10 Best Things To Do In Karnal, Haryana, India

1. Admire the panelling work seen in Cantonment Church Tower

Built in 1806, this 35 metres (114 feet) tower was once a part of St. James Church that was in Karnal until 1843. The church was dismantled and relocated to Ambala by the British as a part of their move. However, the tower was left behind and had been rebuilt with the help of the public. The four-storey tower features a Roman-style semi-circular arch with an ornamental cross that can be seen at the top of it. The exterior provides several examples of fantastic panelling work.

Cantonment Church Tower

Address: Gahoon Vihar, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India

Website: Cantonment Church Tower

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

2. Have a lip-smacking meal at Neelkanth Star

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Neelkanth Star is a must-visit stop for anyone travelling on National Highway 1 between Delhi and Karnal. Originally a small vegetarian roadside restaurant, Neelkanth Star has become a major eatery complex. It is famous for its yummy North Indian dishes and a great selection of other food. Designed like a food court, this well-known eatery doesn’t just serve local cuisines but also any type of snacks from other popular fast-food restaurants such as Subway and Pizza Hut. There’s also the Chatkaara that serves scrumptious Indian snack called chaats. At the restaurant, be sure to enjoy the tea as well as Punjabi dishes such as dal makhani and chole bhature.

Neelkanth Star Restaurant

Address: Grand Trunk Rd, N.H.-1, Ansal Town, Karnal, Haryana

Website: Neelkanth Star

Opening hours: 7am - 12pm (daily)

3. Go boating on Karna Lake

Named after the noted character Karna from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Karna Lake is Karnal’s top tourist attraction. Karna is said to have bathed in this lake and given away his protective armour to Lord Indra. Today, the lake is a popular spot for people looking to enjoy its serene atmosphere. You can go boating on the lake or just have a picnic in the gardens nearby. There are various facilities available within the vicinity like eateries. The lake is located on the famous Grand Trunk Road between Chandigarh and Delhi, making it a popular stop among travellers.

Karna Lake

Address: Karnal, Haryana

Website: Karna Lake

4. Enjoy a night with friends in Ebowla Bowling Alley

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ebowla Bowling Alley is one of the best places in Karnal to let your hair down and have a fun night out. Since it’s the only bowling alley in the city, Ebowla packs in much more. There’s a multi-cuisine restaurant, a lounge with a full bar, and a gaming zone. Indeed, this place makes for a great entertainment destination not only for professional bowlers but also for people of different interests.

Ebowla Bowling Alley

Address: Old GT Rd, opposite Karan Park, Dyal Singh Colony, Karnal, Haryana

Website: Ebowla Bowling Alley

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

5. Marvel at the marble work found in Kalander Shah's Tomb

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Found on the outskirts of the city, Kalander Shah’s Tomb is a beautifully sculptured structure made entirely of marble. It was built by Emperor of Delhi Ghias-ud-din as a tribute to Bo-Ali-Qualander Shah, a famous Muslim saint from North India. While here, you will get to see the building’s Mughal and Persian-style architecture as well as its fine panelling work. The complex includes a mosque which is still visited by thousands of pilgrims. The surrounding grounds also include a water tank with fountains that were added in later by Emperor Alamgir.

Kalander Shah's Tomb

Address: NH-1, Karnal Town, Karnal, Haryana

Website: Kalander Shah’s Tomb

6. Pay your respects at Miran Sahib's Tomb

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This tomb was built in honour of Syed Mohammad who was also known as Miran Sahib, a saint known for his kind deeds. The mystic saint is most well-known for having taken huge efforts to rescue a girl abducted by a local king. The tomb complex, which can be found towards the extreme south of the city, includes a mosque that continues to be popular with the faithful.

Miran Sahib's Tomb

Address: Karnal, Haryana

Website: Miran Sahib’s Tomb

7. Play a round of golf at Karnal Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The lush green landscapes of Karnal Golf Course are a soothing sight for any visitor, whether you are here to play golf or to enjoy the scenic views. Located on the banks of Yamuna Canal, the golf course has Karna Lake on one side and Oasis Complex Resort on the other, providing a really picturesque setting. Today, this nine-hole golf course is one of the top golfing destinations in the country.

Karnal Golf Course

Address: NH 1, Uchana, Haryana

8. Go for a picnic in Atal Park

Spread over 55 acres (22 hectares) Atal Park is a beautiful park located in Sector 8. A popular destination for those seeking a break from the hustle of city life, the park features a lake, a welcoming verdant space, and a variety of facilities such as a children’s playground and an open-air gym. Its attractions also include a lily pond, illuminated fountains, and walking or jogging paths.

Atal Park

Address: Sector 8, Karnal, Haryana

9. Experience the beauty of Durga Bhavani temple

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Dedicated to Durga Mata, one of the major Hindu goddesses, this temple is said to be over 1000 years old and attracts devotees from across the region. Once you get inside, you will be surrounded by panels with marble carvings and get a closer look at several exquisite murals depicting various avatars of the goddesses and gods. During your trip here, plan a night visit as the temple is lit up which makes for a glorious sight. There are several markets close by where you can sample local food and shop for specialities like metal jewelry.

Durga Bhawani Mandir

Address: Shakti Colony, Karnal, Haryana

10. Soak up the serene vibe of Gurudwara Manji Sahib

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Gurudwara Manji Sahib is an important pilgrimage spot for Sikhs in the city. It is said that their first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this spot during his travels. The building was constructed in 1907 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and was later converted into a gurdwara or a place of worship. Before paying respects, devotees will have to take a dip in the nearby pond.

Gurdwara Manji Sahib

Address: Old Sarafa Bazar, Karnal, Haryana

Website: Gurdwara Manji Sahib

A small town steeped in history

This list of the best things to do in Karnal, Haryana, India, offers a great overview of the city. There are several more places to explore in the city including historical monuments like Kushan Stupa and temples like Sita Mai Temple. If it’s your first time travelling to Karnal, be sure to hire a taxi so you can easily move from place to place.