Surajkund is a place that will surprise you with its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning beauty. Located in the Faridabad district of Haryana, India, Surajkund is a reservoir that was built in the 10th century by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty. The name Surajkund means “Lake of the Sun” and it is believed that the king was a devotee of the Sun God. Surajkund is also famous for hosting the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which is one of the largest and most popular crafts fairs in the world. Surajkund has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, crafts, nature or adventure. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Surajkund and why you should visit it.
History of Surajkund
Surajkund has a fascinating history that dates back to the 10th century. The reservoir was built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty, who ruled over Delhi and parts of northern India. The king was a devout follower of the Sun God and he built a sun temple near the lake. According to legend, the king was cured of his leprosy by bathing in the lake and worshipping the sun. The lake is shaped like a semi-circle and has steps on its western side. The embankments of the lake are decorated with stone carvings of animals, birds and flowers. The lake also has an amphitheatre where cultural events are held.
Surajkund witnessed many historical events and changes over the centuries. It was invaded by the Mughals, who added their own architectural features to the lake and the temple. It was also visited by the British, who used it as a picnic spot and a hunting ground. Today, Surajkund is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and a popular tourist destination.
Surajkund Mela: A Celebration of Crafts and Culture
One of the main attractions of Surajkund is the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which is held every year from February 1 to February 15. The mela is a showcase of the diverse and rich crafts, culture and entertainment of India and other countries. The mela attracts more than a million visitors every year, who come to witness the colorful and vibrant display of handicrafts, textiles, pottery, painting, embroidery, woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork and more. The mela also features folk dances, music, puppetry, theatre and other forms of art from different regions and states of India and abroad.
The mela has a different theme every year, which reflects the culture and heritage of a particular state or country. The theme state or country gets a special pavilion where its crafts and culture are exhibited. The mela also has a food court where visitors can enjoy various cuisines from different parts of India and the world.
The mela is a great opportunity for visitors to shop for unique and authentic products at reasonable prices. It is also a platform for artisans and craftsmen to showcase their skills and creativity to a large audience. The mela is organized by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with other ministries and agencies.
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Things to Do in Surajkund
Surajkund has more to offer than just history and culture. There are many other things to do in Surajkund that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Some of these are:
Boating on the lake: You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the serene waters of Surajkund lake. You can choose from paddle boats, row boats or motor boats. You can also admire the scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Golfing at the resort: If you are fond of golfing, you can head to the Surajkund Resort, which has an 18-hole golf course. The resort also has other amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, spa, gym, restaurants and bars.
Exploring the sun temple ruins: You can also visit the ruins of the sun temple that was built by King Suraj Pal near the lake. The temple has some interesting stone carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
Eating at local restaurants: You can also savor some delicious local food at various restaurants near Surajkund. Some of the popular dishes are kadhi pakora, chole bhature, paratha, kulfi falooda and jalebi.
Relaxing at spas: If you want to pamper yourself, you can visit some of the spas near Surajkund that offer various treatments and therapies. You can choose from ayurvedic, herbal, aromatherapy, reflexology and more.
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How to Reach Surajkund
Surajkund is easily accessible from nearby cities and states by different modes of transport. Here are some of the options:
Car: You can drive to Surajkund by taking the Delhi-Faridabad road or the Delhi-Gurgaon road. The distance from Delhi to Surajkund is about 25 km and it takes about an hour to reach.
Bus: You can also take a bus to Surajkund from various bus terminals in Delhi, such as ISBT Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar or Sarai Kale Khan. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the type of bus.
Train: You can also take a train to Surajkund from New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The nearest railway station to Surajkund is Faridabad Railway Station, which is about 10 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from there to Surajkund. The train fare ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 depending on the class of travel.
Metro: You can also take the metro to Surajkund from various metro stations in Delhi, such as Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat or HUDA City Centre. The nearest metro station to Surajkund is Badarpur Metro Station, which is about 8 km away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from there to Surajkund. The metro fare ranges from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40 depending on the distance.
Taxi: You can also book a taxi or a cab from any online or offline service provider to Surajkund from anywhere in Delhi or nearby areas. The taxi fare ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 depending on the type of vehicle and the distance.
Read Varsha's Guide on the Surajkund Mela here
Conclusion
Surajkund is a historical and cultural gem in Haryana that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you want to learn more about the history and culture of Surajkund, or enjoy the crafts and entertainment of the Surajkund Mela, or indulge in some fun and adventure activities, Surajkund has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Surajkund today and experience the charm and beauty of this place.
