Haryana, India Travel Guide

Explore Haryana: A perfect blend of rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and scenic landscapes in northern India. Discover ancient temples, lush green hills, and delicious cuisine.

Haryana, a state in northern India, is a place where tradition meets modernity. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Haryana offers tourists a blend of historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and lush green landscapes. The state's history dates back to the Vedic era, making it a treasure trove of ancient temples, battlefields, and monuments. The capital city, Chandigarh, is a bustling urban center with a unique mix of modern architecture and natural beauty. Designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier, the city is known for its well-planned layout, beautiful gardens, and serene lakes. The Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake are must-visit spots for anyone looking to experience the city's charm. For those interested in spirituality and history, Kurukshetra is a significant destination. Known as the land of the Mahabharata, this city is dotted with ancient temples and sacred lakes that attract pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. The Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar are particularly noteworthy for their religious significance. Haryana is also famous for its vibrant festivals such as the Surajkund Mela, which showcases the state's rich arts and crafts. Visitors can explore a variety of handicrafts, textiles, and traditional performances, making it a cultural feast. The lush green landscapes of places like Morni Hills and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary offer a perfect escape for nature lovers and bird watchers. The state's culinary delights are another highlight. From the spicy flavors of Haryanvi cuisine to the sweet delicacies, food in Haryana is a treat for the taste buds. Don't miss trying local dishes like Bhutte Ka Kees and Bajra Khichdi. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to experience India's diverse culture, Haryana has something to offer for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Haryana.

Visit during the Surajkund Mela in February to experience Haryana's vibrant arts and crafts.
Carry comfortable walking shoes; many attractions involve walking and exploring.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and sacred sites.
Try the local cuisine at traditional dhabas for an authentic culinary experience.
Plan a trip to Morni Hills for a refreshing retreat amidst nature.

Top City Travel Guides in Haryana

The cities of Haryana, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Delhi

Explore Haryana: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

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Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Haryana

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Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary - RAMSAR Wetland

Discover a serene haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts at Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, home to diverse avian species and tranquil landscapes.

4.3

Heritage Transport Museum

Explore India's transportation history at the Heritage Transport Museum, a unique and engaging experience for all ages near Gurgaon, Haryana.

4.6

Purana Quila

Explore Delhi's ancient Old Fort, a historic landmark with Mughal architecture and a rich history spanning millennia.

4.1

Asigarh Fort

Explore the ancient Asigarh Fort in Hansi, Haryana, a historic monument with a rich past and impressive architecture, offering a glimpse into India's heritage.

4.4

Best landmarks in Haryana

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Asigarh Fort

Explore the majestic Asigarh Fort in Haryana, a historical landmark that showcases India’s rich heritage and breathtaking architecture amidst picturesque landscapes.

4.4

Best restaurants in Haryana

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Bikanervala

Explore the culinary heritage at Bikanervala - where Indian flavors meet family-friendly dining in Gurugram.

4.2

Indian Grill Room

Experience authentic North Indian flavors at Indian Grill Room's lavish buffet in Gurugram - a must-visit culinary destination.

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The Forestta

Discover the enchanting dining experience at The Forestta in Gurugram with diverse cuisines including North Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Mughlai delights.

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21 Gun Salute

Indulge in royal Mughlai flavors and exquisite continental dishes at Gurugram's premier fine dining destination.

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Best bars in Haryana

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Manhattan Bar & Brewery

Discover the lively Manhattan Bar & Brewery in Gurugram, where craft beer meets North Indian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Downtown Diner & Fresh Beer Cafe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Gurugram at Downtown Diner & Fresh Beer Cafe, a top destination for craft beer and delicious cuisine.

4.5

Walking Street

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Walking Street in Gurugram, where vibrant bars, live music, and delicious cuisine await your arrival.

4.2

The Drunken Botanist

Experience a unique blend of craft cocktails and international cuisines at The Drunken Botanist in Gurugram's vibrant DLF Cyber City.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Haryana

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4U Club

Experience the electrifying nightlife at 4U Club, a premier disco club in Gurugram, offering vibrant music, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable moments.

4.1

The Mozo Night Club

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of The Mozo Night Club in Gurugram, where music, dance, and vibrant nightlife await you.

4.8

Club 18 The Best Disco

Club 18: Gurugram's ultimate disco experience, where vibrant nightlife meets unforgettable memories.

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The Midnight Club - Night Club in Gurgaon - Club in Gurgaon - Best Night Club in Gurgaon

Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Midnight Club in Gurugram, where dance, music, and unforgettable memories await every visitor.

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Best shops in Haryana

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AMBIENCE MALL, GURUGRAM

Explore Ambience Mall in Gurugram for a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, perfect for every tourist's itinerary.

4.6

Crown Interiorz Mall

Discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at Crown Interiorz Mall, the ultimate destination for tourists in Faridabad.

4.2

Sahara Mall

Sahara Mall: Your Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination in Gurugram, Haryana, Offering a Unique Blend of Retail and Culinary Experiences.

3.9

Ardee Mall

Experience the exciting blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment at Ardee Mall, Gurugram's ultimate retail destination.

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Explore Haryana on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Haryana, mapped for you.

Haryana Essentials

Haryana is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airports are Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Chandigarh International Airport. From these airports, you can reach various parts of Haryana by taxi, bus, or train. Major cities like Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Panchkula are easily accessible by road from Delhi. Indian Railways operates frequent trains connecting Haryana with major cities across India.
Haryana offers a variety of transportation options. Public buses operated by the Haryana Roadways are a reliable and economical way to travel between cities and towns. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common for shorter distances. For more comfort, you can hire taxis or use ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola. Renting a car is also an option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities but may be sparse in smaller towns, so withdrawing sufficient cash in advance is recommended.
Haryana is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to practice standard safety precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Some areas, particularly in larger cities like Gurgaon and Faridabad, have higher crime rates, so stay vigilant and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Major cities have hospitals with emergency departments. It is wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in both urban and rural areas.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (pressing your palms together) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Haryana like a local, visit the local markets and try traditional dishes like 'Sarson ka Saag' and 'Makki di Roti'. Engage with locals, as they are often hospitable and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting historical sites like the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra and the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary near Gurgaon. For a unique experience, attend local festivals such as 'Haryana Day' or the 'Surajkund Mela'.

When is the best time to visit Haryana?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Haryana

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Haryana. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
- Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
- Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
- Noनहीं
  [Nahin]
- Please/You're welcomeकृपया / आपका स्वागत है
  [Kripya / Aapka Swagat Hai]
- Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
- Excuse me/Sorryमाफ कीजिए
  [Maaf Kijiye]
- How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap Kaise Hain?]
- Fine. And you?ठीक है। और आप?
  [Theek Hai. Aur Aap?]
- Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya Aap Angrezi Bolte Hain?]
- I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आता
  [Mujhe Samajh Mein Nahin Aata]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripya Menu Dikhaiye]
- I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main Maas Nahin Khata]
- Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे बिल दें
  [Kripya Mujhe Bill Dain]
- Help!मदद करें!
  [Madad Karen!]
- Go away!जाओ यहाँ से!
  [Jaao Yahaan Se!]
- Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police Ko Bulao!]
- Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor Ko Bulao!]
- I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main Kho Gaya Hoon]
- I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ
  [Main Bimar Hoon]
- I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहता हूँ
  [Main ... Kharidna Chahta Hoon]
- I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main Bas Dekh Raha Hoon]
- How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yeh Kitna Hai?]
- That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh Bahut Mehnga Hai]
- Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya Aap Keemat Kam Kar Sakte Hain?]
- What time is it?क्या समय है?
  [Kya Samay Hai?]
- It's one o'clockयह एक बजे है
  [Yeh Ek Baje Hai]
- Half past (10)साढ़े (10)
  [Saade (10)]
- Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
- Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
- Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
- Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
- Todayआज
  [Aaj]
- Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [Kahan Hai ...?]
- What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata Kya Hai?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya Aap Mujhe Dikha Sakte Hain (Nakshae Par)?]
- When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (Bus) Kab Hai?]
- A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek Ticket (.... Ke Liye)]

History of Haryana

The First Battle of Panipat was a defining moment in Indian history. Fought on April 21, 1526, it marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. The battle was fought between the invading forces of Babur and the Lodi dynasty. Babur's victory over Ibrahim Lodi established Mughal rule and changed the course of Indian history.
The Second Battle of Panipat took place on November 5, 1556, between the forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and the local Haryanvi king, Hemu. Hemu had declared himself the ruler of Delhi, but Akbar's forces, led by Bairam Khan, defeated him. This battle solidified Mughal rule and helped Akbar establish his empire.
The Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the 18th century. It was fought between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire led by Ahmad Shah Abdali. The Marathas were defeated, which significantly weakened their influence in India and allowed the British to eventually consolidate power.
Kurukshetra, often referred to as the 'Land of the Bhagavad Gita,' is a city steeped in mythological and historical significance. According to Hindu mythology, it was the battlefield of the epic Mahabharata. The city's landscape is dotted with various temples and ghats that attract pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Jat community in Haryana rose in rebellion against the Mughal Empire. The most notable leader was Raja Suraj Mal, who established a strong Jat kingdom. These rebellions played a key role in weakening Mughal authority in the region.
Haryana was carved out of the Indian state of Punjab on November 1, 1966. This reorganization was based on linguistic lines to create a state where Hindi was the predominant language. The formation of Haryana marked a new chapter in the region's history, focusing on agricultural and industrial development.
The Surajkund Mela, held annually in Faridabad, is a vibrant celebration of arts, crafts, and culture. It attracts artisans and performers from across India and the world. The fair is a showcase of traditional Indian craftsmanship and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Haryana.
Haryana played a crucial role in India's Green Revolution during the 1960s and 1970s. The adoption of high-yield variety seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and fertilizers transformed the state into an agricultural powerhouse. This revolution not only improved food security but also boosted the economy of Haryana.