| Surajkund |
| Surajkund lies just 20 km from Delhi’s city centre in the state of Haryana. The name in Hindi means "Reservoir of the Sun", referring the kund or pool, said to have been built in the 10th century AD by the Rajput king Suraj Pal. The pool originally had a sun temple by its side. The temple is now in ruins but the kund still stands. Surajkund is a small village that subsists on grazing livestock and stone quarrying. It is also the venue of an annual Crafts Fair in February. Sights The Surajkund Lake Contrary to the popular belief, it is not a lake but a man-made reservoir. The Rajput King Surajpal built it in the pre-Sultanate days. The tank is on a semi-circular pattern with an amphitheatre around it and has steps that lead to the water. However, apart from during the monsoons, the tank remains dry. Legends surround the pool. One such legend would have us believe that it was built for the daughter of Suraj Pal. Another avers that it had miraculous healing powers but these latter claims have never been substantiated. Surajkund Crafts Mela The annual Surajkund Crafts Mela is held between the 1st and the 15th of February every year in the village complex. This fortnight-long gathering of craftspersons from all over India has become one of the most prominent cultural fairs in the tourism calendar. Attractively organised on the periphery of the water tank, the Mela brings together potters, embroiderers, weavers, wood carvers, metal workers, stonesmiths, painters and other craftsmen who have achieved distinction in traditional skills, across the length and breadth of the country. There are also folk dancers, musicians, acrobats and magicians who keep up a running performance for the visitors entertainment. One may sample instant demonstrations by the craftsmen while enjoying local cuisine traditionally served. Accommodation Surajkund has quite a number of hotels but most of them are luxury or midrange. If you are lucky you can get a room for around Rs 900. Try the Hermitage Hotel (Tel: 0129 25112314) or the Sunbird Hotel (Tel: 0129 2511357). Banks and Internet There are no banking or internet facilities for tourists in Surajkund. |
| Transport Trains The nearest train station to Surajkund is at Faridabad, 7 km away. Faridabad (FDB) to Delhi (DLI) Train numbers 3007A, 4211, 2137, 2919, 9023 Faridabad to Agra Cantt (AGC) Train numbers 1058, 1078, 2138, 2280, 2716 Buses Surajkund to Delhi (Interstate Sus Stand) Price Rs 30 Distance 20 km Departs Frequently Time 2 hours |