Introduction

Connected by a narrow but good road (also called the 'Ajit Singh Road'), Panchpula is about 3 kms from Dalhousie’s General Post Office. This road is flanked by pine trees and early in summer, the bushes of the Himalayan musk rose (rosa brunonii) are all in bloom. Higher on the hill are thick woods of Himalayan cedar (deodar) and these are flanked by the scrawny oaks of the region and the magnificent flowering rhododendron trees (rhododendron arboreum).

At Panchpula, is the clear stream that gushes down from the heights of Dainkund (Dhyankund). This stream still provides a primary source for the town’s water (this also was also the base of the supply for the Balun Cantonment) and was a part of the original master-plan when Dalhousie was being settled.

By the roadside, a memorial in the form of an elegant obelisk, surrounded by water-pools fed by the stream, has been built at Panchpula in memory of the freedom fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh. Ajit Singh may be better known as the uncle of the great freedom-fighter and martyr, Sardar Bhagat Singh, but he was quite formidable in his own right and had to undergo imprisonment by the British colonial rulers of India for his beliefs and activities. Ajit Singh was born in a village near Jullundur and educated in Lahore and Barielly. He became involved in the freedom struggle fairly early in life and in 1918, was associated with the Ghadar Party. One of his several connections with freedom fighters was with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (who, incidentally, also had a brief connection with the town Dalhousie). Ajit Singh died on the day India became independent, 15 August 1947. His last words are believed to have been, "Thank God, my mission is fulfilled."

En route, to the memorial, the waters of the Satdhara springs are believed to have therapeutic properties.

Special Attributes

Good excursion and an attractive spot.

Nuisance

None as such.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Walking, bus or taxi.

Enjoyed by

Nature and history buffs and general interest

Exposure

Some level during the day in summer.

Avoidable Season

None

Facilities

Basic restaurants

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Try and walk down instead of taking a vehicle. It is pleasant walk, even though much of the road along a slope.

Type of site

Memorial and nature.