Haryana travel guide

Haryana Travel Guide

Feel Haryana’s earthy soul—this Haryana Travel Guide explores Haryana tourism through Morni Hills, Murthal dhabas, village life, and serene lakes.

Discover Haryana

Often discovered as the countryside surrounding the national capital, Haryana holds a rich, earthy soul deeply rooted in ancient history and rural warmth. It is home to Kurukshetra, the legendary battlefield where the epic Mahabharata unfolded and Lord Krishna delivered the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita.

Beyond ancient heritage, Haryana is celebrated for its legendary 24/7 highway dhaba culture along the Grand Trunk Road in Murthal, the pine-covered slopes of Morni Hills (the state's only hill station), the birding wetland sanctuaries of Sultanpur, and picturesque terraced Mughal gardens in Pinjore.

Haryana Travel Guides

Hand-crafted itineraries, top attractions, food recommendations, and budget advice written by TraveliciousBites writers.

Popular Places to Visit in Haryana

From iconic landmark cities to hidden mountain valleys and cultural marvels, here are the most unmissable destinations in Haryana.

Epic Mahabharata Land · Holy Waters

Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra)

The historic land of the Mahabharata war and the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, centered around immense holy water reservoirs and sacred groves.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Brahma Sarovar (Immense Sacred Water Basin)
  • Jyotisar (Site of Bhagavad Gita Sermon under Banyan Tree)
  • Sri Krishna Museum & Panorama
  • Sannihit Sarovar
Highway Dhaba Hub · Foodie Paradise

Murthal

Located on NH 44 just 50 km from Delhi, Murthal is India's most famous highway culinary stop, legendary for 24-hour tandoori parathas with white butter.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Amrik Sukhdev Legendary Dhaba
  • Tandoori Stuffed Parathas with Melting Butter
  • Clay Cup Kulhad Chai
  • Gulshan & Pehalwan Dhabas
Shivalik Hill Station · Twin Lakes

Morni Hills & Tikkar Taal

Haryana's sole hill station nestled in the Shivalik foothills at 1,220m elevation, featuring pine-forested slopes, nature trails, and twin connected lakes.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Tikkar Taal Lake Boating & Kayaking
  • Morni Fort Heritage Viewpoint
  • Nature Treks & Birdwatching
  • Adventure Park & Pine Walks
Bird Sanctuary · Wetland Haven

Sultanpur National Park

A premier wetland bird sanctuary near Gurgaon, hosting over 250 species of resident and migratory birds flying from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe in winter.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Migratory Siberian Cranes & Flamingos
  • Four Watchtowers for Bird Photography
  • Lake Nature Trails
  • Education & Interpretation Centre
17th Century Mughal Garden · Terraced Fountains

Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens)

A rare example of Mughal terraced gardens designed by architect Nawab Fidai Khan, cascading across seven descending levels with illuminated water fountains.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Seven Terraced Mughal Levels
  • Shish Mahal & Rang Mahal Pavilions
  • Evening Musical Fountains
  • Heritage Mango Festival (July)
Weekend Adventure · Sulphur Springs

Damdama Lake & Sohna Hills

One of Haryana's largest natural lakes tucked against the Aravalli hills, offering weekend boating, zip-lining, and hot medicinal sulphur springs in nearby Sohna.

Must-See Highlights:
  • Damdama Lake Boating & Kayaking
  • Aravalli Hill Rock Climbing & Zipline
  • Sohna Natural Sulphur Springs
  • Rural Farm Resorts

Best Time to Visit Haryana

Plan your travel calendar around seasonal temperatures, weather conditions, and peak outdoor activities across Haryana.

Best Travel Season

Winter (October to March)

9°C to 23°C

Crisp sunny weather, blooming mustard fields, and cool breezes make winter ideal for highway road trips, birdwatching at Sultanpur, and Kurukshetra pilgrimages.

Top Recommendation: Take a midnight drive to Murthal for hot tandoori parathas; spot Siberian migratory birds at Sultanpur.
Lush Countryside & Lakes

Monsoon (July to September)

25°C to 34°C

Rains fill up Tikkar Taal and Damdama Lake, turning the Morni Hills and Aravalli countryside emerald green.

Top Recommendation: Experience the lush green trails of Morni Hills and enjoy boating on Tikkar Taal.
Warm Plains Season

Summer (April to June)

30°C to 43°C

High plains summer weather; hill escapes like Morni Hills offer pleasant relief during evenings.

Top Recommendation: Escape to Morni Hills or visit indoor cultural centers in Chandigarh and Kurukshetra.

Authentic Flavours & Cuisine of Haryana

TraveliciousBites food trail: signature traditional delicacies, street foods, and royal banquets you must taste in Haryana.

Highway Legend

Murthal Tandoori Paratha

Crispy, flaky tandoori-baked parathas stuffed with spiced potatoes, onions, or paneer, topped with a giant block of homemade white butter (makhan).

Winter Superfood

Bajra Khichdi

Slow-cooked pearl millet and moong dal porridge cooked in an earthen pot, eaten piping hot with fresh curd, jaggery, and desi ghee.

Wild Desert Heritage

Kachri ki Sabzi & Chutney

A tangy, spicy preparation made from small wild melon (kachri) ground with garlic, whole red chillies, and mustard oil.

Traditional Wild Beans

Singri ki Sabzi

Wild desert pods cooked dry with yoghurt, mango powder, and rustic spices, served with fresh bajra rotis.

Sweet Celebration

Churma & Malpua

Crushed whole wheat rotis kneaded with generous pure ghee and sugar, and golden sweet pancakes dipped in cardamom sugar syrup.

How to Reach & Travel in Haryana

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport (Chandigarh) are the primary air gateways situated right on Haryana's borders.

By Train

Ambala Cantt, Panipat, Kurukshetra, Rohtak, and Gurgaon are major railway junctions connecting trains across all regions of India.

By Road

The state has India's highest road density with the Grand Trunk Road (NH 44), Western Peripheral Expressway (KMP), and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway ensuring swift access.

Haryana Travel FAQs

Why is Murthal famous across India?

Murthal on NH 44 is famous for its cluster of 24/7 highway dhabas (like Amrik Sukhdev, Gulshan, and Pehalwan) serving freshly baked tandoori parathas accompanied by bowls of pure white homemade butter.

Where is Morni Hills located and how do I get there?

Morni Hills is in the Panchkula district, about 45 km from Chandigarh and 260 km from Delhi. It can be reached easily by road via the Zirakpur-Panchkula-Kalka highway.

When is the best time for birdwatching at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary?

Between November and February, when thousands of migratory water birds from Siberia and Europe arrive at the wetland. Early morning is the best time for photography.

What is the significance of Kurukshetra?

Kurukshetra is revered as the battlefield of the Mahabharata war and the place where Lord Krishna imparted the holy Gita sermon to Arjuna at Jyotisar.

What are the best weekend getaways in Haryana from Delhi-NCR?

Top quick weekend spots include Sultanpur National Park, Damdama Lake, Murthal dhabas, Pinjore Gardens, and Heritage Village resort in Manesar.