Paonta Sahib
Paonta Sahib has a lot of historic importance. It was founded by the tenth Sikh Guru Govind Singh who spent a good 4 years in this small town. There is a gurudwara dedicated to Guru Govind Singh which is quite famous. It is an important and holy place for the Sikhs. It is now a bustling town housing many industries. The gurudwara houses a museum which has preserved a lot of antiques and weapons used by the tenth guru. It is here that he wrote the ‘Dasam Granth’.
Location of Paonta Sahib
Paonta Sahib is a small town on the banks of River Yamuna in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Nahan is the district headquarters which is about 45kms from Paonta Sahib.
What to see in Paonta Sahib?
Paonta Sahib Gurudwara: The gurudwara is an example of architectural marvel built on the banks of the River Yamuna. There is Shri Talab Asthan where salaries were disbursed and Shri Dastar Asthan where turban tying competitions were judged by him. The gurudwara also houses a museum that displays his weapons and a memorial to Kalpa Rishi who was brought to Paonta by Guru Govind Singh.
Yamuna Temple: This temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna and is situated below the gurudwara.
Khodri Dak Pathar: Khodri Dak Pathar is a beautiful picnic spot about 25kms from Paonta with a swimming pool, a park and a tourist Bungalow.
Temples: There are several old temples in Paonta Sahib like the Patanjali Jyotirlinga Temple, Bhadarkali temple and Tirgarhi gurudwaras at Bhagani and Gangvaha Tirth.
Dei-ka-Mandir: Dei-ka-Mandir was constructed about a century back by the sister of the then Raja of Sirmaur to please Lord Ram, the family deity of the Suryavanshi Sirmauri Rulers.
Excursions from Paonta Sahib
Nahan: Situated at a distance of 45kms from Paonta Sahib, this charming town was founded by Raja Karan Prakash of Sirmour in 1621. There are several temples and a gurudwara in Nahan which has some marvelous architecture. Fossil Park: About 60km from Paonta Sahib, Fossil Park is the site of the largest fossil in Siwalik hills. It has a large museum with life size models of animals that once roamed the area.
Sirmour: The town has remains of the old capital of the princely state of Sirmour. It is believed that the town was once devastated by a flood in the 11th century after being cursed by a dancing girl.
Katasan Devi Temple: Katasan Devi Temple also known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban is revered by the local people. It is at this spot that the army of Sirmour defeated the marauding armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla. Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary: If you wish to enjoy a variety of birds, then you must visit Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary about 12k from Nahan.
Assan Lake: 4kms from Paonta Sahib, you can enjoy boating, rowing in this beautiful lake. You can also enjoy other sports like hovercraft rides and water skiing.
Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib: About 23km from Paonta is Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib which commemorates Guru Gobind Singh’s first battle when he defeated Raja Fateh Shah and his allies.
Gurudwara Tirgarhi Sahib: This gurudwara which is situated at a distance of 22kms from Paonta is built on the hillock from where Guru Gobind Singh shot arrows at the enemy.
Accomodation selection in Paonta Sahib
Some of the important hotels in Paonta Sahib are Hotel Citizen, Hotel City View, Hotel Clock Tower, Ganga Lodge, Mehak P.G.H. and Nirmal Lodge.
Best season to visit Paonta Sahib
The best time visit Paonta Sahib is between mid May to mid October.
How to reach Paonta Sahib Best season to visit Panchgani
By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti in Himachal Pradesh about 145km from Paonta Sahib.
By Rail: The nearest rail head is Yamunanagar about 56kms from Paonta Sahib.
By Road: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs bus connecting Paonta Sahib to almost all places in Himachal Pradesh.
Road Distances:
Nahan – 45 km
Shimla to Paonta Sahib – 258 km
Chandigarh to Paonta Sahib – 132 km
