Just 27 kilometres from Kurukshetra is a small rural town which is an equally important religious centre. Situated on the banks of the holy river Saraswati, Pehowa is also known as Prithdak after the great king Prithu who performed the last rites of his father at the place. It is a place where people congregate to perform shradh or the last rites of their fathers, tarpan and pinda daan to their ancestors It is also called Saraswati tirth after the river Saraswati which used to flow through the town. People believe that in Satyayug (Age of Truth) the river flowed with milk, but in Kalyug it turned to water. The river since, has all but disappeared and is visible only at a few places.

The temple complex at Saraswati tirth consists of a very ancient Saraswati temple along with a number of temples to other gods and godesses including the Shri Prithviveshwar Mahadev Mandir. The importance of the tirth stems from the belief that whoever takes a dip in the holy river Saraswati is absolved of all sins. According to Vaman Puran, Shiva came from Kashi for salvation from the sin of killing a brahmin. Shiva's son Kartikeya also came here on the orders of Lord Krishna for liberation from the sin of matru vadh (he had killed his mother). It is here that Lord Krishna got Yudishthir to perform pind daan and there is a Krishna Yudhishtir temple to commemorate the event. The old Saraswati temple stills bears the ancient sculptures on the window, though the temple has been renovated. The door of the temple was fitted on the order of Captain R M Lowis, division commander Karnal, 1902.

A 38 kilometre run from Kurukshetra, is an excellent spot for a picnic or a weekend stay. There is a large picturesque lake with a small island just off the Grand Trunk road at Uchana village, 4 kilometres before Karnal. It is believed that the area was the capital of King Karna's kingdom. There is a charming Haryana tourism resort sandwiched between the western Jamuna canal and the lake. The resort has air-conditioned deluxe rooms: double occupancy -- Rs 800 and Rs 1000. The suite goes for Rs 1200. All rooms have a verandah which opens out to the lakefront. There are two, four bedded huts nearby, priced at Rs 1500. You can dine at the Whistling Teal. Boating and angling facilities are available at the resort. Tel:0184-255264/258759. Just across the lake is the highway golfer's club.

Another interesting historical place in Panipat is the Kabuli Baugh mosque built by Babur in 1526 AD to commemorate the victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi. The mosque situated inside an enclosure has octagonal towers at its corner. In front of the gate is a huge arch built of sandstone and red bricks whose spandulas are decorated with lotus medallions. The main prayer hall annexes are on either side. Sadly this wonderful architectural monument is in a state of ruin. People have carved their names on top of the domes or lovers declared their love on the historical bricks.

Situated in Patel Nagar, it is a 10-minute walk from the bus stand, but not worth the effort. It is situated in Lodhi Park, which is in a shabby state. A large nullah of refuse flows around the park. 

Close to the top of the hill is the dargha of the Sufi saint Harzrat Kalandar. People of all faiths come here to pray and they believe that their wishes are fulfilled here. The dargha is a marble structure with intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. Try and meet Nafiz Khan, a 13-year-old boy who sits all day in front of the tomb and sings devotional songs in a mellifluous voice, while playing the dholak. He comes to the dargha from Kerana, 22 kilometres away. He belongs to a family of quawals and aspires to be one, as well. Studying in standard four, he is only absent from the dargha on the days when he accompanies his uncle for quawali programmes.

A big mela or urz, a three-day affair is organised after Ramzan at this dargha built by Mukab Ali Khan, the vazir of Jehangir. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays witness a huge rush of devotees here. You will have to stand in queue for 1½ hours.