Karnal is Haryana’s first and India’s 24th cleanest city (among 4000+ cities) declared under Swachh Survekshan 2019. Karnal is a city located in the National Capital Region approx. 120 km away from Capital Delhi. Karnal is the city where the Battle of Karnal fought between Nader Shah of Persia and the Mughal Empire took place in 1739.

Karnal has an etymology with its name. It is believed that it has been derived from the Mahabharata’s character Karna as the city has a lake called Karna lake where Karna used to give alms to the poor. The city Karnal has many places for tourists to see and this article will give a glimpse of some places to visit in Karnal.

Places to visit in Karnal

1. Karna Lake

Karna Lake is a man-made lake situated in the karnal city for the recreational purpose of city people. Karna Lake is also called Karna Tal is a famous place to visit in Karnal. Karnal lake houses Karnal lake tourist complex where boating, swings, and accommodation facilities are available. It is believed that Karnal has its name originated from this Karna lake.

2. Babur’s Masjid

Babur’s Masjid is a monument built by Mughal emperor Babur to celebrate his victory over Ibrahim Lodhi in the year 1528. Babur’s Masjid has octagonal towers and is covered by domes. Mostly part of the Masjid is in ruins but still, it echoes the history of the Karnal city. It is a must-visit place in Karnal city of Haryana.

3. Kalandar Shah Tomb

Kalandar Shah Tomb is a marble grave built by Ghias-ud-din, Emperor of Delhi, in the memory of Bo-Ali-Qalandar Shah. This famous place to visit in Karnal is located just outside the city. Bo-Ali-Qalandar Shah was a famous Muslim sage who was respected by all communities.

4. Gurudwara Manji Sahab

Gurudwara Manji Sahab is a must-visit place in Karnal as it holds both religious and historical importance. The first Guru of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Karnal in 1515 and with his spiritual teachings, he released people from the superstitious beliefs of some Muslim pirs ruling at that time. From that time, the people of karnal started following Sikhism and celebrate every Sikh festival with great fervor.

5. Durga Bhavani Mandir

Durga Bhavani Mandir of Karnal is a 400-year-old temple that is a symbol of people’s faith.  The temple is a famous place to visit in karnal because of its magnificent architecture and stonework. A pious pond called Ganga pond is also in the temple. On the Dussehra festival,  people worshiping the mother Ganga and earn spiritual benefits.

6. Sita Mai Temple

Sita Mai Temple is the only temple in India that is dedicated to Mata Sita. Because of its unique characteristics, the Sita Mai temple is a must-visit place in Karnal. This ancient temple is built on the place where Goddess Sita got buried in the earth to prove her purity.

7. Karnal Cantonment Church Tower

Karnal Cantonment Church Tower is a Roman-style remnant of the former colonial rule. The four-story tower can be seen from miles away and it houses a magnificent ornamental cross at the top. Towering thirty-five meters high, the Karnal Cantonment Church Tower is one of the must-visit places in karnal. This lovely spot is ideal for a romantic evening or a casual picnic.

8. Miran Sahib Tomb

Miran Sahib Tomb is dedicated to saint Miran sahib or Syed Mohammed who was responsible for rescuing a Brahmin girl from a King in a battle. After the saint was killed in the battle, his head has been buried here. The tomb houses a brilliant mosque that makes it a famous place to visit in Karnal.

9. Karnal Golf Course

The Golf Course of Karnal stretches over acres of lush green gardens that are ideal to relieve tensions and to get a break from hectic city life. Located on the banks of the Yamuna river, having Karnal Lake on one side and Oasis Complex Resort on the other., it is one of the famous places to visit in Karnal and popular among international golf destinations.

These are some of the famous places to visit in Karnal.