The ancient, heritage city of Panipat is nestled right in the heartland of Haryana, in North India. Panipat remains etched in the annals of Indian history as a place that saw pivotal shifts in India’s ruling dynasties. A visit to Panipat will bestow a sense of knowing that this place once beheld history taking shape within her borders. The Panipat Museum replete with its antique weapons and artifacts will transport you back in time affording you a small peek into ancient India. Old Fort, Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Salar Gunj Gate, the tomb of Ibrahim Lodi, besides others impart a flavor of the Islamic dynasty that once reigned over this region. There is the Devi Temple which has historical and religious significance and the Kala Amb Park which featured in the battles of Panipat. Also nicknamed the 'City of Weavers' due to its textiles and handloom weaving industries, it is reputed to be the largest supplier of blankets to the Indian Armed Forces. It leads the way in producing quality blankets and carpets in India. Additionally, it is the biggest center of 'Shoddy Yarn' in the world. Panipat Refinery known as IOCL is a global Fortune 500 company. It is the seventh refinery of Indian Oil and the second largest refinery in South Asia. Panipat Thermal Power Plant being the largest supplier of electricity to Haryana ensures that the state is bathed in light at sundown.

Best Time to Visit Panipat

Winter (October to February) is a favorable season to visit Panipat owing to the pleasant weather, as it is neither too hot nor too cold. The summer heat would be waning, while winter’s footsteps would be setting in. It would be advisable to tuck into your travel bag a sweater and light jacket, to protect yourself from the chilly weather as it can get a bit cold and dry from November to January. Interestingly, Lohri festival is celebrated on the 13th of January. This festival is popular with the Punjabi community. People toss sweets and puffed rice into bonfires.

Weather Of Panipat

Generally, Panipat experiences a hot and arid climate. Summer season is hot and dry. Most travellers avoid visiting the city as braving the summer heat is a tough call for most people. In summers, the temperature stretches to forty-five degrees (45°C) with the minimum temperature dipping languidly at around thirty-one degrees (31°C). The monsoon season starts from July and carry on till mid-September. Mild as well as heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon which sees a rise in humidity levels which is during the months of July to September. The weather cools further in October before winter comes knocking. In winter, temperatures usually dip to nineteen degrees (19°C) with the minimum temperature falling to four degrees (4°C).

How to Reach Panipat?

By Air : Panipat does not have its own airport, although one can fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport located about 90 kms away from the city, not excluding Muzaffarnagar Airport which is around 86 kms away. These airports are served by major Indian airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Jet Airways, et al. From the airports, tourists can hire local taxis. There are private and HSRTC buses available.

By Rail : Panipat Railway Station is on the Delhi-Kalka line. It is connected by Haryana State Road Transport Corporation and Punjab Roadways buses, especially because it falls on the Delhi-Chandigarh route. The Panipat Broad Guage Junction is a rail-line that connects Panipat to all major cities such as Jaipur, Delhi, Amritsar, Pune, Gurgaon, et al. A short list of Delhi-Panipat trains include Delhi Jammu Mail, Jhelum Express, et al. From the railway station, local taxis or cabs including private and HSRTC buses are available.

By Road : National Highway 1 connects Panipat to nearby cities such as Delhi, Gurgaon, Ambala, Chandigarh and so on. One can travel to Panipat by bus or automobile. Delhi Bus Stand is equipped with super deluxe Volvo, hi-tech deluxe buses and Non AC regular buses. Other bus facilities where you can acquire intercity and interstate bus tickets is from Delhi Transport Corporation DTC, Blue Hill Travels and Adinath Travels. The last two bus operators offer super deluxe Volvo, regular AC, Non AC, sleeper and deluxe options.