Panchkula - Haryana's capital in waiting?

Panchkula derived its name from 5 irrigation canals called 'kuls' making it 'Panch Kul Wala' or Panchkula. I recently read that Panchkula is a product of Haryana's 'political agenda'. There is a general apprehension that Chandigarh which is the capital of 2 states - Punjab & Haryana, besides enjoying a Union Territory status by itself may be taken away from Haryana's capital status someday. (There have been attempts in the past, and was marked by violent protests).Therefore, Haryana Govt. has developed Panchkula will all the amenities and infrastructure as a contingency capital to cope up with future eventualities.

Have you heard of this? How true is the apprehension and can Panchkula replace Chandigarh's majestic aura?

Hey, that's interesting. 'Panchkula - the capital in waiting' - Never heard that news.

Panchkula gearing up to compete the model city of Chandigarh - that is indeed fabulous. Please tell us more about the place.

Panchkula is a satellite city of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. There are five towns in the district named Panchkula,Barwala Pinjore, Kalka and Raipur Rani. The only Hill station in Haryana called Morni is also in this District. The estimated population of Panchkula city, in 2006, is 2,00,000. Panchkula and Mohali (in Punjab) are two satellite cities of Chandigarh. These three cities are collectively known as Chandigarh Tricity.

Does anyone know about the historic places in Panchkula?

I have been to many historic places in panhkula, One of them was

Morni Hills

Morni Hills are the offshoots of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, which run in two parallel ranges. The village of Morni (Bhoj Jabial) lies on the mountainside, at 1220 meters above mean sea level. Traditions assign the name of Morni to a Queen who is believed to have ruled this area. Among the spurs of hills, lie two lakes, the larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and the other about 365 meters either way. A hill divides the two lakes but there is some hidden channel, as the level of two lakes remains the same. The people look upon the lakes as sacred. There is an old fort, which is now in ruins. The hills are covered by pine trees.

Do you know more about Morni hills?

You have already said half of that place Bappika. But i would still like to add more to it.

The climate is salubrious and the area is suitable for trekking. The Haryana Government has developed this hill resort and provides facilities to tourists, a motorable road was constructed to connect the Morni hills with Haryana State Highway near Panchkula. Haryana Tourism has a hotel called "Mountain Qail" there. There are also a Forest Department rest house named "Lal Munia" and a PWD rest house for tourists. There is also a private hotel.

Can you tell me more about the historic places of Panchkula?

Its nice to see this post. I have been to the Pinjore gardens. They are really very beautiful.

Pinjore is famous for the beautiful Mughal Gardens, known as the Yadavindra Gardens. It is perhaps the loveliest and the oldest in northern India. It is said to have been made by Fidaikhan in the 17th century. The Haryana tourism department has developed the whole complex. It has lighted fountains, a restaurant, some rooms and a mini zoo. It has been renamed as Yadavindra Gardens as a mark of respect to the late Yadavindra Singh Maharaja of the earst while princely state of Patiala, Punjab. The main gate of the garden opens on the highest terrace and seven terraces descend gradually into the distant boundary of the garden

Will anyone add more to it if they have visited here?

You are right Jasmine about the garden. It is indeed a beautiful one.

In the middle of the first terrace is the Shish Mahal in the Rajasthani Mughal style with small windows and apertures. There is a lyrical Hawa Mahal approached by steps on the side of the wall. The second terrace is uplifted by large arched doorways, above which there is the Rang Mahal, Cleverly devised by the architect, the view of lower terraces is from the open hall way below. The palace has an enormous upon courtyard. We descend, by concealed steps on both sides of the big house, to the third terrace where the cypresses and flowerbed lead down to dense groves of fruit trees on each layer. The density of the dark green foliages evokes brooding depths. The upward flow of water from the fountains cools the eyes. There is a cube like Jal Mahal, with a square fountain bad and a plinth to sit down on for pleasure.

Did you ever pay a visit there?

The next terrace is flanked by denser groves of trees, lightened by the water devices in the middle. The end structure of the doorway has recently been made into a disc-like open-air theatre. The stiff outer wall of the garden is reminiscent of the fort walls, which has now all around dieter pavilions housing the zoo. Haryana Tourism has a hotel called Buderigar with an attached restaurant at the gardens.

This place is not only known for the gardens but it is also a historic place.

Did you know that?

You are right Loveleen, Pinjore is also a historic place.

ools of Tower Paleolithic period fabricated on Quartzite have been found from the region stretching from Pinjore to Nalagarh. Important sculptures and other antiquarian remains recovered from the place can be assigned to the period ranging between 9th century A.D. to 12th century A.D.

I am glad to say that I live in a land which is so rich in culture, tradition, Historic places, Gardens etc. Really no words to describe.

Did you know about the Nada Sahib?

The Gurudwara Nada Sahib is in Panchkula on the bank of Ghagar river. Guru Gobind Singh along with his victorious army stayed at this place on returning after glorious victory in the Battle of Bhangani. Nadu Shah, a follower of Guru Gobind Singh welcomed and served him. Guru ji blessed Nadu Shah and said that due to his services, the place would be known by the name of Nada Sahib. Tens of thousands of devotees visit the Gurudwara on the full moon day (Pooranmashi) of every month.

Do you know about the temples there?