India has its roots deep inside the fertile lands of Punjab. Deriving its name from five full rivers–Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab–which flow through its vast plains, Punjab has been the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a land of great ethnic and religious diversity, thus, bestowed with a rich tangible heritage.
From its age old sites like Kurukshetra ,Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, grand Gurudwaras and Hawelis (aristocratic houses) to the beautifully planned modern cities like Chandigarh, Punjab has countless sites that define it the best. Let us have a look at these worth sightseeing places in Punjab:
1. Chandigarh
This well-planned city was designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature’s preservation. It is only here that the trees are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and roads. Whosoever visits here is all praises for its cleanliness and unparalleled lifestyle. Its gorgeous gardens and shopping complexes are the major tourist attraction.
Places to visit:
• Chandi Devi Mandir
The temple was erected for the goddess Mansa Devi and is a holy shrine for her worshipers.
You can spot beckons with some glorious architecture and cultural heritage here.
• Rock Garden
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh, also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, is named after its owner Nek Chand. It is a sculpture garden that has over 2,000 sculptures created from anything, from debris to rubble to junk.
• Sukhna Lake
Sukhna lake is a beautiful lake set amidst the picturesque surroundings. Spend some time in leisure sitting beside this serene location.
2. Amritsar
When talking about Punjab, Amritsar takes pride in housing Akal Takht, Sikh Parliament, Durgiyana Temple and a number of other eye-catching tourist attractions which will delight every travel enthusiast.
Places to visit:
• The Golden Temple
The golden body, mystic pond and mouth-watering halwa (desert), together constitutes the Golden Temple. Feel the eternal bliss and seek blessings in the Golden Temple.
• Jallianwala Bagh
Located within a distance of one kilometre from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is the famous public ground where the heinous act of public massacre was done by the British Army. In 1951 a memorial was established on this ground to commemorate the massacre. Every traveller visiting Punjab pays hommage at Jallianwala Bagh.
• Wagah Border
Wagah Border has established itself as a firm favourite among the Indian tourists. It is the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan and located at a distance of around 30 km from the Golden Temple. The ceremony of Beating Retreat and Change of Guard make this place highly valued. This entertainment ceremony involves display of intense patriotic feel of the armies for their respective countries.
• Akal Takht
It is considered to be the highest seat of earthly authority of Khalsa. The literal meaning of Akal Takht is ‘throne of the timeless one’ and it is a symbolic representation of the political sovereignty of the Sikhs.
• Raj Mahal
Raj Mahal is located in the heart of Faridkot. It was established during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh. This beautiful edifice exhibits pointed spires and excellent mirror designs that draw inspiration from French architecture.
3. Bathinda
Bathinda, one of the best visiting places in Punjab has a rich religious and cultural heritage. It was in the jungles of Bhatinda that the 10th Guru, Shri Gobind Singh Ji fought with the Mogul forces.
Places to visit:
• Maisar Khana mandir
According to a legend, the jyoti of Mata Jawala appeared to a poor devotee who could not reach Durga temple at Jawala Ji. Every year, two fairs are held where thousands of devotees come to have Darshan of Jawalaji.
• Qila Mubarak
The old awe-inspiring retic of its past splendour is the fort at Bathinda. It stands as a gigantic sentinel in the heart of the town.
Every year, Sri Guru GobindSinghji used to stay in this fort. It has a long fascinating history behind it.
4. Kapurthala
A unique and harmonious blend of the glorious past, pulsating present and a promising future, is Kapurthala.
Places to visit:
Hoshiarpur:
The city is famous for its tourist attractions like Jagatjit Singh Palace, Panj Mandir, Elysee Palace, Moorish Mosque and more.
Like all the cities in the state of Punjab, Kapurthala is also rich in culture and tradition.
5. Jalandhar
Jalandhar means area inside the water, atract laying between the two rivers Satluj and Beas. According to legends, Jalandhar was the capital of the kingdom of Lav, son of Lord Rama. Jalandhar holds a supreme place when it comes to sightseeing and visiting the Punjab region. May it be shopping or visiting some temples, you will find it all at once in this place.
Places to visit:
• Desh-Bhagat Memorial Hall
Desh-Bhagat Memorial Hall has been constructed to perpetuate the memory of martyrs who have lost their lives in the fight for freedom from the British rule.
• Wonderland theme park
It is an amusement park with water games and rides. Has many thrilling rides offering healthy entertainment to all age groups.
6. Ludhiana
Experience the exceptional blend of rural and urban culture in Ludhiana. It is popularly known as ‘Manchester of India,’ being an industrial center of North India. The glorious history of this place is reflected in its architectural marvels. Ludhiana has several interesting places, where you can get a glimpse of Punjabi culture.
Places to visit:
• Nehru Rose Garden
Established in 1967, it is one of the green spaces of Ludhiana city and an ideal place for spending with family. The largest Rose Garden in Asia, it is spread over an area of 27 acres. The Annual Rose festival is a must watch cultural events of the city and draws thousands of visitors.
• Rural muesuem
The museum is located at the back of College of Home Science of Punjab Agricultural University. This museum displays the Punjabi Culture at its best.
• Hardy’s World
About 7 Kms from the main city, this visually stunning amusement park offers a complete fun-package. Theme parties, cafes, joy rides and shopping complex are entertainment bonanza for all age groups.
Also it is India’s 3rd largest Indoor snow city.
7. Patiala
Patiala is a judicious synthesis of a brilliant spectrum of Rajput, Mughal and Punjabi cultures and a fine blend of modernity and tradition.
Places to visit:
• Moti Bagh Palace
The Old Moti Bagh Palace now houses the National Institute for Sports. The facade has Rajasthan-style jharokas and chhatris, and the palace is set in a beautiful garden with terraces and water channels.
• Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal was built behind the main Moti Bagh Palace to serve as a pleasure complex. The mirror-worked chambers depicts the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari.
The Sheesh Mahal now houses a museum, an art gallery and the famed medal gallery.
8. Gurdaspur
This town of Punjab is famous for its real Punjabi image, that is the rural culture in a developing city.
Places to visit:
• Mahakaleshwar temple
Since time immemorial, a big Shivratri fair is held every year in the Mahakaleshwar temple on Shivratri day.
It is the only temple of Shiva in India in which shivlingam is in horizontal position.
• Dinapur shrine
Dianpur is situated 19 kilometers north of Batala. The shrine is the major attraction of Gurdaspur.
9. Faridkot
Faridkot was the capital town of the erstwhile princely State of Faridkot. The city is named after the famous Muslim spiritual poet Baba Farid. Baba Farid, whose work has found a prominent place in the holy Guru Granth Sahib, was employed as a laborer when he first came to this place. But on seeing a divine revelation, Sheikh Farid was allowed to depart. The basket given to him to carry earth was seen floating without any support.
Places to visit:
• Raj Mahal
It is located in the heart of Faridkot. This beautiful edifice exhibits pointed spires and excellent mirror designs that draw inspiration from French architecture.
Earlier, this mahal served as a residence of the royal family. At present, it is resided by the descendants of Maharaja Bikrama Singh.
• Fairy Cottage and Picnic Spot
This is a must see place at Faridkot. The cottage was constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh. It serves as a popular picnic spot and has a playground for children.
10. Anandpur Sahib
About 2 hours north of Chandigarh near the Himachal Pradesh border, Anandpur Sahib has been an important pilgrimage place for Sikhs . It was the birth place of the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The historical gurdwaras of Anandpur are magnificent, along with the surroundings.
Places to visit:
• Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
This is the main hub at Anandpur Sahib. This place is the birthplace of the khalsa. Among the 5 takhts, this place holds an esteemed value in the religion of Sikkhism.
• Hola Mohalla
This the best occasion to witness here. Guru Govind Singh ji has declared Holi to be celebrated as ‘Hola Mohalla’. During this occasion, all the Gurudwaras are decorated and there is a grand display of martial games, horse riding, sword wielding, etc.