Surajkund

Surajkund is an ancient semi-circular reservoir, its stepped stone amphitheatre-like structure believed to have been built as a sun-worship site over a thousand years ago, giving the site its name (sun's pond). Today it is best known internationally for the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, one of the largest craft and cultural fairs in the world, drawing artisans from across India and dozens of partner countries each February.

Outside festival season, the ancient reservoir itself remains a quieter historical site worth a stop, its unusual architectural form — designed so worshippers could descend in tiers toward the water — distinct from more conventional stepwells found elsewhere in North India.

Built by the Tomara dynasty around the 10th century CE, Surajkund's original purpose as a sun-worship reservoir gradually gave way to its modern role as the permanent site of Haryana's flagship international crafts fair, established in 1987.

About 8km from South Delhi, easily reached by road.