Banayan Tree
DirectionDistrict Fatehgarh Sahib has one of the largest Banyan Tree in the country or may we say in the world. The tree stands in village Cholti Kalan. While coming from Sirhind side on the Sher Shah Suri Marg one has to take a left turn off the marg at Sarai Banjara village and travel about 8 kms or an interior link road to reach the site of the tree.
Once your are there, you are face to face with the mighty tree. It stands out amidst lush fields. It has to be seen to believe that the canopy of the tree spreads over 3 to 4 Acres of land. According to local information, the tree is a few hundred years old. It is also known as the ‘Kaya Kalp Vriksh’.
The local belief is that nobody can stop the relentless spread of the tree. As the tree is surrounded by private land, the adjoining land owners dare not cut any branch which may grow and cover their land. It is believed that any person in the past who tried to stop the spread of the tree had to face grave misfortunes. The usage of waste wood or fallen leaves of the tree is considered equally unpropitious. Thus, the great banyan tree continues to grow undisturbed.
How to Reach:
By Air
The nearest airport is International Airport Mohali/Chandigarh about 50 KM from Fatehgarh Sahib
By Train
The District has Sirhind Junction Railway Station on the Delhi-Amritsar section. This junction links the country with the Ropar and Nangal Dam. On the Sirhind-Nangal railway line, there is a railway station at Fatehgarh Sahib. Morinda is also nearest Railway Station.
By Road
By road Fatehgarh Sahib is 250 Kms from National Capital Delhi. The National Highway No.1 (Sher Shah Suri Marg) passes through it at Sirhind and Mandi Gobindgarh situated in the district. All buses traversing the Delhi-Amritsar section halt here. For those wishing to visit Fatehgarh Sahib after landing at the Delhi Airport, the Indo-Canadian Bus service runs regular Delux bus services from the Airport to Amritsar and these buses halt at Sirhind and Mandi Gobindgarh. From Sirhind one can go to Sanghol by Bus/Taxi. The route is to take Bus/Taxi from Ludhina or Chandigarh.