Located in the valley overlooking the lower Shivalik regions, Pinjore is a part of the Panchkula district of Haryana. Shivalik marks the beginning of one of the most spectacular mountains that provide a haven for tourists and trekkers. This ancient, religious location deriving its name from Panchpura— the town of the Pandavas, is found close to Chandigarh, over 1,800 feet above sea level. Being rich in cultural heritage, Pinjore is best known for its Mughal and Pinjore Gardens. Major languages spoken are Hindi and Punjabi. Weather conditions are quite moderate, and the best time to visit is towards the end of monsoon when the town is surrounded by lush green trees and a cool atmosphere. Pinjore is a place to visit when one is looking for peace of mind, and to spend some quality time with family and friends. The top attractions of the town are as follows:
1. Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens or Mughal Gardens)
The picturesque gardens are known as Asia’s best 17th century Mughal gardens, and the Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) factory. The terraced gardens feature the Rajasthani Mughal style Sheesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, and the Jal Mahal consisting of a series of waterfalls and fountains. Pinjore gardens are flanked with unique trees and provide wonderful sight come nightfall. Built in the 17th Century, they were renamed Yadavindra gardens after Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, the last ruler of Patiala. They are said to be created by the architect Fidahi Khan, Aurangzeb’s cousin and trusted lieutenant.
2. Sheesh Mahal & Rang Mahal
The Royal residence in the premises of the Mughal Gardens is a bewitching sight to behold. It was where the women would reside during their visit to the garden. The view of the garden from the Sheesh Mahal spans throughout, starting from the gates towards the boundary wall. At the next level is the Rang Mahal— residence of the Maharaja of Patiala. This too, has a landscape view of the garden and the orchard surrounding the hill. It only becomes more spectacular under the moonlight.
3. Seven Terraces
Fountains that run the entire length of the garden can be witnessed from the multiple terraces of seven levels. One can look past the channel of water, languidly strolling on the terraces. One level after the other, the beauty and scenic environment only enhances itself, spanning the carved walls of the terraces. It is enchanting to walk along the cobbled paths and envision the beauty of the fountains.
4. Bhima Devi Temple
Fondly known as the Khajurao of North India, the Bhima Devi temple is famous for its erotic sculptures. Located beside the Pinjore gardens, the temple was built out of the ruins of an ancient temple between the 8th and 11th century AD. It has been declared as a protected monument under the ‘Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-1964’. The ruins of the temple have been aesthetically arranged in an open-air museum pattern, consisting of idols of Apsaras, Gandharvas, gods and goddesses, animals, and erotic images of the contemporary times. The most attractive feature of the temple is the idol of Lord Shiva.
5. Pandava Cave
Pandava Cave has one of its ends in the town of Solan, while the other one is in the Bhima Devi temple complex of Pinjore. One of the areas comprised under a trek known as “Karol ka Tibba“, the mysterious cave is in the midst of a surrounding of grasslands, dense forests, and small ponds among other things. It is believed to be the oldest and the longest cave — amid a dark and foreboding atmosphere — in the Himalayan region.
Pinjore is a beautiful location, with the gardens being the most attractive part of the quaint town. The trekking spots, temples, and the vast heritage make it one of the most sought after tourist site in Haryana.
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