Pinjore lies on the foothills of the lower Shiwalik ranges Here lie one of the most fascinating Mughal Gardens. The Gardens are only 22 km from Chandigarh and 14 km from Panchkula town. Pinjore Gardens ae one of the most popular tourist resorts not only for holiday makers, but also for historians and archaeologists. The Pinjore valley has a climate that is pleasant and far from urban noises. Pinjore is an ancient historical and religious place. Tools of early man have been found from the region. From the religious angle. Pinjore has long been associated with five Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed in the area during their exile. Because of their presence in the region, the place was known as Panchpura. This later changed to the word 'Pinjore'. Even today, Pinjore bears images of its ancient history. An old Baoli or water well lies in the village. Here old sculptures and inscriptions can be seen. The ruins of Bhima Devi temple ae yet another indication of the ancient history of the area. Lying a short walk from the Mughal gardens the Bhima armed Shiva, colossal head of Bhairva, and forms of Ganesha and Shakti. The ruins of the temples indicate that the temple belonged to the old Panchayatan group and dated to the 9th 11th Century AD
The most fascinating attractions of the Pinjore valley however are majestic mughal gardens. The structures date to the 17th century AD and are perhaps the only Mughal garden, where one descends to the last step. The architecture of the gardens was planned by Nawab Fidai Khan, a cousin of Aurangzeb, and an architect Badshahi mosque at Lahore. The Nawab was also Governor of the Province and it was during his tours, that he chanced upon the rare beauty of this valley. The Nawab realised the beauty of the place and set to work. He planned the Garden on the classical charbagh pattern, given the area a central waterway. Both sides of this waterway were covered with the patches of green bordered with flowers and shaded by trees like the traditional palm, the cypress and magnolia. But the Nawab could not stay here for long. Frightened by local goitre stricken women, the courtiers of the Nawab fled. The palace fell in the hands of the Raja of Sirmaur who had planned this move. In 1775 Maharaja Amar Singh of Patiala bought Pinjore and joined it among his lands. He restored the beauty of the Gardens and frequently visited it, till in 1966, the Gardens were handed over to Haryana when it was formed as a new state. The Gardens were the first and only centre of tourist attraction at the time
The Shish Mahal and the Rang Mahal of the Mughal gardens have been converted into tourist suites. Within the traditional structures of the Shish Mahal, one has a view of the waterway. On the first floor of the guest room at Rang Mahal, one can see traditional door paintings and a panoramic view. Accommodation is also available at Budgerigar motel that has been built adjacent the Gardens. Here you have a Maharani and Maharaja suite. Each suite is tastefully decorated, provided with intercom and television and has windows that open to panoramic view
Within the gardens, adjacent the Rang Mahal lies this restaurant. Walk in for delicious meals and snacks. Bar facilities are available on the first floor.Here is a plinth surrounded with fountains. Cold drinks, snacks and tea are served in the open and in the middle of the gardens.
Plan a conference in the Gardens : Hall hold 40 persons. Catering is undertaken. A delightful conference hall also stands in Budgerigar Motel. It is well equipped with carpet, display boards and allied facilities
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