Panchkula Knowledge Guide

History

Etymology

The word is derived from the local word panch (Sanskrit: पंच) (five) and kula (Sanskrit: कुला) (canals) "The city of 5 canals", possibly referring to five irrigation canals that distribute water from the Ghaggar-Hakra River.

Ramgarh Fort

The fort was built by the Rajput rulers of Kahlur State, headquarter of which was Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh. King of Bilaspur built the Ramgarh Fort 360 years ago. In 1687, its rulers offered Guru Gobind Singh a horse, a sword and Rs 500 when he was relocating his troops from Paonta Sahib to Anandpur Sahib after the Battle of Bhangani. In the 1750s, it fell to Sikhs under Banda Singh Bahadur and eventually became a fief to Sirmur State, but became independent in 1804. It is currently occupied by the progeny of Kalee Chand, younger son of King of Bilaspur Sangar Chand (r. 1197-1220), and run as a heritage hotel.

Tourism

There are various visitor attractions including: Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is one of the most prominent temples in North India and is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti. Bhima Devi Temple Site Museum nicknamed Khajuraho of North India for its erotic sculptures, comprises the restored ruins of an ancient Hindu temple dating from between 8th and 11th century AD. Nada Sahib is a Sikh Gurudwara in the Panchkula district of the Indian state of Haryana. Situated on the banks of the Ghaggar-Hakra River in the Sivalik Hills. Morni, the hill resort at Morni Hills, an offshoot of the Sivalik Hills, are about 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the city. The hills were named for Queen Morni, who is said to have ruled this city. Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, are about 20 km (12 mi) from the city, and cover a total area of 100 hectares (250 acres). The work of creating the gardens began in the seventeenth century. Pinjore Gardens is the venue for an annual mango festival. The garden houses a mini zoo, historic places, Japanese garden, nursery and a number of picnic spots. According to Hindu theology, the Pandava brothers rested in Pinjore during their exile. National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre a 7 acres (2.8 ha) cactus garden in the center of Panchkula, was established in 1987, and is known for its rare and endangered species of Indian succulent plants. Kaushalya Dam is an earth-filled barrage dam on Kaushalya river in Pinjore. It is an important wetland that is home to many endangered migratory birds. Jayanti Devi Temple, Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary, Khol Hi-Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pheasant Breeding Centre, Morni, Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore, Pheasant Breeding Centre, Berwala