A Guide to Hotels near Panipat

Panipat is a major city that has become famous for the many battles fought there. Since it is located in a strategic spot that guards the approach to Delhi, it was highly coveted by powerful kingdoms and empires and bitterly fought over throughout history. Located 100 Kms north of Delhi in Haryana, it lies on NH1, also called the Old Grand Trunk Road. Whoever controlled Panipat controlled access to Delhi and cities further south.

The three main battles fought here are called the First Battle of Panipat (1526), The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) and the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). These battles were instrumental in changing the power structure of the whole nation and hence changing the course of history. Today, one can still visit the sites where these battles were fought and learn more about the history of this hallowed place.

Besides its illustrious military history, Panipat is also known for its Textile Industry. It has been called “The City of Weavers” and “Textile City” because it is an important hub for textile and garment manufacturing that feeds India and the world at large. It ha become the global center for recycling textiles and is home to thousands of weavers and weaving-related businesses and industries.

Visiting Panipat

Panipat is a great place to visit, especially for history buffs. There are a number of historically significant sites here that warrant a visit as it gives us new meaning to the history that we learn from books. Being at the very site where historical events took place adds a new perspective and provides much-needed additional context to the stories, making them meaningful.

If you plan on visiting Panipat, you should plan your trip in advance. You should do some research on the internet to see which sites you want to visit and the timings, ticket prices etc. This will allow you to make the most out of your trip and cover more ground in the time you have available. Here is a list of the main attractions that you should try to cover:

Panipat Museum: This is an interesting war museum dedicated to the illustrious history of Panipat and is managed by The Battle of Panipat Memorial Society. It houses some authentic artifacts such as weapons, maps, photographs, letters, jewelry pottery and more. Most of the items on display here have been sourced from The Archaeological Survey of India, The National Museum in New Delhi, The British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Grave of Ibrahim Lodhi: This is a very simple structure in Panipat that is the only tomb of the great Ibrahim Lodhi, one of the most important and powerful personalities in the history of India and Sultan of Delhi. After he was defeated and killed by the Mughal King Barbar in the first battle of Panipat in 1526, he was denied a tomb and instead buried in a simple grave on the side of the Grand Trunk Road. When the British reconstructed the road, they shifted his grave to Panipat and built a small pedestal.

Tomb of Bu-Ali Shah Kalandar: Yet another famous tomb in Panipat, this monument is dedicated to a famous saint called Bu-Ali Shah Kalandar, who was born in 1190 AD. He was a prolific writer and acclaimed teacher who taught near the Qutub Minar in Delhi. He was so popular and revered in the region that the Mughals decided to honor him by building this tomb much after is death.

Kala Amb: This is said to the the site of the third battle of Panipat, which was a bitter and bloody struggle in which thousands of people lost their lives. The site has seen a lot of death and destruction and is called “Kala Amb” because according to legend, the mango tree in the middle of the battlefield began producing black mangoes or “kala amb” after the battle due to the bloodshed and heavy loss of life. Today, one can visit the site and roam around a park built here to commemorate its historical significance.

Where to stay in Panipat

If you are planning to visit Panipat to check out its historical sites, you should stay at a place that is convenient and comfortable. While there are many good hotels and resorts in Panipat, there is one property that stands out. This is the Vivaan Hotel and Resort located on NH1 a few miles away from the main city.

This hotel became famous as the best place to stop for travelers due to its incredibly tasty food but has now added luxurious rooms and banqueting facilities too. Throughout their expansion, they have maintained a high level of quality and service, which has endeared it to local visitors as well as commuters and seasoned travellers.

The rooms at the Vivaan Hotel are new, very well designed and tastefully decorated. They have wooden flooring and modern bathrooms including rain showers and glass stalls. There is also a play area and activity center located inside the hotel for children that is very popular. Here, you can ride bumper cars, play cricket, practice shooting and enjoy a host of other activities in the evenings. Overall, this is the best place to stay when exploring Panipat and its rich history.