Pinjore Gardens

Pinjore Gardens

       

   Situated in the Panchkula district of Haryana, on the foothills of the lower Shiwalik range, the Pinjore Garden is one of the loveliest and oldest gardens in Northern India. Legend has it that this garden existed from the time of the Mahabratha. The Pandavas came across this beautiful spot soon after they set out on their 12 years of exile.  Draupadi was so enchanted by this beautifu,l verdant place that they decided to stay there.  It was then called Panchapura. (This later got corrupted to Pinjore). Later, when the Pandavas won back their kingdom, they regularly visited Panchapura for leisure and relaxation. Historically, it dates back to the 17^th century.

         This beautiful Mughal style garden was created by Nawab Fidai Khan, the foster brother of Aurangzeb, when he was the governor of this province. Along with the Mughal dynasty, Pinjore Garden too declined. Later, when the Patiala Dynasty kings held sway over this region, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh refurbished the garden and brought it back to its former glory.

     This exquisite garden, enclosed by thick fort like walls, has been laid out in seven terraces on sloping ground. Each terrace is laid out in the classical Charbagh pattern, with a central waterway running throughout the garden.  The fountains are located inside these waterways and there are wide walkways on both sides of the channels. The fountains and water channels are all made of richly sculpted and inlaid marble.  Small waterfalls facilitate the flowing of water from the higher terrace to the lower.

        

   The visitor reaches the first terrace as soon as he enters through the main gate. This terrace has a small palace built in the Rajasthani style called the Sheesh Mahal, as the ceiling is adorned with mirror work.

     

On the second terrace is situated the Rang Mahal with its arched doorways.   As this was locked, we could not see it.

  Steps on either side of this, led us down to the third terrace which had a charming fountain.  The third terrace has cypress trees and flower beds leading to mango and litchi orchards.

     

       The Jal Mahal, a square fountain bed with a platform to relax at bits centre is on the next terrace. Fountains and groves of different fruit trees are found on the remaining terraces.

       The Pinjore Garden is an enchanting place. Sit on any of the benches drinking in the beauty of the surroundings. The cool fresh breeze is so soothing that you can feel all the tensions draining away from you body and mind. Continue sitting, dreaming and looking around lazily. Very soon you can visualize graceful Mughal princesses running around the garden. You can hear the tinkle of their anklets and bracelets in the tinkling of the fountain, and you can hear their laughter in the gurgle of the water. This gem of a garden, pulsating with the romance of the past offers a perfect setting for loving couples.