Top Tourist Attractions in Panchkula Haryana

Panchkula, located in the beautiful state of Haryana, is a city rich in natural beauty, historical significance, and modern attractions. Panchkula has a great mix of things for travellers to discover, ranging from tranquil gardens to historic temples and scenic lakes. 

Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, is a beautiful Mughal-style garden dating from the 17th century. This terraced garden is across 100 acres and has lovely fountains, stunning pavilions, vivid flowerbeds, and a fantastic tiny zoo. The annual Pinjore Heritage Festival, held here each year, is a cultural extravaganza not to be missed.

Cactus Garden: The Cactus Garden in Panchkula is Asia's largest outdoor planted cacti and succulent garden, spanning seven acres. It is home to around 3,500 cacti from all over the world. The garden features an incredible collection of rare and distinctive cactus, making it a haven for plant enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts.

Morni Hills: Morni Hills, located just a short drive from Panchkula, is a magnificent hill station known for its scenic beauty and tranquilly. The hills, surrounded by lush forests, provide breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range. Hiking, trekking, boating at Morni Lake, or simply relaxing in nature are all options for visitors.

Gurudwara Nada Sahib is a well-known Sikh shrine built on the banks of the Ghaggar River. It has great religious significance because it is thought to be the location where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, stopped on his way back from the Battle of Bhangani. The gurudwara draws followers from all around the world and provides a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Mansa Devi Temple: A venerated Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, Mansa Devi Temple is perched above the Shivalik Hills. The temple is well-known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding environment. Devotees go to seek the goddess' graces and absorb up the spiritual ambiance.

Nada Sahib Gurudwara Zoo: This modest but well-kept zoo adjacent to the Gurudwara Nada Sahib is home to a variety of animals and birds. The zoo offers a pleasant experience for families and children, who may enjoy seeing the rich wildlife, which includes deer, monkeys, peacocks, and other animals.

Butterfly Park: Panchkula's Butterfly Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to the conservation and promotion of butterfly species. This seven-acre park is home to a variety of butterfly species, floral plants, and trees that serve as natural habitats. Visitors may get up close and personal with these colourful creatures while learning about their life cycle and behaviour.

The Kaushalya Dam, located on the outskirts of Panchkula, is a quiet place with a calm and pleasant ambiance. The dam, which is surrounded by lush flora and the spectacular Shivalik Hills, is a perfect location for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Boat rentals are also available, allowing tourists to enjoy the calm seas.

Panchkula is best visited in the summer. 

The months of October to March are perfect for visiting Panchkula because the weather is nice and ideal for outdoor activities. During this time, the temperature ranges from around 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, exploring gardens, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Avoid visiting Panchkula from April to June, when the weather can be extremely hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. This time of year is unsuitable for outdoor activities and can be uncomfortable for tourists.

Panchkula experiences moderate to high rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. While the surrounding scenery becomes lush and green at this time, it is best to check the weather before organising a visit because heavy rains can hamper travel plans and outdoor activities.

Plan your trip to Panchkula during the milder months of fall, winter, or early spring, when the weather is good and you may comfortably tour the city's attractions and enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer.

How to Get There: Panchkula 

Panchkula is well-connected to major Indian cities, making it easily accessible by a variety of forms of transportation. Here are the several ways to get to Panchkula:

By plane: The closest airport to Panchkula is Chandigarh International Airport, which is around 20 kilometres away. To get to Panchkula, you can either rent a cab or take a pre-paid taxi from the airport. Regular flights connect the airport to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.

By Train: Panchkula has its own railway station, Chandimandir Junction, which is well-connected to major Indian cities. Regular trains run to Chandimandir Junction from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities. To get to different regions of Panchkula, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station.

By Road: Panchkula is well-connected by road to neighbouring cities and states. The city is situated on National Highway 5, which connects it to Delhi, Chandigarh, and other significant cities. You can drive to Panchkula or take a cab or a private automobile from a nearby city. State-run and private buses travel to Panchkula on a regular basis from places such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.

Local Transportation: Once you are in Panchkula, you may easily navigate around the city by taking auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or taxis. There are also app-based cab services accessible for convenient city transport.

It is recommended that you verify the availability and schedules of flights, trains, and buses ahead of time and plan your route appropriately. Additionally, it is essential to allow for probable traffic congestion, especially during busy travel seasons.

Panchkula's easy accessibility ensures that visiting this charming city is a breeze, allowing you to explore its attractions and absorb in its vibrant atmosphere.

Well-known foods Panchkula 

Panchkula provides a delightful dining experience with a blend of traditional Punjabi cuisine and local delights. Here are some popular dishes to eat if you visit Panchkula:

Chole Bhature: Chole Bhature is a traditional Punjabi meal that combines spicy chickpea curry (chole) with deep-fried bread (bhature). It's a popular breakfast or lunch alternative, and it's commonly accessible in local restaurants and cafés.

This renowned North Indian dish need no introduction. Tender chicken cooked in a thick and creamy tomato-based stew, seasoned with aromatic spices, and topped with a liberal amount of butter makes it a must-try dish in Panchkula.

Amritsari Fish: Panchkula's cuisine is influenced by its proximity to Punjab, and one of the must-try meals is Amritsari Fish. Fresh fish fillets marinated in a specific spice blend, dipped in a gramme flour batter, then deep-fried till crispy and fragrant.

Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti: Sarson Ka Saag is a delightful winter speciality made from mustard greens and spinach cooked with spices and eaten with Makki Ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread). It's a clean and nutritious combo that locals and visitors alike like.

Tandoori Chicken: Tandoori Chicken has delicious and smokey flavours. The chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices before being grilled in a traditional clay oven (tandoor), yielding soft and tasty meat.

Rajma Chawal: Rajma Chawal is another popular dish from the region. It's made with red kidney beans simmered in a rich, spicy stew and served over steamed rice. It's a popular comfort food in many local restaurants.

Kadhi Pakora is a sour and creamy yogurt-based dish with deep-fried gramme flour fritters (pakoras). It's frequently served with steamed rice or hot rotis for a filling supper.

Paneer Tikka: This vegetarian dish features cubes of cottage cheese marinated in a spicy yoghurt sauce, skewered, then cooked till golden and smokey. It's a tasty appetiser that's commonly served with mint chutney.

Don't forget to finish your dinner with a sweet treat, such as Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, or Phirni, which are available at several sweet shops in Panchkula.

Panchkula activities and sightseeing 

Panchkula has a variety of activities and sightseeing alternatives to suit a variety of interests and inclinations. Here are a few popular activities and sites to check out while in Panchkula:

Visit the Rock Garden: Located in Chandigarh, not far from Panchkula, the Rock Garden is a one-of-a-kind sculpture garden made from discarded materials. Explore the artistic installations, sculptures, and paths that add to the aesthetic appeal of this garden.

Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir in Chandigarh that is ideal for a peaceful boating experience. Take a leisurely boat ride, wander along the promenade, or simply sit by the lakeside and take in the scenery.

Discover the Mansa Devi Temple: The Mansa Devi Temple is a notable Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, located atop the Shivalik Hills. Devotees throng here to seek blessings and bathe in the spiritual environment, and the temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.

Adventure Sports: Panchkula and its neighbouring areas provide options for adventure seekers. Trekking, hiking, and camping are popular activities in the Morni Hills. You can also attempt paragliding in nearby Bir Billing, which is recognised as India's paragliding capital.

The Yadavindra Gardens, also known as the Pinjore Gardens, are a stunning Mughal-style park dating back to the 17th century. Explore the terraced gardens, marvel at the magnificent fountains, and stroll among the vivid flowerbeds.

Cactus Garden: The Cactus Garden is Asia's largest outdoor manicured cacti and succulent garden, housing a diverse array of cacti species. Stroll through the garden, taking in the diverse plant life and learning about these amazing desert plants.

Shop at Sector 17 Market: Sector 17 Market in Chandigarh is a lively commercial centre where you can buy clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and other items.