of the best places to visit in Kurukshetra. This place is believed to be the birthplace of Bhagwad Geeta. The war of Mahabharata started from this place of Kurukshetra. Exactly at this place, Arjun was given the eternal and divine message from Krishna which is the teachings of Geeta and Adi Shankaracharya has confirmed it. There lies a holy Banyan Tree at Jyotisar which is considered evidence for the beginning of the war and the existence of Geeta.
Location: Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Highlights: Bhagwad Geeta, Holy Banyan Tree, Krishna Circuit
6. Sheikh Chilli Tomb
Photo: Vjdchauhan / Wikimedia Commons
Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb is a historical and architectural landmark in Kurukshetra. The tomb is dedicated to Sheikh Chilli who was a Sufi Saint and scholar. Sheikh Chilli was known for his spiritual teachings and contributions of Sufism to the region and neighbourhoods. He was a spiritual teacher of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh who was the eldest son of Shah Jahan. The tomb has a chamber where his grave is located. Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb is said to be made of Buff Sandstone and White Marble which is typically seen on the domes.
Location: Darra Khera, Kalyan Nagar, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Best Time To Visit: 9 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Beautiful Garden, White Marble Architecture
7. Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
Photo: OjAg / Wikimedia Commons
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies in Thaneshwar, Kurukshetra. The temple is of utmost importance to Hindu Devotees across India. It is believed that Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva to receive his blessing and gain victory in the battle of Mahabharata. There is a small water tank near the temple which is considered sacred. After visiting this temple, the devotee’s Kurukshetra Pilgrimage is completed. There is a Gurudwara near the temple which is said to be built by the ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur who stayed for a while at a place near the temple.
Location: Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Best Time To Visit: 9 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Holy Water Tank, Kurukshetra Pilgrimage, Gurudwara
8. Bhishma Kund
Photo: Giridharmamidi / Wikimedia Commons
This place is another historical and culturally signified place which has a connection with Mahabharata. At Bhishma Kund, Arjun prepared a bed of arrows for Bhishma Pitamaha. This place is exactly where he lay watching the battle of Mahabharata. A small kund lies next to Bhishma Kund which bears holy water. The place has a storied past and it conveys that when Bhishma Pitamaha was thirsty, Arjun shot an arrow at the ground from where a stream of water started oozing out. There is a stepwell too near the lake.
Location: Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Best Time To Visit: 9 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Holy Water Tank, Kurukshetra Pilgrimage, Gurudwara
9. Dharohar Museum
Photo: Owais Khursheed / Wikimedia Commons
Dharohar Museum showcases the cultural and architectural heritage of the state of Haryana. The museum showcases a collection of artefacts which reflect the traditional culture of the region, the clothing, the lifestyle and the art and craft of Haryana. Exhibits include all jewellery, pottery, costumes and households. This museum is located at Kurukshetra University and offers educational insights about many artefacts too. The museum hosts many workshops, training sessions and exhibitions to showcase the best of its collection with a deep insight into the traditions.
Location: Kurukshetra University, Thanesar, Haryana 136119
Best Time To Visit: 10 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Cultural Heritage, Jewellery, Art
10. Raja Harsh Ka Tila
Photo: Viraat Kothare / Wikimedia Commons
Raja Harsh Ka Tila is one of the historical landmarks and lies on the outskirts of Kurukshetra. This place is considered to be an ancient city settlement, which is presently in ruins. This site is spread over an area of approximately 2 kilometres. Raja Harsh Ka Tila was excavated by the Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) and is under surveillance of the same. Many items of pottery and terracotta were found in this place during the excavations dating back from the 1st Century AD to the 19th Century AD.
Location: Old Bypass Road, Darra Khera, Kalyan Nagar, Thanesar, Haryana
Best Time To Visit: 6 AM – 5 PM
Highlights: Cultural Heritage, Jewellery, Art
Kurukshetra is a city which is immersed in ancient history. This place has much spiritual significance. This city has been drawing many visitors from borders and beyond. The crowd gets awe-struck by the place’s storied past. With multiple places to visit in Kurukshetra and diverse places to visit, individuals can immerse themselves in a unique experience, the place promises you a memorable time. Book a trip to Kurukshetra with TripXL to explore every corner of the place.
Cover Photo: The Himalyan Lens / Shutterstock