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Paonta
Sahib is a sacred town built in the memory of Guru Gobind
Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. The road passes through
Sataun and follows the Giri River along the beautiful
scenery. Situated on the banks of Yamuna River, Paonta Sahib
is a bustling township with growing industries. It is one of
the important holy places for the Sikhs. It retains tangible
memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and
a majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the
name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning
"foot", either because he set foot on this place or,
according to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which
he wore on his foot called "Paonta" while bathing in the
Yamuna river.
There
is a legend in this town that surrounds the ruins of this
old capital of a princely state. Sirmouri Tal, not very far
from Paonta Sahib was destroyed by the curse of a court
dancer when the the ruler went back on an oath to give half
of this kingdom in case she crossed a narrow gorge on a
rope. This, she did but the wily ruler the offered her the
entire kingdom if she could dance her way back. She started
back but as she was half way across, he cut the rope hurling
the helpless girl into the stream. Floods followed which
swept away the city, the ruler and the royal house, as a
result of dancer's curse. Vishawkarma temple and few other
Hindu temples are also located in Paonta Sahib. The water of
river Yamuna is being dammed down stream of Paonta which
will soon have a water reservoir where water sports will be
organised.
Approach
Road: Paonta Sahib is easily approachable from
Nahan (45 km) and there is regular bus service connecting
the places. One can also come from other routes by bus or
car/taxi from Dehra Dun (45 km), Haridwar (117 km) and
Shimla (180 km).
Accomodation
There is adequate accommodation in Paonta Sahib.
visitors can stay at the HPTDC Hotel Yamuna, PWD Rest House,
SFDA Bhawan, Paonta Sahib gurudwara, Mata Bala Sundri Sarai
and in some private lodges and hotels.
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Distances from Paonta Sahib
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Places to visit |
Km |
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Gurudwara |
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Kafota |
42 |
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Khoodri Dak Pathar |
25 |
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Old temples |
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Sahastra Dhara |
25 |
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