Best time to visit : October to March
Located in the historic region with the backdrop of Mahabharata, Panipat is and ancient city in the North Indian state of Haryana. Only few miles from the national capital New Delhi, Panipat had been the battleground of many fierce battles that wrote history. The city is particularly visited by tourists interested in the region’s past ranging from the times of Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata to the fearless heroes like Hemu who fought bravely against mighty Mughal forces. In the recent times, the city has also started attracting religious tourists to few of its sacred tourist places.
Facts
Panipat is believed to have references as ‘Dharmakshetra’ in Bhagavad Gita. Because of its location on the easiest route from Afghanistan in the past, the city witnessed power struggles between the local and the Afghan rulers like Ibrahim Lodi and Ahmad Shah Abdali. The city is located on River Yamuna and is the biggest producer of blankets and shoddy yarn in India. The textile industry of Panipat has helped it to earn the status of ‘City of Weavers’. The city experiences extreme heat during summers and is moderate to extreme cold during winters and remains dry almost throughout the year.
Simple yet appetizing cuisines of Panipat are a delight for the visitors. Loaves prepared from the bajra and barley flours have irresistible rustic taste. Khichri (a kind of porridge) is spicy and tangy. Lassi is a popular drink, while many types of sweets (including paneer ki jalebi) can also be enjoyed. Dhabas are the best places to eat at, the most popular ones being Sunny Vaishno Dhaba and Punjabi Dhaba. Fast food restaurants can also be located.
Handlooms are among the best items to purchase in Panipat. Woollen carpets, blankets, bed sheets and curtains of superior quality are easily available. Obtain tourist information from a local resident to visit weaving centres. Watch experienced craftsmen engaged in their work and buy these items directly from them. Pachranga Achar is a popular brand of pickles from Panipat and you can purchase this tasty recipe on your trip.
Nearby Places:
- Kurukshetra (about 72 km.): Site where Mahabharata Battle was fought and where Lord Krishna preached sermons of Bhagavad Gita, Kurukshetra is a holy city visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
- Pehowa (about 92 km.): A city with many interesting tales, Pehowa is believed to have oil lamps burning since the time of Mahabharata and records of families that are available with the local priests.
- Delhi (about 98 km.): India’s capital city, Delhi is the host to many famous tourist attractions like Qutub Minar, India Gate, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple and Jama Masjid.
- Haridwar (about 156 km.): One of the prominent Hindu pilgrimage centres, Haridwar on the bank of River Ganga accommodates arrays of temples and religious sites.
- Chandigarh (about 160 km.): One of the cleanest and well-planned Indian cities, Chandigarh is admired for its lake, gardens, contemporary monuments and trendy lifestyle.
- Kasauli (about 205 km.): A charming hill town in Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli offers captivating natural beauty and many nature walking trails.