Haryana

As the cradle of the ancient Vedic Civilization, the 5000-year-old history of Haryana is full of glory. It was here in Haryana, that Lord Krishna taught us about Karma and Dharma through "The Bhagwad Gita". It was here that Ved Vyas wrote Mahabharat (in Sanskrit) on the banks of Saraswati River. Recent archeological excavations in sites like Kunal and Banawali, are adding much more to our knowledge of Haryana's history. Arya Samaj has a large number of followers among Haryana's people. Haryana has a rich variety of craft, folk dances and fairs & festivals. Haryana became a new state of India on 1st November 1966, with Chandigarh city as its capital.
Haryana lies in the northern part of India and is bordered by the Indian states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. It has a population of 2,10,83,000 & an area of 44,212 sq km. Hindi and English are the official languages, but Haryanavi is most widely spoken. Punjabi and Urdu are also used in many areas. Ten Lok Sabha & five Rajya Sabha members represent Haryana in the Indian Parliament. Haryana is known for its rustic humour, brave soldiers, dairy products, Murrah buffalos and Basmati rice. The state bird of Haryana is Kala Teetar
Haryana has set up many tourist complexes, motels and camping sites in landscaped gardens to promote tourism. Haryana has one of the most successful tourist development programs led by Haryana Tourism department. The tourist complexes are named after Birds found in Haryana.

For further information log on to http://www.haryanatourism.com/

Ambala

The Ambala District has claims of being the Historically famous District of Haryana State. The district headquarter is situated in Ambala City. Other towns are Ambala Cantt., Barara, Naggal, Mulana, Saha and Shahzadpur. It is famous for its big army cantonment, air force base and a very busy railway junction.
There are a number of stories regarding the name 'Ambala'. According to one, one Amba Rajput founded this town in the 14th century. According to another the town is named after the Goddess Bhawani Amba. Yet another stories claims that the town was originally called Amb Wala (Place of Mangoes), and over time this got corrupted into the present name of Ambala.
In 1841, after an outbreak of malaria, the British abandoned the cantonment at Karnal. In its place a large cantonment was founded in Ambala in 1843.
Ambala district is famous for its industries, especially that of scientific instruments, metal casting, kitchen mixer grinders and submersible motor pumps.
Location - The district Ambala lies on the North-Eastern edge of Haryana between 27-39"- 45' North latitude and 74-33"-53' to 76-36"-52' East longitude. It is bounded by the district Yamuna Nagar to the South-East. To its South lies Kurukshetra district while in its west is situated Patiala and Ropar districts of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Shivalik Range of Solan and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh bounds the Ambala district in the North and Northeast. The height from the sea level is 900feet.
Population -The total population of the district according to 2001 is 10,13,660 of which the male population accounted for 5,42,366 and female for 4,71,294. The population of the district forms 4.8 percent of the total population of the Haryana state. The literate population is 673807out of which 390012 are males and 283795 are females respectively. The sex rate is 869 and the density of population is 644.

Places of Interest

Bhawani Amba - A temple named after the goddess Bhawani.

Historical Gurudwaras

The Badshahi Bag Gurdwara

Sis Ganj Gurdwara

Manji Sahib Gurdwara

Sangat Sahib Gurdwara

These are associated with Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Hargobind respectively.
The popular Muslim shrines

Lakhi Shah

Taqwal Shah
Christian Shrines

Saint Pauls Church

Old British Christian Cemetery
Parks and Gardens

Patel Park in Ambala Cantt

City Park in Ambala City

Rang Mahal, at nearby place Buria, is a well crafted palace with stone arches and pillars with beautiful carvings, erected during Shah Jahans reign.
Haryana Tourism has the Kingfisher resort on the national highway just outside the cantonment.

Bhiwani

The district came into existence on July 22nd, 1972 and is named after the Administrative city Bhiwani. Bhiwani city finds mention in Ain-e-Akbari. It was founded by the Rajput name Neem after his wife named Bhani. The Bhani word letter changed to Bhiyani and subsequently to Bhiwani. Bhiwani has been a prominent centre of commerce since time of Mughals. Bhiwani is also known for its temples and is called as Small Khashi of India because of numerous temples. Gauri Shankar temple of Bhiwani is known throughout the country. Another important city of the district is Dadri, which was founded by the son of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. It is also a hub of commercial activity. Apart from these two cities other major towns in Bhiwani are Loharu, Tosham, Bawani Khera, which have been seats of power since historical times.

General Information

Location - District Bhiwani is situated between 28.19 deg & 29.05 deg North latitude and 75.26 deg and 76.28 deg East Longitude. The Bhiwani District is surrounded by Hissar District on its North, some area of Jhunjunu & Churu District of Rajasthan on its west, MahenderGarh and Jhunjunu District on its south and District Rohtak on east. It is 124 Kilometer from Delhi & 285 Kilometer from Chandigarh.
Geography - In North Region of the district there are Alluvial Plains and in South there are Semi -Desert with remnants of Aravali Range Mountains. The Soil is loom in the North region and sandy in the Southwest region of Bhiwani District. The Groundwater is mainly Saline with some of small pockets of fresh water in Southwest. The groundwater level of the district is decreasing fastly. Lack of any Drainage system is the main cause of salinity of ground water. Total area covered by Bhiwani District is 5,099 sq.km.

ACCESS - By road District is connected by road to cities like Rohtak, Delhi, Pilani, Jaipur, Hissar,Sirsa,Chandigarh. By Rail it is connected to Delhi, Mathura, Malda Town, Jaipur, Ferozpur, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Hissar.

Climate
Temperature in the Bhiwani District varies from 2 Deg. c to 45 deg. c.
Rainfall is scanty (Annual Rainfall-483mm) mainly in months of July-August.
Vegetation mainly thorny trees like Babool, Jandi, Kair, along with Neem, Sheesham, Peepal etc.
Crops like Bajara & Cotton in Kharif and Wheat & Sarson in Rabi
Minerals like Building Stone& Gypsum or flexible stones ( Kaliyana Village).
Wildlife Rabbit, Neelgai, Fox

People & Culture - People of Bhiwani district are hard working whose main occupation is agriculture. They are religious people. Apart from this, residents of this region are fine Sports men and represent Haryana and the National and International level sports meets. Residents of this region also join Armed Forces in large numbers and defend the country from foreign aggression and internal disturbances. Due to sacrifices of brave soldiers of this district during battles, city is known as City of War Heroes.

Faridabad

Shaikh Farid, treasurer of Jahangir, with the object of protecting the highway, which passed through the town, founded Faridabad in A.D. 1607. Shaikh Farid built a fort, a tank and a mosque, which are in ruins. Later, it becomes the headquaters of a pargana, which was held in jagir by the Ballabgarh ruler. Faridabad became 12th District of Haryana State on 15th August 1979. Faridabad is about 25 Kilometers from Delhi in 28o 25' 16" North Latitude and 77o 18' 28" East Longitude. It is bounded by Union Territory of Delhi (National Capital) on its north, Gurgaon District on the west and State of Uttar Pradesh on its East & South. Delhi-Mathura National Highway No.2 (Shershah Suri Marg) passes thru centre of District. It has a railway station on the Delhi-Mathura double track broad-gauge line of the Central Railway.
Faridabad gained fame as an industrial township with industries manufacturing tractors, motorcycles, switchgears, refrigerators, shoes and tyres choosing the city as their manufacturing base. It is also famous for Heena Production.
Location - District Bhiwani is situated between 28.19 deg & 29.05 deg North latitude and 75.26 deg and 76.28 deg East Longitude. The Bhiwani District is surrounded by Hissar District on its North, some area of Jhunjunu & Churu District of Rajasthan on its west, MahenderGarh and Jhunjunu District on its south and District Rohtak on east. It is 124 Kilometer from Delhi & 285 Kilometer from Chandigarh.
For the ease of Civil Administration, Faridabad district is divided into five sub divisions viz. Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal, Hodal & Hathin. A Sub Divisional Officer (C) heads each Sub Division.

General Information
AREA & POPULATION
The district covers an area of 2151.00 km. The District accounts for a share of 4.86% of the total state land and accommodates a population of 21,93,276 (2001 Population census figures) - 10.40 percent of the state population. Only 55 Sq. Km. is area under forest, which is about 2.61% of the total geographical area of the District.
Its density according to 2001 population census is 1020 persons per Sq. km. against 372 in the state. It is the most densely populated district in the state. The RiverYamuna flows through its entire eastern boundary.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
Faridabad comes under the Gurgaon Division of Haryana. Haryana is divided in four Divisions. Divisional commissioner heads each Division. The Deputy Commissioner is the administrative head of District. Faridabad is divided into five Sub Divisions and a Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) heads each Sub Division. The district has 6 Community Development Blocks located in 5 tehsils. It has 474 villages of which 25 are uninhabited and 40 villages have been urbanised.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Faridabad has a well connected network of road and Electricity. Metallic roads connect all the villages of the District. All villages also have electricity since 1970. Faridabad is well connected with other parts of the country by Rail and Road. The broad gauge railway line of Central Railways passes through the District and most of the trains going to South and West of India pass through the District. Also hi-Mathura-Agrad NH-2 passes through the middle of the District and idabad, Ballabgarh, Palwal & Hodal the mains towns of the District on the National Highway. District has six telephone exchanges and about 126 post offices.

INDUSTRY
There are now about 15,000 small, medium and large industries in this district providing direct and indirect employment to nearly half a million people and ranks 9th largest industrial estate in Asia. The combined turnover is estimated to be about Rs. 1500 billion. (Approximately $32 billion). Many international/ multinational companies like Whirlpool, Goodyear, Larsen & Toubro, Asia Brown Boveri, GKN Invel, Woodward Governer, Castrol, Escorts, Eicher, Cutler Hammer, Hyderabad Asbestos, Nuchem are operating in this belt.

Places of Interest
Town Park, Sector 12, Faridabad - The Town Park is a hub of activity at any time of the day. Away from the humdrum of the city, the lush green lawns and a variety of natural trees and plants beckon the young and old alike.
Municipal Auditorium, Dusshera Ground, N.I.T. Faridabad - A large-sized hall and adequate parking space makes the Auditorium a fit place for holding multifarious cultural events and business meetings.
Gymkhana Club, Sector 15, Faridabad - The Gymkhana, as it is popularly called, is situated in idyllic surroundings. A full-sized swimming pool, a well-equipped gymnasium, tennis courts, badminton courts and a billiard room are some of the facilities available at this club.
Badkhal Lake - It is located in Badkhal village, 32 km from Delhi. The lake fringed by Aravalli hills is a man-made embankment. A flower show is held every spring here. It's name is most probably derived from the Persian word bedakhal, which means free from interference. Close to Badhkal lake is the Peacock Lake, which is another picturesque spot.
Baba Farid's Tomb - The city of Faridabad is believed to have been named after Baba Farid, an eminent Sufi saint. There is a also a belief that it was he who founded Faridabad. His tomb in the town is a popular pilgrimage spot for the local people.
Suraj Kund Tourist Complex And The Crafts Fair - Situated at a distance of around 8 Kms from South Delhi, it is an ideal picnic spot. The Suraj Kund Lake here is surrounded by rock cut steps. Built by rajput king Surajpal Tomar, Suraj Kund represents the rising sun. Ruins of a Sun temple lie around the lake. The complex includes a beautifully done-up Rajhans, a pool of fresh water - Siddha Kund; its waters said to have healing properties and a garden. A delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held here annually in February. Skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Cultural programs like folk dances, magic, acrobats and rural cuisines are also a part of this colourful fair. One can also see traditional crafts being made and buy them direct from the craftsmen. Food is served in Banana leaves and clay pots.
Aravali golf course - The first golf green was set up in Faridabad, Haryana in 1966, with the building designed by the famous architect named Joseph Allan Stein. However, since it suffered from lack of patronage, it was handed over to Haryana Tourism in 1988 and reintroduced as the Aravali Golf Course. The Course design was then laid by Stephen Kay, the famous Golf architect from the U.S.A. Today, it is 18-hole golf course. An 18-hole game can be played with the repeat of the 9-hole game. In the Golf course there is provision for billiards. 6 luxurious rooms and a committee room have been added for the Golf lovers. The keen golfers can make a night stay here at the lush green golf course about 30 km from Delhi and tee off early in the Morning.
The Aravalli Golf Course was developed by Haryana Tourism in 1988 and designed by Stephen Kay, a renowned golf course architect from the U.S.A. Spread over 45 acres, it has a 18-hole facility. There is also a clubhouse with restaurant, card room and billiard facilities. Cottages exclusively for the use of the patrons have also been built. Those who would like to stay on and play can rent these cottages over the entire weekend. Catering facilities are also available.

Fatehabad

Origin of the Name of the District
The district derives its name from its headquarters town Fatehabad The town was founded by Firuz Shah Tughlak in the 14th century. He named it after his son Fateh Khan, as Fatehabad. The Fatehabad district was carved out of Hissar district on 15-07-1997. The Fatehabad district made significant contribution to the Haryana heritage and was centre of activity during pre-historic times. The Asokan pillars at Fatehabad (originally of Agroha or Hansi) and now the latest sensation of the area of village Kunal are important landmarks. During the medieval period, the district rose into prominence continually.

General Information
Geographical Profile - District Fatehabad is located in the southwestern part of Haryana. It is surrounded by Punjab in North, district Hisar in south, district Jind in East and Rajasthan and district Sirsa in the West. The geographical area of the district is 2520 sq. km, which is 5.4 % of the state share.
Topography - The district Fatehabad is an alluvial plain of Indo-Gangetic basin. There is no perennial river flowing through the district only a seasonal river i.e. Ghaggar is flowing through Ratia and Jakhal. Bhakra and Western Yamuna are two main canals, which irrigate most part of the district.
Climate - The climate of the district is of tropical type with intensively hot summer and cool winter, with a temperature of 47 in June and 2 C in December and January. The average rainfall of the district is 400 mm

Places of Interest
Banawali - The ancient mound of Banawali previously called Vanawali, lies 14 kms, north-west of Fatehabad on the right bank of the Rangoi Nala. This proto-historic mound spread over an area of 1 sq. kms, rose to a height of about 10 metres due to successive settlements on the earlier rubble. The archaeological excavations done here by the Department of Archaeology, Haryana have revealed a well-constructed fort town of the Harappan period overlying an extensive proto-urban settlement of the pre Harappan culture.
Fatebabad - The town was founded by the emperor Firuz ShahTughlaq and named after his son Fateh Khan in A.D. 1352. The site on which the town was founded was a hunting ground. He built a fort, which is now in ruins, the fortification walls can be seen on the east of the town. He also built three forts in the neighbouring villages in the name of his three sons. The old town was surrounded by a wall, which has been dismantled to a great extent except near the fort. Formerly, Fatehabad was an important trade centre for the export of surplus grain but with the construction of Rewari-Bhatinda railway line which runs about 20 kilometres to the west of the town, the trade shifted to Bhattu. But the town assumed greater importance after the Independence when metalled roads provided important link and the earlier importance of the town was revived.
An important monument is a Lat or a stone pillar measuring slightly less than 5 metres in height and 1.90 mtr in circumference at the base. It was erected in the centre of an Idgah. The lower portion of the pillar is a mono-block of light buff sandstone and is possibly the remaining part of the pillar that lies in the mosque at Hisar. It is more than likely that both these pillars once made a single monolithic pillar, which was possibly erected by Asoka at Agroha or Hansi. The Ashokan epigraph that was once engraved on the pillar was systematically chiselled off for writing the Tughlaq inscription recording the genealogy of Firuz Shah in beautiful Tughra Arabic characters carved in high belief.
The other monument is a small and a beautiful mosque known as Humayun Mosque. The legend assigns the association of the mosque to the Mughal Emperor Humayun who on his flight after his defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri happened to pass through Fatehabad on Friday and is said to have prayed at this mosque. The inscription praising Emperor Humayun was originally found here and later studded into the screen-wall of the Idgah. One Nur Rehmat repaired the mosque in the early eighties of the last century.
There are facilities for stay at P.W.D. rest house, H.S.E.B. rest house, market committee rest house and Dharamshalas.

Gurgaon

Historical Background
Gurgaon district is situated in National Capital Region of Delhi, located just 10 kms away from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. The district derived its name from the name of Guru Dronacharya; the village was given as gurudakshina (offering to teacher) to him by his students- the Pandavas (Five brothers from the Holy scripture Mahabharata) and hence it came to be known as Guru-gram, which in course of time got distorted to Gurgaon. Thus the district has been in existence since the times of Mahabharata. The district is surrounded by Delhi & Rajasthan.
It is said that Yudhishtar, the eldest brother among the Pandavas, gave this village to his guru, Dronacharya, whose tank still exists on the west side of the Railway Road. Actual village "GURGAON" is about 1.5 km. away from Gurgaon town, where the temple of SHEETLA MATA, attracts devotees in large numbers on every Monday and Tuesday.
During Akbar's reign, the district fell within the subas of Delhi and Agra, and comprised, wholly or partly, the sikars of Delhi, Rewari, Suhar Pahari and Tijara. With the decay of the Mughal Empire, it remained in a disturbed state as a consequence of fighting between the neighbouring chiefs till 1803 AD when most of it came under the British rule through the Treaty of Surji Arjungaon with Sindhia. The town was first occupied by the cavalry unit posted to watch the army of Begum Samru of Sirdhana, whose principal cantonment was in the village Jharsa, 1.5 km. to the southeast of the town.
The civil offices were removed from Bharawas (tehsil Rewari) in 1821 AD, when the British frontier advanced through the acquisition of the Ajmer territory.
Britishes divided the district into parganas, various parganas were given to petty chiefs and granted as jagirs in lieu of military services rendered by them. These jagirs were gradually resumed and came under the direct management of the British; the last of the important changes took place in 1836 AD. There after, the district remained unchanged until the 1857 uprising. In 1858 AD. It was transferred from the North Western Provinces to Punjab. In 1861, the district was rearranged into five tehsils Gurgaon, F.P.Jhirka, Nuh, Palwal & Rewari.

Location
The present Gurgaon district comprising nine blocks Tauru, Nuh, Pataudi, Nagina, Punhana, F.P.Jhirka, Sohna, Gurgaon & Farrukhnagar was created on 15 August 1979. It is the southern-most district of Haryana. The district lies between 27 degree 39' and 28 degree 32' 25" latitude, and 76 degree 39' 30"and 77 degree 20' 45" longitude. On its north, the district of Rohtak and the Union Territory of Delhi surround it. Faridabad district lies to its east. On its south, the distt shares boundaries with the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. To its west lies the district of Rewari and the State of Rajasthan. Gurgaon town is about 32 kms away from New Delhi, the National Capital of India.

Climate
The climate, except during the monsoon, is characterized by the dryness in air, a hot summer and a cold winter. The year may be broadly divided into four seasons, viz. winter, summer, monsoon and the post monsoon or the transit period. The winter starts late in November and continues up to the beginning of March. The summer is from March till the end of June. The period from July to mid September is the southwest monsoon season. Mid September to end of November constitutes the post monsoon or the transition period.
Rainfall - The normal annual rainfall in the district is 553.00 mm. The rainfall in the district increases from the west towards the east. About 77% of the annual rainfall in the district is received during the southwest monsoon months.
Temperature - From about the beginning of March, temperatures begin to increase rapidly. May and June are the hottest months when the mean daily maximum temperature is about 41° C. While days are little hotter in May than in June, Nights are warmer in June than in May. From April onwards, hot dust-laden winds locally known as loo blows and weather is unpleasant. The mean daily maximum temperature in January is about 21° C and the mean daily minimum temperature about 7° C.
Humidity - The air is generally dry during the greater part of the year. Humidity is high in the southwest monsoon season. April and May are the driest months when the relative humidity in the morning is about 30 per cent and in the afternoon less than 20 per cent.
Cloudiness - In the southwest during the monsoon season and for brief spells of a day or two in winters in association with passing western disturbances, heavily clouded or overcast skies generally prevail. The skies are mostly clear or lightly clouded during rest of the year.
Winds - Winds are generally light but gain force in the summer and monsoon seasons.

Language
The language of Meos is Mewati, a sub dialect of northeastern Rajasthani. The language of the north and west of the district in which the Ahirs predominate is Ahirwati, another sub-dialect of the northeastern Rajasthani, while language in east of the district in which the Jats predominate, is the Braj Bhasha dialect of western Hindi.

Religion

The majority of population of the district consist of Hindus. They predominate both in the rural and urban areas except in the Nuh and Ferozpur Jhirka tehsils where the Muslims are in majority.

Accommodation

The Main reputed places where one can stay are as below:

Shama Tourist Complex: Inside Gurgaon City (0.5 km from Bus Stand)
Vatika Garden Retreat: Village Karanki (Sohna - Balabhgarh Road, Gurgaon)
The Plaza Solitaire: Delhi-Gurgaon Road, Sector-14, Gurgaon
The Bristol Hotel (5*): Adajacent to DLF Qutab Enclave Phase-I, Gurgaon
Sohna Tourist Complex: About 25 km from Gurgaon
Saras Tourist Complex: (Damdama Lake), About 20 km from Gurgaon
The Radisson Hotel (5*): Near Mahipal on Delhi-Gurgaon Road
Beside these some guesthouses, lodges (near bus stand) and some Dharamshalas are also situated in the city.

Places of Interest

Gurgaon - The headquarters of the district of the same name, Gurgaon town, having an altitude of 229 meters, lies at a distance of 32 km from Delhi on Delhi Bikaner railway in 28° 28' 0" North Latitude and 77° 01' 43" East Longitude. The town was first occupied by cavalry unit posted to watch the army of Begum Samru of Sirdhana, whose principal cantonment was at the village of Jharsa, 1.5 km to the south east of the town. The principal buildings of interest include Cawn Sarai, Nehru Stadium and Kamla Nehru Park. About 1.0 km away from the Gurgaon town is a village by the same name which is known far and wide for its temple of [SHEETLA MATA ](1 km from bus stand) where a fair is held every Monday and Tuesday. Mata Sheetla known to be wife of Guru Dronacharya. Every year during the month of March and July, a fair is held. People from every part of nation visit to this religious temple. Administration is provided all type of assistance to public/people in terms of their lodging, boarding, travelling arrangement.
Sohna - This town having a altitude of 230 meters, is situated on the highway from Gurgaon to Alwar, 24 km from Gurgaon and 56 km from Delhi. It lies in 28° 14' 51" North Latitude and 77° 05' East Longitude. Sohna is a corrupted form of Sona which means gold. The town is said to have derived its name from the gold dust, which was found after heavy rains in the beds of the neighbouring torrents. The town is of great antiquity and has been occupied in succession by three different races, viz. the Kambhos, the Khanzadas and the Rajputs, traces of which still exist in the extensive ruins by which the town is surrounded. The town is specially remarkable for its hot springs.In ancient times, it was a place of rishis and the main kund (tank) was called Shiv Kund. During Mughal period, Akbar on his visit to this palace had praised the place as one of the best in suburbs of Delhi. Famed for medicinal properties, these Sulphur springs were visited by foreign tourists during the British period. Now the government has developed this place into a tourist and pilgrim centre. A number of Painted Grey sites have been found spread over the Gurgaon district. A brief account of some of the more important sites is given below.
Nuh - Nuh, the headquarters of the Tehsil of the same name and having an altitude of 190 meters, is situated about 45 km south of Gurgaon on Delhi-Alwar Road. It lies in 28° 06' 19" North Latitude and 77° 00' 09" East Longitude. The town assumed important in the time of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera because of the trade in Salt, which was manufactured, in the neighbouring villages. To the west of the town is fine masonry tank of red sandstone with a chhatri possibly connected with the name of Chuhi Mal, adorned with beautiful floral designs. The tomb of Sheikh Musa, an example of the combination of Muslim and Rajput architecture, is at a distance of about two km and half from town. It is famous for its shaking minarets. The shaking of the minarets can be distinctly felt. There are two monuments in village Kotla about 6.5 km south of Nuh. These are 'MOSQUE' and the tomb of Bahadur Khan Nahir. In these buildings, red sandstone and Grey quartzite are skillfully combined in a very effective and well-built structure. Over the ruined gateway is an inscription giving the date of its building as A.D. 1392-1400.
Pataudi - Pataudi the hqrs of tehsil of the same name and having an altitude of 280 metres, lies at about a distance of 29 km from Gurgaon, and in 28 ° 19' 29" North Latitude and 76 ° 46' 36" east Longitude. During Aurangzeb's reign, it was made a pargana and was attached to Rewari. But in 1803, it was granted as Jagir to Faiz Talab Khan. The palace of the Nawab of Pataudi, built in 1934, is a remarkable building. It has a cricket ground in its premises. There is famous temple of Mahadeva at Inchapuri, about 8 km from town. A fair is held here during November. Ashram Hari Mandir Sanskrit Vidyalaya is worth paying a visit.
Ferozpur Jhirka - Ferozepur Jhirka, the headquarters of the tehsil of the same name and having an altitude of 205 meters, is situated on the main road from Gurgaon to Alwar, about 82 km south of Gurgaon. It lies in 27° 47' 40" North Latitude and 76 ° 56' 34" East Longitude. The town is said to have been founded by Firoz Shah Tughluq as a military post for putting down neighbouring turbulent tribes. The old part of the town is rectangular in shape and surrounded with a high wall which is now in ruins. This place is called Jhirka because of a Jhir, a spung, from a perennial stream which issues from a number of fissures in the rocks nearby.
Farukhnagar - A town in the Gurgaon tehsil and having an altitude of 220 meters, it lies in 28° 27'09" North Latitude and 76° 49'30" East Longitude at a distance of about 21 km from the tehsil/district headquarters to the north-west near the boarder of the Rohtak district. The town, octagonal in shape was founded by a Baluch chief, Faujdar Khan, who was a Governor appointed by emperor Farrukhsiyar, after whom the place was presumably named. The tourist attraction is Jami Masjid built of Agra red stone, which was constructed by Faujdar Khan. It is ornamented with a commemorative marble tablet. Besides, two slabs of red sand stone are affixed in the southern wall of courtyard. There is also a shrine of Budho Mata situated at Mubarakpur, a village about 5 km from Farrukhnagar.
The following are some of the important places to visit in District Gurgaon :
Dhankot - It lies 11 km west of Gurgaon on Gurgaon - Farrukhnagar Road. Tradition has it that milk was supplied from this place to Guru Dronacharya and his pupils at Gurugram (Gurgaon). It is also identified as Thullkottiha ( of the Buddhist literature) and was visited by Lord Buddha.
Saiyad - It lies 3 km west of Gurgaon on Gurgaon Dharampur Road. Traditionally, the site is believed to be the residential place of Guru Dronacharya and his pupils. The site has yielded Painted Grey Ware and late medieval remains.
Ata - It is situated 5 kms east of Sohna on Sohna Hathin Road. It had been an important center of art and architecture in the time of Gurjara-Pratiharas. Two beautiful icons-one representing Uma Maheshvara seated on Nandi of early medieval period and other representing Adinath of medieval period.
Malab - Situated 5 km south of Nuh on Gurgaon Alwar Road, the village contains one of the highest mounds in the region. A coin of Kanishka, some coins of late Kushanas and a number of coins of Muslim rulers have been found at the site.
Sanghel - It is situated 13 km east south of Nuh on Nuh Hodal Road. It is one the highest mounds in the district. It has yielded Painted Grey Ware, early historic wares and late medieval remains.
Ujina - It lies 10 km east of Nuh on Nuh Hodal Road. The village is known for its lake. The mound has yielded Painted Grey Ware and early historic wares. The stone sculptures located at the site represent Varaha and Nrsimha of medieval period, and Lakshmi of late medieval period.
Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary - Ten Km from Gurgaon and 42 km from Delhi, the place is a haven for bird lovers. It is a find of Peter Jackson, the world famous authority on bird watching. It was opened for tourists on 6th Feb. 1972. To this lonely and lovely retreat, flock the migrant birds from Europe and Siberia. These birds come here with the onset on winter and return when their colder homes have warmed up. Camping equipment like beds, Chairs, central tables, lights, stoves etc are available at site on hire at reasonable rates. To facilitate bird watching, there are observation hides and watch tower.
Sohna Sulphur Springs and Tourist Complex - The tiny town with pretty name, Sohna is credited with sulphur springs. This is situated in the heart of the town by the side of a perpendicular rock and is approachable only on foot through small narrow lanes where vehicles cannot pass. The water temperature varies from 46° C to 51.7° C. The present site of main kund, called Shiv Kund, is believed to have been the ancient abode of hermits. The hot water is believed to have curative effect on skin infections and diseases like gout and rheumatism. Hindus consider the tank sacred and come for a dip in its water on solar/lunar eclipse and Somavati Amavasya. The complex is studded with an extravagance of colourful flowers, trees and shrubs. Its vast landscape with peacocks strutting about grips one with all its beauty and splendour. Sohna by night becomes a wonderland of lights, simply bewitching.
Shama Tourist Complex, Gurgaon - Named after the Indian popular bird, the Shama Tourist Complex at Gurgaon is located in the heart of the town. It is about 0.5 km away from Gurgaon Bus stand and near to General Hospital of Gurgaon. It has become a favourite motoring stop over a journey to Jaipur side, as it is about 1 km away from Delhi - Jaipur National Highway.

Karnal

Karnal is one of the oldest district of Haryana states since the inception of Haryana as a State on 1st November 1966. Kurukshetra, Kaithal & Panipat were part of Karnal District before getting status of separate districts. It was also a district in the erstwhile Punjab State.
The city of Karnal, said to have been founded by Raja Karna, of the Mahabharta fame. In 1739 Nadir Shah defeated Muhammad Shah at Karnal. Raja Gopal Singh of Jind seized Karnal in 1863, and the Marhattas established themselves at Karnal in 1785. Skirmishes however, followed between the Marhattas and the Sikhs. In 1795 the Marhattas finally wrested it from Raja Bhag Singh of Jind and made it over to the George Thomas, who took part in the fight. Meanwhile Raja Gurdit Singh of Ladwa obtained possession of Karnal. It was captured by the British in 1805 and made over to Muhamdi Khan (Mandal). Karnal, on being formed into a British cantonment, the fort which had been built by Raja Gajpat singh of Jind, was taken over by the British and converted into a residence for Dost Mohd. Khan Amir of Kabul. The fort was used as a jail,as quarters for native cavalry and as poor house. In 1862, it was made over to the Education Department, when the district school was moved into it from the city.
It is known all over the world for production of Rice, Wheat and Milk, and agriculture research Institutions like NDRI, CSSRI, Wheat Research Directorate, National Bureau of Animal Genetics Research, Sugarcane Breeding Institute etc.

LOCATION - Karnal is important city on Delhi Ambala Rail Line & Sher Shah Suri Marg (G.T.Road), connected with all-important places in the country. It is 123 Kilometer from Delhi & 130 Kilometer from Chandigarh. Karnal District lies on the western Bank of river Yamuna which once flows about 11 kilometer to the east forming eastern boundary of the district. The river Yamuna separates Haryana from Utter Pardesh. The Karnal Distt including Panipat lies between 29'09'50" and 29'50' North latitude and 76 31' 15" and 77 12'45" East longitude, its height from sea level is between 235 and 252 meters. The Karnal Distt. is surrounded by Kurukshetra District on its north-west, jind & Kaithal Distt. on its west, Panipat Distt. on its south and Utter Pradesh on east.

GEOGRAPHICAL / PHYSICAL ASPECTS
Yamuna River forms eastern boundary of the district and flows from north to south. The district is a part of the Ganga-Sindus (Indo-Gangestic) plains and has a well spread network of western Yamuna canal. Its geographical area has been divided in to three agro climatic regions, Khadar, Bhangar and Nardak belt. Khadar starts from Indri-Karnal road one mile away from Karnal covering the area in between Yamuna River and National Highway Road No.1 upto Patti-Kalyana village. Bhangar area starts from west of Khadar area covering Gharaunda, development block. The nardak area lies in Nissing, Nilokheri and Assandh development block. However, its water is saline and not fit for irrigation.

Places of Interest

Kalander Shah's Tomb - Kalander Shah's tomb is situated just outside the town. The grave is made of marble and decorated with sculpture. The tomb was built by Ghias-ud-din, Emperor of Delhi, to the memory of Bo-Ali-Qualander Shah, a famous Muslim Savant and Sage, who influenced the thinking of his age and was very widely revered by all communities. Within the enclosure are mosque and a reservoir with fountains built by Emperor Alamgir and outside a Kettle Drum balcony.
Devi Temple - A temple dedicated to a goddess exists on the bank of a large tank. A Shiva temple believed to have been built by Mubark Khan also exists there. An old Indian gun, some 8 feet long made of bars of iron bound together by iron hoops, and with its namke of ganj shikan or fort breaker cast on it stood in the fort but was later on removed and destroyed.
Cantonment Church Tower - This is a big old massive tower and can be seen from a distance of several miles, as it is 100 feet in height. A large ornamental cross surrounds the tower. The church itself named after St. James was dismantled with the shifting of the Cantonment to Ambala in 1841 A.D.
Bhara Mal's Sarai - Constructed by Bhara Mal, it is presently occupied by the office of the Deputy Assistant Director General (Medical Store), Govt. of India.
Old Fort - Constructed by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind in about 1764 A.D., it now provides accommodation for the office and residence of the Tehsildar.
Miran Sahib's Tomb - This tomb stands to the memory of a saint, Sayad Mohd. alias Miran Sahib who died in 899 A.D. He was responsible for rescuing a Brahmin girl from the clutches of a Raja in a pitched battle. The tomb is situated towards the extreme south of the town and alongside it stands a small mosque and a cemetery of many members of the Mandal family.
Gurdwara Manji Sahib - This Gurdwara commemorates Guru Nanak's meeting with Bo Ali Shah Qalandar. Guru Tegh Bahadur also visited it on his way to Delhi where he was beheaded.
Dargah Nuri - There is a Dargah Nuri at village Newal on Karnal- Kunjpura road. This Dargah was built in memory of Hazrat Sufi Shah Alama Nur Mohd. of.Delhi, and is managed by Managing Committee, village Newal.
The Karna Tank -The Karna Tank, named after Raja Karna,son of Surya, ace archer, unrivalled warrior, terror of the Pandwas, an ardent supporter of the king Duryodhana in the Mahabharta war, donor par excellence and the founder of the city of Karnal, is now being renovated and converted into a tourist spot by Karnal municipality. It is said that Raja Karna, who was very philanthropic used to givegold in alms to the needy at the spot.
Other Antiques - Minars, which mark the course of the old trunk road are still standing at intervals of about 2 miles. And the ruins of the hostelries (Serais) at Taroari, Gharaunda and Samalkha are still in existence, that at Gharaunda being a very fine and striking specimen of early Mugal architecture. It was built by Khan Firoz in the reign of Shah Jahan about 1632 A.D.
Sita Mai Temple - Situated at a distance of 19 kilometers from Nilokheri, is a small village known as Sitamai. There is an old shrine of Sita Mai built in the ordinary form of a Hindu temple. It is made of bricks, but the feature is the elaborate ornamentation which covers the whole shrine, the pattern of which is formed by deep lines in the individual bricks which seems to have been made before the bricks were burnt, so that the forms they were to take must have been separately fixed for each brick. A large part of the shrine was pulled down and thrown into the tank by some Muslim Emperor but the bricks have been put together without any regard to the original pattern. The shrine is said to mark the spot where the earth swallowed Sita in answer to her appeal in proof of her purity.
Kunjpura - Kunjpura, situated at a distance of six miles north east of Karnal was founded by a Pathan named Nijabat Khan, who had migrated from Kandhar and served as Risaldar under Wazir Khawaja Nasiruddin of Radaur, with headquarters at Taraori. He got the biswedari of Kunjpura from a Zamindar of Bidauli, in reward for his military assistance. After a clash with Rajputs, he settled at Kunjpura and built a fort in 1729 A.D. The fort was first called Nijabatnagar. On the incursion of Nadir Shah, Nijabat Khan supplied him with provisions and tendered his obeisance. The Maratha Bhao plundered Kunjpura and killed Nijabat Khan in 1758 A.D. Ahmed Shah repulsed the Marathas and entrusted Kunjpura to Daler Khan, Nijabat Khan's eldest son. The family in due course expanded their territorial jurisdiction to a major portion of Indri pargana. The palace of the Nawab now houses the Sainik School, Kunjpura.
Naraina - The invading army of Mohd. Bin Sam was defeated at village Naraina, seven miles from Karnal and three from Taraori, in 1191 A.D. by united Hindu armies under Prithvi Raj, the Chauhan king of Delhi. Although in the following year, this defeat was reversed and turned into a victory for the Muslim invaders and the ruin of Rajput Supremacy forever.
Taraori - The village of historic interest is eleven miles north of Karnal. Prince Azam of Aurangzeb was born here and the place was renamed as Azamabad. Aurangzeb constructed a wall around the town, a mosque and a tank, which exist to this day. The village being on the main highway of the Mughal times also has a serai. The old royal serai appears to have been used by the Sikhs as a fort, now lying in a dilapidated condition. Because of the railway station nearby, the place has developed as an important assembling market chiefly for paddy grown in the surrounding area, and has some rice husking mills. Basmati rice grown here is the finest in the country and is exported to foreign countries.
Basthali - It was at the village of Basthali 27 kilometers from Karnal that the sage Vyas lived who wrote the Vedas. The village bears his name; and legend has it that the sacred Ganges flowed underground into his well to save him the trouble of going to the river to bathe bringing with it his lota and loin cloth which he had left in the river to convince him that the water was really Ganges water.
Gondar (Gautam Rishi) - At Gondar 26 kilometers from Karnal Gautam Rishi is said to have caused the spots in the moon.
Bahlolpur:(Prashir tank) - It was in the Parasir tank at Bahlolpur that the warrior Duryodhana hide till Krishna's jeers brought him out to fight, and this is still the most celebrated of tirathas of this part.
Anjanthali - There is a temple dedicated to Anjana, mother of Hanuman.
Shamgarh - One Kirpal Singh got shamgarh from Raja Gurdit Singh of Ladwa in reward for the services rendered to the confederacy of Sikhs. The Sikh chief of Shamgarh exercised sovereign powers and had exclusive jurisdiction over their own subjects even for offences committed in British territory until the British assumed criminal and police jurisdiction in 1833 A.D.
Assandh - The village lying 27 miles to the southwest of Karnal on the Karnal-Jind road, is said to be the capital of the kingdom of Jarsangha, one of the warriors mentioned in the Mahabharta.
A Shahidi Smarak (martyrdom-memorial) commemorates the part played by the villagers of this place and of the surrounding area during the 1857 uprising when they revolted and were heavily punished by the Britishers.
Indri Shish Mahal - Indri Pargana was first included in Kaithal district but was transferred to karnal district in 1862. Some of its villages had, however, formed part of the Ladwa state ruled by a Sikh Raja Gurdit Singh. It consisted of 36 jagirs out of which 12 major ones included those of Shamgarh, Saga, Sikri, Barthal etc. In ancient times Indri (then known as Indergarh) was an independent fortress, " Shish Mahal" the ruins of which still stand today. The place is mythologically connected with the episode of Nihalde and Sultan, the two immortal lovers, their love having consummated in marriage but ended in tragedy. The palace contains ruins of a Naulakha Bagh, which is reported to have once had nine lakh varieties of plants.
Moghul Bridge Saiyads - The Sayad's shrine built at Moghul Bridge about 7 kilometers from Karnal city is the scene of a big mela every Thursday. Lamps are lit. Superstitious people from far and near come to make offering at the shrine and ask for boons varying from diseases cure to elimination of ghosts from their bodies and prayers for material prosperity.
Gogripur: Bawa Farid - It has a shrine at Ghogripur. Crowd of people offer prayers to him after the spring harvest. Bu-Ali -Kalandar; a contemporary of Bawa Farid, Bu-Ali-Kalandar was a celebrated local saint. He had settled at Panipat, during prayers he stood in the Jamuna to avoid the labour of washing his hands and feet every time. After standing there for seven years, the fishes had gnawed his legs, and he was so stiff that he could hardly move. So he asked the Jamuna River to step back seven paces. She, in her hurry to oblige the saint, went back seven miles and there she is now. He gave the Panipat people a charm, which dispelled all the flies from the city, but they grumbled so he brought them back a thousand fold. After death he was buried at karnal but the Panipat people claimed his body. They took some bricks from the grave for the foundation of a shrine at Panipat, but when they opened the box, they found his body in it, so he now lies buried at both Panipat and at Karnal.
Guga Pir - Guga is supposed to be the greatest of the snake-kings. He is worshipped throughout the district on the 9th of Bhadon. His shrine known as Mari is usually a cubical building with a minaret on each corner and a grave inside. It is marked by a long bamboo with peacock plumes, a coconut, some coloured threads and some hand pankhas (bijna) and a blue flag on the top. This is called his chhari or fly flap. On the 9th of Bhadon the jogis take it round the village with the sound of drums, and people salute it and offer 'churmas'. He is not malevolent as the saying goes "Guga Beta na dega, tan Kuchh na chhin lega"- If Guga does not give me a son, at least he will take nothing away from me." By race a Chauhan Rajput, Guga was born at Garhdera near Sirsa. His mother Bachal who was barren, had served saint Gorakhnath, the founder of the community of Kanphata jogis for twelve years to beget him. Guga is said to have possessed supernatural powers and could cure snake bitten person within no time.
On the other hand, if a snake bit a man, people thought he had been neglecting Guga. The singers of devotional songs about Guga are found in villages Assan Kalan, Richhpur, Matlauda and Samalkha . Maris (his temples) are, of course, to be found in a large number of villages.

Rewari
Rewari was accorded the status of a district by the Government of Haryana on November 1, 1989. Its geographical boundaries have district Rohtak in its north, Mahendergarh district in its west and district Gurgaon in its east & northeast directions. District Alwar of Rajasthan touches Rewari in the southeast. Prior to it, Rewari was a Sub-division and Tehsil head quarter of district Mahendergarh.
HISTORY - The History of the district Rewari is contemporary to the history of Delhi. During MAHABHARTA period there was a king named Rewat. He had a daughter whose name was Rewati. But the king used to call her Rewa lovingly. The king founded and established a city named "Rewa wadi" after the name of her daughter. Later on Rewa got married with Balram, elder brother of Lord Krishna and the king donated the city "Rewa wadi" as dowry to her daughter. Later the city Rewa wadi became REWARI. During the rule of Mughla Rewari was the part of Delhi territory. In the SAVTANTRTA-SANGRAM of 1857 Rao Tula Ram & Krishan Gopal of Rewari fought aggressively against the British rule with the help of "Samrat Bahadur Shah Zafar" and there was a movement when they brought the British rule to an end in Rewari. But Rao Tula Ram could not succeed and he expired after some time. The land of Rewari is called "VEER-BHUMI". Even today the people of Rewari feel proud to serve in Indian Armies. The majority of the castes, which lived in Rewari were Maurya, Guptas and Gujjars. Although now the majority is of the Ahirs all castes live with harmony. In the city the Punjabis and Guptas have hold on the business.

General Information
LOCATION - Rewari is located at 82 KM mile stone in the south-west direction of the national capital Delhi across the Delhi Jaipur National Highway No. 8. Rewari town is situated at the height of 241.95 meters above sea level. This district is spread over 1559 Sq. km area with a total population of 6,23,301 (1991 census). It is divided into 2 sub-divisions, Rewari and Kosli. It is further divided into 3 revenue tehsils, that is Rewari, Bawal & Kosli and 5 CD Blocks namely Rewari, Bawal, Khol, Jatusana & Nahar. The whole district consists of 412 villages and 346 Panchayats. In this district temperature ranges from 2 to 47 degrees centigrade, months of December & January are of sever cold and the months of May & June are of bitter summer. Because of the touch of Rajasthan this district faces dusty storms in summer season. Overall climate of this district remains dry. July, August & September are the months of rainy season. Light rains are experienced during December, January & Feb.

PLACES OF INTEREST
HISTORICAL PLACES

Lal Masjid - The red mosque (Lal Masjid) near the old courts (Kchahari) is among the famous historical places in the district. It was built during the regime of King Akbar in the year 1570. Also there are two monuments near the mosque.
Baag Wala Talab - This pond is situated near old tehsil office Rewari. Ram Ahir son of Rao Gujjarmal built it. Presently this pond is dry.
Bada Talab (Rao Tej Singh Talab) - This pond is situated near old Town Hall of Rewari. It was built (pakka-cemented) by Rao Tej Singh during the year 1810-1815. This huge pond is filled by rain/cannal water thru underground inlets. This talab had provision for separate bathing for ladies and gents.

RELIGIOUS PLACES
Ghanteshwar Mandir - The "GHANTESHWAR MANDIR" is among the famous religious places in the district. It is situated in the heart of city. The statues of all gods & goddess of "SANATAN DHARMA" are established in the temple. It is three-storied temple. A majority of citizens come to this temple for prayers. A famous temple of lord HANUMAN is situated on the bank of bada talab, this temple is visited by a large number of people every Tuesday. There are two churches in the city since the time of British.
Apart from these are other several places in the rural areas viz: temple of "BABA Bheron Nath" at Khol, temple of "Swamy Shrnanad" at Darauli, Ashrma of "BABA Purshotam Dass" at Balwari village, temple of " BABA Raghunath" at Sangwadi village and temple of "BABA Mohan Dass" at the village Bharawas. Some of the above are monuments (Samadhi) and in the memory of these sants, the local people conduct village fairs every year.The "BHAGWAT BHAKTI ASHRMA" of Rampura is also a famous historical place in the district Rewari.

Hisar

The present city of Hisar, one of the important cities of North India, is located at 2905'5"north latitude and 75045'55" east longitudes. It is situated one hundred sixty four kilometers west to Delhi on the National Highway number ten.
The city of Hisar was founded by a Muslim ruler, Firozshah Tughlaq in 1354 A.D. 'Hisar' is an Arabic word which means 'Fort'. The city, which we know today as 'Hisar', was originally called 'Hisar Firoza (also Hisar-e-Firoza) or in other words the 'Fort of Firoz'. But as the days rolled by, the very word 'Firoza' was dropped from its original name.
It was in these lands that the very first evidence of the presence of man was discovered with the excavation of Agroha, Banawali and Kunal. All of these were the pre-Harappan settlements, bringing for us the very first images of pre-Historic times. The presence of the pillar in Hisar fort belonging to the time of Emperor Ashoka (234 A.D.) originally from Agroha, the discovery of coins of the Kushan Kings tells tales of ancient India.
General Information
Location - Hisar city is one of the important and fast growing urban centers of Haryana. It has grown to a vital position on the urban map of Haryana. It has come up because of location factors. Its location is such that for any development away from the G.T. Road Hisar draws the attention.
The city is catering to the needs of not only the population of the district but also to the population of adjoining areas of Rajasthan and Punjab. People from Punjab and Rajasthan come here for medical treatment, for the purchase of good quality seeds, cows, buffaloes, bullocks and sheep etc. and also to get good education.
Climate - Very hot summers and very cold winters. The maximum day temperature during the summer varies from 40 to 46 degree Celsius. During winter its ranges from 1.5 degree to 4 degree Celsius. The winds are strong and frequent during May to July. Normally the South Westerly current of summer monsoon brings the rains during July to September period. Intermittent dust storms are also common.

Places of Interest

Bishnoi Mandir
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Feroze Shah's Palace And Fort
Gujari Mahal
Humayun's Mosque
Jain Pillar
Jahaz Kothi
Lat Ki Masjid
Pranpir Badshah's Tomb

Jind

The district derives its name from its headquarters town Jind that is said to be a corruption of Jaintapuri. It is also said that this town had been founded at the time of Mahabharta. According to an old saying the Pandavas built a temple in honour of Jainti Devi (the goddess of victory), offered prayers for success, and then launched the battle with the Kauravas. The town grew up around the temple and was named Jaintapuri (Abode of Jainti Devi) which later on came to be known as Jind.

General Information

Location and Boundaries - The district lies in the North of Haryana between 29.03' and 29.51' North latitude & 75.53' and 76.47' East longitude. On its East and North-East lie the districts of Panipat, Karnal and Kaithal respectively. Its boundary line on the North forms the inter-state Haryana- Punjab border with Patiala and Sangurar districts of Punjab. In the West and South-West it has a common boundary with district Hisar & Fatehabad and in its South and South-East lies the district of Rohtak and Sonipat respectively.
Area- The area of the district is 3,606 square kilometers.
Sub-Division & Tahsils The district is divided into three Sub-Divisionns, Jind Safidon and Narwana. The Jind Sub-Division comprises two tahsils, viz. Jind and Julana. While the Narwana, Safidon Sub-Divisions comprises the Narwana & Safidon tahsil respectively.
PHYSIOGRAPHY - The district of Jind stretching in the northwest to southeast direction occupies the north-central part of the Haryana. Physiographically, it constitutes a part of the Punjab-Haryana plain, which is largely flat and featureless and is formed of Pleistocene and sub-recent alluvial deposits of the Indo-Gangetic system. Wind action in the past and man's role in recent times have played a prominent part in shaping the relief of the district which is located in a transitional zone between the sub-humid districts Kaithal, Panipat and Karnal in the east and the semi-arid district Hisar in the west.
Climate - The climate of this district is on the whole dry, hot in summer and cold in winter. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from November to march is followed by hot season which lasts till the onset of the southwest monsoon. The monsoon withdraws by 15 September and is followed by the Post-monsoon or the transition period.
Rainfall- The average rainfall over the district as a whole is 55 cm. It generally increases from south or southwest to east or northeast. Over 70 per cent of the annual rainfall is received during the monsoon months of July to September. July and August are the rainiest months, together accounting for over 50 per cent of the annual rainfall. Per-monsoon rainfall in June constitutes just about 10 per cent of the annual normal. Some precipitation, constituting about 10 per cent of the annual rainfall, is also received during the winter months of December to Februrary in association with western disturbances, which pass across the district or its neighborhood from west to east, affecting the weather over the district in this season.

Places of Interest

The region comprising the Jind district formed boundary of the holy region of Kurukshetra and as such many holy places connected with tradition or referred to in religious literature are located in the district. Many of these places are mentioned in the Mahabharta, the Vamana,the Narda and the Padma Purans.
Jind - The town, headquarter of the district of the same name is situated on the Ferozpur-Delhi section of the Northern Railway, 123 kilometers away from Delhi and 57 Kilometers from Rohtak. It is also connected by road with Delhi, Patiala, Chandigarh and other important towns of the state. Tradition assigns the settlement of the town to the Mahabharta period. According to the legend, the Pandavas built here a temple in honour of Jainti Devi(the goddess of victory) and offered prayers for success in their battle against the Kauravas. The town grew up around the temple and was named Jaintapuri) abode of Jainti Devi) which in course of time corrupted to Jind. Raja Gajpat Singh in 1755 seized a large tract of country including the present districts of Jind from the Afghan and made Jind the capital of the state in 1776. He made a fort here in 1775. Later, Sangrur was chosen as capital of Jind State by Raja Sangat Singh (1822 A.D to 1834 A.D).Jind is noted for its numerous temples sacred to the worship of Shiva. Raghbir Singh, ruler of Jind, built a temple known as Bhuteshvara temple, with a large tank around it, locally known as Rani Talab. It has been renovated and a tourist complex has been built nearby. The other places of worship are the temples of Hari Kailash , tanks of Surya Kund, Jawala Maleshvara tirath. There is a shrine of Shah Walayat where an annual urs is held. There is also a gurdwara in the sacred memory of Guru Teg Bahadur who on his way to Delhi stayed here for sometime. The town developed fast after the formation of Haryana and is a well provided town of the state. The town has a Arjun stadium, milk plant, cattle feed plant, Bulbul restaurant and a large grain market. There are facilities for the stay at PWD rest house, canal rest house and market committee rest house. The town is well provided with schools, colleges, hospitals and other basic amenities.
Pindara - The village is situated about 6.5 KM from Jind on Jind-Gohana road. According to a legend, the Pandavas offered here pinds to their forefathers and hence the popular name of the village is Pandu Pindara. A fair is held on Somavati Amavas.
Ramrai - Ramrai is located on Jind-Hansi road, 8 Kilometers west of Jind. Ramrai or Ramahrada is a traditional south-west Yaksha of the Kurukshetra region. It is connected with the mythological story of Parsurama who after the annihilation of Kshatriyas, filled five pools with their blood and propitiated his forefathers there. It is believed that a bath at Ramahrada tirtha and Sanet tirtha is very holy. There is an old temple of Parsuram where he is worshipped.
Dhamtan Sahib - It is situated about 10 KM East of Narwana on Narwana-Tohana road. Dhamtan is the corrupted name of Dharamsthan (religious place). It is said to be the ashram of Rishi Valmiki and venue of Asvamedha yagya of Lord Rama. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru stayed here on his way to Delhi and a fort like gurudwara was built in his memory. There is also another gurudwara know as Manji Sahib.
HANSDEHAR - Tradition connects the place with Rishi Kardam who practiced penance (tapasys) here for many years. His son Kapilamuni took birth and composed Sankhya Shastra here. Its name is said to have been derived from the tradition that Brahma came here to attend the marriage of Kardam Rishi on the back of a hans (goose). The sacred Saraswati is said to have flowed by the place and Pandavas come here and offered pinds to their forefathers. A Shiva temple and Bindusar tirtha is located here. The people worship Shiva and come in great number on Somavati Amavas to take holy bath in the tank.
Narwana - It is the headquarters of the sub-division and tahsil of the same name and is connected by rail as well as road. It is situated 37 kilometers northwest of Jind. Narwana is said to be the corrupted name of the word Nirvan' which means salvation. There is a tomb of Sufi Saint Hazrat Gaibi Sahib who is said to have miraculously disappeared in ground. There is a tank around the tomb. The town has PWD rest house, canal rest house, schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stand and other basic amenities.
Safidon - The town is the headquarters of the tahsil of the same name. It is situated on the bank of the Hansi branch of the Western Jumna Canal, 35 kilometers North-East of Jind. The place is possibly the site of Sarpadevi or Sarpidadhi referred in Mahabharta and Vamna Puran. It is associated with snake sacrifice of Janamejaya son of Parikshit. The latter lost his life in the struggle against the Nagas of Taxile, which was later avenged by his son Janamejaya, symbolised in the epic tradition of Sarpasastra (snake sacrifice) which possibly took place at Sarpadevi. There are three ancient temples and tirthas of Negesvara Mahadeva, Nagadamni Devi and Nagashetra. It has a rest house, schools, hospital and other basic amenities.
Uchana - The town is situated on Jind-Patiala-Chandigarh road, it is a railway station on Delhi-Ferojpur railway line. There is a famous Dharmarth eyes hospital built by a Sanyasi Ganesh Nandh through public donation. The other places of public utility include a milk-chilling centre and a big grain market.
OTHER LEGENDARY PLACES - Besides the places described above there are many tirthas mentioned in the old texts, which are located in the district. A description of more important place along with the legends associated with them is given below:
Asvini Kumara Tirtha - It lies at village Assan, 14 kilometers east of Jind and is associated with the Vedic twin deities Asvins. Bathing here on Tuesday has sanctifying effect. It is mentioned in the Mahabharta, Padma, Narada and Vamana Puranas.
Varaha - It lies at village Brah 10 kilometers from Jind. According to the Vamana Purana, this well-known tirtha was praised by Vishnu and bathing here is considered as helpful in the attainment of final beatitude. The Padma and the Mahabharta inform us that it was the place of Vishnu who stayed here in his boar incarnation. A stay at this place is considered equivalent to the benefit of an Agnistoma sacrifice.
Ekahamsa - It lies at the village Ikkas, 5 Kilometers south-west of Jind. According to a local tradition it is associated with Krishna who concealed himself here in the guise of hans for escaping from gopies who sought him in the same form.
Munjavata - It lies at the village Nirjan, 6 Kilometers from Jind. The place according to the Vamana Purana is associated with Mahadeva. It is believed that after fasting here for a night one attains Ganapatya, the abode of Ganesa.
Yakshini Tirtha - It lies at village Dkhnikhera, 8 Kilometers south of Jind . According to the Vamana Purana it is located near Munjavata and is the place of Yakshini Mahagrahi. It is believed that bathing here and propitiating the Yakshini and observing fast enable a person to shed all sins.
Pushkara - It lies at the village Ponkar Kheri, 11 Kilometers south of Jind. According to the puranic tradition Parasurama, the son of Jamadagni, founded it. The worship of gods and ancestors here is rewarded with the merit of Asvamedha sacrifice. Other places of religious significance here are Kapila Mahayaksha, one of the dwarpalas and his wife Ulukhalamekhala.
Kayasodhana - It lies at village Kasohan, 16 Kilometers, North of Jind, in Narwana tehsil. This tirtha according to the Vamana Purana is the purifier of the body and giver of final beatitude.
Sri Tirtha - It lies at Village Simla in Narwana tehsil. This is the most exalted tirtha, the abode of Salagrama. It is believed that after taking bath here, one is rewarded with the constant presence of the divine Mother.
Sankhini - It is a Devi tirtha at village Sanghan in Narwana tehsil. It is considered a place of salvation.
Arantuka - It lies at village Barta in Narwana tehsil. According to Vamana Purana, the tirtha lies on the bank of the Saraswati. Bathing and fasting here is considered sacred.
Dasasvamedha tirtha - It lies at village Didwara in Safidon tahsil, 13 Kilometers north of Safidon. Bathing here with devotion is considered to have the merit of ten Asvamedha Sacrifices.
Aruna tirtha - It lies at village Anta, 6 Kilometers south of Safidon. It finds mention in the Mahabharta.
Panchanada - It lies at village Hat, about 10 kilometers south west of Safidon. The creation of this tirtha is attributed to Rudra. Inhabited by the gods, Panchanada tirtha is considered the remover of all sins.
Koti tirtha - It is situated near village Hat. Lord Rudra created a crore of tirthas here, it was known as Koti tirtha. It is associated with Siva Kotisvara and is believed that by bathing here one gets the religious merit of performing five yajnas. Mention may also be made of Parasara tank and a brick temple of Mahadeva at Paju Kalan (5 Kilometers north-west of Safidon), Suraj Kund built in honour of Sun God at Kalwa (15 Kilometers south-west of Safidon), temple of Mahadeva at Barod (5.5 Kilometers north-east of Safidon) and a tank named after the Vedic sage Vasishtha at Budha Khera (12 Kilometers north-west of Safidon ).

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra town is situated 160 km north of Delhi on the national highway NH1. Other towns of the district are Pehowa, Ladwa, Ismailabad and Shahabad.
Kurukshetra the holy pilgrimage in which 360 places of pilgrimage related to the Mahabharata can be seen. Kurukshetra has been the germinating ground of the essence of Hinduism. The call of duty is the supreme religion. Lord Krishna's dictat of "karmanyev adhikaraste" (believing in karma (efforts/action), not in results) is a philosophy that has guided the Indian psyche for thousands of years. It is one of those holy towns that have borne the imprint of Lord Krishna's footsteps.
Kurukshetra is a place of great historical and religious importance, revered all over the country for its sacred association with the Vedas and the Vedic Culture. It was here that the battle of Mahabharat was fought and Lord Krishna preached his Philosophy of 'KARMA' as enshrined in the Holy Bhagwad-Gita, to Arjuna at Jyotisar. In the very first verse of Bhagwad-Gita, Kurukshetra is described as DHARAMKSHETRA i.e. 'Region of righteousness'. According to Hindu mythology, the name Kurukshetra applied to a circuit of about 48 KOS or about 128 Km, which includes a large number of holy places, temples and tanks connected with the ancient Indian traditions and the Mahabharat War and Kurus, the ancestor of Kouravs and Pandavs. Kurukshetra is intimately related to the Aryan civilization and its growth along the Saraswati river.

General Information
Climate - Climate of the district is very hot in summer (upto 47 C) and cold in winter (down to 1 C) with rains in July and August
Access - Kurukshetra is well connected and has much access by Road, Rail and Air. The journey is comfortable with various facilities provided enroute.
By Road: Buses of Haryana Roadways and other State Corporations ply through Kurukshetra and connect it to Delhi, Chandigarh and other important places.
By Air: The Airports close to Kurukshetra are at Delhi and Chandigarh, which are well connected by road and rail. Taxi service is also available.
By Rail: Kurukshetra is a railway junction, well connected with all important towns and cities of the country. The Shatabadi Express halts here.

Accommodation
Kurukshetra being the place of great historic and religious importance has been developed as a big tourist centre, where a number of visitors come daily. There are good facilities available for stay of tourists who come from distant places.
Government has been providing stay facilities in its centre Parakit Motel Pipli, Neelkanthi Yatri Niwas Kurukshetra, Jyotisar Tourism Centre where deluxe type rooms are available ranging from Rs.250/- per day to 1000/- per day.
In addition, there are number of Government Guest houses like PWD Rest house Pipli, Youth Hostel Pipli, University Guest House, RECK guest house.
As the Kurukshetra is religious town and during Solar Eclipse Fair, hundreds of thousands pilgrim visit the place. A number of Voluntary Organizations have constructed Dharamshalas, which too have good and clean accommodation.

Some of these are
Krishan Dham Complex, Aggarwal Dharamshala, Gita Dham Ashram, Birla mandir, Gita Bhawan, Jat Dharamshala, Ror Dharamshala, Brahman Dharamshala, Jai Ram Vidya Peeth, Saini Samaj Dharamshala

Places of Interest
There are about 360 Tirthas of religious and historic importance.
BRAHMA SAROVER - The holy town of Kurukshetra is made venerable by the presence of many holy temples and water tanks. The Brahma Sarover is a sacred water tank that is revered as the cradle of civilization. Belief is, that Lord Brahma conceived that the Earth herein all its diversity. Today massive renovation plans have returned it to its formal glory as a major center of pilgrimage. The vicinity of the tank is marked by the presence of a number of small temples. Noteworthy among these are the small Mahadev temple (Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple) in the Sarover itself, the Birla Gita Mandir, Baba Sharwannath's Temple and Haveli. But the beauty of the Sarover is distinct on the day of Solar Eclipse, Amavasya-the night of complete darkness-and the day of the Gita Jayanti Celebrations in the town. To bathe here on the day of an Eclipse brings upon one the blessings of having performed the Ashwa Medha Yajna. To bathe here on the days of Amavasya brings salvation form all sins. The Deep Daan ceremony at the Gita Jayanti Aarti of Haridwar.
SANNIHIT SAROVER - It is believed that the Sannihit Sarover is the meeting point of the seven sacred Saraswatis and to bathe here on the day of amavasya, absolves one of all sins. And hereby hangs a tale. In the days of yore, holy waters of all the country went up to the Lord and with burdened hearts prayed for assistance. "Man cleans himself of sins by taking a dip in our waters. It is we who have to carry this burden, of which we are tired. Please relieve us of these sins". Realising the validity of this request, the Lord ordained", On the days of amavasya collect in the waters of Sannihit Sarover and your sins will be absolved. "Ever since, the sanctity of the tank grew. Adjacent to the holy water tank is lie small temples of Dhruv Narain, Lord Vishnu, Laxmi Narain, Lord Hanuman and Mother Goddess Durga.
STHANESHWAR MAHADEV - Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple at Thaneswar is another holy center. It is small and distinct. It was here that the Pandvas prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessing for victory in the battle of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the waters of the tank adjoining the temple are holy. A few drops of water cured the King Ban of leprosy. And, no pilgrimage of Kurukshetra is believed to be entirely complete without a visit to this Holy Temple. The tank and temple lie a short distance from Thanesar town, which gets its name from this temple. the temple of Sthaneswar is the abode of Lord Shiva say the devote. It once formed an important part of the kingdom of the King Harsha Vardhan of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. The architecture of the temple is regional in style-it has a domical roof. The facade of this dome is given an amla shape alongwith a tall pinnacle. The Linga is ancient and worshiped with a lot of ritual and prayer.
KAMAL NABHI - Adjacent the town of Thanesar lies the temple of Kamal Nabhi. Mythology has it that here Lord Brahma the creator was born out of a Lotus that grew from the naval of Lord Vishnu. The temple here has the images of Lord Vishnu and Brhama.
BHISHAM KUND NARKATARI - About one and half miles from Thanesar on Kurukshetra-Pehowa road lies a tank named Narkatari. It is here say legends, that Bhishma Pitamah of Mahabharata epic lay on a bed of arrows.
BHADARKALI TEMPLE - It is an ancient temple situated on the Jhansa Road in the north of Thanesar Town. Here Pandvas are stated to have worshipped the Goddsss and performed sacrifices for their victory before the commencement of Mahabharat war. This is one of the Sith Peetha of the 51 sacred peeths which had their origin from the scattered parts of the body of Sati. It is said that the right foot heel of Devi Sati fell here.
JYOTISAR - One of the most revered of holy centers of Kurukshetra is Jyotisar. Renovated recently, it retains its sanctity and the birthplace of the Holy Bhagwad Gita. A vat (Banyan) tree stands on a raised plinth here August. Spreading Venerated. It is believed that it was under this holy Banyan that Lord Krishna delivered the doctrine of Karma a wavering Arjun. He showed too, His Virat Roop the image of Himself as the Creator, the Preserver, the Destroyer-under whose will every leaf, every bud, every event, every man moved as automation. A marble chariot depicting Lord Krishna delivering to Arjun marks the site the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita. In one secluded section of this center an old Shiv temple can also be seen. Hundreds of years ago, a holy water tank was built here. Today the Kurukshetra Development Board has renovated the site. A mango shaped lake has been constructed here. Covered bathing ghats for the ladies have been provided. Cement parapets and enclosures have been built for protection. A restaurant and accommodation wings of Yatries has been built here. The area has been landscaped with flowering bushes and eucalyptus trees. Jyotisar lies on Pehowa road, 5 Km from Kurukshetra.
PEHOWA - 27 KM west of Thanesar lies Pehowa. Cunningham dates the town back to 882 AD. Another inscription on a temple proclaims that Pehowa was built as late as 895 AD. This was during the reign of King Mahenderapal. Excavations done here from time to time have revealed a number of ancient sculptures made in buff sand stone. The town finds special mention in the Vaman Puran and the epic Mahabhartha.
PRITHUDAKA TIRATH - During the period of ancient India the town was known as Prithudaka after King Prithu. Legend has it that King Rasthangu, the father of King Prithu lay dying. As a last wish, he called his son to his beside and asked him to take him to the banks of the holy river Saraswati. King Prithu did as he was told . But on his father's death, he was filled with great anguish. He sat for days on the bank of this river offering Shardha. Ever since, the ritual of offering shardha of fathers here has come into vogue. This place where the unhappy King prayed for the salvation of his father came to be named Prithudaka tirtha. Ghats and temples were built here.
ARUNAY TIRTHA, ARUNAY - This tirtha is situated at a distance of six KM from Pehowa in the village Arnai. The temple is named after the confluence of river Aruna and Saraswati. For prayer and worship of Lord Shiva, a big fair is also held here on the occasion of Shivratri.
MUSEUM - Kurukshetra situated in the state of Haryana is one of the most sacred places in India. It is hallowed by its association with Lord Krishna's sermon to Arjuna and mankind in the form of Shrimad Bhagavad-Gita. It is but appropriate that there should be a museum to present and preserve the multifaceted personality of Lord Krishna, the episodes of his childhood, his rasalila, philosophy and teachings in the form of rare manuscripts, paintings, sculptures and other artistic creations as well as archaeological material unearthed in Kurukshetra and its neighborhood. These artifacts present Lord Krishna as a revered God, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, a great philosopher, an epic hero, an astute statesman and a supreme lover. Personality and teachings of Lord Krishna have permeated the national ethos and the cultural personality of the Indian people for thousands of years and continue to serve as its beacon light. Awakening the people ethically, morally and culturally through the ideas and ideals of Krishna, is the aim of this museum, which was established in 1987 and was shifted, to the present building in 1991. Museum continues to grow with additions of new artistic representations of the Krishna theme and archaeological finds. As a visitor enters the Museum, he finds himself face to face with a huge sculpture of Sri Ganesha in dancing posture. This gallery also preserves stones sculptures pertaining to the Krishna legend ranging from 1st Century AD to 11th Century AD. Some of them have been acquired on loan from the Archaeological Survey of India and the department of Archaeological and Museum, Government of Haryana.

Archeological Sites
Raja Karana Ka Tila - It is a small mound about 3 miles (5 kilometres) to the west and south-west of Thanesar. It is about 500 square feet (46.5 square metres) at the top 800 sq. feet (74 square metres) at the base with a height of 30to 40 feet (9 to 12 metres). Shreds of Painted Grey Ware and some other objects such as flesh-rubber, a terra-cotta reel, a mould for printing cloth, a human head, a double inkpot, a hollow terra-cotta rattle, an earthen chati (pot) having a line of trisula and wheel carved on it, one earthen pitcher ornamented round the shoulder and some pieces of glazed pottery of the Muslim period have been found here. There is also a large step-well of the Muslim period.
Asthipura - The site lies to the west of Thanesar and to the south of Aujas Ghat and marks the place where the bodies of the persons slain in the Mahabharata war are said to have bee cremated. Cunningham excavated the mound which measures about 700 feet by 500 feet (213 metres by 152 metres) and found "an extensive platform of unbaked bricks still 364 feet (111 metres) in length. Besides many remains of walls and fragments of terra-cotta sculptures.
Bhor Saidan - About 8 miles (13 kilometres) to the west of Thanesar towards Pehowa lies the Bhurirava Tank. Tradition associates the Place with treacherous murder of Bhurirava by Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. Bhurisrava was son of Somadaatta, Raja of Varanasi.The village is named Bhor after him. This small village is situated on an ancient mound. The houses are built of old large size bricks of 12 3/4" x 9 1/2 "x 2".
Bhagwanpura - Bhagwanpura, situated in the north-west of Ladwa on the right bank of the Saraswati river, is a prehistoric site which presents,for the first time, the overlap between the late Harappan and the Painted Grey Ware cultures which is of considerable significance, so far as the reconstruction of a continuous history of Haryana from the middle of the second millennium B.C. is concerned. Continuity on the tradition supported by characteristic finds in pottery type, painted designs, art of terra-cotta figurines and burials provide evidence of the two cultures here. The three phases of the structural activity of the Painted Grey Ware people are represented successively by the round or semi-circular thatched huts followed by, mud-walled houses and then by houses built with baked bricks. Curious oval-shaped structures meant for some religious functions have also bee discovered.
Daulatpur - Daulatpur is another important archaeological site, situated on Thanesar-Ladwa road near Pipli crossing, where excavation have revealed a relationship between the late phase of the Harappan and Painted Grey Ware cultures. The structural activity of the period I is represented by walls of baked and half-baked bricks, osern, and mud cornbias. The antiquities of the period include: bangles, chisels, fishhook of copper, wheeled bird and animal figurines, beads, bangles and balls in terra-cotta: few steatite disc beads: bone points, shell bangles, etc

Jhajjar

Jhajjar district in Haryana was carved out of Rohtak district on July 15, 1997. The district headquarter is situated in Jhajjar town at a distance of about 65 km from Delhi. The town is said to have been founded by one Chhaju Jat and Chhajunagar was changed to Jhajjar. It is also derived from Jharnaghar, a natural fountain. A third derivation is from Jhajjar, a water vessel, because the surface drainage of the country for miles around runs into the town as into a sink. Other towns in the district are Bahadurgarh and Beri. Bahadurgarh was founded by Rathi Jats and formerly known as Sharafabad.
Inhabited about eight hundred years ago, Jhajjar city has many pages of history engulfed in it, Historical buildings, mausoleums, water-pools having at their banks give the reflection of the historical tradition of this city. It is said, Feroj Tuglak got created five canals. One of these canals brought -water from Sutlej to Jhajjar. During the rule of Akbar, this area was a part of Delhi province.

General Information
It is situated 65 km from Delhi with good road and rail access.

Places of Interest
Gurukul, Jhajjar Museum- The Archaeological Museum of Gurukul, Jhajjar is probably, the biggest museum in Haryana. It comes in the picture in the year 1959. The Director of this museum Swani Omanand Saraswati has collected the antiques under one roof from various parts of the country. It has the vast collections of antique coins as well as the rare and beautiful variety of status, idols and idolatrous in it. It has variety of antics from all over the Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Ahichchhatra (Bareli) and Koushanbhi (Alahabad).
Bhindawas Sanctuary - Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary in district Jhajjar is around 15 km from Jhajjar town and is about 3 and a half hours drive from Delhi. The lake and the birds in it are the main attraction of this complex. The Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1074 acres, which makes it considerably larger than the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. The migratory and resident birds of about 250 species are using the Bhindawas Lake. The best time to visit is December-January when you can view the maximum number of birds. The winter timings are 6:30 am - 5 pm and in summer from 6 am - 6 pm. All in all, this is an excellent site for birders and bird watching.

Kaithal

Kaithal was earlier a part of district Karnal and became a new district of Haryana on 1st November 1989. The district headquarter is situated in Kaithal town. Other smaller towns are Guhla, Pundri and Cheeka. The total area of Kaithal district is 2,389 sq km and its population is 8,20,000. Kaithal is known for intensive cultivation of Rice and wheat with a well-developed irrigation infrastructure.

Accommodation
Motel Koel - Kaithal
Location: 123 km from Chandigarh
Facilities: Motel, Restaurant, Bar
Rates:
A/C Accommodation
Deluxe Suite :- Rs.800/-
Double Bed Room :-Rs. 600/-
Double bed Room : - Rs 500/-
Conference Hall :- Rs.1000/- (full day), 500/- (for 4 hours)

Mahendragarh

The district was formed in 1948 by grouping different tracts of erstwhile princely states; Narnaul and Mahendragarh tehsils from Patiala State, Dadri (Charkhi Dadri) from Jind State and a part of Bawal nizamat from Nabha State. The headquarters of the district are at Narnaul.
Origin of the name of the district: The Mahendragarh town was previously known as Kanaud, which took its name from the Kanaudia group of Brahmans. Malik Mahdud Khan, a servant of Babur, founded it. There is a fort at Mahendragarh, which was built by Maratha Ruler, Tantia Tope during the 17th century. This fort was named as Mahendragarh in 1861 by Narinder Singh, the ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala, in honor of his son, Mohinder Singh and consequently the town came to be known as Mahendergarh. The name of Narnaul Nizamat was changed to "Mohindergarh Nizamat".

General Information

Location: It is bounded on the north by Bhiwani and Rohtak districts, on the east by Rewari district and Alwar district of Rajasthan, on the south by Alwar, Jaipur and Sikar districts of Rajasthan, and on the west by Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan. It has 2 tehsils of Narnaul and MahenderGarh.

Total area: 1,683 sq km

Population: 6,81,869

Panchkula

Panchkula is the newly formed 17th district of Haryana State. It comprises of two sub divisions and two tehsils named Panchkula and Kalka. It has 264 villages out of which 12 villages are un-inhabited and 10 villages wholly merged in towns or treated as census towns according to census 1991. There are four towns in the district named Kalka, Panchkula, Pinjore and H.M.T. Pinjore. Total population of the district is 319,398 out of which 173,557 are males and 145,841 are females. The literate males percentage in the district is 61.8 where as females are 46.0 percent in the district.

General Information

Location - Panchkula is surrounded by Himachal Pardesh in the north and northeast by Ambala district in the east by Kurukshetra district in the south and Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh in the West.
Climate - Panchkula district has a sub tropical continental monsoon climate where we find seasonal rhythm, hot summer, cool winter, unreliable rainfall and great variation in temperature.

Places Of Interest

The Panchkula District comprises a region, which as a cradle of great civilization and culture has a glorious past. The district abounds in many places, the antiquity of which has been established by archaeological explorations. Some other more recent places have acquired importance on the account of their economic and industrial. Still other places have been developed as tourist spots like Morni hills and Pinjore complex.

Mansa Devi Temple lies in Bilaspur village, about three kilometers east of Mani Majra (Chandigarh UT) . There are two temples dedicated in the goddess here. The fairs are held twice a year in March-April (Chat shudiashtami) and September-October (asoj shudi ashtami) .

Pinjore - Pinjore is an ancient historical and religious place. It is said to he the earliest habitation of man and it is said that the early man lived in Pinjore region round about Chandigarh, one and half crores years ago. Tools of Tower Paleolithic period fabricated on Quartzite have been found from the region stretching from Pinjore to Nalagarh.

Yadavindra Garden - It is said to have been made by Fidaikhan in the 17th century. The Haryana Govt., of late, has recreated the whole complex by adding colored illuminations to the play of fountain water, providing rest places pinching facilities and mini zoo. It has also been renamed as Yadavindra Garden as a mark of respect to the late Yadavindra Singh Maharaja of the east while princely state of Patiala. The stiff outer wall of the garden is reminiscent of the fort walls, which has now all around dieter pavilions housing the zoo. A Bhima Devi Temple and an old baoli in the town have legendary connection with Pandas. The place became more prominent with establishment of HMT Factory in 1963 near the garden which has an independent municipal committee known as H.M.T., Pinjore.

Morni Hills (Bhoj Jabial) are offshoots of Shivalik range, which run in two parallel ranges. The village of Morni (Bhoj Jabial) lies on the mountainside, at 1220 meters above mean sea level. Traditions assign the name of Morni to a Queen who is believed to have ruled this area. Among the spurs of hills, lie two lakes, the larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and the other about 365 meters either way. A hill divides the two lakes but there is some Hidden channel, as the level of two lakes remains the same. The people look upon the lakes as sacred. There is an old fort, which is now in ruins. Pine trees cover the hills. The climate is salubrious and the area is suitable for trekking. The Haryana Govt. has developed this hill resort and provides facilities to tourists, a motorable road was constructed to connect the Morni hills with Haryana State Highway near Panchkula. A forest tourist hut "Lal Munia" and a PWD rest house were also constructed to accommodate tourists and trackers.

Kalka - Kalka lies on the Panchkula - Simla highway. It is the terminus of the broad gauge Delhi - Kalka railway line and the starting point of narrow gauge Kalka - Simla railway line (opened in 1903). It forms the gateway of the Himachal Pardesh and most of the traffic and trade between the hills and the plains passes through it. The area now forming Kalka was part of earst while princely state of Patiala but was acquired by the British in 1846 and was included in Simla district. It was transferred to Ambala district in 1899. A famous Kalka Devi temple is located on the Kalka - Simla road near octroi post. A fair is held every year in March April.

Urban Estate Panchkula - The new urban estate of Panchkula is broadly enclosed by Ambala Kalka national highway, Ambala-Kalka railway line and Chandigarh-Panchkula road. It is developed on outskirts of Chandigarh, amongst the picturesque background of the shivalik hills and the Ghaggar River. The entire area lying between Ambala-Kalka national highway and the Ghaggar River has been earmarked for regional recreation. The area will have a golf course, a dear park, zoological garden, an exhibition ground and a children park etc. A beautifully designed youth Hostel to provide cheap and comfortable accommodation for young tourists is situated on the bank of the Ghaggar. Very popular with the people of Chandigarh and with those travelling Himachal Pradesh, "Red Bishop" a bar and a restaurant is a comfortable stopover.

Panipat

Panipat is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, and here the three historical battles of Panipat were fought. Karnal, Sonipat, Jind and Kaithal and the state of Uttar Pradesh border this district.
District Panipat has a very glorious place in the History of India. It is said that, at the time of battle of MAHABHARAT, the five villages that were demanded by the PANDAVAS from DURYODHANA, "PANPAT" was also one of those, Later on which was converted in the name of PANIPAT. This district has a significant importance in the history. Three Major battles were fought here, which has converted Indian History a new way.
The first battle of Panipat, fought in AD 1526 in which invader Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi, on April 26. In the second battle of Panipat, on November 5, 1556, Akbar's guardian Bairam Khan defeated the Hindu ruler Hemu. Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler defeated the Marathas in the third battle of Panipat that took place in 1761.
Panipat city is famous in India by the name of "City of Weavers". Panipat District has significant place in International Market for "Handloom Production". Darri, Carpet Mat, Table Cover, Bed sheet, Bed Cover, Curtain etc. are export to Canada, Japan, Germany & Australia. Mr Ashok Maheshwari (Jt DDG Mktng)
In addition to the above Panipat city is the biggest centre of "Shoddy Yarn" in the World. Blankets prepared through Handloom and Power loom are sent to soldier. The sub division Samalkha of this district is famous for Foundry of Agriculture instruments. In this way, this district, which is continuously developing on the base of industry, has unlimited employment. Not only from Haryana but Businessman, Engineer, unemployed worker artist weavers and labour from other state of India often come here in search of employment and settle here permanently.

General Information

Panipat was the part of District Karnal till 31 October 1989 which was upgraded as a separate district, including Assandh Tehsil of district Karnal. When the District was reformed on 01 January 1992 Assandh Tehsil was excluded from this District.
The district headquarter is situated in Panipat town. Other smaller towns are Samalkha, Israna and Naultha.
Area & Population - The total area of Panipat district is 1,754 sq km and its population is 8,33,000.
Location - It is situated 90 KM from Delhi (National Highway Number - 1) on 'Sher Shah Suri Marg' known as GT road.
Climate - In summer, more summer and in winter the temp goes up to Minimum 4.4 deg C in December, January, However in summer it goes up to 42.4 deg C in June.

Accommodation
1. Hotel Sky Lark - 2641051, 2633925
2. Kala Amb - 2646242
3. Blue Jay Samalkha - 2572110
4. Hotel Nirula - 2636702-3-4
5. Hotel Mid Town - 2667901-02
6. Hotel Gold - 2660012, 2660015
7. Hotel Maharaja - 2668303, 2668304
8. Hotel Regency - 2667100, 2667801
9. Hotel Singla - 2645617
10. Hotel Surya - 2666435, 2666799

Places of Interest
Ibrahim Lodis tomb: This king, who was defeated by Babar in 1526 in the first battle of Panipat, lies buried here within a tomb. His grave is a simple affair; just a rectangular block on a high platform approached by a flight of steps made of lahori bricks. The British renovated the tomb in 1866.
Kabuli Shah mosque - It was built by Babur after his victory over Ibrahim Lodhi. He named the mosque after his wife Kabuli Begum. Six years later when Humayun defeated Salim Shah, he got a platform called Chabutara Fateh Mubarak made around the mosque. The mosque has chambers on two sides and an inscription in Persian runs along the parapet.
Panipat Museum - The Battle of Panipat Memorial society set-up by the Government Haryana, under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Governor, has organized for the first time a museum at Panipat to highlight major events that took place for over two hundred years which made Panipat , a place of great historical importance, for setting up the museum, the work was assigned to the Haryana state Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Devi Temple - A temple dedicated to local deity exists on the bank of a large tank. A Shiva temple believed to have been built by Maratha named Mangal Raghunath who had remained in Panipat after the battle, also exists besides it.
Kala Amb - According to the tradition, the site 8 Kilometers from Panipat and 42 Kilometers from Karnal, where Sadashiv Rao Bhau commanded his maratha forces during the third battle of Panipat was marked, by a black Mango Tree (Kala Amb) which has since disappeared. The dark colour of its foliage was probably the origin of the name. The site has a brick Piller with an iron rod and the structure is surrounded by an iron fence.The site is being developed and beautified by a society with Governor, Haryana as its President. The counrty side is no less famous than the city of Panipat remnants of various buildings and structure of archaeological interest.
Salar Gunj Gate - This gate is situated in the middle of Panipat city historical importance to Nawab Salar Juge, The gate still denoting its archacological interest .
Shri Ram Sharnam - Shri Ram Sharnam stands as an emblem of supreme devotion to Shri Ram and Selfless service of humanity in the war ravaged historical city of Panipat. The grace and dignity of its congregation halls and its atmosphere suffused with pity and devotion attract devotees in large numbers.
Other Places of Interest - There are Jain temples in Holi mohalla and a shrine to the Muslim saint Abu Ali Kalandar. A fort rises up away from Panipat at its highest point, still guarding the city from invaders. There is a park named after the famous Urdu poet and critic Altaaf Hussein Haali, who was born in Panipat in 1837.

Rohtak

The district derives its name from its headquarters' town Rohtak which is said to be a correction of Rohtashgarh, a name still applied to the ruined sites (also called khokhrakot) of two older sites, one lying immediately north of the present town and other about 5 Kms towards the east. Traditionally, it is named after Raja Rohtash, in whose days the city is said to have been built. It is also claimed that the town derives its name from the Roherra (Tacoma undulate) tree called Rohitaka in Sanskrit. It is said that before the town came into existence, it was the site of a forest of Rohitaka trees and hence its name became Rohtak. Another version connects Rohtak with Rohitaka, which is mentioned in Mahabharta in connection with campaign of Nakula, the Pandva warrior.

General Information
Location - The district lies in the south east of Haryana state. It is bound by Jind and Sonipat districts on the north, Jhajjar district on the south, Jhajjar and Sonipat district on the east and Hisar and Bhiwani districts on the west side.
Area - The district is having an area of 1668.47 square Kms.

Places of Interest
Asthal Bohar - Asthal bohar is situated 6-7 Km east of Rohtak city on Rohtak-Delhi N.H.10. The place is known for its math and ancient finds sculptured stone idols. Now here are Ayurvedic Degree College, Free Hospital, Business Management Institute, Engineering College and other institutions being run by Math.
Meham - Meham town is situated 30 km west of Rohtak city on Rohtak Hisar N.H.No.10. Ancient monuments in the town include a baoli (well with steps leading to it) and two mosques i.e. Jama Masjid and Pirzada Masjid. The baoli is having 101 steps and has suits of rooms near the well. An inscription on a marble slab records the fact that it was made by Sidu, a chobdar in A.D.1656-57. It is made of Kankar (Gravel) and sand stone. It is, however, not the oldest baoli of the town, having been built to replace another one, which had fallen into disuse due to change in the alignment of Delhi Hisar Road. The new baoli is towards the south of the town, while the old one is towards east. The Jama Masjid was constructed in the time of Humayun in A.D.1531, as seen from the inscription under the pulpit stairs. Outside and over the south arch is another inscription of the time of Aurangazeb, A.D 1667-68, stating that the mosque has built by Khawaja Rahmet Ullah. Two Arabic inscriptions also show that a mosque existed there even before the rein of Humayu. The Pirzada Masjid is a small Masjid towards south of Jama Masjid built in the reign of Babar by Sheikh Yasaf of Hisar as per inscription.

Sirsa

The name of the district is derived from its headquarters Sirsa. It is said to be one of the oldest places of North India and its ancient name was Sairishaka, which finds mention in Mahabharata, Panini's Ashatadhayayi and Divyavadan. In Mahabharata, Sairishaka is described as being taken by Nakula in his conquest of the western quarter. It must have been a flourishing city in the 5th century B.C. as Panini has mentioned it.
There are a number of legends about the origin of the name of the town. As mentioned earlier, its ancient name was Sairishaka and from that it seems to have been corrupted to Sirsa. According to local tradition, an unknown king named Saras founded the town in 7th century A.D. and built a fort. The material remains of an ancient fort can still be seen in the Southeast of the present town. It is about 5 kilometers in circuit. According to another tradition, the name has its origin from the sacred river Sarasvati that one flowed near it. During medieval period, the town was known as Sarsuti. It has been mentioned as Sarsuti by a number of medieval historians. The derivation of name Sirsa, is also attributed to the abundance of siris trees [Albizia lebbock (Benth)] in the neighbourhood of Sirsa which seems quite plausible for it finds some corroboration also in Panini and his commentator. In ancient period, Sirsa was also known as Sirsapattan.

General Information
Distance From Major Cities
Delhi: 255 Km
Chandigarh: 280 Km
Location - The district lies to the extreme west corner of Haryana. It is bounded by the districts of Faridkot and Bathinda of Punjab in the north and north east, Ganga Nagar district of Rajasthan in the west and south and Hisar district in the east. Thus it touches the interstate boundaries on three sides and is connected with its own state only in the eastern side.
Climate - The climate of this district is characterised by its dryness and extremes of temperature and scanty rainfall. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from November to March is followed by the summer season, which lasts up to the end of June.

Accommodation
Surkhab: A restaurant with Bar Facilities of Haryana Tourism Corporation was inaugurated on 1st November 1980. It is located 259 Km from Delhi on an area of 2 Acres on Delhi-Dabwali Road.
Facilities: Motel, Restaurant, Bar, Lawn, Green Landscape, Fresh Juice Corner, GiftShop and Parking facilities.
Phone Numbers: 01666-21996
Shikra (Asa Khera): It is located 326 Km from Delhi on Delhi-Ganga Nagar Road on an area of 3 Acres. It comprises of the following facilities.
Facilities: Guest House, Restaurant, Musical Dancing Fountains, Joy Rides in the Children's Park, Merry-Go-Round, Mini Train, Laughing Joker, Photography, Green Lawn and Parking Facilities.
Phone Number: 01666-89-249
Kala Teetar (Abub Shehar): It is located 325 Km from Delhi on Delhi-Ganga Nagar Road on an area of 8.5 Acres. It is situated on the intersection of Rajasthan Canal and Bhakra Canal near Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan border.
Facilities: Motel, Restaurant, Fast Food Counter, Boating, Children's Park, Mini Zoo and Arrangement for Party, Green Lawn, Parking Facility.
Telephone Number: 01666-54-329

Places Of Interest
Dera Sacha Sauda - Located on the Begu Road, the Dera was set-up by Shah Mastana a Saint in 1948. Dera is housed in a spacious building having 600 Rooms, A Hall and a big ground. There are arrangements for free kitchen (Langar). No offerings are accepted and expenses are met from the income of the land attached to it. A large number of devotees join the birth anniversary and death anniversary celebrations in April and November respectively.
Radha Swami Satsang Ghar - There is a vast Satsang Ghar at village Sikanderpur, at a distance of 5 KMs towards East from Sirsa city where a large Satsang is held every year in the month of March-April. Peoples from all disciplines of life visit here to attend the occasion. A local Satsang Ghar is also situated in Sirsa City.
Ram Dev Mandir, Kagdana (Tehsil Sirsa) : Ram Dev, A Saint of Rajasthan and the bagar, is worshipped in the district. Though there are many temples of Ram Dev, but the one at Kagdana in Sirsa Tehsil is the biggest. A large number of devotee pay their obeisance in the temple. A fair attended by large number is held on Magh-Saudi-10 (Jan-Feb).
Dera Jiwan Nagar - Loacated 30 KMs west of Sirsa, it is an important centre of Namdhari sect. Earlier known as chichal,the village was named Jiwan Nagar after Jeewan Kaur mother of late Partap Singh, a Namdhari Saint. A large number of followers of Namdhari Sect came from Shekhupura, Sialkot and Gujranwala Districts after the participation and settled here. The Dera is running a Guru Hari Singh Vidyala and Cow Breeding Centre. A hola festival is held during March-April, which is attended by a large number of followers of Namdhari Sect. An interesting feature of the fair is that simple marriages costing just Rs 11 are solemnised.
Hanuman Temple (Ram Nagria) - The Temple is situated at a distance of 2 KMs in the West of the City. Peoples from all walks of life visit this temple on every Tuesday with a great faith.
Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh, Chormar Khera - Located 36 KM from Sirsa on Delhi-Fazklika National Highway, the Gurudwara is said to be associated with Guru Gobind Singh, who stayed here for a night. It is spread over an area of 8 Acres and has tank with seperate enclosure for ladies. There is a small Museum and Library. The Gurudwara is held in high esteem.
Dera Baba Sarsai Nath - Located outside Hisar Gate, the construction of the temple is assigned to the 13th Century. It was built by Sarsai Nath, a Saint of Nath sect, followers of Shiva who is said to have meditated here. An inscription of Bhoja, the Pratihara Ruler was found at Sirsa. It records that Nilkantha, a Saint of Pashupati sect constructed a temple of Yogisvara (Shiva) made of burnt bricks and thick slabs of stones with a golden Shikhra. Though no remains of this temple has been found, yet it indicates that Saivism and Pashupati Sect flourished at Sirsa during the 8th and 9th Centuries. A document in Arabic, in possession of Dera authorities testify Shah Jehan's visit to the temple. The Dera has the temples of Shiva and Durga.
Saint Baba Bihari Samadhi - The Samidhi is situated in the Western part of Sirsa city in a beautiful Vatika and Temple where a Bhandra is held every year on 1st January.
Dera Sufi Saint Baba Bhuman - Deras of famous Sufi Saint Baba Bhuman Shah, belonging especially to Kamboj, are situated in the villages Mangala, Sangar Saristha and Mallewala. A Fair is held every year on the occasion of Sakranti.
Tomb of Khawaja Pir - The Tomb is said to have been built in the 13th century, in the memory of Khawaja Abdul Shankar. He was one of those who accompanied Muhammed Ghuri to India and resided here. A Mosque was built adjoining the Tomb later during the 16th century. However, no remains of Tomb or Mosque are there. Guru Nanak Dev is said to have stayed here for 40 days at the Tomb along with his disciples Bala and Madana.
Jama Masjid : Located in the tows, it was built towards the close of the 19th century. It has two high Minarets, which overlooked the town.

Sonipat

District Sonipat comprises of three sub-divisions namely Ganaur, Sonipat and Gohana and seven blocks (Ganaur,Sonipat ,Rai, Kharkhoda, Gohana, Kathura and Mundlana) has been carved out of Rohtak and made a full fledged District on 22.12.1972.

General Information

Location - District Sonipat has an area of 2,13,080 Hectare. It lies in the south-east of the State of Haryana, North of the Union Territory of the Delhi and is bounded by the Districts of Rohtak, Jind, Panipat. The District shares an inter-state boundry with district Meerut of Uttar Pradesh. The River Yamuna runs along the eastern boundary of the district and separates it from Uttar Pradesh.

Area - Sonipat occupies an area of 2,13,080 Hectares. Sonipat is the largest Tehsil in the District followed by Gohana.

Climate - The climate of District Sonipat is dry with an extremely hot summer and a cold winter. The weather becomes comparatively mild during the monsoon (period July to September). The post-monsoon months October and November constitute a transition period, prior to the onset of winter.

Yamunanagar

District headquarter is situated in Yamunanagar. Other smaller towns are Jagadhari, Chhachhrauli, Radaur and Sadhaura. Total area of the district is 1,756 sq km and its population is 8,21,000.
Yamunanagar was formed as a new district of Haryana on 16 October, 1989. Earlier to that it was part of Ambala district. The river Yamuna forms its eastern boundary with the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttranchal. Himachal Pradesh and the districts of Karnal, Kurukshetra and Ambala also border the district. There are 655 villages and 10 towns in this district.
Yamunanagar town has many large industries in plywood, paper, sugar, metal and utensils sector. Saraswati Sugar Mills is located here.

Places of Interest

Ch. Devi Lal Herbal Nature Park - The Herbal Nature Park is situated at Chuharpur Reserved Forest near Khizrabad on Bhud Kalan road in Yamunanagar district. It is about 35 km from Yamunanagar, 130 km from Chandigarh and 255 km from Delhi. Chuharpur Reserved Forest has an area of 184 Acre, with medium tree density of Khair (Acacia catechu), Teak (Tectona grandis), Simbal, Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) etc. The park was opened on 6 Nov. 2001. andscaping has been given important consideration for the development of this park. Meandering walkways and aesthetically designed herbal beds add to the beauty. Effective use of locally available raw material has been made resulting in a soothing design that blends with the natural forest surroundings. Presence of water bodies and circuitous walkways add aesthetic appeal, attracting a large number of tourists. Due to the large size of the park the latest irrigation systems of drip, sprinkler and rain guns have been adopted. A 2.5 Km long and 7 feet high chain link fence protects the Herbal Nature Park from by wild animals. A poly house on 500 sq mts has been installed. The Poly House is helping in preparing planting material and establishing medicinal plants resource base for propagation and distributing to farmers. The green house helps in hardening young tender plants before plantation. A bamboo cottage serves as information centre for the convenience of visitors in the park. Farmers' training camps are regularly organized here. A small man made lake has been dug parallel to Green House, which is fed by Western Yamuna Canal. Some migratory birds have begun visiting this lake during winter. A small park has been developed at Lake Island for attracting children. An attempt is made to educate children by giving them a glimpse of valuable medicinal plants.
Kalesar Forest - Kalesar is an excellent area to visit for birders and those interested in wildlife. It has a 100-year-old colonial dak bungalow. The forest rest house located at a picturesque point commands a sweeping view of the Yamuna River. Surrounded with multi-layered gardens, and as typical of the Raj bungalow architecture, there are high-ceiling rooms, exquisite parquet flooring and teak paneling along walls. A fireplace with a mantelpiece above and antique furniture completes the period setting.
Hathni Kund: A short drive from the town of Yamunanagar begins the Sal forest reserve of Kalesar. At Paonta Sahib the river Yamuna crosses over the last lap of the Himalayan foothills. It flows into the plains of Haryana. And, the waters of the western Yamuna Canal are caught in the barrage at Tajewala. Each of these centers is within 5 km. The tourism center of Haryana Tourism at Hathni Kund forms a link between these attractions. Hathni Kund is a delightful location, Built on a raised plinth, the complex over looks the flowing waters of the Yamuna. In the far distance, stand the foothills of the Himalayas slowly blending into the skyline. Hathni Kund is not the usual quiet retreat it seems at a glance. The summers bring groups of adventurous river rafters. Launching off on an expedition from Paonta Sahib, the rafts bob on till Hathni Kund. The rapids in this stretch are of medium intensity. Perfect for amateurs. A number of expeditions have been run already. Adding a special appeal to rafting is the facility to camp out in the lawns of this complex. Rafting expedition, camping out at night and trekking in the Kalesar forest reserve are the major attractions.
Jagadhri: Known for utensils industry. Yugandhra & Ganadhari had been demolished by Nadirshah in 1739. The credit of rebuilding this city goes to Sardar Roa Singh in 1783. Slowly it became a major centre of metals industry.
Bhudia: A famous town situated 3 km away from Jagadhri and 8 km from Yamunanagar railway station. It is said that Humayun came here for hunting in Shivalik forests made up a 'Rang-Mahal'. Many people guess the relation of 'Rang-Mahal' of Bhudia to Birbal, one of the Navrattana of Akbar. In nearby Dayalgarh, there is a very beautiful place of worship - the renovated old temple of Shree Pataleshvar Mahadev with a beautiful garden and some ashrams of saints made during mediaeval times.
Bilaspur & Kapalmochan: Bilaspur town, named after the writer of the Mahabharata - Maharishi 'Ved Vyas', is a historical place. It is supposed that there was an Ashram of Ved Vyas on the bank of a pond situated here. The statue of Uma Mahadev made in 9th-10th century, and statue of Ganesha made in 11th-12th century and remains of Gupta period prove the antecedence of Kapalmochan. People came from all parts of the country feel spiritual elevated by taking bath here in ponds (kunds) known as Rinmochan, Kapalmochan and Surya kund. There is also a Hindu temple and Gurudawara of Dasham Padhashahi.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir: The temple is situated on the road coming from Bilaspur to Chhachhrauli, 4 km away from Bilaspur and it attracts large numbers of people.
Chhachrauli: The main tehsil situated in north east and 11 km from Jagadhri. In the past it was the capital of Kalsia state. Created by Raja Gurbaksh Singh in 1763. Today 'Ravi Mahal', Ghantaghar, Janak Niwas and the fort have their own dignity. There is also a Sainik Parivar Bhawan & Bal-kunj social welfare institution at Chhachrauli.
Ban Santur: This village is situated northeast from Chhachhrauli near Kalesar and is supposed to be connected with King 'Shantanu' of Mahabharata.
Adibadri: It lies 40 kms north of Yamunanagar town. It is approached by road via Bilaspur and is about 2 kms from the nearest village Kathgarh. Located in the foothills of the Shivaliks, it is a picturesque location, abundant with natural beauty and tranquility, with the Adi-Badri Narayana, Shri Kedar Nath and Mantra Devi Temples in the background. The Archaeological Survey of India has recently excavated three mounds of antiquities.
Chaneti: It is situated 3 km away from Jagadhri. There is a grand Tomb of 8 meters in height made of bricks, in the area of about 100 sq meters near the village. Made in round shape this is an old Buddhist Stupa. According to Hieun Tsang, the great King Ashoka built this.
Harnol & Topra: A religious place named 'Panjtirthi' is situated 15 km away from Yamunanagar on the road coming from Topra Kalan to Harnol. There are Shiv Temples and a Gurudwara, which indicate the cordial relations of Sikhs and Hindus. People come here for sacred bath. There are statues of Lord Ram, Sita and five Pandavas.
Sadhaura: An old historical place. It was said that people coming from Haridwar and all the religious places of Himachal Pradesh used to take rest here. It was known as the 'Sadhu-raha' in the past. Later it became Sadhaura.