In the 10th century AD, there was an amphitheatre sun-pool in Surajkund where the Tomars- the sun worshippers- used to gather. Fascinated by the surroundings of the terrain, Raja Suraj Pal, one of the chieftains, chose to build his stronghold here. A sun-pool and temple were designed. With times the clan and the temple vanished. But the amphitheatre sun-pool continued to stand as it does even today. It is after this sun-pool that this complex came to be christened as Surajkund. 

Over the years, Surajkund has grown into a suburban retreat. The Aravalli ranges surround the location. The uneven levels of the land are dotted with clusters of silver oak, eucalyptus, kikar, bottle brush and bougainvillea. Patches of green proclaim the picnic spots. Hide-out fires dot the greens that look out at the sun pool. 

It is in this vast open space that a festive event, Surajkund Crafts Mela, is held each year from February 1 to 15. 

The Surajkund Mela Authority, comprising of the offices of Development Commissioners, Handlooms and Handicrafts, Office of Crafts Museum and Haryana Tourism, working under the apex agency of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has succeeded in creating a crafts village in the Surajkund tourist complex. 

Here, the finest of crafts traditions come from the remotest parts of the country, be it the rain forests of Assam, the tribal lands of Bastar, the desert realms of Rajasthan, the Nilgiri hills of south or the awesome stretches of Leh and Ladakh.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is held in the picturesque Surajkund Tourist complex of Haryana Tourism. The complex lies 8 k.m.from south Delhi, the national capital, 35 minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. 

By Road: Surajkund is well connected to Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad district head quarter towns by road. Approachable by tour coaches, tourist taxis and own conveyance.

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Delhi. The complex is 35 minutes drive from the Indira Gandhi International Air port and 25 km from Palam Airport.

By Rail: Delhi is the nearest Railway junction. Faridabad and Gurgaon are both linked to Delhi via Railway lines. From each of these stations travel to Surajkund has to be done by cab/tourist coach.

During the mela period, special transport services link the main shopping centres and interstate bus stands of Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad to the mela grounds.

The Surajkund complex houses Hotel Raj Hans. Three Suites and rooms decorated with luxury fittings await the tourists. A bath complex, swimming pool, billiards, table tennis and golf are other attractions. 

Equally welcoming guest room facilities are also available at Badkhal Lake (2 k.m.), Magpie complex at Faridabad and at Shama Complex at Gurgaon. Booking during the mela are heavy. 

For details and reservations: Head Office: 17-18-19, Sector-17, Chandigarh, Tel.: 542955-56-57. Fax No.91-0172-543185.

Haryana Govt. Tourist Bureau: Chanderlok building, 36 Janpath, New Delhi-110001. India. Tel: 3324911-910.