Karnal is an important city located in the state of Haryana. The city accounts for a major share of the country’s agricultural implements and shares. It is also well known for being the starting point of Liberty shoes manufacturing. Liberty shoes have one of the biggest manufacturing facilities in Karnal. According to Hindu mythology, Karnal is believed to have been founded by Karna, a character from the epic, Mahabharata.
Historically, Kot Mohalla is a fort, is inhabited by the Ror clan. They are credited with building the present Karnal.Karnal’s significant period in history started in 1739 with the Battle of Karnal. In this battle, the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah was defeated by Nadir Shah and took over the city. In the subsequent years, Karnal came to be ruled by Raja Gopal Singh, the Marathas, the Sikhs and the British.Karnal is also the birthplace of Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, who was born here on 1st October, 1895. Other people of note who were born in Karnal include Kalpana Chawla and ID Swami. Kalpana Chawla was an astronaut and the first Indian woman to go to outer space.
The Pukka Pul is located at a distance of 7 Kms from the Karnal city. This beautiful place is also known as the Sayad’s Shrine and is situated near the Mughal Bridge. The tomb is considered to have mythological powers of sending away the ghosts and curing disease.
The Karnal Fort is an old fort situated in the district of Karnal. This fort was constructed by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind in 1764 AD. However, now this fort has been turned into an accommodation for official and residential purposes of the Tehsildar.
Cantonment Church Tower is an ancient tower which is located in the city itself. The height of the tower is 35 meters and is bordered by a big cross. This Church has been named after St. James. In 1841 AD, it was demolished after the shifting of the cantonment to Ambala.
The tomb of Alamgir Miran Sahib is situated in the southern part of Karnal town. This tomb was built in the memory and honour of a saint Sayad Mohammed. Sayad Mohammed died in 899 AD while rescuing a Brahmin girl from the custody of a Raja in a pitched battle. The premises of this tomb also have a small mosque along with cemeteries of several members of the Mandal family.
The tomb of Kalander Shah is situated at a few km from the district of Karnal. This tomb was built by Ghias-ud-din, who was the emperor of Delhi, in the memory of Bo-Ali-Qualander Shah, who was a famous Muslim sage. There is a grave placed inside this tomb, which is made out of marble and decorated with carved sculptures. Just outside this tomb, there is a mosque with a fountain and reservoir in its premises. This mosque was built by Emperor Alamgir.
Just 10 Kms from Karnal, Karnal Lake is basically an artificial lake having an island in centre. It is a dwelling place for many birds like geese, kingfishers, swans and ducks etc. The exotic and refreshing surrounding nearby lake lures.