Faridabad is a flourishing industrial city in Haryana.Along with Gurgaon, it accounts for nearly sixty percent of the state’s revenue collection.The city of Faridabad was founded in 1607 AD by Sheikh Farid, who was the treasurer of Emperor Jehangir.
The main aim of setting up this city was to protect the highway which passed through the place.Shaikh Farid also built a fort, a water tank and a mosque here which lay in ruins today.Later on it went into the hands of the Jat Rulers who made it the capital of the Ballabhgarh state.
Faridabad is located on the Yamuna plains and is bordered by the river on the east and Aravalli Hills on the west and south west.It was a major agricultural centre but as of now it has become a concrete jungle with virtually all of the land being developed for residential buildings.
The city of Faridabad is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Delhi and the Delhi-Mathura National Highway No.2 (Shershah Suri Marg) passes through the district.Apart from the Henna production industry, the city is also home to industries based on tractor manufacture, motorcycles, switch gears, refrigerators, shoes and tires.
Apart from the manufacturing industries, Faridabad is also fast emerging as the IT hub for small and medium level enterprises because of the availability of highly qualified work force and the proximity to Delhi.
Besides this, Faridabad is also a tourist destination with some beautiful lakes and temples.
Badhkal Lake is a paradise for people interested in ornithology.A large number of local as well as migratory birds abound the lake.It is also a great retreat for families where one can relax amidst the hills and also enjoy water sports like canoeing, trekking, kayaking and also rock climbing.
Suraj Kund Tourist Complex is at a distance of 8 kilometers from South Delhi.It provides for a perfect getaway for both the people living in Delhi as well as those who live in Faridabad.The major highlight of Surajkund is the Surajkund Crafts Mela which is organized every year in the month of February.Tourists from all corners visit the place to get ethnic handicrafts from all over India.
Nahar Singh Palace: One of the must see places in Faridabad are the Raja Nahar Singh Palace in Ballabhgarh which was constructed in the 18th century by Rao Balram.It is now converted into a heritage resort.It is said that Raja Nahar Singh played a key role in the 1857 War of Independence and was later hanged by the British.
Siddhidata Temple: This temple complex is located on the Badhkal-Surajkund Road and is a very peaceful place to spend some time.
Thus, even though Faridabad has developed as a major industrial town, yet it has preserved its history in the form of all the historical monuments and the serenity of the place is added up by the presence of beautiful lakes in the city.
