Pinjore - The Historic Garden Town of Haryana
Situated in the Panchkula district of Haryana, Pinjore is a small yet amiable town that is super popular due to the Pinjore Gardens, which is considered to be the most beautiful Mughal Gardens of all time.
The town of Pinjore is a great place for traveling and exploring the ambiance of the city casually. It offers you some amazing opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones.
History of Pinjore
Historically speaking, the town of Pinjore has been named after the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Initially, this town was known as Panchpura which was later changed to Pinjore. It was during an excavation of a Baoli (stepwell) when the original name was found out as, on this stepwell, there was an inscription which translated into the words Panchpura Baoli. The experts then came to the conclusion that in earlier times, the city must be known by the name of Panchpura.
Early Medieval Era
Interestingly, many artifacts from the 9th Century to 12th Century CE have been found here during excavation activities. Some of these artifacts include ornamental structural pieces, pillars, sculptures, statues of Lord Shiva, images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Late Medieval Era
By 1254 CE, the Then-Sultan, Nasiruddin Mahmud, who was the grandson of Iltutmish had captured and destroyed the regions around Pinjore. All of this has been recorded in Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (a sacred book in which detailed accounts of Islamic History are written in Persian), which has been written by Minhaj-ud-Din bin Siraj-ud-din. After this, again in 1399 CE, this town was ransacked by King Timur while he was coming to loot the city of Delhi.
Major Attractions in and Around Pinjore
1. Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens)
Pinjore gardens have been built in the Mughal architectural style and were established in the 17th century in Pinjore. Covering an area of about 100 acres, the garden is quite a beautiful place to relax and unwind amid the subtle beauty of nature. Interestingly, these gardens are also known by the name of Yadvinder Gardens. The beauty of this place is such that tourists from all over the world travel to this place for exploring these gardens.
Many legends have also been associated with these gardens. One such legend states that once, the Pandava brothers rested here at this place when they were in exile.
The entry fee to Pinjore Gardens is INR 20 and for children below 3 years of age, it is free.
2. Kaushalya Dam
This is mainly an earth-filled embankment dam sited on the Kausalya River. Constructed between 2008 and 2012, one can give this dam a casual visit while on their trip to Pinjore. This dam was built by the Government of Haryana at a whopping cost of INR 217 crore. It is 700 m in length and 34 m in height.
3. Pinjore Heritage Train
A toy train that runs within the Pinjore Gardens, offering a leisurely ride for children and families.
Things to Do in Pinjore
- Explore Pinjore Gardens – Enjoy an evening walk amid fountains, pavilions, and floral beauty.
- Attend the Pinjore Heritage Festival – Experience cultural performances, crafts, and local cuisine.
- Visit Bhima Devi Temple – Admire ancient stone carvings and sculptures.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine – Try authentic Punjabi and North Indian delicacies.
- Go for a Scenic Drive to Morni Hills – Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Best Time to Visit Pinjore
- October – March (Winter & Spring) - Pleasant weather for sightseeing.
- April – June (Summer) - Warm but bearable for morning and evening visits.
- July – September (Monsoon) - Lush greenery, though occasional rain may affect plans.
How to Reach Pinjore
Pinjore is a classic place for casual travel. It is located at an approximate distance of 253, 1,665, 2,429, 1,776 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata respectively. Here is how you can travel to Pinjore by the following means of public transport.
By Air
Deboard at the Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) situated 30-35 km away. Chandigarh Airport has good flight connectivity with neighboring cities. Once you deboard at the airport, from there, take some means of local transportation available to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pinjore
By Train
Taksal Railway Station and Chandigarh Railway Stations are situated at a distance of 8 and 17 km respectively. Depending upon your convenience, you can consider deboarding at either of the stations. However, Chandigarh Railway Station has good overall connectivity with other Indian cities. After deboarding your train, take a cab or some other means of transportation to reach Pinjore.
By Road
Pinjore is fairly well-connected with motorable roads and national highways. To travel here, you can consider taking a cab, book interstate or private buses, otherwise, if you want to travel at your own pace then, driving it down yourself would be a better option.
- From Chandigarh - 25-30 km via NH5
- From Kasauli - 37 km via NH5
- From Solan - 45 km via NH5
- From Ambala - 59 km via NH5 or NH152
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinjore
Q. Why is Pinjore famous?
A. Pinjore is famous for the Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens), a beautifully designed Mughal-era terraced garden featuring fountains, pavilions, and lush greenery. It is also known for its historical significance, Bhima Devi Temple, and proximity to Morni Hills.
Q. What are some places to visit in Pinjore?
A. Some popular tourist destinations in Pinjore include the Pinjore Garden, Yadavindra Garden, and Shri Kali Mata Temple.
Q. How much time is needed to explore Pinjore Gardens?
A. A visit to Pinjore Gardens takes about 2-3 hours, including time for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the fountains and pavilions.
Q. Is Pinjore a good weekend getaway?
A. Yes! Pinjore is a perfect short getaway for families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts. It offers a mix of history, greenery, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day trip or weekend visit.
