Brahma Sarovar
A very large tank, said to be the place where Brahma performed a yagna. A dip at the time of a solar eclipse is believed to be especially holy.
Local tip: Evenings are lovely when lamps are lit.
Kurukshetra is the land of the Mahabharata war and the birthplace of the Gita. Brahma Sarovar, Jyotisar and Sannihit Sarovar are the main places.
At a glance
| Place | Kurukshetra, Haryana |
|---|---|
| Known as | Mahabharata battlefield · Gita birthplace |
| Best time | October to March. Gita Jayanti and solar eclipse melas draw large crowds. |
| Time needed | 1 day |
| Nearest railway | Kurukshetra Junction |
| Nearest airport | Chandigarh or Delhi |
Panchang at Kurukshetra today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:46 AM / 05:28 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:46 AM – 12:07 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:45 AM – 12:28 PM
Kurukshetra yatra: what to know before you plan
Kurukshetra in Haryana is where the battle of the Mahabharata took place and where Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The sacred tank Brahma Sarovar, the Jyotisar tree and the Sannihit Sarovar are the main pilgrim sites. The International Gita Mahotsav is held every December.
The place is flat and easy for families, and a day is enough for the main sights.
Route and layout at a glance
Kurukshetra is about 160 km north of Delhi. The main sights are within a few kilometres, though Jyotisar is about 5 km out.
Plan your Kurukshetra trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Kurukshetra
A day trip from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Day 1
- Morning. Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar.
- Afternoon. Jyotisar.
- Evening. Panorama Museum and return.
2 days in Kurukshetra
A relaxed plan.
Day 1
- Daily. The tanks and temples.
Day 2
- Daily. Jyotisar, museum and the local sights.
3 days: with Haridwar
A pilgrim route.
Daily
- Daily. Kurukshetra and Haridwar.
5 days: Haryana and Punjab
Heritage and temples.
Daily
- Daily. Add Amritsar.
1 week: North India
A longer circuit.
Daily
- Daily. Add Mathura and Vrindavan.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Jyotisar
The place where the Gita is believed to have been spoken, with an old banyan tree and a marble chariot.
Local tip: Allow an hour for a quiet visit.
Sannihit Sarovar
A sacred tank where the water of all tirthas is said to gather on Somvati Amavasya.
Local tip: Busy on Amavasya.
Sheikh Chilli's Tomb and the Panorama Museum
A Mughal-era tomb and a museum on the Mahabharata and the Gita.
Local tip: Good for families with children.
Best time to go, season by season
| October to March | Pleasant. |
|---|---|
| Gita Mahotsav (December) | A festival with fairs and culture. |
| Solar eclipse | Huge bathing crowds. |
| Summer | Hot. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Kurukshetra Junction, on the Delhi-Ambala line.
- By air: Chandigarh or Delhi.
- By road: GT Road from Delhi.
Where to stay
Hotels and rest houses near the tank.
What to eat
Punjabi and Haryanvi vegetarian meals.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Visiting during a major eclipse without a plan.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly.
Day trips from Kurukshetra
- Panipat: About 60 km.
- Chandigarh: About 90 km.
- Haridwar: About 200 km.
Festivals and special days
- Gita Jayanti
- Surya Grahan mela
- Somvati Amavasya
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days do I need for Kurukshetra?
One day.
What is Jyotisar?
The place where Krishna is believed to have given the Gita.
When is the Gita Mahotsav?
Each December, check the official calendar.
What is the best time to visit Kurukshetra?
October to March. Gita Jayanti and solar eclipse melas draw large crowds.
How many days are needed for Kurukshetra?
Plan 1 day.
How do I reach Kurukshetra?
The nearest railway station is Kurukshetra Junction. The nearest airport is Chandigarh or Delhi. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Kurukshetra?
Gita Jayanti; Surya Grahan mela; Somvati Amavasya.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Kurukshetra?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:46 AM to 12:07 PM, worked out for Kurukshetra's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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