Karnal

Karnal city is situated at Haryana state of India. It is believe that Karnal city was founded by Kauravas at the time of Mahabharata epic, for the King Karna. Karnal is only 123 km from Delhi on the National Highway-1 (NH-1) and only 126 km from Chandigarh. Karnal is famous for the manufacturing of shoes, the production of basmati rice, and for its many agricultural research institutes.

History of Karnal: It is to believe that the Karnal city was founded by Raja Karna, of the Mahabharata fame. In 1739 Nadir Shah defeated Muhammad Shah at Karnal.

Raja Gopal Singh of Jind seized Karnal in 1863, and the Marhattas established themselves at Karnal in 1785. In 1795 the Marhattas finally wrested it from Raja Bhag Singh of Jind and made it over to the George Thomas, who took part in the fight. Meanwhile Raja Gurdit Singh of Ladwa obtained possession of Karnal. It was captured by the British in 1805 and they established a cantonment in 1811.

The fort which had been built by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind was taken over by the British and converted into a residence for Dost Mohammad Khan Amir of Kabul. The fort was used as a jail, as quarters for native cavalry and as poor house. In 1862, it was made over to the Education Department, when the district school was moved into it from the city.

The ideal time to visit Karnal is from September to the month of March, although the city remains bustling with tourists through out the year.

Cantonment Church Tower, Kalander Shah tomb, Miran Sahib Tomb, Karna Tal, Karna Lake, Pukka Pul

Cantonment Church Tower: This is old tower is a great piece of British architecture. The Tower can be seen from a distance of several kilometers as it is almost 35 meters in height. The tower is surrounded by a large ornamental cross. The church itself named after St. James was dismantled with the shifting of the Cantonment to Ambala in 1841 A.D.

Kalander Shah's tomb: Kalander Shah's tomb is situated just outside the town. This tomb was built by Ghias-ud-din, Emperor of Delhi, to the memory of Bo-Ali-Qualander Shah, a famous Muslim Sage.

The grave of the tomb is made by marble and decorated with sculpture. Out side the tomb a mosque with a fountain, was built by Emperor Alamgir. This tomb is a true tourist spot in Karnal.

Miran Sahib’s Tomb: The tomb is situated toward the south of the town. This tomb built on the memory of a saint, Sayad Mohd. Who died in 899 A.D., during an act of rescuing, when he was rescuing a Brahmin girl from the clutches of a Raja in a pitched battle. A small mosque and a cemetery of many members of the Mandal family also built in premises of the Tomb.

The Karna Tal: The Karna Tal one of the most visited tourist spot of Karnal. Karnal Tal named after Raja Karna, the great worrier of Mahabharata fame. The Tal is now being renovated and converted into a tourist spot by Karnal municipality.

Karna Lake: Karna Lake one of the most famous tourist spots of Karnal district. Karan Lake lies 125 Km from both Chandigarh and Delhi, is an inviting tourist complex of rich greens. You can enjoy the Boating which is a special attraction of the Lake, here both rowing and paddle boats have been provided. The beauty of the spot is heightened by an artificial lake decorated with a central island. Restaurant, bar, conference and banquet halls and a gift shop are housed in another building a little away from the Lake.

Pukka Pul: The Sayad's shrine built at Moghul Bridge about 7 kilometers from Karnal city is the scene of a big mela every Thursday. Lamps are lit. Superstitious people from far and near come to make offering at the shrine and ask for boons varying from diseases cure to elimination of ghosts from their bodies and prayers for material prosperity.

Karnal is 123 km from Delhi on the National Highway-1 (NH-1) and only 126 km from Chandigarh.

Jewel, Kunjpura Road, with a restaurant, fast food and a foreign exchange facility, is a good place to stay.

Karna Lake, run by Haryana Tourism, located just off the highway has deluxe huts, a restaurant and boating.

Oasis has 2 camper huts and a cafeteria. There is also a local dhaba just opposite Karna Lake which serves pretty good food. However, avoid the Imperial Bar.

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