5 Offbeat Places to Visit in Parwanoo

Dotted by grand and majestic forests, sedate and tranquil lakes, expansive and voluminous orchards, and vivid and fragrant gardens, Parwanoo is adorned with some beautiful natural features. The rolling hills of Trikuta form a sprawling backdrop to the town and give it a pleasant atmosphere at all times. Parwanoo is marked by tall temperate coniferous forests. The undulating structure of the mountains appears pleasing, with the blue Shivaliks fading away in a mystic aura with the sky and the lush green slope in the forefront. Trekking across the naturally made trails is an energetic and explorative adventure. It is also dotted with various temples visited by many pilgrims throughout the year, some quite offbeat compared to the grandiose.

Trikuta Hills

Location: Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh

The Trikuta hills at the foot of the Shivaliks are significant especially due to its similarities with the Trikuta hills in Katra, Kashmir. Known for its 3 peaks, the hills bear sacred to the goddess Durga and thus the Kali Mata Temple 2 km from Parwanoo becomes indicative of its solemnity. The hills are cut smoothly into steps for farming giving it a pleasant view from far and also enabling the prevention of soil erosion. Home to orchards and gardens, these plantations provide fresh fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, pears throughout the year.

Good to know: One of the best ways to indulge in the scenic vastness of these hills is to take a cable car ride across the peaks.

Fruit Orchards

Location: Ambala, Kalka - Shimla Rd, Pinjore, Haryana 134101

Various small agro-based industries in Parwanoo are set up for the production and processing of fruits, thus forming the largest processing unit in the state. Fruit trees like that of apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and mangoes stretch for over miles across the hilly terrains. The gardens provide a perfect spot for picnics with children since they can pluck the fruits directly from the trees. The warm sun filtering through the chilly fog gives a comfortable essence to the experience of eating and spending some quality time with your loved ones. One would quite forget about social media or cell phones in such a place.

Good to know: The sweet smell encompasses the entire area and the near-by shops selling jellies, jams, and other fruit-products will lure you to buy some freshly made edibles.

Shri Balaji Temple

Location: Panchkula Urban Estate, Sector 5, Panchkula, Haryana 134108

Located in the mall village of Bhairo ka Ser, the Sri Balaji Temple is dedicated to the Lord Balaji, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The idol is represented as Sri Trimurti Dham Balaji Hanuman, and both the deities of Hanuman and Vishnu are worshipped. The temple is said to have been buried under the earth until archaeological research in the recent years of 1988 has discovered the place. The temple is said to have surely been built in ancient times as evident by its impressive architecture. With its tall dome and its earthy interiors, the shrine and the idol is adorned with elaborate accessories and attires attributing grandness to the deity.

Good to know: Pilgrims especially Vaishnavs and Hanuman devotees visit the temple with offerings of Gold and wealth to receive prosperity in their own lives.

Hanuman Mandir

Location: XXHQ+57X, Subathu, Himachal Pradesh 173206

Apart from the obvious auspiciousness of the Hanuman Mandir, located in Sector 4 of the town of Parwanoo, it is also a tourist spot, offering great views. It presents opportunities for explorations and adventures in a more simplistic manner. The lush greenery is rejuvenating and the nearby shops allow you to purchase colourful merchandise and fabulous articles as souvenirs. Its appearance is simple but the temple emanates wisdom and humility which calms its visitors making it a perfect spot for self-indulgence.

Good to know: Tuesdays are significantly important days at the temple and many devotees come here to offer prayers for well-being.

Trekking

Location: Himachal Pradesh 173210

The town is blessed with some interesting self-discoverable trekking routes which help you discover hideouts and mystical places hidden by tree covers which you’d never see from afar. Although trekking operators aren’t available popularly you can discover the trails quite naturally and follow the paths visibly. The gradual sloping smooth tops will welcome you with sweet chirpings of birds and a gentle calming fog.

Good to know: The slopes are not too steep thus making it quite safe for solo trips and self-explorations.