Surajkund: The Crafts Mela and an Ancient Reservoir
A practical guide to Surajkund — the great International Crafts Mela each February, the 10th-century stepped reservoir it’s named for, the Aravalli lakes nearby, and how to visit this corner of Haryana on Delhi’s southern edge.
Surajkund, on the Aravalli edge of Delhi near Faridabad, is two things in one. It is a 10th-century stepped reservoir — an amphitheatre of stone steps built by a Tomar king and said to have faced a sun temple, which gives the place its name. And every February it becomes the stage for the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, one of the largest crafts fairs in the world, when thousands of artisans, weavers, folk performers and cooks from across India and partner countries fill a sprawling fairground. For most visitors it’s the Mela that draws them; the old reservoir and the Aravalli lakes make a quieter visit the rest of the year.
Surajkund, near Faridabad on Delhi’s southern edge, is famous for the Surajkund International Crafts Mela each February — one of the world’s largest crafts fairs, with artisans, folk performers and food from across India and a partner nation and theme state each year. It’s named for a 10th-century stepped reservoir, and the Aravalli lakes (Damdama, Badkhal) and Asola sanctuary are nearby. Visit for the Mela in February, or a quieter half-day otherwise, on a Haryana trip or Delhi day out.
Why visit Surajkund
Three reasons Surajkund is worth a trip from Delhi.
One of the world’s great crafts fairs
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela each February gathers thousands of artisans, weavers and folk performers from across India and partner countries — a vast, colourful celebration of handicraft, textile, music and food on Delhi’s doorstep.
A thousand-year-old reservoir
The eponymous Suraj Kund — a 10th-century amphitheatre of stone steps built by a Tomar king, once facing a sun temple — is a genuine piece of pre-Sultanate history in the Aravallis.
Green escapes nearby
The surrounding Aravalli belt holds the Damdama and Badkhal lakes and the Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary — easy green add-ons on the capital’s southern edge.
When to go
Surajkund is really about the Mela calendar and the cool season.
February (the Mela): the Surajkund International Crafts Mela runs through the first half of February — the reason most people come, and the time the place truly comes alive. Expect crowds, colour and a ticketed fairground.
October to March (the season): pleasant weather for the reservoir and the Aravalli lakes any time in the cool months, with far fewer people outside the Mela.
April to September (hot then wet): the fairground is quiet and the heat is fierce before the monsoon; a low season for visiting.
Things to do at Surajkund
The Mela (in February) is the headline; the reservoir and the Aravalli lakes make a quieter visit.
Surajkund Crafts Mela
Held through the first half of February, the International Crafts Mela fills a huge fairground with artisan stalls, handlooms and handicrafts, folk dance and music stages, themed state and partner-country pavilions, and food courts. Plan a leisurely half to full day; it’s ticketed.
Suraj Kund reservoir
The 10th-century stepped reservoir — a semicircular amphitheatre of stone steps built by the Tomar king Surajpal — is the historic heart of the place, quiet and atmospheric outside the Mela.
Damdama & Badkhal lakes
The Aravalli lakes nearby — Damdama (boating, picnics) and the restored Badkhal — are easy green escapes to pair with a Surajkund visit.
Asola Bhatti Sanctuary
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary protects a stretch of the Aravalli ridge on the Delhi–Haryana edge — a surprisingly wild green lung for a walk or a nature drive.
Folk culture & shopping
Even beyond the Mela, Surajkund is associated with crafts and culture; during the fair it’s the place to buy directly from artisans and watch folk performers from across the country.
What to eat
During the Mela the food courts are a highlight; otherwise eat in Faridabad or Delhi.
Regional food courts
The Crafts Mela’s food courts are a draw in themselves — regional Indian cuisines and the themed state’s specialities, plus partner-country stalls. A great reason to arrive hungry.
Faridabad & Delhi
Outside the Mela, Faridabad and south Delhi have the full range of restaurants and cafes a short drive away.
Surajkund hotels
The resorts and the Haryana Tourism properties around Surajkund have their own restaurants for a sit-down meal.
Water & cash
The fairground is big and busy. Carry water, and cash for the smaller artisan stalls, alongside digital payments.
Where to stay
Most visit Surajkund from Delhi or Faridabad; there are resorts and tourism properties at Surajkund itself.
Resorts & Haryana Tourism
Surajkund has resorts and Haryana Tourism properties (the Rajhans and others) set in the Aravalli greenery — pleasant, and handy for an early Mela start in February.
Delhi / Faridabad
Most people simply visit from Delhi or Faridabad, which have the full range of hotels a short drive away.
Getting there and around
From Delhi: Surajkund is on the southern edge of Delhi near Faridabad, about 20 km from central Delhi — an easy drive or cab, though expect heavy traffic during the Mela.
By metro: the Delhi Metro (Violet Line) reaches Faridabad and the southern fringe; take a cab or the special Mela shuttles for the last stretch during February.
Getting around: the Mela ground and reservoir are explored on foot; a cab covers the trip and the nearby Aravalli lakes and sanctuary.
Surajkund sits on the opposite (southern) side of Delhi from Sultanpur, so the two make easy, separate NCR day trips within a Haryana plan rather than a single loop.
A plan
In February, give the Mela most of a day; otherwise a half-day covers the reservoir and a lake.
Mela day (February)
Arrive mid-morning at the Crafts Mela, browse the artisan stalls and themed pavilions, catch the folk performances, graze the food courts, and see the Suraj Kund reservoir alongside. A full, colourful day.
Quiet-season half day
Outside the Mela, see the Suraj Kund reservoir and drive on to Damdama Lake or the Asola sanctuary for a relaxed Aravalli half-day from Delhi.
Practical tips that actually help
Come in February for the Mela
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela (first half of February) is the main reason to visit. Check the exact dates and the partner country/theme state for the year.
Buy Mela tickets online
During the fair, entry is ticketed and weekends are very busy. Buy online ahead and consider a weekday for a calmer visit.
Plan for Mela traffic
Roads and parking around Surajkund are jammed during the Mela. Use the metro plus a shuttle or cab, and allow plenty of time.
Carry cash for artisans
Many artisan stalls prefer cash (alongside UPI). Carry some to buy directly from the makers.
Pair with the Aravalli lakes
Outside the Mela, combine the reservoir with Damdama Lake or the Asola sanctuary for a greener half-day.
Come in the cool months
October to March is comfortable; the Mela falls in pleasant February. Avoid the fierce pre-monsoon summer.
Mistakes first-time visitors make
- Expecting the Mela outside February. The Crafts Mela runs only in the first half of February. The rest of the year, Surajkund is a quiet reservoir — plan accordingly.
- Driving in during the Mela without a plan. Traffic and parking are brutal in February. Use the metro plus a shuttle/cab and arrive early.
- Visiting the fairground in peak summer. Outside the Mela and the cool months it’s hot and empty. Come October–March.
- Missing the reservoir. The 10th-century Suraj Kund that gives the place its name is easy to overlook in the Mela buzz — seek it out.
Planning Surajkund into a Haryana trip?
Surajkund is an easy trip from Delhi, unmissable in February for the Mela. Tell me your dates and I’ll fit it into your Haryana or NCR plans.
Surajkund FAQs
What is Surajkund famous for?
Surajkund, near Faridabad on Delhi’s edge, is famous for the Surajkund International Crafts Mela each February — one of the world’s largest crafts fairs — and for the 10th-century stepped reservoir (Suraj Kund) it is named after.
When is the Surajkund Crafts Mela held?
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is held annually through roughly the first half of February. Each edition features a partner country and a themed Indian state; check the exact dates and theme for the year before you go.
How do you reach Surajkund?
Surajkund is on Delhi’s southern edge near Faridabad, about 20 km from central Delhi. It’s an easy drive or cab; the Delhi Metro (Violet Line) reaches Faridabad, with cabs or special Mela shuttles for the last stretch in February.
Is Surajkund worth visiting outside the Mela?
Yes, for a quieter half-day: the historic Suraj Kund reservoir and the nearby Aravalli lakes (Damdama, Badkhal) and Asola Bhatti sanctuary make a pleasant green escape from Delhi, though the fairground itself is quiet outside February.
What is the best time to visit Surajkund?
February for the Crafts Mela, or any time from October to March for comfortable weather at the reservoir and the Aravalli lakes. Avoid the hot, quiet months from April to the monsoon.
What is the Suraj Kund reservoir?
It’s a 10th-century stepped reservoir — a semicircular amphitheatre of stone steps built by the Tomar king Surajpal, said to have faced a sun temple — which gives the place and the Mela their name.
Related guides
Keep planning your Haryana trip with these:
Haryana Travel Guide
Kurukshetra, Panipat, the Mughal gardens, the hills and the birding wetlands — how to put a Haryana trip together.
Sultanpur National Park
The winter birding wetland near Gurugram — another easy NCR day trip on a Haryana plan.
Suraj Kund reservoir photo by Anupamg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; cropped and converted to WebP.
Written by Ashvinee Nagle
I travel India slowly and write it down honestly - practical guides and real itineraries from someone who lives here.
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