Tucked away in the Aravalli hills of Haryana, Surajkund sparkles as a vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and history, celebrated for its world-renowned Surajkund International Crafts Mela. Located in Faridabad district at an altitude of 200 meters, just 20 km from Delhi, this historic site is named after its ancient sun-shaped reservoir, built by King Suraj Pal in the 10th century. Today, Surajkund is synonymous with its annual crafts fair, showcasing artisans from India and beyond, rivaling the cultural richness of Kurukshetra and Sultanpur. With its blend of traditional crafts, folk performances, and serene landscapes, Surajkund captivates visitors year-round. For those exploring indiatourisminfo.com, Surajkund offers an immersive cultural journey, whether you’re shopping for handcrafted treasures, enjoying folk dances, or tracing its ancient roots. This dynamic destination, pulsing with creativity and heritage, is an unmissable gem in North India for culture enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Key Attractions
Surajkund Lake: A historic, sun-shaped reservoir from the 10th century, surrounded by Aravalli hills and gardens.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela Grounds: The vibrant venue for the annual crafts fair, showcasing global artisanal works.
Amphitheatre: An open-air stage at the mela grounds hosting folk dances, music, and cultural performances.
Tomar Fort Ruins: Ancient remnants near the lake, linked to the Tomar dynasty’s history.
Garden of Five Senses: A landscaped park nearby, blending nature with art installations and sculptures.
Anangpur Dam: A historic dam in the Aravallis, offering scenic views and a glimpse into ancient engineering.
Peacock Lake: A serene waterbody near Surajkund, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
Things to Do
Attend Surajkund Crafts Mela: Explore artisan stalls, folk performances, and global crafts during the February festival.
Visit Surajkund Lake: Stroll around the historic reservoir, admiring its ancient architecture and serene views.
Photography: Capture colorful mela stalls, folk dancers, and the lake’s Aravalli backdrop, especially during sunrise.
Enjoy Folk Performances: Watch bhangra, kathak, and international dance troupes at the mela’s amphitheatre.
Shop for Handicrafts: Buy Phulkari textiles, Madhubani paintings, pottery, and jewelry at the crafts fair or local markets.
Explore Tomar Fort Ruins: Wander through historic remnants for a glimpse into Surajkund’s ancient past.
Relax at Garden of Five Senses: Unwind amidst sculptures, fountains, and themed gardens near Surajkund.
Birdwatching at Peacock Lake: Spot local birds like kingfishers and herons on a peaceful nature walk.
Local Culture and History
Surajkund’s history dates back to the 10th century when King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty built the sun-shaped reservoir, a marvel of ancient engineering dedicated to the Sun God. The site’s name, meaning “Lake of the Sun,” reflects its mythological significance. Revived as a cultural hub in 1987 with the launch of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, it now attracts artisans from India, SAARC nations, and beyond, showcasing crafts like weaving, pottery, and metalwork. Haryana’s vibrant culture thrives here, with locals known for folk dances like saang and rasleela, and traditional attire. Dhabas serve Haryanvi delicacies like bajra roti, rabri, and kadi. Markets sell handicrafts, brassware, and embroidered textiles, echoing the artisanal spirit of nearby Kurukshetra. The mela’s folk performances and Lohri (January) celebrations offer visitors a rich immersion into Haryana’s cultural tapestry, blending ancient heritage with modern festivity.
Best Time to Visit
Surajkund is a year-round destination, with February being the prime time to visit during the Surajkund International Crafts Mela (February 1–15, 2025, tentative), when the area buzzes with artisans, performances, and cultural events. October to March (autumn and winter, 5–25°C) is ideal for exploring the lake, ruins, and nearby parks, with cool weather and clear skies. April to June (spring and summer, 20–40°C) is suitable for early morning or evening visits to avoid heat; shaded areas like the Garden of Five Senses provide relief. The monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery but makes trails slippery; carry umbrellas. Early mornings (6–9 AM) offer serene lake views, while evenings (4–7 PM) are lively during the mela. Book accommodations early for February to secure spots in Faridabad or Delhi during the festival’s peak crowds.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi, 20 km away, ~40-minute drive), with flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and international hubs. Taxis from Delhi cost ~₹600–1200.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Faridabad (10 km, ~20-minute drive), with trains from Delhi, Agra, and Chandigarh. Taxis or auto-rickshaws from Faridabad cost ~₹200–400. Alternatively, use New Delhi stations (25 km, ~1 hour).
By Road: Surajkund is accessible via NH19 from Delhi (20 km, 40 minutes) or Gurugram (25 km, 45 minutes). HRTC buses, private taxis (~₹600–1000 from Delhi), or shared cabs (~₹100–300 from Faridabad) are available. Self-driven cars are popular due to proximity to Delhi.
Local Transport: From Faridabad, hire taxis (~₹400–800) or auto-rickshaws (~₹100–300) to Surajkund; during the mela, shuttle buses may operate from metro stations like Badarpur.
Travel Tips
Booking: Reserve accommodations in Faridabad or Delhi during the crafts mela (February) or peak season (October–March); book mela tickets online if required.
Cost: Surajkund Lake entry is free; mela entry ~₹100–200; Garden of Five Senses ~₹50 (as of 2023; verify current rates).
Dress: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking; vibrant attire for the mela; carry hats or umbrellas for sun or rain.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded mela areas; follow festival guidelines; avoid stray paths near ruins for safety.
Respect Local Culture: Seek permission before photographing artisans or performances; bargain respectfully at stalls; avoid littering.
Connectivity: Mobile networks are reliable; Wi-Fi is available at nearby hotels; carry cash for mela vendors and small dhabas.
Environment: Avoid littering to preserve Surajkund’s heritage and ecology; use designated bins.
Accessibility: Mela grounds and gardens are wheelchair-accessible; lake paths may have uneven terrain; inform staff for assistance.
Nearby Attractions
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (30 km): A national park in Gurugram, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
Delhi (20 km): India’s capital with Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and bustling markets like Chandni Chowk.
Gurugram (25 km): A modern city with Cyber Hub, Kingdom of Dreams, and vibrant nightlife.
Badkhal Lake (10 km): A serene lake in Faridabad, perfect for boating and picnics.
Kurukshetra (150 km): A sacred city tied to the Mahabharata, with Jyotisar and Brahma Sarovar.
Explore More
Discover other Haryana treasures like the serene Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary or historic Kurukshetra on our Haryana destinations page. Plan your cultural and nature journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
