May 02, 2011 11:28 AM
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(Updated May 02, 2011 11:47 AM)
While driving back from Chandigarh to Delhi, just on the outskirts of Karnal is a beautiful, fairy tale like structure with immense arches, colorful columns and a constant stream of vibrantly dressed people milling around. We stopped in curiosity and discovered a delightful place called Karnal Haveli.
Reminiscent of the old style Havelis, the structure is grand and welcoming.The 30 ft grand entrance creates the royal ambience. Inside there is a huge courtyard (the place is u shaped) with lifesize models of aesthetic scenes of Rural Punjab like a huge well, charpoys, an astrologer sitting on a diwan, Brightly Colored Mannequins dancing the Bhangra. Its a very entertaining scenario and one gradually takes in the huge restaurant on the right side thats PURE VEGETARIAN and boasting of an elaborate menu of Northern and North Western cuisine.
For some choice there is also a food court on the left that offers pan Indian cuisine like south Indian, Mumbai fare like Vada paav, bhelpuri etc and also burgers and pizzas etc but on closer scrutiny this side of the Haveli was scarcely populated as all the people were heading for the Punjabi section. The entrance to Punjabi restaurant is impressive with two massive durbans(door keepers) with florid moustaches saluting you in. The interior is a vast hall with dim lighting and refreshingly cool, in start contrast to the scorching heat outside.
The decor was beautiful and done up in ancient war equipment retelling the stories of bravery of the warriors of the local kingdoms. The restaurant has a cover of about 250 and the service was quick and helpful. Each table has a good privacy belt around it. There was a most useful mobile charging area, really being used intensively because of the long highway travels.
The crockery was steel with everything king sized, be it the the thaals(plates) or even the heavy spoons. There is no non veg served and so we settled for dal, saag, dry vegetable and nans. The food was piping hot, tasty and served in tastefully done up vessels. Though we ordered the "Meethi lassi" imagining it to be frothy and sweet, it was a disappointment as watery and tasteless. Avoid the beverages.
The decor of the restaurant needs a special mention. There is a gigantic truck parked inside the restaurant with squealing excited children running around it. All the furniture was also wooden with applique work on it making it look special.
There are some good shops in the complex selling everything from electronics, clothes to bags and mojris.There are also some fun rides for kids but those open only in the evening. The washrooms were spacious and clean and one can also browse in the Koutons mall after which the Haveli is named.
The complex also has a small hotel with 22 rooms and a banquet hall and amusement park for people who want to use them. But for the majority of tired travellers cruising down the highway, this place is an oasis in the middle of the aridity around, welcoming for its exquisite and entertaining decor and the largest PUNJABI STYLE THEME RESTAURANT in this part of the World.
Do stop here if on the way. Its a PLEASURE.
The place was packed with not only the tourists but also the local families, a strong testimonial for the populaity of the place:)
