Posted 16 July 2024 in Nature beckons

Heading to North India? Here’s why you should visit Panchkula

Most tourist places in India have significance in history and carry beautiful stories. One such city is Panchkula. Located in Haryana, it is a part of the Chandigarh Tricity, which is Panchkula, Chandigarh, and Mohali. The city's proximity to many popular tourist destinations like Chandigarh, Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh, Yadavindra Gardens in Haryana, and Chhat in Punjab are some of the reasons why Panchkula is worth visiting.

The name, Panchkula, has been derived from the words panch (five) and kula (canals). 'The city of five canals' refers to the five irrigation canals distributing water from the River Ghaggar. Passing through the Chandimandir Cantonment area, these canals reach the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir area. In earlier times, the area was under Kushan rule. Over the centuries, Panchkula was ruled by the Guptas, Chauhans, Mughals, and British, before independence. In addition to Panchkula City, the district comprises five towns, which include Pinjore, Raipur Rani, Morni, Barwala, and Kalka.
Top activities to do in Panchkula

Panchkula is known for its natural beauty as it enjoys a thick forest cover. Here is why Panchkula is worth visiting:

Sarkaria Cactus Garden: If one is visiting Panchkula, then the Sarkaria Cactus Garden is a place one must not miss. Landscaped by Dr. J.S. Sarkaria, and spread over seven acres, the Garden is considered to be one of Asia's biggest botanical gardens, devoted to rare and endangered species of plants. Numerous plants belonging to the Cactus family comprise 272 species of the genus Mammillaria, 160 species of Aloe Speciosa, and varieties of Aloe Ferox.
ChhattBir Zoo: Also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, ChhattBir Zoo is spread across an expanse of grasslands. This Zoological Park is an apt destination for a family day out. The best attraction of the zoo is the Royal Bengal Tiger. The winter months from November to February are considered to be the best to visit ChhattBir Zoo.
Yadvinder Gardens: Lying in the Pinjore city of Panchkula district, it is also known as Pinjore Gardens. Meant for the summer retreat for Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, the gardens have been built on the foothills of the Himalayas. These gardens have been built in the style of Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar. They have been laid across seven terraces. The main gate of the Yadvinder Gardens opens to the highest terrace, which features a palace built in Rajasthani–Mughal style.
Gurudwara Nada Sahib: Nada Sahib is a Gurudwara situated on the banks of the Ghaggar-Hakra River in the Shivalik Hills, Panchkula. It is the site where Guru Gobind Singh ji halted in 1688 after the Battle of Bhangani while traversing from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib. However, the place remained unknown until a resident of a nearby village discovered this sacred spot and raised a platform in memory of the Guru's visit.
Mata Mansa Devi Mandir: Situated in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, the beautiful Mata Mansa Devi Temple complex is spread over an area of 100 acres bordering the village of Bilaspur. Built by Maharaja Gopal Singh during the early 19th century, the temple is considered to be one of the most renowned Shakti temples in northern India. It is currently maintained as a heritage site by the government.
Morni Hills: Morni Hills is a sought-after tourist destination and the only hill station in Haryana. It is situated on the foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas, which are around 45 km from Panchkula city. The hills are eponymous with the erstwhile ruler of the city, Rani Morni. The hills are a perfect setting for bird-watching and trekking enthusiasts and are also known for many picturesque spots for sightseeing.
Ramgarh Fort: This fort was built by the rulers of Kahlur State more than three hundred years ago. The fort is presently run as a heritage hotel by the descendant of Kalee Chand, the younger son of the King of Bilaspur Sangar Chand.

Read - These Twenty Indian forts will keep you spellbound with their beauty

How to reach Panchkula?

Rail: While there are a total of three stations in Panchkula district, Chandi Mandir, Kalka, and Surajpur, the most preferred railway station for tourists, has been Chandigarh Railway Station. It is well-connected to all major cities in the country by various trains such as Kalka (Chandigarh) Shatabdi Express, Chandigarh Jan Shatabdi Express, and Chandigarh Lucknow Express, amongst others. Several taxis are available for travel to Panchkula, which is approximately 11 km from the Chandigarh Railway Station.
Air: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, located in Mohali near Chandigarh, is the nearest airport to Panchkula. It is located approximately 23 km from Panchkula city. Regular direct flights to Chandigarh are readily available from major Indian airports, as well as cities abroad. IndiGo operates over 100 daily flights from here to a slew of destinations.
Road: Road travel is also considered a good option to reach Panchkula. There are both private and government buses regularly operating from nearby places. You may even choose to drive down to Panchkula in your car or opt for a rented vehicle.

Best time to visit Panchkula

The best time to visit Panchkula is during the winter season, from October to March. Here's why this period is recommended:

Winter: From October to March is winter with temperatures ranging from around 5°C to 20°C. The winter season is characterised by clear skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Days are comfortable for outdoor activities, while nights can be cool, especially from December to February.
Summer: Summers in Panchkula are hot and dry, May and June are usually the hottest months. Outdoor activities are best enjoyed in the early morning or late evening to avoid the peak heat. If visiting during this time, carry sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Monsoon: Panchkula experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon months, with occasional thunderstorms. Humidity levels are high. While the monsoon brings relief from the heat and lush greenery to the surroundings, outdoor activities may be affected due to rainfall.

Climate of Panchkula

Panchkula experiences chilly winters, heavy monsoons, and hot summers. The range of the temperature here varies significantly between 1°C and 43°C. To ensure a great trip, one needs to plan as per the local climate. November to February would be the best time to visit. April to September remains pretty hot and humid, and the maximum temperature may reach up to 42°C in the afternoons. Panchkula receives monsoon in July and stays till September. November to February are winter months and the weather remains pleasant during this time. While the minimum temperature may occasionally drop below 10°C, in most cases, Panchkula experiences quite a pleasant winter.

Conclusion

Panchkula is the perfect place to visit and explore India's vibrant heritage, as it offers a hearty blend of natural beauty, history, places of worship, and good food. So do plan a visit to this enchanting city for your next holiday.