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The Imperial Pinjore
Located barely 22 kms from
Chandigarh
and 14 kms from Panchkula town, Pinjore lies
on the foothills of the lower Shivalik ranges. Pinjore is famous for one
of the most fascinating Mughal Gardens.
Pinjore Gardens are
one of the most popular tourist resorts not only for tourists, but also
for historians and archaeologists. The Pinjore valley has a climate that
is pleasant and far from urban noises. Pinjore is not just an ancient,
historical place but also has a lot of religious importance. Tools of
early man have been found from the region.
From
the religious angle, Pinjore has long been associated with the five
Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas
stayed in the area during their exile. Because of their presence
in the region, the place was once known as Panchpura. This later changed
to the word 'Pinjore'. Even today, Pinjore bears images of its ancient
history. Old scriptures and inscriptions and an 'Baoli' or water well
stand testimony to the ancient history of the region.
Tourist Attractions
Bhima Devi Temple: The ruins of Bhima Devi Temple are an
indication to the ancient history of the area. Lying a short walk from the
Mughal Gardens, the Bhima Devi Temple ruins display figures of four-armed
Shiva, colossal head of Bhairava and forms of Ganesha and Shakti. The
ruins of the temple indicate that the temple belonged to the old
Panchayatan group and antedate to the 9th to 11th century A.D.
Mughal
Gardens/Yadavindra Gardens: The most fascinating attraction of
the Pinjore valley are the majestic Mughal Gardens. The structures date to
the 17th century AD. Planned by Nawab Fidai Khan, a cousin of Aurangzeb,
and an architect of repute, the Mughal Gardens date back to 17th century
AD.
The garden consists of awe-inspiring palaces, namely the Rang Mahal and
the Sheesh Mahal. The Gardens were handed over to Haryana in 1966 AD when
it was formed as a new state. The Gardens were the first and the only
centre of tourist attraction at that time.
Excursions
Morni
Hills: On the opposite hillside of the Pinjore valley, lie the
Morni Hills. Far from crowd and pollution, the hills here are over 3900ft
above sea level. Crowned by a pocket of pine trees, the hills look green
and blue. The area is quiet, with hardly a bus moving up the hillside. The
greens are yet undisturbed.
Panchkula: This is a relatively new
town. Panchkula lies 4 km from Chandigarh. There are many attractions in
this model town like a Topiary Park, a Cactus Garden; Vatika Parkland
along with well laid out roads and homes, against the background of the
lower Shivalik hills.
Ambala: The town was a British
cantonment. Now, it is a town of scientific instruments. It lies about 60
km from Pinjore. Here tourist facilities are available at Kingfisher
tourist resort. Restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gift shops, conference hall,
health club and guestrooms have been provided for tourists. The resort
lies on the NH#1.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to Get There
Air: Pinjore is 20 km away from Chandigarh. Indian Airlines flies
daily into Chandigarh
from Delhi .
Rail: Several trains pull into Chandigarh from Delhi.
Road: There is a well-developed network of road transport.
Where to Stay
Haryana Tourism operated resort, Budgerigar.
Yadavindra Gardens
Tourist Complex.
Sheesh Mahal, Pinjore Gardens.
Rang Mahal, Pinjore Gardens.
Red Bishop, Panchkula.
Kingfisher Tourist Complex, Ambala.
Mountain Quail, Morni Hills.
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