Surajkund is an ancient reservoir situated in the Faridabad city of Haryana. It was built in the 10th century and is located at a distance of 8 km from South Delhi. The literal meaning of the word ‘Surajkund’ is ‘Lake of the sun’. The kund or lake in question is an artificial one that has been situated in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills.
When you visit this place, what intrigues you the most is the amphitheatre embankment structured formation which has been constructed in the semicircular form.
It is believed that this place was built by King Surajpal who belonged to the Tomar dynasty sometime in the 10th century. Being a sun worshipper, he successfully executed the completion of a Sun temple on the western side of this place.
Although this place is small, it is quite popular owing to the annual fair which is held here every year. The place hosts the ‘Surajkund International Craft Mela’ every year which is visited by millions of people including foreigners. Around 20 countries participate in the fair showcasing their talent for crafts and creativity.
History of Surajkund
It is believed that it was the Yadav kings who had initially come and settled in this place near Lal Kot. It was apparently renamed Quila Rai Pithora in the name of King Prithviraj Chauhan since he was the second last Hindu ruler of India.
And the archaeological excavations done on this land have revealed the presence of a Sun Temple here. Also, certain stones that were carved with writings have been recently recovered during an excavation process. Some historians believe that it was King Surajpal who had built this lake for his daughter. During the Tughlaq Dynasty, under the rule of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, this place was refurbished by creating some steps and terrace. Although the Tomar dynasty had vanished in the 12th century, this place has not seemed to be affected yet.
Major Attractions in and Around Surajkund
1. Baba Farid’s Tomb. It is believed that Surajkund was named after Baba Farid who was a revered saint. All year round, this place has a very good hustle of pilgrims and devotees who visit this place for offering their prayers and divine darshan.
2. International Surajkund Crafts Mela. It is one such highlight of the state which grabs the attention of a large number of audiences from all around. It is an annual fair which is conducted by Haryana tourism every year in February for 15 days.
3. Raja Nahar Singh Fort. This is also known as the Ballabgarh fort. It is said that Raja Nahar Singh played a very vital role during the time of India’s uprising during the colonial period. If you want to bask in the historical charm of this place then this fort is a must-visit.
4. Shopping. Faridabad is a place which is full of some of the most incredible shopping options, whether they are local markets or shopping malls.
How to Reach Surajkund
Surajkund, Haryana holds a rich heritage in its culture that one may witness by exploring the local life and the renowned fairs organized from time to time by state and other authorities. Surajkund is approximately 40km via Mahatma Gandhi Marg, 1400km via NH48, 367km via NH19, and 2100km via NH44 from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively.
By Air. The nearest airport is the renowned Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is situated in Delhi. This airport is one of the busiest airports in India that regulates domestic and international flights. After deboarding the flight, you can easily get a cab or a bus to reach Surjakund. Delhi Airport manages the arrival and departure of flights run by airlines such as Vistara, AirIndia, GoAir, SpiceJet, IndiGo, and more.
- Mumbai - Board GoAir or AirIndia flight from Mumbai. The airfare starts from INR 3,000
- Kolkata - Board SpiceJet or IndiGo flight from Kolkata. The airfare starts from INR 3,200
- Bengaluru - Board Vistara flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 3,400
By Train. The nearest railway stations are Faridabad and Ballabgarh. If you prefer train journeys but are worried about the availability and frequency of trains to Faridabad station, then rest assured because the station receives regular trains from all across the country. After deboarding, you can conveniently hire a cab or some other means of transportation available to reach your destination.
By Road. The road network connecting Surajkund with other Indian cities is well-maintained, which makes it apt for a road trip. Apart from the self-drive option, you can also opt for private/state-run bus services that have regular connectivity and are highly economical. In case you are arriving from nearby cities, then the below-mentioned estimate of distance in kilometres and the best route to take will help you plan your itinerary.
- Gurugram - 31km via NH 148A
- Noida - 22km via Noida - Greater Noida Expressway
- Ghaziabad - 40km via Delhi-Meerut Expressway
- Jaipur - 272km via NH 48
- Lucknow - 530km via Taj Express Highway
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
