8 Best Things To Do In And Around Panchkula, India

1. Mansa Devi Temple

The Mansa Devi Temple at Panchkula is a Hindu temple in Panchkula. It is a symbol of the Himalayan culture and faith. It is located in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range and is an epitome of the age-old tradition of the worship of the Hindu goddess Shakti.

The Himalayas are considered as the abode of the Hindu god Shiva and his consort, Shakti. So as Panchkula is in the vicinity of the Himalayas, it has become a center of the Shakti worship. There are numerous Shakti worshipping centers here, which are a big draw for tourists throughout the year.

Mansa Devi Temple

Address: 249401 Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Website: Mata Mansa Devi Templ

2. Visit the Chhatbir Zoo

The Chhatbir Zoo is in Panchkula. It is a wildlife haven which offers a unique opportunity for visitors to go on a Lion Safari. The zoo was established in the year 1977. The Chhatbir Zoo is one of the best wildlife gardens in Punjab.

It is spread out over an area of 80 hectares (202 acres) and is said to be the largest zoo in North India. There are about 80 species of rare and endangered animals, birds, and reptiles in the zoo. However, the main attraction in the zoo remains the Royal Bengal Tiger which uplifts the charm of this place. The zoo has an open natural countryside environment which makes it ideal for the animals to roam there. This place is very popular among the locals as a picnic spot as there is a lake, as well as rich flora and fauna in this zoo.

Chhatbir Zoo

Address: Chattbir Zoo Rd, Sahibzada, Ajit Singh Nagar, 140603 Chhat, Punjab, India

3. Gurudwara Nada Sahib

The Gurudwara Nada Sahib is located on the banks of Ghaghar River, Panchkula. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji the great Sikh leader and his army were on the way to the Anandpur Sahib. He visited the Gurudwara Shri Baoli Sahib Dhakoli, and after staying there for a few days he came to the Gurudwara Nada Sahib.

The Guru Gobind Singh then met a man from the lobana caste Nadhu Shah who served Guru Gobind Singh Ji with full dedication. The Guru then blessed him saying that the Gurudwara would be called after his name and so the Gurudwara is known as Gurudwara Nada Sahib. On Puranmasi, there is a great celebration here every month.

Gurudwara Nada Sahib

Address: Nada Sahib Rd, Sector 22, Panchkula, 134109 Haryana, India

Website: Gurudwara Nada Sahib

4. Visit Asia's biggest Cactus Garden

The Cactus Garden in Sector 5, Panchkula is the biggest cactus garden in the whole of Asia. The garden has a good collection of cacti like the Opuntias, the Ferocactus and other plants including the Agaves, the Echinocereus, the Columnar cacti and the Mammillarias. It has more than 35,000 species of rare plants.

The garden has 25 raised ground features with three water bodies. The main landscape plant is the Echinocactus grusonii which is found here extensively. There is a plant of Mexican origin here called bursera.

Cactus Garden

Address: Panchkula Urban Estate, Sector 5, Panchkula, 134108 Haryana, India

Website: Cactus Garden

5. Yadvinder Garden

Yadvinder Garden is also known as the Pinjore garden. It is located near Panchkula and is a famous tourist spot. This garden was established in the 17th century.

It covers an area of 40 hectares (100 acres) and serves as the venue of the annual mango festival. The Yadvinder Garden has a mini zoo, historical places, a Japanese-style garden, a nursery and many picnic spots. The Hindu mythology says that the Pandava brothers rested here during their exile.

Yadvinder garden

Address: Ambala-Shimla Highway, Pinjore, 134102 Haryana

6. Enjoy the adventures in Morni Hills

Morni Hills is situated on the outskirts of Panchkula. It is a good place for bird watching and trekking. There are many popular species of birds which can be seen here like the Wallcreeper, the Crested Kingfisher, the Bar-tailed Treecreeper, the Blue Peafowl, the Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl and the Grey Francolin. There is an Adventure Park here as well, which promotes activities like rope climbing, commando nets, rock climbing, and rappelling. There is a tree house here as well with fountains and a cafeteria.

Morni Hills

Website: Morni Hills

7. Lake Reserved Forest

The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is spread out over an area of 2600 hectares (6500 acres) at the northeast part of Sukhna Lake. The Sukhna Lake was constructed in 1958 and the forest department, in order to control the soil erosion from the hilly catchment area, started massive afforestation which has led to the development of a dense forest in the hilly catchment area with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Now this area is known as “Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.” It is popular for the tourists in India.

Lake Reserved Forest

Address: Uttar Marg, Rock Garden, Sector 1, 160001 Chandigarh

8. Sukhna Lake

It is an artificial lake near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a beautiful lake and is also a sanctuary for many migratory bird species like the Siberian duck, storks, and cranes during the winter season. Tourists can choose to go boating on the lake and sit back and just relax while floating on the vast Sukhna Lake.

Sukhna Lake

Website: Sukhna lake

Panchkula is a cool place to visit with family

Panchkula has everything a tourist wants on a holiday and its zoos, lakes, and gardens will especially appeal to kids. So pack your bags and explore Panchkula with your family.