Karnāl, India
Region: Haryana
Geographic Coordinates: 29.686000, 76.989000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 45.0°C (59°F to 113°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 357334
Language: Hindi
Karnal, Located in the Indian state of Haryana, Is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, Historical significance, And agricultural prosperity. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and covering an area of about 63 square kilometers with a population of around 3 lakh people. The city has been an important center for trade and commerce since ancient times. It was ruled by various dynasties such as Mauryas, Mughals, Britishers etc., Due to its strategic location between Delhi and Punjab. Karna Lake is one of Karnal’s major attractions situated on the outskirts of the city.
The man-made lake covers an area of about 6 square kilometers offering boating facilities to visitors along with beautiful views at sunset and sunrise. Kalander Shah’s Tomb is another popular tourist destination dating back to Mughal era built in memory of Sufi saint Kalander Shah who lived during Emperor Akbar’s reign. Karnal also houses several temples including Karna Temple, Bhara Mal Temple, Pukka Pul Hanuman Mandir among others attracting devotees from far off places.
The region produces high-quality rice along with other crops like wheat and sugarcane making it one among India’s top agricultural hubs contributing significantly to Indian economy Apart from being a cultural hub Karnal also boasts some prestigious educational institutions such as National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) amongst others which attracts students from all over India In conclusion, Karnāl offers a unique blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty along with thriving agricultural sector making it must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India’s glorious past while being important center for modern-day development as well.
- Karnal Fort
- Karna Lake
- Kalpana Chawla Planetarium
- Pukka Pul
- Cantonment Church Tower
- Bhara Mal Jain Temple
- Chhachhrauli Fort
- Babur’s Masjid
- Kalandar Shah’s Tomb
- Miran Sahib Mosque
- Rice mills: Karnal is known for producing high-quality rice, so there are numerous rice mills located in the city.
- Dairy farming: The city has a significant number of dairy farms that produce milk, butter, cheese, and other dairy products.
- Fertilizer industry: Several fertilizer manufacturing units operate within Karnal’s borders to produce various types of fertilizers for agricultural purposes.
- Seed production: Many companies involved in seed production operate within Karnal since it is an important center for seed research.
- Food processing industry: Numerous food processing units have been established in Karnal to process agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables.
- Textile industry: Although small, the textile industry produces cotton fabrics and garments within the city limits.
- Education sector: With several prestigious educational institutions like NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute), KUK (Kurukshetra University), education plays a significant role in Karnal’s economy.
- Battle of Karnal: In 1739, the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah was defeated by Persian ruler Nadir Shah in the Battle of Karnal.
- Swami Vivekananda: The famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda visited Karnal in 1890 during his travels across India.
- Kalpana Chawla: The first Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla was born in Karnal in 1961. She died tragically in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.
- Lala Lajpat Rai: The prominent Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai was born near Karnal in Dhudike village. He played a key role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.
- Karna Lake: This scenic lake is located on the outskirts of Karnal and is believed to be named after Karna, a character from the Hindu epic Mahabharata who is said to have bathed here.
- Gita Jayanti Mahotsav: Every year, a grand celebration called Gita Jayanti Mahotsav takes place at Jyotisar temple near Karnal to commemorate Lord Krishna’s sermon on Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra as described in Mahabharata.
- Raja Nahar Singh Fort: This historic fort situated near Palwal town (around 50 km from Karnal) was built by Raja Nahar Singh during British rule and played an important role during India’s First War of Independence (1857).
- Karna Lake
- Kalander Shah’s Tomb
- Cantonment Church Tower
- Karan Park
- Pukka Pul (Old Bridge)
- Karnal Fort
- Sheesh Mahal
- Kalandar Shah’s Tomb
- Atal Park
- Karnal Museum and Heritage Centre
- Karna Mahotsav: This is a three-day annual festival celebrated in honor of the founding of Karnal city.
- Ramlila: A ten-day long festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the birth of Lord Ram.
- Baisakhi: A harvest festival celebrated in April with great enthusiasm and fervor.
- Teej: A monsoon festival celebrated by women with great enthusiasm, it is also known as the festival of swings.
- Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated with great zest and zeal in Karnal, where people smear each other with colors and water.
- Diwali: The Festival of Lights, Diwali is a major cultural event in Karnal, where people light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and fireworks.
- Lohri: Celebrated on 13th January every year, Lohri marks the end of winter season and beginning of spring season.
- Gita Jayanti Mahotsav: An annual celebration held to commemorate the day when Lord Krishna delivered his sermon to Arjuna on the battlefield at Kurukshetra as recorded in Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita.
- Navratri/Durga Puja/ Dussehra : These festivals celebrate Goddess Durga’s victory over evil demon Mahishasura are also popularly observed across India including Karnal .
- Karni Mata Fair : Held annually near Pukka Pul (old bridge), this fair honors Karni Mata who was a mystic saint from Rajasthan . It attracts devotees from across Northern India.
- Karnal Haveli: This restaurant is known for its traditional Punjabi cuisine like tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and dal makhani.
- Chawla’s 2: This chain of restaurants is famous for their mouth-watering non-vegetarian dishes like chicken curry, mutton curry, and fish fry.
- Giani’s: This dessert shop serves lip-smacking ice creams and shakes that are loved by locals.
- Pind Balluchi: This restaurant offers a rustic ambiance along with authentic North Indian food like Sarson Ka Saag, Makki Ki Roti, and Lassi.
- Kesar Da Dhaba: Known for its simple yet delicious vegetarian food like chana masala, paneer bhurji, and aloo gobi.
- Swad Restaurant: A multi-cuisine restaurant serving Chinese, Indian as well as Continental dishes.
- The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor: A fine-dining restaurant that serves fusion Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
- Bikanervala: Known for its sweets and savories such as rasgulla,samosas & kachoris etc., this place also has an extensive menu of north Indian delicacies to offer!
- Karna Lake is a popular destination for boating, picnics, and birdwatching.
- Kalpana Chawla Park boasts of beautiful walking trails, a children’s playground, and a musical fountain.
- Cantonment Park is well-maintained with amenities like jogging tracks, basketball courts, and children’s play areas.
- Karnal Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course that welcomes the public to play.
- Atal Park offers peace and tranquility with its lush greenery and small lake.
- Leisure Valley Park is a vast expanse of greenery with walking trails, gardens, and boating facilities on the lake.
- Arya Samaj Mandir Garden surrounds the serene Arya Samaj Mandir temple offering visitors a peaceful garden experience.
- Karnal Sports Stadium Complex provides sports enthusiasts with facilities for cricket, football, tennis among other sports activities.
- Kalandar Shah Tomb Park houses an ancient tomb of Sufi saint Kalandar Shah which has now been transformed into a park where visitors can relax in its serene environment.
- Jain Swetamber Temple Garden surrounds the beautiful Jain Swetamber temple in Karnal known for its stunning architecture.
