FARIDABAD

Badkhal Lake, situated at Badkhal village in Faridabad, is a manmade embankment famous for bird watching and boating. Badkhal Lake is surrounded by hills; it is a popular weekend destination to have fun and enjoy holiday. The lake often remains crowded in summer season. It is also a bird watchers paradise. Numerous species of local birds along with migratory birds can be seen around Badkhal Lake. Actually, Badkhal Lake is fed by rainwater and a small rivulet; Badkhal is a good place to visit when there was water in lake, still tourists visit this place. There are hills all around; in the morning time it’s an awesome place to visit. There are many different motels and cottages to suit all budgets. Close to the Badkhal Lake, there is another picturesque spot the Peacock Lake.
 

Surajkund, an historic site just beyond Delhi-Haryana border only 3 kms from Tughlaqbad, is an artificial ‘Kund’ built in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills with an amphitheatre shaped embankment constructed in semicircular form. Built in 10th century by the Tomar king Surajpal in Faridabad district of Haryana, Surajkund is a sleepy historical spot representing the relics of a reservoir, dedicated to Sun god. Surajkund is a magnificent picnic spot; there is an artificial lake, built exclusively for the purpose of boating. Rock climbing is offered by Rajhans Complex at Surajkund. A famous craft mela is organized here in the first week of February every year; skilled artisans from all over India come here to sell their handicrafts. Haryana Tourism initiated the Surajkund Mela for the first time in the year 1981 to create a platform to highlight the rich heritage of arts and crafts from all corners of India. The prices here are comparatively lower thus attracting a huge crowd.
 

Sai Baba temple, located in Sector 16 A in Faridabad, has a replica of the idol of Shirdi Sai Baba, Shirdi. Separate places for ‘Dhuni’ and ‘Dwaraka Mayee’ have been allocated inside the temple of Sai Baba. The temple attracts a huge crowd of devotees.
 

Nahar Singh Palace, most famous tourist spot of Faridabad, is an historical palace built around 1739 AD. It is an outstanding specimen of architectural design, located in the heart of the town of Ballabgarh. Also known by the name of Ballabhgarh Fort, the palace is named after the ruler Nahar Singh and now is in ruins. Similar to the palaces of Deeg and Bharatpur in design, Nahar Singh palace had a Darbar-E-Aam and a Rang Mahal, decorated with a beautiful Chhatri visible even today. In the year 2003, the palace has been taken over by the Haryana Tourism and converted into a heritage motel cum restaurant. Recently renovated with antique pieces and age old relics, the palace and its surroundings is the favourite spot for television serials. It is the venue of exhibitions, musical nights, and fairs etc. Fashion shows, meditation, yoga and art of living courses are also conducted here.
 

Tomb of an eminent Sufi saint Baba Farid is a major tourist attraction of Faridabad and popular pilgrimage for local Muslims. It is said that Baba Farid was the founder of Faridabad and the city had derived its name after the name of Baba Farid. The tomb of Sheikh Farid or Baba Farid has two huge doors made up of marble. The east facing door is known as Nuri Darwaza or Gate of Light, and the north facing door is known as Bahishthi Darwaza or Gate of Paradise.
 

Dhauj Lake, situated in the Aravali mountain range, is considered to be the best rock climbing site near Faridabad. This lake is located at about 20 kms from Faridabad on the main Faridabad Sohna Road. Dhauj village is 7 kms away from Delhi Chattarpur border, which lies near Mangar village in Faridabad District. It is a natural lake which dries up during the hot summer season and again gets filled with water during the monsoon season. This lake also has a small artificial dam.