Karnal,
also known as the rice bowl of India, is one of the oldest districts of
Haryana. The city has gained importance since Mahabharata era. It is believed
that it was founded by Raja Karna, the eldest son of Kunti and hence the city
is called the city of Daanvir Karna.
The place
got its share of fame in 1739 when Nadir Shah defeated Muhammad Shah here.
The city
is known as a walled town. The citadel of old time can still be seen in form of
Kot Mohalla (Kot means fort). The fort was built by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind.
The fort was used in many ways as British converted it into a residence for
Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Kabul, part of it was also used as jail and a
school was also running in the fort.
Some of
the dignitaries have their association with the city of Karnal. Late Dr.
Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-American scientist and NASA astronaut was born in a
Punjabi Hindu family at Model Town, Karnal. She also did her schooling at
Tagore Baal Niketan, Karnal. The first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali
Khan was born in Karnal.
Today,
Karnal is also famous for manufacture of agricultural implements and its
spares. More than 40% of country agricultural implements and spares are
manufactured here.
Location: Karnal is connected through Delhi-Ambala rail line & Sher Shah Suri Marg (G.T.Road) to all important places in the country. It is 123 kms from Delhi & 130 kms from Chandigarh. The Karnal district is surrounded by Kurukshetra District on its north-west, Jind & Kaithal district on its West, Panipat district on its south and Uttar Pradesh on east.
Linking Roads: Karnal is centrally located between Delhi and Chandigarh on the National Highway No. 1
Postal Code: 132001 | Longitude: 76° 31' 15" and 77° 12'45" East | Latitude: 29° 9'50" and 29° 50' North | Area: 2458 sq. km | Altitude: 748 feet, 227 meters | Population: 1506232 | Literacy Rate: 76.40 | STD Code: 0184 | Villages: 435 | Language: Hindi, English | Best season to visit: All seasons to visit.
