Haryana is a state in the northern Plains region of India.

Haryana on map of India

Districts

Ambala Division in the north of the state

Gurgaon Division in the south of the state

Hisar Division in the west of the state

Rohtak Division in the east of the state

Cities

Here are nine of the most notable cities.

• 1 Ambala — essentially a twin city consisting of Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City

• 2 Faridabad — the largest city, just south of Delhi

• 3 Gurgaon — Delhi's burgeoning shopping and IT suburb

• 4 Hisar — an important centre of education and steel production

• 5 Karnal — anciently known as Angpradesh, the City of Karna

• 6 Kurukshetra — holy city of Srimad Bhagwat Gita

• 7 Rohtak — a city with a very old historical background

• 8 Sonipat — ancient city known as Swarnaprastha

• 9 Panipat — an ancient and historic city that is sometimes called The City of Weaver, also site of many battles

Other destinations

• 1 Kalesar National Park, Haryana — home to the red jungle fowl and other bird species, this has become a bird-watcher's destination.

• 2 Morni — a town in the Morni Hills

• 3 Sultanpur National Park — a paradise for bird watchers

Understand

Haryana is a Hindu-dominated state that split off from largely Sikh Punjab in 1966. Haryana surrounds Delhi on three sides and is dominated by that city's suburban and commercial sprawl. The remainder of the state is largely agrarian, with few attractions to slow down the passing tourist.

Get in

By plane

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the closest airport. There are no airports with passenger service in Haryana.

Eat

Typical dishes include kadhi pakora, besan masala roti, bajra aloo roti, churma, kheer, bathua raita, methi gajar, singri ki sabzi, and tamatar chutney.

Drink

Lassi and sherbet are two popular non-alcoholic beverages in Haryana.