GENERAL INFORMATION
Haryana Virtually the 'green' state Haryana surrounds Delhi on almost three sides. Its close proximity to Delhi also makes the areas around Delhi , industrial townships. Haryana is primarily an agricultural state with some major industrial areas being developed by the government of India. It is one of the more developing states and offers a network of 45 tourist complexes, set up along the national and state highways.Just a short drive from Delhi, one can visit Haryana's tourist complexes for a day.
WILDLIFE IN HARYANA
Haryana's Bird Paradise Located 46 kms from Delhi, Sultanpur National Park, is just a- short drive away from the Delhi - Jaipur Highway. A stretch of marshy land has been remodelled. The artificial mounds have turned into green glades. The marsh has been converted into a water body. A number of organisms like crustaceans, fish and insects thrive during floods, which attract a number of birds to this area. The sanctuary potential of the place was first recognised by the world famous ornithologist, Mr. Peter Jackson. Keeping in view its importance and potential, the area covering 359 acres was declared a bird sanctuary in 1971 and was upgraded to the status of National Park in 1991 by Haryana Government. Sultanpur was a haunt of our very own birdman, Late Dr. Salim Ali.
The Avian Population With the years, hundreds of species of migratory birds have winged in to stay here. Winter brings in birds from as far as Siberia. Flock of geese from Europe also flit in. The local birds flap in, too. A world of darters, egrets, shovellers, gadwell, geese dominate. Teals, kingfishers, lapwings, sandpipers, demoiselle cranes and such other water birds flock in. Over 100 species have been identified here. The number of birds visiting the place has multiplied over the years. Every year nearly 90 migratory birds arrive here in search of feeding grounds and also to spend the winter. In winter, the sanctuary affords a picturesque panorama of migratory birds such as rosy pelican, spotted sandpiper, starling, blue throat etc. in summer, 11 species of birds such as koel and cuckoo can be recognised by their melodious voice. Apart from birds, animal species like blue bull are also found in plenty in the area.
Bird-Watching Made Easy Innumerable bird watchers come in to observe bird antics. There are hideouts, watchtowers and a museum of sorts for those keen on serious study. Guestrooms and catering wing await the patrons. The government is constantly endeavouring to improve the habitat so that more birds come to nest in this area and also to help the bird lovers to come and study the bird life. The bird lovers on their part are requested not to disturb the birds by creating noise or frightening them with music.
PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST
Museum & art gallery The museum is situated in Sector 10-C, opposite Leisure Valley and Rose Garden. It possesses the largest collection of the world famous Gandhara Sculptures after Lahore. The adjacent museum contains fossils and implements of prehistoric humans found in India. It opens for public daily between 10:00 a. m. and 4:30 p.m. except on Mondays, national and public holidays. Le Corbusier designed the Government Museum & Art Gallery as a building for the Museum and it came into being on the 6th of May 1968 with untiring efforts of Late M.S. Randhawa, the then Chief Commissioner. Like the City of Chandigarh, the Museum owes its existence to the partition of the country. The collection of arts objects, paintings, sculpture and decorative arts was housed in Lahore, the then Capital of Punjab. The division of the collection took place on 20th April 1948 by which 60% of the objects were retained as were the objects already re-produced in books and excavated from the sites falling in erstwhile Punjab. The remaining 40% collection consisting mainly of Gandhara Sculpture and miniature paintings fell in the share of East Punjab. It was decided in 1960 that the Museum should have a building of its own in Chandigarh. The Museum possesses the largest collection of the world famous Gandhara Sculptures after Lahore. There is also a well-appointed library in the Museum, which meets the needs of the scholars and students.
Rose Garden This is Asia's largest rose garden, Zakir Gulab Bag spread out over 30 acres of land, in sector 16. Here bloom 50,000 rose-trees of 1600 species. One can only see the flowers and cannot pluck them. Named after India's former President, Zakir Hussain, the garden was established in 1967 under the guidance of Chandigarh's first Chief Commissioner late Dr. M. S. Randhawa. Apart from roses emphasis was given on trees of medicinal value and some unique specimen trees to enhance the beauty of the garden. Some of the medicinal trees planted here are bel, bahera, harar, camphor and yellow gulmohar. It is located next to the city centre. Affording a sight to behold during spring, the rose plants have been planted beautifully in carved-out lawns and flowers beds. This garden is the venue of the annual Festival of Gardens, an event listed on the national calendar of fairs and festivals. This is one of the main cultural events of the city drawing thousands of visitors.
LAKES IN HARYANA
Badkhal Lake Located 32 kms from Delhi, Badkhal Lake is a splendid lake retreat. A bastion of pleasure. A spot to holiday. Strange though it may seem, the lake is fringed by hills - 32 km from Delhi. Come winter and flocks of bird descend upon it. Here is an ornithologist's delight. Badkhal Lake, fringed by hills is a man-made embankment, which holds back the waters of the lake making it a perfect spot for water-sports. On one inlet in the surrounding hill there are rest huts, which are small, cozy and compact. On request, one can hire a private jetty for a pleasurable boat ride. The Badkhal Lake has also been provided with a compact and cool bath complex.
Brahma Sarovar Amongst the holiest of water tanks of the revered land of Kurukshetra, is the Brahma Sarovar. It is the cradle of civilization. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe conceived the Earth here. The sanctity of this water tank finds mention in the memoirs of Al Beruni named 'Kitab-ul-Hind', wherein he wrote of the tank as "the tank resembles an ocean". This scholar was describing the country in the 11th century AD. Today, the Brahma Sarovar has been renovated. It is 3600x1500 feet in size. Its crowning feature is the holy seat of Lord Mahadev, which is a small but sacred temple built to stand within the lake and is linked to the outer periphery by a small bridge. With the outer walls of the tank having been rebuilt, the lake is lined by bathing steps. There are arched enclosures for pilgrims. Hermits sit here for prayers, quite undisturbed by the crowds.
Damdama Lake On the old Delhi- Alwar Highway, 64 km from Delhi is located the Damdama Lake, in the form of an amoeba. The lake, held back by an embankment, is fed by monsoon rivulets dropping into a national trough at the base of the Aravalli ranges. Damdama is a picturesque location. Its structural form is as much a part of the background as the Aravalli ranges. With green keekar trees sprinkled over, the inlets and, pennants of a camp proclaim Damdama as the home of adventure sport
Karna Lake On the National Highway 1, 124 km from Delhi lies the Karna Lake, a lovely green stretch of water that celebrates one of the protagonists of the epic Mahabharata, Karna. Karna Lake is man made. It is made on what was once marshy land. Today, an emerald coloured lake shimmers as the central attraction. The lake has an identity of its own, its green waters, a small island and the surrounding fringes of bottlebrush have attracted darters and the Kingfishers. Ducks and geese flit in and around the water adding to the quiet pleasures of Karna Lake. Boating is an added attraction here.The structures round it provide some of the most delightful luxuries for tourists. Designer decorated guestrooms look out to the lake outside. Each room faces the landscaped surrounding. The tall eucalyptus shut off the din of the highway. Karna Lake also has twin luxury cottages that are quiet and restful. The interiors are designer decorated and a world apart in themselves. A well-equipped conference hall is an integral part of the complex - complete with steno cabin and allied facilities.
Sukhna Lake The manmade picturesque Sukhna lake in the foothills of Shivalik range is an idyllic place for quiet communion with nature and for offering water sports activities such as boating, yachting, water skiing, etc. The creation of Lake was one of the greatest gifts from Le Corbusier and P. L. Varma, the Chief Engineer. To preserve its tranquility Corbusier insisted that it be forbidden to motor boats and the top of the promenade prohibited to vehicular traffic.
Suraj Kund Located 17.7 km away from the city on Delhi-Agra Road, Suraj Kund is in Haryana State. Tomar Raj Surajpal dug up this Kund in 11th century in order to meet the water shortage in southwest Delhi. Today, there is no water in the Kund but the temple of Sun God still exists there. The construction consists of a steeped stone embankment on a semi-circular plan to impound the rainwaters, from which were recently retrieved from the reservoir, or which are found re-used in later constructions.One can enjoy the placid waters of the lake, as there are facilities for boating.
Sannihit Sarovar Sannihit Sarovar is a holy water tank in Kurukshetra, which is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Sarasvatis. The lake is 1500x450 feet in size.
Rafting At Hathni Kund A short drive from the town of Yamuna Nagar begins the Sal forest reserve of Kalesar. At Poanta Sahib, the river Yamuna crosses over the last lap of the Himalayan foothills and flows into the plains of Haryana. And, the waters of the western Yamuna Canal are caught in the barrage at Tajewala. Each of these centres is within 5 kms. The tourism centre of Haryana Tourism at Hathni Kund forms a link between these attractions. 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 Poanta Sahib, the rafts sway 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. After a rafting expedition and camping out at night, set off for a trek into the Kalesar forest reserve
State Capital Chandigarh
Languages Hindi and Haryanavi
Area Covered 44,000 Sq kms.
Best time to visit October to March
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