In a major push to promote Haryana’s historical heritage, the state’s Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, announced plans to develop Kurukshetra and nearby areas as top tourism destinations. Known for its historical and mythological significance, especially in connection to the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra and surrounding districts will be part of a new tourism initiative termed the ‘Mahabharata Circuit.’ Dr. Sharma shared this vision at the second Mahabharata Circuit Conference held in Karnal, where officials from both Haryana Tourism and the Union Ministry of Tourism discussed the region’s development potential.
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The Union Ministry of Tourism hosted the conference with the goal of turning historic locations in Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Panipat into popular tourist destinations. Dr. Sharma proposed Kurukshetra may provide comparable facilities to Vrindavan, which attracts thousands of pilgrims, in order to accommodate a greater number of tourists. This initiative seeks to improve infrastructure, create better visitor facilities, and highlight the area’s deep cultural roots.
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The Union Ministry of Tourism’s Northern Regional Director, R K Suman emphasised that the ministry is committed to elevating Kurukshetra as a global pilgrimage destination. The Mahabharata Circuit follows the government’s successful establishment of the Ramayana and Krishna Circuits in other parts of northern India, with INR 200 crores invested so far. The project aims to revive and promote religious and historical tourism, attracting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and international tourists alike.
As per the reports, more than 130 industry participants attended the three-day Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarisation Tour in Kurukshetra as part of this endeavour. The aim of this event was to highlight Kurukshetra’s historical significance and provide strategies to boost tourism.
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The Brahma Sarovar, a holy body of water associated with Lord Brahma; the Sri Krishna Museum, which houses artefacts from Lord Krishna’s life; Bhishma Kund, where it is said that Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows; and Jyotisar, the location of the Bhagavad Gita’s delivery, are a few of the Mahabharata Circuit’s noteworthy locations. Sheikh Chihli’s Tomb, Gurudwara Navi Patshahi Sahib, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, and Bhadrakali Temple are other sites of interest.
The circuit extends to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, encompassing various historical and religious sites in Hastinapur, Mathura, and Badrinath, among others. According to Haryana’s tourism department, Kurukshetra alone covers approximately 147 sq km and includes numerous temples, holy places, and ancient tanks tied to the Mahabharata War and its legendary figures.
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