IAS Officer KM Pandurang Urges Haryana To Harness Kurukshetra Heritage For Tourism Growth

Haryana needs to make greater use of its cultural, historical and mythological heritage while showcasing its modern attractions to position itself as a major tourism destination, said KM Pandurang, IAS, at the Bharat Dekho Tourism Summit 2026 in Chennai on Tuesday. Speaking about the state's tourism potential, Pandurang said Haryana's association with the Mahabharata and Kurukshetra gives it a strong foundation for spiritual and cultural tourism, but the state's tourism offerings extend far beyond religious and heritage destinations. He called for a broader approach that brings together history, spirituality, food, urban experiences, biodiversity and popular culture to present Haryana as a multi-dimensional destination for different categories of travellers.

Pandurang highlighted Kurukshetra as an important anchor for Haryana's spiritual and cultural tourism potential. The state's association with the Mahabharata gives Kurukshetra a distinctive place in India's cultural and mythological landscape, which can be used to attract visitors interested in history, spirituality and heritage. At the same time, Pandurang said Haryana should not limit its tourism identity to religious sites. Gurugram, he noted, offers experiences particularly suited to younger travellers, providing an urban dimension to the state's tourism profile. The contrast between Kurukshetra's historical and spiritual significance and Gurugram's modern character, he suggested, demonstrates the range of experiences Haryana can offer within a single state.

Pandurang also pointed to Haryana's food as another potential tourism attraction, highlighting the state's culinary identity and its association with traditional dishes. He specifically referred to paranthas while discussing the experiences that can draw visitors to Haryana. Beyond food and heritage, he identified biodiversity as another area with potential, noting the presence of biodiversity parks in the state. These attractions could help expand Haryana's tourism appeal beyond conventional pilgrimage and heritage circuits. By bringing together culinary experiences, nature-based tourism and urban attractions with its established cultural destinations, the state can appeal to travellers with different interests and expectations.

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The IAS officer also highlighted Haryana's connections with popular culture and cinema as areas that could contribute to its tourism profile. He said festivals and cultural events could play an important role in promoting the state's heritage while also creating opportunities for local communities, artists and craftspeople. Such events can provide visitors with a way to experience local traditions and culture while supporting people involved in traditional arts and crafts. Pandurang's emphasis on festivals reflects the potential for tourism to extend beyond individual monuments or destinations and become linked with recurring cultural experiences that bring visitors into contact with local communities and traditions.

Highlighting the breadth of Haryana's tourism landscape, Pandurang said the state had attractions capable of catering to different kinds of travellers. “When you think of Haryana, you think of its food, especially paranthas. If you are looking for religious significance, there is Kurukshetra; if you are looking for something for the youth, there is Gurugram. Even if you want to travel to Ladakh, you pass through Haryana. We have biodiversity parks. Haryana has so much to offer,” he said. His remarks underlined the need to present the state's attractions as part of a broader tourism ecosystem rather than viewing individual destinations in isolation. Food, spirituality, urban experiences and biodiversity, he suggested, can collectively strengthen Haryana's tourism proposition.

Pandurang's comments at the Bharat Dekho Tourism Summit 2026 point to the potential for Haryana to build a tourism identity that combines its established cultural legacy with newer and more diverse attractions. Kurukshetra can serve as a key destination for visitors seeking spiritual and mythological experiences, while Gurugram can provide an urban offering for younger travellers. Food, biodiversity, festivals, cultural events and cinematic connections can further broaden the state's appeal. The approach would also create opportunities for local communities, artists and craftspeople to participate in and benefit from tourism. By combining spirituality, heritage, cuisine, nature, urban experiences and popular culture, Haryana can position itself as a destination with a wider range of experiences for domestic and other travellers.

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