Haryana is a treasure trove of historical heritage. While Gurugram thrives as a modern tech hub, the state is also home to some of India’s oldest and most significant monuments that reflect its rich past. The Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr Arvind Kumar Sharma, recently unveiled an exciting initiative to elevate Kurukshetra and its neighbouring regions into premier tourist destinations. Famous for its deep historical and mythological ties—especially its connection to the Mahabharata—Kurukshetra is set to become the centrepiece of a new tourism project called the ‘Mahabharata Circuit.’ Dr Sharma shared this ambitious plan at the second Mahabharata Circuit Conference in Karnal, where collaboration between Haryana Tourism and the Union Ministry of Tourism aimed to unlock the region's vast tourism potential and development opportunities.
You can soon discover the profound historical and mythological significance of Haryana's Kurukshetra and its surrounding regions, renowned for their deep ties to the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata Circuit includes must-visit sites such as Brahma Sarovar, a sacred lake associated with Lord Brahma; the Sri Krishna Museum, showcasing fascinating artefacts from Lord Krishna's life; Bhishma Kund, the revered spot where Bhishma is said to have rested on his bed of arrows; and Jyotisar, the sacred ground where the Bhagavad Gita was delivered. You’ll also find additional gems like Sheikh Chihli’s Tomb, Gurudwara Navi Patshahi Sahib, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, and Bhadrakali Temple.
The circuit expands into Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, featuring historic and spiritual landmarks in Hastinapur, Mathura, and Badrinath. As Haryana’s tourism department highlighted, Kurukshetra spans about 147 square kilometres and is rich in temples, revered sites, and ancient water bodies tied to the Mahabharata War and its remarkable characters. This project will boost the local economy and reconnect everyone with the rich narratives that define India's cultural legacy.
Dr Arvind Kumar Sharma emphasised the necessity of establishing amenities in Kurukshetra similar to those found in Vrindavan, a revered site that draws countless devotees annually. By improving infrastructure, modernising visitor facilities, and highlighting the region's rich cultural legacy, this aspirational endeavour holds the potential to provide an extraordinary experience that profoundly connects individuals with the area's historical significance. Such efforts could inspire many visitors eager to discover its hidden gems.
R. K. Suman, the Northern Regional Director for the Union Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the ministry's steadfast dedication to elevating Kurukshetra as a global pilgrimage hub. Central to this vision is the Mahabharata Circuit, an essential aspect of a broader initiative following the notable achievements of the Ramayana and Krishna Circuits in northern India, underpinned by substantial investments amounting to INR 200 crores. This initiative aims to invigorate religious and historical tourism, attracting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and international travellers keen on exploration. Significantly, over 130 industry stakeholders engaged in a three-day Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarization Tour in Kurukshetra, where they delved into the city’s profound historical context and collaborated on strategies to enhance tourism within this culturally rich area.