Panchkula: Temples, Gardens and Morni Hills

Panchkula district is home to religious sites, gardens and scenic destinations, each with its own distinct character. Mata Mansa Devi combines religious heritage with annual festival periods; the Morni Hills are home to two lakes with different approximate dimensions. Other attractions include the botanical Cactus Garden in the city centre and Yadavindra Garden in Pinjore. You can shape your trip around culture, plants or landscapes.

Temples and annual Navratra Melas

The Hindu temple Mata Mansa Devi is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti. The temple complex covers 100 acres (0.40 km²) in the Shivalik foothills. It is located in Bilaspur village, near Mani Majra and Panchkula; Chandi Mandir is 10 km away.

Recurring festivals also shape this place: the Shrine Board organises two Navratra Melas each year. One takes place in the month of Ashvin, which is known as Shardiya, Sharad or Winter Navratra. The second falls in the month of Chaitra and is the Spring Navratra. If you are planning a trip for one of the Melas, check the exact festival dates in advance.

Another religious site is Gurudwara Nada Sahib. It is located in Panchkula on the banks of the Ghaggar River, in the Sivalik foothills. This riverside location distinguishes it from Mata Mansa Devi, whose temple complex is situated in Bilaspur village.

Gardens in Pinjore and the city centre

Yadavindra Garden is located in Pinjore, in Panchkula district, Haryana. It is also known as Pinjore Gardens and Pinjor Gardens. Cactus Garden, by contrast, is in the city centre of Panchkula. Today, it is called the National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre.

The Cactus Garden covers seven acres and contains more than 2,500 species of cacti and succulents. Its opening hours vary by season: from April to September, it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. In March and October, the daily hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check the opening hours before you travel.

Morni Hills and protected landscapes

Morni is the only hill station in Haryana and is located in Panchkula district. The Morni Hills are home to two lakes whose approximate dimensions are easy to compare: the larger is about 550 metres long and 460 metres wide. The smaller measures approximately 365 metres in both directions. These figures illustrate the difference in size between the two bodies of water.

The district’s natural areas also include Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area covers 767.30 hectares (1,896.0 acres). Panchkula therefore offers both the lakes in the Morni Hills and a protected area with a specified land area as distinct nature-focused options.

Golf and water pools

Panchkula Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course designed as a championship course. The course covers approximately 135 acres on the west bank of the Ghaggar River. If golf is part of your plans, check the current course, access and membership conditions in advance; these may change.

Aqua Village Pinjore has five pools: a family pool, a children’s pool, a wave pool and two concentric pools with slides. The different types of pools give the facility a clearly differentiated range of features. Since facilities and access may change, check the current conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Kalka, Gorakh Nath, Mahendragarh, Yamuna Nagar, Sirsa, Rohtak, Jind, Faridabad.

For the broader travel overview: Haryana.