Karnal is one of the oldest districts in Haryana, also known as the rice bowl of India. A city with rich history, Karnal has been significant since the era of Mahabharata. Legend has it that it was founded by Raja Karna, the eldest son of Kunti, which is why it is also called the city of Daanvir Karna.
In 1739, the city gained fame when Nadir Shah defeated Muhammad Shah there. It is known as a walled town and the citadel of old times can still be seen in the form of Kot Mohalla. It was built by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind and has served various purposes over time. The British converted it into a residence for Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Kabul, and part of it was also used as a jail while a school was running in the fort.
Karnal has been associated with many dignitaries, including the late Dr. Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American scientist and NASA astronaut who was born in a Punjabi Hindu family in Model Town, Karnal. She also attended Tagore Baal Niketan, Karnal for her schooling. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, was also born in Karnal.
Today, Karnal is famous for the manufacturing of agricultural implements and their spares. More than 40% of the country’s agricultural implements and spares are manufactured here.
Experience the perfect blend of history and modernity in the captivating city of Karnal, nestled along the banks of the River Yamuna. As the gateway to Haryana, Karnal offers a diverse range of experiences to travelers, from ancient monuments to bustling markets. In this blog, we take an in-depth tour of the top tourist places in Karnal, encouraging you to explore the city’s rich culture and historical allure.
Karnal At A Glance
Location: Karnal is situated between the Kurukshetra District on its northwest, Jind and Kaithal District on its west, Panipat District on its south, and Uttar Pradesh on its east. It is well-connected to important locations throughout the country by the Delhi-Ambala rail line, as well as Sher Shah Suri Marg (G.T. Road). Karnal is located 123 km from Delhi and 130 km from Chandigarh.
Linking Roads: Karnal is easily accessible via National Highway No. 1, which runs between Delhi and Chandigarh and passes directly through the city.
How To Reach Karnal Haryana
Air Travel: If you’re traveling to the area by air, the nearest airports are Indira Gandhi International, New Delhi, which is 140 km away, and Chandigarh Airport, which is 131 km away. For more information, please reach out to your preferred airline.
Rail Travel: Karnal Railway Station is located near Chaman Garden, a turn-off from State Highway No. 9, on the Delhi-Ambala rail line. Several important trains pass through Karnal, including the Amrtisar Express, Jhelum Express, Kalka Mail, Chandigarh-Delhi-Shatabadi, Jammu Mall, and Himalyan Queen. For railway inquiries, please dial 139.
Bus Travel: The city lies on NH 1 and is conveniently connected to many of its district towns, as well as Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, Dehradun, Haridwar, Gwalior, Merrut, Shimla, and Dharamshala by bus. Additionally, the Haryana Roadways Volvo passes through Karnal. For Haryana bus inquiries, dial 0180-2646544.
Must-visit Tourist Places In Karnal Haryana
Cantonment Church Tower
Once a part of the St. James Church in Karnal, this tower still stands tall today. Although the church was dismantled in 1941 when the cantonment was moved to Ambala, the tower was preserved due to its public contribution. This four-storey structure features an Extruscan pilaster on the first floor and a semi-circular arch in Roman style on the top floor. The exterior of the tower is coated with lime plaster and boasts beautiful paneling work.
Sita Mai Temple
Located in Sitamai village near Karnal, the Sita Mai Temple is one of a kind. It’s believed to be the only temple in India dedicated to Goddess Sita. According to legend, the temple marks the exact spot where the earth swallowed the goddess while she was proving her purity. The temple itself is made of bricks and boasts intricate ornamentation that covers the entire shrine. It’s located 19 kilometers away from Nilokheri.
Kalander Shah Tomb
Located outside the city, the Kalander Shah tomb is a majestic sight to behold, featuring a beautifully sculpted, marble grave. This monument was commissioned by Ghias-ud-din, Emperor of Delhi, to honor the memory of Bo-Ali-Qualander Shah, a prominent Muslim scholar and sage who greatly inspired his contemporaries and was widely admired by individuals of all faiths. In addition to the tomb, visitors can explore the adjacent mosque and reservoir, complete with fountains, constructed by Emperor Alamgir.
Miran Sahib Tomb
This memorial is dedicated to Syed Mohammad, who earned the nickname Miran Sahib. According to legend, he courageously rescued a Brahmin girl from a Raja in a fierce battle. You can find the tomb located towards the southern edge of town.
Dargah Nuri
Dargah Nuri was built in the memory of Hazrat Sufi Shah Alama Nur Mohammad of Delhi and it is situated at village Newal.
Karna Tank
Discover King Karna Lake, a must-see tourist attraction in Karnal. Enjoy a serene boating experience in rowing or paddle boats while surrounded by picturesque views. The city municipality is currently improving the lake by creating a central island. Additionally, there are many facilities available, such as restaurants, bars, a conference hall, banquet halls and a gift shop in close proximity to the lake.
Gateway of Old Mughal Sarai
Feroz Khan, during the rule of Shah Jahan, erected the Sarai (Rest House) in 1637 AD, naming it after the Mughals. The area was also the site of Babur’s pre-Panipat battle camp. Today, two entryways are present within 100 metres of the Sarai. The structure is quadrangular in shape, with cells on all four sides. The northern and southern walls are part of the existing gateways, which consist of three-storeys and are constructed of ‘Lakhauri’ bricks. The building is adorned with panels, balconies, rounded towers and angular flutes.
Old Badshahi Bridge
This bridge was constructed under the orders of Emperor Sher Shah Suri to provide a secure and convenient passage for travellers. Made of stone, it features three structurally sound arches. It is buttressed at both ends, with four small minarets with domed tops marking their positions.
Kushan Stupa
Asandh, a name derived from Asandhivat, has a rich historical significance. The ancient Indian scriptures such as Brahmanas and Sutras have mentioned the name Asandhivat, which is now known as Asandh. These scriptures suggest that it was a significant site where painted greyware, Kushana coins, and bricks were discovered. During medieval times, it was called Jarassanndh ka Qila. Asandh is located approximately 40 kilometers south-west of Karnal. The stupa, which was once a colossal structure, still stands tall at a height of over 25 meters. It had a circular drum and an elongated dome with spokes formed by earth and brick walls. An exposed area revealed a circular wall made of baked bricks that consisted of 44 courses of bricks. The bricks were roughly 34 to 35.5 cm x 21.5 to 23cmx5to 6cm in size.
Taraori Sarai : Tourist Places In Karnal
Taraori, a small town in Haryana, has been home to two decisive battles fought between Prithvi Raj Chauhan of the Hindu Chauhan dynasty and Mohmad Ghori of Afghanistan in 1191 and 1192 respectively. In Taraori, there is an old sarai which was constructed during the Mughal era, bearing witness to the town’s rich history.
Final Words
Karnal is a city that invites travelers to explore its diverse offerings, from a rich history and spirituality to cutting-edge advancements. With ancient forts and temples, peaceful lakes, and modern agricultural marvels, Karnal offers a range of experiences that will leave you spellbound. Plan your visit to this historic city in the heart of Haryana, and let Karnal’s charm create a lasting impression that will stay with you for a long time. I hope you find this post about Tourist Places in Karnal Haryana useful and you get enough information to plan your Karnal trip.
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