If you are in search of a weekend village getaway not too far from home, Surajkund is an ideal destination. Located just 8 kilometers from South Delhi and 20 kilometers from the city center, Surajkund is gaining popularity. If you want to experience village life in an entirely rural setting, this place offers you the best of both worlds. Whats more, the famous Surajkund Crafts Mela is held here every winter mesmerizing visitors with its arts, crafts and cultural affairs. In this articleTourist attractionsThe MelaShoppingGetting hereWhere to stayWhat to eatTourist attractions Surajkund is basically a lake (or a kund) built in the 10th century by the Rajput king Suraj Pal. Situated between the villages of Baharpur and Lakkarpur, Surajkund has eye-catching scenery all around. Even while driving down to the Kund, you come across low hills and ravines and boulder-filled landscapes which is a treat to watch. From being a mere picnic option, Surajkund has grown to become a comprehensive attraction with all the amenities and comforts that you could ask for. You could both visit the Kund for a quiet holiday and simply relax in a five-star hotel. Check yourself into the hotel and wake up at leisure, go for a swim, visit the health club, get a sauna or a massage and simply relax. If you want to get a little more adventurous there are a couple of activities you could engage in. Surajkund has an elaborate nine-hole golf course replete with all the amenities. This golf course is a popular destination for the corporate executives in and around Delhi. The Kund originally had a Sun temple by its side. But the temple is now in ruins. A short walk from the Kund takes you to the Peacock Lake that is sheltered by a few trees. There is also a terracotta park tucked away in the hillside. The Surajkund complex has basalt rocks around it and is popular for rock climbing. If you are a photo enthusiast, the landscaping will hold you in thrall. You will find grassy slopes all along the roadside. The village has a natural setting with pebbled paths and dense shrubbery along with bougainvillea creepers all over the place. You will also find small bridges that arch across rivulets and end in a pool. Flower beds are scattered all over the place and in season you will notice them blooming and adding to the beauty of the surroundings. The Badhkal Lake Complex which is around nine kilometers away from Surajkund offers activities like camel rides, fishing and swimming. The Mela Organized every year in February, the Surajkund Crafts Mela is a fortnight-long gathering of craftsman from all over India. The entire Mela is set up around the Kund and has a different theme every year. This mega event brings together potters, weavers, wood carvers, metal workers, painters, etc. who have achieved distinction in traditional skills across the country. Amidst the display of brilliant arts and crafts, you will also find some excellent entertainment. Folk dancers, acrobats, musicians and magicians keep the crowd alive with their excellent performances at the Natyashala - a fan shaped open air theatre. Thatched huts spread out all over the place adding to the visual appeal. Shopping The best time to shop is during the Surajkund Mela. You will find attractive local products at amazing prices. Some things to look for include mirror encased embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, bangles, toys and trinkets, etc. Getting here Surajkund lies in the Faridabad district on the Delhi-Agra national highway. It is 8 kilometers from South Delhi. Special transport links the Mela ground to major bus stops in Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad towns. You could also drive down to Surajkund. Where to stay Surajkund has many well planned tourist complexes with all the comforts and amenities. You could either stay in the 5-star hotel or choose from the wide range from motels, budget hotels and tourist complexes. What to eat Visitors to the Mela are in for a culinary adventure. During this mini-food festival, you will find delicacies from all over the country. South Indian and North Indian food, spiced rice, snacks, Indo-Chinese food, etc. all find their way to the food stalls at the Mela.
If you are in search of a weekend village getaway not too far from home, Surajkund is an ideal destination. Located just 8 kilometers from South Delhi and 20 kilometers from the city center, Surajkund is gaining popularity. If you want to experience village life in an entirely rural setting, this place offers you the best of both worlds. What's more, the famous Surajkund Crafts Mela is held here every winter mesmerizing visitors with its arts, crafts and cultural affairs.
Tourist attractions
Surajkund is basically a lake (or a kund) built in the 10th century by the Rajput king Suraj Pal. Situated between the villages of Baharpur and Lakkarpur, Surajkund has eye-catching scenery all around. Even while driving down to the Kund, you come across low hills and ravines and boulder-filled landscapes which is a treat to watch. From being a mere picnic option, Surajkund has grown to become a comprehensive attraction with all the amenities and comforts that you could ask for.
You could both visit the Kund for a quiet holiday and simply relax in a five-star hotel. Check yourself into the hotel and wake up at leisure, go for a swim, visit the health club, get a sauna or a massage and simply relax.
If you want to get a little more adventurous there are a couple of activities you could engage in. Surajkund has an elaborate nine-hole golf course replete with all the amenities. This golf course is a popular destination for the corporate executives in and around Delhi.
The Kund originally had a Sun temple by its side. But the temple is now in ruins. A short walk from the Kund takes you to the Peacock Lake that is sheltered by a few trees.
There is also a terracotta park tucked away in the hillside. The Surajkund complex has basalt rocks around it and is popular for rock climbing.
If you are a photo enthusiast, the landscaping will hold you in thrall. You will find grassy slopes all along the roadside. The village has a natural setting with pebbled paths and dense shrubbery along with bougainvillea creepers all over the place. You will also find small bridges that arch across rivulets and end in a pool. Flower beds are scattered all over the place and in season you will notice them blooming and adding to the beauty of the surroundings.
The Badhkal Lake Complex which is around nine kilometers away from Surajkund offers activities like camel rides, fishing and swimming.
The Mela
Organized every year in February, the Surajkund Crafts Mela is a fortnight-long gathering of craftsman from all over India. The entire Mela is set up around the Kund and has a different theme every year. This mega event brings together potters, weavers, wood carvers, metal workers, painters, etc. who have achieved distinction in traditional skills across the country.
Amidst the display of brilliant arts and crafts, you will also find some excellent entertainment. Folk dancers, acrobats, musicians and magicians keep the crowd alive with their excellent performances at the 'Natyashala' - a fan shaped open air theatre. Thatched huts spread out all over the place adding to the visual appeal.
The best time to shop is during the Surajkund Mela. You will find attractive local products at amazing prices. Some things to look for include mirror encased embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, bangles, toys and trinkets, etc.
Getting here
Surajkund lies in the Faridabad district on the Delhi-Agra national highway. It is 8 kilometers from South Delhi. Special transport links the Mela ground to major bus stops in Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad towns. You could also drive down to Surajkund.
Where to stay
Surajkund has many well planned tourist complexes with all the comforts and amenities. You could either stay in the 5-star hotel or choose from the wide range from motels, budget hotels and tourist complexes.
What to eat
Visitors to the Mela are in for a culinary adventure. During this mini-food festival, you will find delicacies from all over the country. South Indian and North Indian food, spiced rice, snacks, Indo-Chinese food, etc. all find their way to the food stalls at the Mela.
