One of the historical Mughal Gardens, Pinjore Garden was built in the 17th century by a renowned Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The garden is situated in the Pinjore city of Panchkula, in the territory of Haryana. Designed with the amalgamation of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture, the garden is spread over 100 acres. The place is popular not just for the garden but also for the annual Mango Mela.
The garden remains open for all days of the week from 7 am to 10 pm. Though, it is advisable to visit in the evening to cherish the beauty of the garden. One may plan a visit to the city in February as one will get to witness beautiful flowers blooming in the divine ambiance of the garden.
History of Pinjore Garden
Yadavindra Garden was the ancient name of this beautiful garden of Poinjore. The garden is a fine amalgamation of Islamic and Sikh architecture as it was built by Mughals and maintained and renovated by jat Sikh rulers of the Patiala Dynasty. The garden was an idea that was conceived by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and the chief architect of the garden Nawab Fidai Khan as a space to relax and unwind in the summers. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas the garden is home to rare species of flowers and plants.
The structural style of the Pinjore garden is similar to the Shalimar bagh in Srinagar that’s based on the terrace-style garden. The floor plan of the garden is similar to the Charbagh pattern, which is a landmark style of Mughal architecture. The garden has 7 terraces, fountains, an open-air theatre, water bodies, and a green grass cover to walk or rest. There lies a Shish Mahal and Hawa mahal too on the first terrace, then there are arched doors on the second, the third has flower beds, the fourth has Jal Mahal, while the next two have trees. The last seventh terrace has an open-air theatre which was used for performances by artists during ancient times.
An interesting thing about the garden is that the garden was abandoned due to Goitre, a disease that is caused due to lack of Iodine intake. The locals started believing that the water and air of Pinjore have got contaminated and they left the beautiful place to never come back. Later during the Patiala dynasty rule, the garden was revived and reformed. Legends also have it that the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata also stayed here during ‘Vanvaas’ (exile).
Major Attractions in and Around Pinjore Garden
1. Bhima Devi Temple Site Museum
This open-air museum is popular as the Khajuraho of the north for its erotic structures. Though the temple is in ruins yet there are still many structures that are in good condition. The temple is just 600 meters away from the Pinjore garden and is a must-visit site. This Hindu temple is believed to be built between the 8th and 11th centuries.
2. Pinjore Garden Heritage Train
The Pinjore Heritage train has been restored to take the passengers to the tourist spots and heritage sites situated in the garden. The train route passes from all these spots giving the passengers an overview of the sights.
3. Shopping in Pinjore
Pinjore city consists of an array of traditional shops and complexes ranging from clothing to gifts item to artifacts. One may explore the market of Pinjore city for souvenirs and home decor items made from wood and other natural elements. Apart from that one may also buy traditional Haryanvi dresses and ornaments such as dhoti kurta, kurta lehenga, Juttis, and Kathla a traditional neckpiece that the local women wear.
4. Food of Pinjore City Panchkula
During the visit to the Pinjore garden, one may also taste the local Haryanvi food. Some popular dishes that one must try are Kachri ki Sabzi, Bhura Roti Ghee, Besan Masala Roti, Mithe Chawal, Bajara Khichdi, and kachri Ki chutney.
How to Reach Pinjore Garden
Pinjore Garden is a popular tourist destination that is visited not just by domestic tourists but also by foreigners. You too can arrive here to witness this massive and mesmerizing garden via different modes of transportation such as roadways, railways, or airways. From Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru the distance to Pinjore Garden is approx. 250, 1,600, 1,700, and 2,400 km respectively. Listed below are some best travel options that you may consider if planning a visit to Pinjore Garden.
By Road
If road travel is on your mind then one may book a seat in the inter-state tourist bus to Pinjore city or to Chandigarh. One may also take a personal car or bike to cover the distance. Mentioned below is the estimate of distance in kilometers and the best route to take in order to reach Pinjore Garden.
- Delhi - 250 km via NH 44
- Panipat - 170 km via NH 44
- Meerut - 245 km via NH 709A
- Ludhiana - 135 km via NH 44
- Dehradun - 175 km via NH 7
By Rail
Kalka Railway Station is the nearest station to reach Pinjore Garden. From the station, one has to cover a distance of approx. 7km via locally available transportation such as a taxi, or a bus to reach the garden. The station is well connected to other metropolitan cities of India and receives regular and frequent trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. You can travel via the following direct trains if planning to reach Kalka by train journey.
- Delhi - Himalayan Queen, Paschim Express, Kalka SHTBDI
- Mumbai - Paschim Express
- Kolkata - HWH DLI KLK Mail
By Air
Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport to the Pinjore Garden. One may conveniently travel from a taxi or a bus to the garden which is approx. 35km away from the airport. The Chandigarh International airport receives regular direct and connecting flights from the metro cities of India. You can choose to fly with AirAsia, or GoAir airlines via their direct flights to Chandigarh Airport from Delhi. If you are arriving from Kolkata, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, then you are required to travel via connecting flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinjore Gardens
Q1. What is the distance from Chandigarh to Pinjore Garden?
A. The distance from Chandigarh to Pinjore Garden is approximately 22 kilometers by road. The route typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes to cover, depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation used. Visitors can reach Pinjore Garden from Chandigarh easily via car, taxi, or bus, enjoying a scenic journey through the beautiful countryside of Haryana.
Q2. What is the ticket price for Pinjore Garden?
A. The ticket price for Pinjore Garden varies depending on the visitor's age and nationality. For Indian adults, the ticket price is typically around Rs. 25 to Rs. 50 per person, while for foreign nationals, it may range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person. Children and senior citizens often receive discounted rates, with prices ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 25 for Indian children and Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 for foreign children. It's advisable to check the latest ticket prices and entry regulations before planning your visit.
Q3. What is the history of Pinjore Garden?
A. Pinjore Garden, also known as Yadavindra Garden, holds a rich historical significance dating back to the 17th century. It was commissioned by Nawab Fidai Khan, the architect of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, in the year 1669. The garden was originally designed as a retreat for the Mughal rulers and served as a pleasure garden during their reign. Later, it underwent renovations under the patronage of Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of the princely state of Patiala, thus earning its current name, Yadavindra Garden. Today, Pinjore Garden stands as a testament to Mughal and Rajput architectural styles and continues to attract visitors with its serene ambiance and lush greenery.
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