FAMOUS PLACES IN PUNJAB

Top 10 Places To Visit In Punjab

Punjab, famously referred to as ‘The land of five rivers’, is situated in the north western part of India. This fertile land ranks amongst the most ancient civilizations in the world. Punjab is also famous for its religious diversity as it was here many religious movements were initiated. The scenic landscape, rich history and famous religious sites are the most important reasons for increasing number of visits by tourists. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Punjab.

1. Amritsar

Golden Temple

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The moment you hear Amritsar mentioned, your mind is sure to recall the famous attraction in the land – The Golden temple. This ancient land is home to various shrines and places of historical importance. Here are the top destinations in Amritsar. 

• Golden Temple
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Akal Takht
• Tara Taran Sahib
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama
• Wagah Border
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Rambagh Garden
• Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
• Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary
• Khalsa College
• Durgiana Temple
• Bathinda Fort
• Kaiser Bagh Park

2. Chandigarh

Rock Garden

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Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is considered the best planned city in the country. It is called ‘The City Beautiful’ and you will sure agree with it once you visit the beautiful city where modernization has not destroyed the natural treasures of the land. Here are the top destinations in Chandigarh.

• The Rock Garden
• Sukhna Lake
• Leisure Valley
• Shanti Kunj
• Morni Hills
• Chhatbir Zoo
• Rose Garden
• Le Corbusier Centre
• Government Museum and Art Gallery
• Sarkaria Cactus Garden
• Timber Trail
• Butterfly Park
• Yadvinder Garden
• Garden of Fragrance
• Chandigarh Botanical Garden and Nature Park
• Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park
• Chhatbir Zoo
• Terraced Garden
• International Dolls Museum

3. Jalandhar

Image credit – Giridhar Appaji Nag Y, CC BY 2.0

Jalandhar, the land that boasts of a rich history is also famous for sports goods. This ancient part of the world, which is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, has some of the most famous sites of historical importance and religious significance. Here are the top attractions in Jalandhar.

• Imam Nasir Masjid
• Tulsi Mandir
• Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum
• Wonderland Theme Park
• Devi Talab Mandir
• Shiv Mandir
• St. Mary’s Cathedral Church
• Pushpa Gujral Science City
• Company Bagh
• Niku Park
• Rangla Punjab Haveli
• Prithvi’s Planet
• Sheetla Mandir

4. Ludhiana

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Ludhiana is the largest city in the state. It has its share of historical monuments and religious centers. It is situated closer to the banks of river Sutlej. The land had made a significant contribution during freedom fight. Though not in great numbers, the tourist attractions it has cannot be missed on your tour to Punjab. The important places of Ludhiana include:

• Lodhi Fort
• Rural Heritage Museum
• Tiger Zoo
• Punjab Agricultural University Museum
• Gurudwara Charan Kamal
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
• Phillaur Fort
• Nehru Rose Garden
• Deer Park

5. Patiala

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The erstwhile princely state, Patiala, is famously referred to as the ‘City of newspapers’. The city has some of the best architecture that reflects the glorious past of the land. It is a blend of Rajput, Punjabi and Mughal cultures. Given below are the top attractions in Patiala.

• Qila Mubarak Complex
• Moti Bagh Palace
• Banur
• Samana
• Baradari Garden
• Sheesh Mahal
• Darbar Hall
• Bir Moti Bagh Sanctuary
• Lachman Jhoola
• Kali Temple

6. Bhatinda

Bhatinda Fort

Image credit – Lavish Thakkar, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bhatinda is amongst the ancient cities of Punjab. Some of the monuments found here belong to 3000 BC. Famous for its historical associations, the land was where Guru Gobind Singh challenged and fought the Mughals bravely. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhatinda include:

• Bhatinda Fort
• Qila Mubarak
• Rose Garden
• Bhatinda Lake
• Bhatinda Zoological Park
• Lakhi Jungle
• Bir Talab Zoo
• Chetak Park
• Dhobhi Bazaar

7. Pathankot

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The geographical location of Pathankot gains importance as it is the meeting point of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The scenic beauty of the land and its rich history have made the land a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the leading tourist attractions in the city.

• Mukteshwar Temple
• Ashapurni Mandir
• Kathgarh Temple
• Nurpur Fort
• Ranjit Sagar Dam
• Hydraulic Research Station
• Shahpurkandi Fort
• Kali Mata Ka Mandir

8. Kapurthala

Image credit – Gagan Josan, CC BY-SA 2.0

Earlier referred to as the ‘Paris of Punjab’, Kapurthala is an excellent city with amazing architecture and breathtaking gardens. It was here that Guru Nanak attained enlightenment in 1499. Historical significance, scenic landscape and spectacular monuments make this place a unique destination. Given below are some of the important tourist attractions in Kapurthala.

• The Jagatjit Palace
• Jagatjit Club
• Elysee Palace
• Panj Mandir
• Kanjli Wetland
• Shalimar Garden
• Nihal Palace
• State Gurudwara
• Moorish Mosque

9. Mohali

Image credit – harpreet singh, CC BY-ND 2.0

Mohali, Chandigarh and Panchkula together are called Tri-city. The city acquired its name after Guru Gobind Singh’s eldest son Sahibzada Ajit Singh and hence is also called as SAS Nagar. While retaining its ancient heritage, Mohali, is also home to a good number of IT industries. The top tourist attractions in Mohali include:

• Rose Garden
• Silvi Park
• Mataur Lake
• Rock Garden
• Sukhna Lake
• Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gurdwara Amb Sahib
• Mansa Devi Temple
• Gurudwara Nada Sahib
• Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

10. Ropar

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Ropar, also known as Rupnagar, is yet another ancient town in Punjab. Archaeological evidences show that the place belonged to the era of Harappan civilization. Ropar also happens to be the first Harappan site to be excavated in independent India. The top destinations in Ropar include:

• Anandpur Sahib
• Chamkaur Sahib
• Bhakra Nangal Dam
• Ropar Wetland
• Gurudwara Parivar Vichhora Sahib
• Gurudwara Bhatta Sahib
• Jateshwar Mahadev Temple

You feel part of the ancient world when you travel the length and breadth of Punjab. Even a couple of weeks in Punjab will not suffice to cover all the important destinations in the land of five rivers. Any mention of important tourist destination that I missed writing about is welcome.