Stand on the Grand Trunk Road at Murthal and the smell of wood smoke and butter drifts across the highway from the dhabas that line it. Sonipat sits about 45 kilometres from New Delhi, on the Delhi–Kalka line, and the Yamuna River runs along its eastern boundary. The city was historically known as Swarnprastha, the Golden City, and references to it appear in the Mahabharata as Svarnaprastha.
This guide suits travellers based in Delhi or passing along the GT Road who want a day of tombs, temples and riverbank without committing to a longer trip. It covers the sights named in the sources, plus Mojoland at Murthal for families.
Top things to do in Sonipat
1. Khwaja Khizr Tomb
A monument of red sandstone and kankar block with a highly decorated floral ceiling. It is the most distinctive piece of architecture in the city and rewards a slow look upward at the interior surface.
Pair it with the other Mughal buildings on the outskirts, since they sit in the same general direction out of the centre.
2. Kijjar Makkbara
A reserved heritage site in the village of Jatwada, on the outer part of the city, and open to the public throughout the year. It is described as the most beautiful garden in Sonipat, with green grass and plants, and carries a rich historic legend.
Go in the cooler part of the day so you can walk the grounds rather than hurry through them.
3. Mughal Buildings and the Mosque of Abdullah Nasir-ud-din
Several Mughal buildings lie unprotected on the outskirts of the city. Among them is the Mosque of Abdullah Nasir-ud-din, a descendant from Mushid of Iran.
Because these structures are unprotected, treat them with care and combine the visit with Kijjar Makkbara in Jatwada rather than making a separate trip.
4. Baba Dham
The main religious temple and status symbol of Sonipat, kept very neat and clean, with many small temples within its grounds, including Sani Mandir, Sai Mandir and Radha Kirshan Mandir.
It sits on the outskirts near the Kami-Bhuri road, so plan it as one stop rather than trying to walk there from the centre.
5. Mojoland, Murthal
A picnic destination on GT Road in Murthal with a water park, amusement park, aero sports park, snow park and theme park. It is the obvious choice if you are travelling with children or want a full day of activity rather than sightseeing.
It is on the GT Road, which makes it easy to combine with a meal at the Murthal dhabas on the same stretch.
6. Sai Dham
Both a religious site and a popular destination for visitors. It works well as a quieter stop between the larger temple complexes.
Dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering, as at any active place of worship.
7. Shri Ram Temple
One of the oldest temples in Sonipat, if not the oldest. Its value is in its age and continuity rather than scale.
Visit alongside Shankar Kui, the other of the city's oldest temples, to see both in one outing.
8. Shankar Kui
One of the oldest temples in Sonipat. Like Shri Ram Temple, it is a place to see for its place in the city's long history.
Combine it with Shri Ram Temple; the two are best seen together rather than as separate trips.
9. Mata Chintpurni Mandir
Followers have come here for centuries to pray at the lotus feet of Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi. It remains an active site of devotion rather than a monument.
Time your visit outside peak prayer hours if you want space to look around without disturbing worshippers.
10. Yamuna River
The river flows beside the rural belt on the eastern side of the district and acts as the natural boundary between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Its waters are considered holy, though they turn into a black nullah after entering the National Capital Delhi.
Go for the rural riverside setting on the eastern edge of the district rather than expecting a developed promenade.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Khwaja Khizr Tomb while the light is still low, then continue to the Mughal Buildings on the outskirts and the Mosque of Abdullah Nasir-ud-din. Carry on to Kijjar Makkbara in the village of Jatwada, which is open throughout the year, and walk the garden before the heat builds.
Afternoon: Head to Baba Dham near the Kami-Bhuri road and spend time among the small temples within its grounds. Follow it with Sai Dham, then Shri Ram Temple and Shankar Kui, the two oldest temples in the city, which are best seen together.
Evening: Finish at Mata Chintpurni Mandir, then drive out to the Yamuna River on the eastern side of the district for the rural belt and the state boundary. If you have children with you, or want an activity day instead, give the whole day to Mojoland on GT Road in Murthal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Sonipat?
Sonipat Junction railway station is the main railway junction on the Delhi–Kalka line. The city also lies on the Grand Trunk Road (NH 44), the Delhi Western Peripheral Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and is around 45 kilometres from New Delhi.
When is the best time to see the Mughal buildings?
They lie unprotected on the outskirts of the city, so plan them for the cooler part of the day and combine them with Kijjar Makkbara in Jatwada, which is reserved heritage and open to the public throughout the year.
Is there anything for families with children?
Mojoland on GT Road in Murthal is a picnic destination with a water park, amusement park, aero sports park, snow park and theme park.
What is Sonipat's older name?
Sonipat was historically known as Swarnprastha, meaning Golden City, and is referred to in the Mahabharata as Svarnaprastha.
Decide whether you want a temple-and-tomb day or an activity day at Murthal, then build your route around the GT Road and the outskirts accordingly.