The Mughals, on the other hand, have a history of creating gardens in the Char Bagh style. The Taj Mahal and Humayun’s tomb all have Charbagh-style gardens. Pinjore Garden, located in the district of Panchkula, Haryana, is a beautiful Mughal garden made in the 17th century. It was renamed Yadavindra Garden after the former prince of the state of Patiala. After initially built by Fidai khan it was restored to its splendor after a year of negligence by Yadevendra Singh
Pinjore Garden, an illustration of a terrace garden, also houses a mini-zoo, a beautiful Japanese garden, and a serene nursery.
History of Pinjore Garden
Fidai Khan, the governor under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, was a well-known architect. He and Aurangzeb designed many gardens in India together. During that time, Fidai Khan visited the beautiful Pinjore Valley and was enthralled by it. He decided to build a beautiful garden in the valley. But while working, a woman was affected by goiter, and to stop the diseases from spreading, the whole crew returned. After this, the region came under the rule of the ruler, the king of Patiala, Maharaja Amar Singh, who resumed the work on the garden. In 1966 when Haryana became an independent state, Pinjore garden was open to the public.
Structure of Pinjore garden
Pinjore Garden is designed in such a way that it reflects the traditional Mugal style. A 100-acre garden is enhanced by seven terraces that descend at equal distances. Pathways lined with tall trees on one side and a central watercourse with fountains on the other make the walk magical. Aromatic flowering plants, ornamental plants, mango shrubs, and the open theater at the end of the garden are just a treat to watch.
Architecture
The main architectural structure has seven terraces. The highest terrace, called Shish Mahal, is built in the Mughal-Rajasthani style of architecture. The second terrace has an arched doorway leading to Rang Mahal. The third one has a flora of cypress trees and flowers opening up into orchards. The fourth one is called Jal Mahal (the palace of water). The next two levels house beautiful trees with fountains. The last level has an open-air theater.
Things to do in Pinjore garden
Mini-zoo: A zoo inside the garden offers visitors animals and birds that have been conserved. Entry to the zoo is free.
Nursery: A nursery is maintained inside the garden to grow different varieties of flora. You can also purchase potting plants for your garden.
Japanese Garden: Pinjore Garden also houses a garden that is themed after a Japanese mythological character. It gives you glimpses of their culture and identity.
Camel rides: A facility for camel rides is available outside the garden.
Street food: local vendors serve mouthwatering dishes to the visitors.
Festivals at Pinjore garden
Pinjore Heritage Festival: It is organized by the Haryana Tourism Department in the month of December. It features a range of cultural programs, including music, dance, and theater performances, as well as competitions and exhibitions. Visitors can also sample traditional Haryanvi food and buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Baisakhi Mela: Baisakhi is a traditional festival that is celebrated in the state of Punjab, India, and marks the start of the Hindu solar new year. During Baisakhi, Pinjore Garden is decked out with flowers and lights, and a fair is organized with a variety of food stalls, games, and cultural performances.
Mango Festival: The Mango Festival typically takes place during the months of June and July, when mangoes are in season. Visitors can sample a variety of mangoes and participate in cooking demonstrations and competitions featuring mango-based dishes. There are also exhibitions and stalls selling mango-based products, such as mango juice, mango pickles, and mango pulp.
How to reach
By road: If you are coming from the side toward Chandigarh, you can take NH 5. The drive will take around 30 to 45 minutes.
By train: The nearest railway station to Pinjore Garden is Kalka Railway Station, which is located about 10 km from the garden. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or an autorickshaw to reach Pinjore Garden.
By air: The nearest airport to Pinjore Garden is Chandigarh International Airport, which is located about 35 km from the garden. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an autorickshaw to reach Pinjore Garden.