According to Hindu legend, Kurukshetra (Thanesar in ancient times) was where Brahma created the universe, and where Krishna delivered his Bhagavad Gita sermon before the 18-day Mahabharata battle, an event commemorated by the Gita Jayanti festival in November/December.

It is believed that the holy waters of all sacred rivers flow / converge into Kurukshetra's Sannehit Sarovar, at the time of Somavati 'Amavasya' and solar eclipse. It is believed that those who bath in the tanks in Kurukshetra go to heaven after death. Mahabharata states that one who dies at Kurukshetra attains salvation after death.

This month we bring to you Kurukshetra - Haryana, as the destination of the month.
 

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Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi set to open on Sept 4
The Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi is the newest luxury addition to Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels’ chain of hotels and resorts. Slated to open on September 4, 2017, The Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi is conveniently located halfway between the airport and the city, the resort is also conveniently connected to Sarnath via the new Ring Road. The 18 junior suites each with a private area of around 650 sq.ft. include high ceiling, teak wood carved furniture, hand-painted Shiva on the wall, a separate living area with a sofa and a large flat screen television; well en suite 150 sq.ft bathroom, a large private sit-out overlooking the gardens, and the ‘Ganga Kund’ (religious pond) Situated in rural surroundings, 11 kms from the airport and just 12 kms from the city centre (Cantt area) , the new expressway connecting the airport and the city makes it a convenient 20-25 minutes drive to either location. The new Ring Road to Sarnath starts just a few kilometers from us and once operational, will make it a pleasurable 25 minutes drive. Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels is a collection of boutique experiences and each of our properties are set in calm and serene handpicked locations, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Space and privacy, coupled with personalized service is what the Tree of Life is known for.

Fern Hotels & Resorts’ 31st hotel opens in Pune
Fern Hotels & Resorts has recently announced the opening of its 31st hotel, namely, Amanora The Fern in Magarpatta, Pune, Maharashtra.
The 26-key property, which is spread over 4.5 acres with a capacity to cater 3000 people, is owned by City Corporation Limited. It also has a squash court, a tennis court, a gym, a spa, a library and a huge indoor swimming pool. It also has an amphitheater.

Royal Orchid Hotels adds one more hotels to its Portfolio
Royal Orchid Hotels announces the opening of 1 more hotel under its brand ‘Regenta’ in Deharadun, Uttarakhand slated to open on 25th June, expanding to 44th hotels.
Regenta LP Vilas is one of the luxurious and best hotels in Dehradun with spacious rooms and lush green lawns.
The hotel comprises of 74 well furnished rooms overlooking a picturesque view of the forest welcoming every guest to experience the tranquility of nature and luxury put together. The rooms are thoughtfully designed ensuring comfort to the needs of every guest; while, providing the best modern amenities such as spacious bed, worktables and sofa, separate shower with the basic toiletries, etc. for a remarkable leisure experience. This hotel also features a multi cuisine restaurant and a bar. The hotel is also, first of its kind to offer luxurious and spacious venue to host any kind of event. With around eight different unique venues, guest can host conferences, meetings, and exhibitions to weddings, parties, shows, and much more.

 

Ahmedabad declared India’s first heritage city by UNESCO
More than 600 year old Walled City of Ahmedabad founded by Ahmed Shah has been declared India’s first World Heritage City, recognising heritage value of the walled city’s unique heritage.
The 5.5 km walled city area with approximate population of four lakh living in century old wooden residences in around 600 pols or neighbourhoods is regarded as living heritage and the UNESCO had preferred Ahmedabad’c entry over Delhi and Mumbai, country’s two main metro cities.
Ahmedabad’s nomination received huge support from around 20 countries, who lauded the peaceful co-existence of dominant Hindu, Islamic and Jain communities in the Walled City area. Besides it architectural marvels of wooden havelis, the world community also stressed on the fact that the city was the epicentre of non violent freedom struggle that led to country’s independence from colonial rulers in 1947.
 

INDIA TO HOST 8TH EDITION OF THEATRE OLYMPICS ‘THE BIGGEST THEATRE CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD’ FROM FEBRUARY 17 – APRIL 08, 2018
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Culture and Tourism, announced that the 8th edition of the greatest carnival of Theatre in the World will take place in India for the first time ever from February 17– April 08, 2018 simultaneously in various cities across the country. Addressing a Press Conference here in the presence of Mr. Ratan Thiyam, Chairperson, NSD Society and Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama, the Minister said that there will be 500 plays & 700 ambience performances from across the world and allied activities like exhibitions, seminars, symposia, interactive discussions and workshops with well-known academicians, authors, actors, designers and directors will be held. He said that the leading luminaries of world theatre will take part.
In a development that puts India firmly among the top nations on the world theatre map, the country is all set to host the next edition of the prestigious Theatre Olympics. Established in 1993, the Theatre Olympics is the foremost international theatre festival, presenting the finest productions of well-known theatre practitioners from around the world.
The Theatre Olympics, being held in India for the first time, is being organized by the National School of Drama, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture. The country’s tryst with the biggest celebration of theatre in the world will take place from February 17 till April 08, 2018 and will be held in 15 cities across India.

Indian Railways starts Khajuraho-Bhopal Train
Indian Railways has announced to operate most awaited train Bhopal /Khajuraho and Khajuraho /Bhopal from 13th July'17.
Train schedule is as follows :
Train No. 22163 ' Bhopal to Khajuraho"
Timing : DEP. FROM BHOPAL AT 06.50 AM, ARRIVAL AT KHAJURAHO AT 01.30PM.
Train No. 22164 ' Khajuraho to Bhopal"
Timing : DEP. FROM KHAJURAHO AT 04.15 PM, ARRIVAL AT BHOPAL AT 22.55 PM
Route :
Khajuraho / Chhatarpur /Tikamgarh / Lalitpur/Beena / Vidisha ( Sanchi ) / Bhopal.
Coaches available in train One AC CHAIR CAR + 09 SLEEPER CLASS COACHES.

Inner Line Permits Made Online For Tourists To Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently launched e-Inner Line Permit (eILP) to make entry to the state paperless and hassle-free for domestic visitors. Inner Line Permit is an official travel document issued by the central government to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. Khandu optimistically expressed that with this step, there would be a significant increase in the number of visitors to the state as they can now get ILPs from their homes without having to go to the designated offices physically. Visitors can apply and obtain the mandatory inner line permit online at www.arunachalilp.com. Special Secretary Information Technology, Prince Dhawan, explained that after fulfilling all criteria online, visitors will receive the ILP with unique identity number and codes in soft copy in their emails, which can be displayed on their mobile handsets or tabs at the entry gates for verification. However, ILPs can also be obtained at entry gates and other designated places (like Guwahati airport) physically on payment of fees.



 

Air India Launches Delhi-Washington Direct Flight; Fifth Destination In United States
Air India has launched direct non-stop flights three times a week from July 7 between New Delhi and Washington DC in America, making it the fifth gateway after New York (JFK), Newark, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.
Introduction of New Flights by Air India connecting Four State Capitals
Effective 5th July 2017, Air India has commenced Daily Operations with ATR -72 connecting 04 State Capitals. the flights are Jaipur-Lucknow-Jaipur, Lucknow-Dehradun-Lucknow, Lucknow-Bhopal-Lucknow

Air Canada launches direct Mumbai-Toronto service on July 2
Air Canada has inaugurated new, non-stop Toronto–Mumbai service on July 2, the only non-stop flight from Canada to India’s financial hub. The four-times weekly service will be operated with Air Canada’s most modern aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft feature 29 International Business Class lie-flat seat suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy Class seats, with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat throughout the aircraft. With the new Toronto–Mumbai route, Air Canada now offers three Boeing 787 Dreamliner routes between Canada and India, including year-round daily Toronto–Delhi service and seasonal Vancouver–Delhi service, which resumes in October and will be expanded to up to five times weekly this winter from three-times weekly last winter.

Jet Airways Expands Code shares To Europe With Air France, Klm Royal Dutch Airlines And Delta Air Lines On Key Sectors
Jet Airways has announced code share enhancements with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Under the expanded scope, the carriers will expand choice and connectivity options for guests flying between India and Europe. In the first instance, Air France and Delta are code-sharing on Jet Airways’ current service between Mumbai and Paris. Additionally, Air France, together with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines, will also code share on Jet Airways’ newly announced flight between Chennai and Paris, scheduled to begin October 29, 2017, as also KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines will code share on Jet Airways’ daily flight between Bengaluru and Amsterdam commencing October 29, 2017.
Additionally, Delta Air Lines will code share on Jet Airways’ third frequency between Mumbai and London.
Athens, Barcelona, Bilbao, Budapest, Dublin, Krakow, Leeds, Lisbon, London Heathrow, Lyon, Nice and Warsaw will now be seamlessly connected on code-shared flights.
Jet Airways also code shares on Air France services connecting Mumbai and Paris as well as KLM’s newly-announced thrice-a-week service between Mumbai and Amsterdam, beginning October 29, 2017. All these new flights are already open for sale.
JET AIRWAYS EXPANDS CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN EMERGING INDIAN CITIES ENHANCES DOMESTIC SERVICES BY 96 NEW, NON-STOP WEEKLY FLIGHTS
Jet Airways, has announced the expansion of its domestic network during this monsoon by introducing 14 new direct, non-stop flights to emerging cities in India. This augmentation of domestic services between these cities is a result of the rising demand for aviation services between these fast-growing cities, reflecting their economic progress.
The airline has been witnessing steady growth in guest traffic, primarily in northern India, especially between cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Udaipur and Indore. The new flights will deepen Jet Airways’ domestic footprint, helping it support and facilitate travel aspirations of its guests from these regions.
In an industry first, Jet Airways has introduced direct, return non-stop flights from Indore to Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Likewise, the airline has also commenced new, direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Indore, Lucknow, Jaipur as well as connecting Jaipur with Udaipur and Lucknow.
The airline has also introduced 11 direct, one-stop through flights between Delhi and Silchar, Dehradun and Jaipur, Chandigarh and Dehradun, Chandigarh and Lucknow, and between Indore and Lucknow, in yet another maiden initiative.
Jet Airways has increased capacity on key routes via additional frequencies, that include a 2nd flight between Bengaluru and Guwahati, a 3rd frequency between Delhi and Indore, a 7th daily frequency between Delhi and Lucknow, as well as, Delhi and Jaipur, together with a 2nd daily flight between Delhi and Udaipur.
 

Kurukshetra

In the very first verse of Bhagwad-Gita, Kurukshetra is described as DHARAMKSHETRA i.e. "A place to perform Dharma". According to the Vedas, the name Kurukshetra refers to a area of about 48 x 128 Km which now includes a large number of holy places, temples and tanks connected with the Ancient traditions, Mahabharat War, and the ancestors of Kauravas and Pandavas. It is said that after performing a great yajna, Lord Brahma created the universe from here. It is said that Manu wrote his Manu-smriti here, and that the Rig and Sama Vedas were compiled in this place. Buddha also visited Kurukshetra. It has more than 365 temples, so also known as a place of temples.
Kurukshetra is the land of Mahabharata, where lord Krishna gave the lesson of Gita to the world i.e. the reality of life is to work with devotion and for truth.
The battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was fought on the plains of Kurukshetra. This is where Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna. Kurukshetra is also called "Dharmkshetra" which means "Land of Dharma".

Kurukshetra is a district of the now northern Indian state of Haryana. 860 places of pilgrimage related to the Mahabharata and Gita exist there today. It is also called " The Holy Land", " Land of Mahabharat". It is about 150 km / 100 miles northwest of Delhi, about a 5 hour drive by cab from Mathura\Vrindavan. It is rich Agricultural land and populated with temples. Kurukshetra was named after King Kuru who possessed super excellent righteous qualities and performed devotional service in this area.

                                            

Sights

Brahm-sarovar

The memoirs of Al Beruni, called 'Kitab-ul-Hind' mentions this sacred water tank. The water tank is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said in the scriptures that the holiness of performing 'Ashvamedh Yajna' can be achieved by a dip in this sacred water tank. This place is believed to be the land where civilization was born. Lord Brahma is said to have created the universe from this land.The tank is surrounded by gardens as well as other temples dedicated to Draupadi,Katyayani,etc.It takes 1 to 2 hours to roam the area so keep some time on hand.Just in the vicinity of this sacred place are the Birla Gita Mandir and Baba Nath's haveli. The sight of Kurukshetra is exquisite especially in winters when birds migrate from ever different landmasses to take a dip in the waters. This beautiful looks all the attractive during the 'Deep Daan' and Aarti during Gita Jayanti in the later November and early December.

Sanhit-Sarovar

Situated at a distance of 3 km from Kurukshetra Railway Station on Pehowa Road, Sannihit Sarovar is believed to be the permanent abode of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that entire range of Tirthas assemble here on the Amavas day and if a man performs Shradhs at the time of solar eclipse and takes bath in this tank, he aquires the fruit of 1000 Ashwamedh sacrifices. The tank is 500 yard in length and 150 yards in breath. Pilgrims are led first to this holy spot at the time of solar eclipse. The idols of Lord Vishnu, Druv Bhagat, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga are placed here. Pilgrims also visit to Pandas and Tirath. Purohits who have their offices on the banks of Sannhit Sarovar, keeping the records hundreds of years old of the pilgrims coming from various parts of the country. People come here for Shraadhs of their ancestors.

Jyotisar

It is located at a distance of 8 km from the railway station.It is where the war was actually fought and Shri 'Krishna' encouraged Arjun with the Bhagvad Geeta.There is a temple,a tree where the Geeta is said to have originated and also a temple dedecated to Adi Shankaracharya as he had studied the Geeta here itself.There is also a small pond and on the other side a stadium where a 55 minute light and sound show is held 6 pm onwards.You may get an auto from the city to Jyotisar but returning back late at night would be difficult if one is visiting in the winter season.

Chatti Patshahi Gurudwara

Sikh Gurus have visited Kurukshetra from time to time. Pilgrims go to the Pnadas of their area and sign in their register after taking a bath.

SriKrishna Museum has some historical artifacts and paintings depicting the Mahabharata war.

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre

A world-class panorama depicting the Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war. There are also several scientific exhibits designed to kindle a curiosity for science.

Bhishma Kund at Naraktari

The place where Arjuna shot an arrow towards the earth to quench Bhisma Pitamah's thirst.

Bhadrakali Temple

A temple that is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. As per the story in Hindu mythology, the goddess Sati killed herself by entering the Yagna of Raja Daksha as a protest against the insult of Lord Shiva. Remorseful Lord Shiva wandered across the whole universe with the corpse of his beloved Sati on his shoulder. To bring him back to the original mood, it was necessary to destroy the corpse of Sati. Lord Vishnu hence cut the corpse in 52 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. The parts fell at different places where the temples of the goddess were later built by the devotees. Collectively, these are known as the 52 Shakti Peethas. One of them is in Kurukhsetra, where the ankle of the goddess fell.

Getting There

It's approximately 150 km north of New Delhi and 90km south of Chandigarh.