Chennai: Haryana can draw on its mythological heritage, urban attractions, food, biodiversity and cultural traditions to present a wider tourism offering, said KM Pandurang, a 2007-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre and Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Haryana, at the Bharat Dekho Tourism Summit 2026 in Chennai.
Speaking during a session on “Land of Mahabharata – The Epic Odyssey”, Pandurang highlighted Haryana’s association with the Mahabharata and Kurukshetra, while pointing to destinations and experiences beyond conventional religious and heritage tourism.
Kurukshetra and Gurugram Represent Two Tourism Experiences
Pandurang identified Kurukshetra as an important destination for spiritual and cultural tourism because of its association with the Mahabharata.
At the same time, he pointed to Gurugram as an urban destination with experiences particularly relevant to younger travellers.
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His remarks highlighted the contrast between Haryana’s historical and spiritual attractions and its modern urban landscape.
“If you are looking for religious significance, there is Kurukshetra; if you are looking for something for the youth, there is Gurugram,” Pandurang said.
Food, Biodiversity and Cinema Among Other Attractions
Pandurang also highlighted several other aspects of Haryana’s tourism potential, including:
- Traditional food, particularly paranthas
- Biodiversity parks
- Cultural festivals and events
- Cinema and popular culture
- Heritage and mythological destinations
- Urban experiences in Gurugram
He said festivals and cultural events could also showcase the state’s heritage while providing opportunities for local communities, artists and craftspeople.
Haryana’s Tourism Identity Extends Beyond Heritage Sites
Pandurang said Haryana’s tourism offering includes different types of experiences, ranging from spiritual and historical destinations to food, nature and contemporary urban attractions.
He also referred to Haryana’s geographical position on routes towards destinations such as Ladakh and highlighted the state’s biodiversity parks.
“When you think of Haryana, you think of its food, especially paranthas,” he said, while listing Kurukshetra, Gurugram and biodiversity parks among the state’s attractions.
Tourism Summit Brings Haryana’s Diverse Attractions Into Focus
Pandurang’s session at the Bharat Dekho Tourism Summit 2026, organised in Chennai, focused on Haryana’s cultural and tourism landscape and its links to the Mahabharata.
The discussion brought together the state’s established heritage, including Kurukshetra, with its food, nature, urban destinations and cultural activities as different elements of its tourism offering.
About K. M. Pandurang
K. M. Pandurang (IAS: 2007: HY) is currently serving as Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Haryana.
Over his career, Pandurang has held several administrative positions, including Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Director of Town & Country Planning, and Managing Director of the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Chemical Engineering and a Diploma in Computer Systems from ACTS, Pune.
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