Faridabad is one of the oldest and largest cities in the state of Haryana. Located in the vicinity of Aravalli hills, Faridabad has lived through the Mughal rule followed by British Rule and more recently enduring industrialisation at a fast pace. Hence, the city is an amalgamation of different cultures and festivals.
However, visitors still ignore to include the city in their itinerary. Popular notions might push you more towards Gurgaon or Delhi while you are exploring NCR. But, Faridabad does have a multitude of activities and options for one to take joy in. More and more tourists are placing Faridabad on their list. Simply because, it is not just NCR, it has its peculiarity and choices ranging from history to picnics to nightlife.
Let us dig into some of the local treasures for you to choose from.
Historical Landmarks
Faridabad is named after Baba Farid, a revered Sufi saint of the 12th century and Jahangir's treasurer. All around the year pilgrims flock to Baba Farid's tomb in Old Faridabad. The tomb was built by Mughals in 1265 AD in memory of Baba Farid. It has two gateways - Nuri Darwaza (Gate of Light) in the east and Bahishthi Darwaza (Gate of Paradise) in the west. The Bahishti Darwaza is made of silver and decorated with floral designs. The site also has two graves - one of Baba Farid and the second one of his son. The area inside the tomb is too small, maximum of ten people can adjust here. There is a restriction on the entry of the ladies into the tomb. The shrine is administered by Auqaf Department and free food called langar is served to the visitors every day. More interestingly some evenings (events might differ due to Covid) visitors also come in large numbers to attend Qawwali musical programs. A walk through fragments of past and to end it with Sufi music is sublime.
An alternate option is to visit Raja Nahar Singh Palace, more popularly known as Ballabhgarh Fort Palace. In the revolt of 1857, Raja Nahar Singh, ruler of the small state of Ballabgarh, played a key role in India's struggle for Independence. This palace is well maintained and is now a heritage property. Guests can choose to stay in one of the six guest rooms and travel back in time. Bar, Lounge, Restaurant and Public Areas with intricately carved arches and antiques are also open to being explored.
For the love of art & craft – SurajKund Crafts Mela
I am sure you have heard of this one, but do you know that Surajkund Crafts Mela is the world's biggest international crafts festival with normally over 20 Countries and most of the Indian States participating in this festival. Surajkund, meaning 'Lake of the Sun', is an ancient reservoir that was built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. And this festival is the starting point of all tourism in Haryana especially Faridabad. Held in February each year, this Mela is an esteemed platform for artists from all over the world catering to all age groups of viewers and buyers.
Even if you visit in other months, Suraj Kund with the serene Aravallis in the backdrop has a semi-circular embankment similar to an amphitheater where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views while picnicking here.
Adventure Sport Spot – Dhauj Lake
Close to Mangar Village in Faridabad lies Dhauj Lake, in the midst of the Aravallis. The spot is a hub for adventure lovers with camping, trekking, rock climbing & ATV rides. The area is known for numerous eco-lodges and safari tents for a recreational holiday or day picnics. There is a small artificial dam at the spot and it is best to visit the lake during rainy seasons or soon after monsoons to avoid dried lake area.
Family Picnic Venues - Badhkal Lake & CITM Lake
Badhkal comes from the Persian word Bedhkal which means far from intervention. Ironically, due to illegal mining in the area, the lake which once was prosperous with water and tourists all around the year is now good to visit primarily in monsoons. Badhkal is the favourite spot for the locals for boating, birdwatching, and family picnics. In spring, a flower festival is also arranged at the lake. Camel rides and Horse rides are preferred activities at the lake too. In the vicinity is also the beautiful Peacock Lake.
While Badhkal is more popular, CITM Lake is preferred by nature lovers and photographers. The lake is formed by the collection of rainwater in the deep rugged topography of stone mines. Hence, it is not a good swimming spot since the sharp stones underneath can be dangerous. However, the lake is great for picnics and even for cycling in the area.
Special for Sports Lovers – Aravali Golf Course & Raja Nahar Singh Cricket Stadium
Located on the New Delhi- Agra National Highway, Aravali Golf Course is known for the annual golf tournament where amateurs and professionals gather to play in a spirit of togetherness. This golf course also has restaurants, billiards and a bar and is open on all days.
Nahar Singh Cricket Stadium built in 1981, is a historic attraction, perfect for cricket buffs. Previously known as Mayur Stadium, the first match - a Ranji trophy game was played here between Haryana and Services in 1982. With the capacity to hold around 25,000 people, the Nahar Singh stadium stands out as one of the most modern cricketing facilities in North India.
Food Joints from Faridabad
The treasures lie in some of the lesser known corners of Faridabad. While most of the crowd can vouch for finger-licking good street and Dhaba food in Delhi, lesser do they know that Faridabad has some equally and even better food joints.
Rama Dhaba in Sector 7 & Dharma Dhaaba near YMCA are absolute favorites for most of the locals for the likes of Dal Makhani, Naan dipped in butter & Shahi Paneer. If you gorge on street food and sweets, Faridabad is the place to be with a neer ending list and something worth in each local market. The most popular ones are Baba Chaat Corner in Sector 16, Anupam Sweets in Sector 15, Raghuvar Sweets in Old Faridabad Market, and Milan in Sector 10.
Devotional Day Out – Shirdi Sai Baba Temple & ISKCON Temple
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Sector 16A is one of the most popular religious sites and attracts a good number of visitors daily. Built over an area of 3 acres, the temple has a 5.25 feet tall marble statue of Sai Baba and hosts a Bhandara every Thursday.
In Sector 37 lies The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple, also known as Sri Radha Govind Temple. The premises are beautiful with splendid architecture. Festivals like Janmashtmi are celebrated here with great fervor. There are vegetarian snacks served at the cafeteria within the premises.
The city undoubtedly is a blend of several modern and traditional, primarily multi-cultural elements worth exploring, with a tinge of Haryanvi accent in almost everything.
I would love to know more about the options I missed and new or old spots in Faridabad worth visiting. You can connect with me and follow my content at Tripoto or Instagram @woolgathering_wonders.
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