Karnal- A Legendary Town

According to legend, this town was founded by the Kauravas around the time of the Mahabharata for the warrior Karna who was the son of Kunti and the Sun God. It was later annexed by the Raja of Jind in AD 1763 and was taken from him by George Thomas in 1797. The British established a cantonment in 1811 but abandoned it after 30 years due to the outbreak of malaria.


¤ Main Attractions

There are a few places of interest here, like the Kala Amb memorial, an obelilsk commemorating the third battle of Panipat. Kalandar Shah’s tomb, the Kos Minar (a watch tower), a small fort in Katju Nagar called Trori sarai, Babur’s masjid and the tombs of Mukrab Ali Khan, Mubarak Khan and Altaf Hussain Ali.
Two ancient inscribed red pillars have been discoverd in Amin, and Bahlolpur is connected with the famous duel between Bhima and Duryodhana (of the Mahabharata). Duryodhana had hidden himself in a water tank, but came out after being jeered by Bhima, only to die at his hands.

Now Karnal is the centre of Haryana’s national Dairy Research Institute and claims to have ushered in the `white revolution’ by producing great quantities of milk.


¤ Hotels & Restaurants

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.