Tourism in Punjab

Punjab has been named as the “Grain House of India” for its huge production of grains but at the same time this state offers numerous places of attraction to tourists of all ages and preferences. Whether you want to revisit the history of your country or you would like to look at some of the best architectural splendors of the past, the state has it all for you. Parks, gardens, picnic spots, hill stations, museums, monuments, forts and palaces make this state one of best tourist destinations. Let's first read about the popular cities of Punjab.

Popular Cities of Punjab

The cities of Punjab welcome the tourists with its open arms. Let’s check out the most popular cities of Punjab:

Amritsar

Amritsar is world famous for the sacred Golden Temple, one of the most important religious seats of the Sikhs. Amritsar, the city earlier known as Ramdaspur is also famous for carpets, rugs and other handicraft items. Amritsar is a favorite place for the tourists who want to enjoy spirituality, patriotism and fun all in one place. The city has famous places to visit such as Golden Temple, Akal Takht, Wagah Border, Hall Bazar, Tarn Taran, Gobindgarh Fort, Atari Border Crossing, Gurudwara Pipli Sahib and Maharaja Ranjit Singh  Museum to visit.

Ludhiana

Located on the southern banks of River Sutlej, Ludhiana is also called the Manchester of Punjab as it produces huge numbers of hosiery items. It has also got many tourist places which attract people from all over the country and also from different parts of the world.



This city has a war memorial named Battle of Aliwal, Budha Nallah, Clock Tower, Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan, Guru Nanak Stadium, Jama Masjid, Jassal’s Art Gallery, Killa Raipur and Kwaza Azam Kothi as famous tourist spots.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the capital city of Punjab State and is one of the most planned cities of India. The architecture of this city was designed by Le Corbusier and this city stands as an example of urbanization and nature conservation being done together. The popular attractions of Chandigarh are Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Gardens, Chattbir Zoo, Mansa Mandir, Chandi Mandir, Rock Gardens, Rose Gardens, and International Dolls Museum, Museums of Evolution, Child Art Gallery, Open Hand Monument and others.

Jalandhar

Origin of Jalandhar has happened from beneath the sea. The city has got its name from Jalandhar, a demon king. Jalandhar used to be there when Kanishka used to rule India. Many historic monuments are there in Jalandhar. They are Devi Talab Mandir, Gurudwara Kartarpur, Shiv Mandir, Tulsi Mandir, Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church and Puspha Gujral Science City.

Patiala

One of the princely states of northern India, Patiala has lots to offer to its visitors even now. The city is a heritage city with numerous historical monuments in and around it. The city itself has been developed around the famous Qila Mubarak.

The Qila premise is spread over an area of 10 acres and it has shops and a Shiva Temple within it. Other interesting places to visit in Patiala are Kali Temple, Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, Qila Bahadurgarh, and Maiji De Sarai. 

Kapurthala

Kaputhala used to be known as “Paris of Punjab” and is popular for its beautifully landscaped gardens and splendid architecture. Even now, tourists of all genres visit Kaputhala to enjoy numerous tourist attractions. Jagatjit Palace was the residence of then ruler which is now transformed into a Sainik School. Panj Mandir, Jagatjit Club, Moorish Mosque, Bardari or Shalimar Garden, State Gurudwara, Nihal Palace, Devi Bhadrakali Temple and Sadar Bazaar etc. are some of the important tourist spots located in Kaputhala.

Religious Spots in Punjab

Punjab is a perfect combination of different religion. You will get to see Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Christians in different parts of Punjab. The state has numerous temples, gurudwaras, churches and mosques and many of them belong to them are decades old. These religious places are not only significant in terms of history and religion but get numerous visitors for their splendid architectures. Punjab State houses numerous temples that are scattered all over the state.

Some of them are Durgiana Temple, Maiser Khana Mandir, Chandi Mandir, Lal Devi Mata Temple, Ram Tirth, Mansa Devi Temple, Jama Masjid Khairuddin, Jama Masjid, Moorish Mosque, Aqsa Mosque Gurdaspur, Mubarak Mosque, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church, Holy Cross Church, St. Paul’s Church, Christ King Church Sahnewal, The Golden Temple, Damdama Sahib, Tarn Taran, Goindwal Sahib, Nana Sahib Gurudwara, Khadur Sahib at Goindwal, Baba Bakala Gurudwara, Dera Baba Nanak Gurdaspur, Takht Sri Kehpur Sahib, Gurudwara Kiratpur Sahib, Gurudwara Manji Sahib and many more!!!

Read in Detail Here: Religious Spots in Abohar | Gurudwaras in Ajitgarh | Religious Spots in Amritsar | Religious Spots in Barnala | Religious Spots in Batala | Religious Places in Bathinda | Religious Spots in Moga

Historical Monuments of Punjab

Punjab State is better known for its numerous historical monuments and all of them depict the glorious history and rich heritage of this region. Punjab being under the control of different rulers like the Hindus, the Sikhs, the Mughals and the British, monuments of Punjab are having blending of architecture of different types making them very significant from technical and historical point of view. Historical monuments in Punjab include Forts, Palaces, Mausoleums, and War Memorials. Get to know about different historical monuments of Punjab below:

Palaces of Punjab

Palaces of historical importance are numerous in Punjab. These palaces still have the evidences of royal glory and elegance. The interiors and architecture of these palaces attract history lovers and tourists of all types. Find here the information about the various palaces of Punjab:

Old Motibagh Palace Patiala

This palace was one of the largest residential places in whole Asia.  The building is situated amidst of beautifully decorated lawns and landscapes. The architecture has the mixture of Mughal and Rajput Styles and is constructed with rose-pink colored sandstone. This palace is also famous for its Sheesh-Mahal and Darbar Hall.

Bardari Palace Patiala

This modest palace has the blending of Mughal and Sikh architecture. There are 12 bardari or pavilions in this palace and it attracts flocks of visitors from all over the world. The palace which was created by the erstwhile ruler Maharaha Ranjit Singh is now turned into a heritage hotel.

Forts of Punjab

Punjab Region has got many forts that were constructed and occupied by rulers of different dynasties. These forts were not only the residential places of the rulers of that time but also used as the place to watch the enemies and fight against them. The famous forts of Punjab are:

Bahadurgarh Fort

This fort is located only 6 KM away from Patiala and is about 123 years old. It construction started under the rule of Nawab Saif Khan in the year 1658. The fort is fortified with moat having water. The moat has a width of 58 feet and depth of 25 feet.

Keshgarh Fort

This fort is located at Anandpur Sahib and is now transformed into an important seat of Sikhism called Keshgarh Sahib.

The fort was built under the supervision of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

It was basically built to be used to protect Sikhs against the Mughals.

Androon Fort

Androon Fort is also known as Qila Mubarak and used to be the residential house of the Royal Family of Patiala. This fort has the blending of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The fort houses Sheesh Mahal, Jalau Khana, Chand Mahal, Toshakhana and Rang Mahal and a prison. Many rooms of this fort got decorated with frescos, gilts and mirrors.

Faridkot Fort

This is one of the ancient forts of Punjab and is known for playing important role in the struggle for freedom.
Other forts in Punjab are Phiilaur Fort (Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort) and Shahpur Kandi Fort. 

Mausoleums of Punjab

Punjab State has mausoleums of many important people especially the Muslim Saints. These places are considered as very sacred places and people of all religions visit these mausoleums to seek blessings and attain spiritual experience. Mausoleums of Imam Nasir in Jalandhar, Pir-I-Dastgir at Ludhiana, Baba Hazi Rattan Pir Tomb Bathinda, are some of the famous mausoleums of Punjab State.

Hill Station of Punjab

Pathankot is the only hill station of this state:

Pathankot in Punjab

Located at an elevation of 1086 ft from above the sea level, Pathankot was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is important getaway for the people traveling to Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The city is located at the foothills of Dalhousie and Kangra and has got Chakki River very close to it. Many consider this hill station as a resting place before they head towards higher altitude places like Kangra, Chamba and Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot is also famous for many tourist attractions like Nurpur Fort, Keshopur Chaamb, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpurkandi Fort, and Shiva Temple. Pathankot is very well linked through rail, road and air services. Pathankot is an important railway junction of Indian Railway and it has got link with the Kangra Valley Railway. Regular Bus services are there linking Pathankot with Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh and Amritsar in Punjab.

Parks and Gardens in Punjab

Punjab offers many entertainment and amusement parks and beautiful gardens. People get to enjoy modern rides in these amusement and water parks. Gardens of Punjab are beautifully landscaped and have numerous species of plants and trees. Get to know about various parks and gardens of Punjab below:

Dhillon Fun World Patiala

This is a wonderful water and amusement park that was setup in 2005. The park has many modern rides for kids like Revolving Tower, Caterpillar, Monorail Train, and Dragon Train. The water park has wave pool, family pools, dance floors and slides like Speed slides, Giant slide, tube slide and Anaconda Hole.

Nikku Park Jalandhar

This amusement park is located in Jalandhar and is famous for its numerous rides like cups and saucers, toy train, roller coaster. In the middle of the park, there is a water pool. The park being located near Model Town Market, people enjoy outing and shopping together. Children enjoy looking at rabbits and ducks kept here.

Jallianwala Bagh Amritsar

This is an internationally famed garden which is better known for martyrs who were killed during a peaceful meeting in the year 1919. The park has a stupa at the entrance of this park which was built in 1951.



The park also has a huge well and at the end of the park there is a huge memorial built to show respect to the martyrs.

Nehru Rose Garden Ludhiana

This rose garden is spread over an area of 30 acres and houses about 1600 species of roses. The park has more than 17,000 species of plant. The park was setup in 1967 and is beautifully landscaped. The park has musical fountains and jogging trails. This garden is ranked as the largest rose garden in whole Asia.

Hardy’s World Ludhiana

It is a wonderful water park and amusement place located on Jalandhar-Ludhiana Raod. Exciting activities and rides keep attracting the kids to this park and even adults like to come here to enjoy rides like body slide, rain pool and family slide. The park houses restaurants offering cuisines of all types. Rides like Aero Plane, Merry-go-Round, Water Shoot, Caterpillar, and Kid’s Cars are also available here.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden Chandigarh

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the largest rose garden in entire Asia, is located in Sector 16. The garden is spread over an area of 30 acres. It houses more than 16,000 species of roses and has got more than 50,000 rose plants. Every year, the Garden Rose Festival is organized here.

Rock Garden Chandigarh

This one-of-its-kinds garden was created by Nek Chand Saini in 1958.

The artifacts of this garden are created with various waste materials like cans, broken plates, bangles, saucers and others.

Many statues of animal and human figures in this park have been created with broken pieces of ceramics, glass and other materials.

Leisure Valley Chandigarh

Leisure Valley, a popular garden of Chandigarh located in Sector 1, is visited by hundreds of people daily. This garden has got walking trails and jogging tracks. Many come here to do yoga and enjoy horse driving.

Botanical Garden Chandigarh

This beautiful garden of Chandigarh is located in Sector 1. The total area of this garden is about 88 acres and people get to see many rare plant species here. Other attractions are rockeries and lily pools.

Other famous parks and gardens of Punjab are Botanical Garden Ludhiana, Baradari Gardens Patiala, Nehru Park Abohar, Ludhiana Leisure Valley Park, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park Faridkot.

Picnic Spots in Punjab

Punjab offers wonderful places for the locals and the tourists to organize picnics and outings especially on weekends or holidays. These places offer rides for the kids and many other activities for the adults so that visitors can have some of the memorable hours of their life in these picnic spots. Read about these picnic spots given below:

Ram Bagh Amritsar

Ram Bagh is a famous garden that has been constructed during the rule of Maharana Ranjit Singh. The garden has become a popular picnic spot and the palace located within the park attracts numerous visitors for its architectural marvel.

Chetak Park Bathinda

Chetak Park is a popular place for picnics and outings. The park has a beautifully landscaped garden and boating facility in the lake. There are numerous types of plants in this garden which visitors would definitely love to watch.

Pinjore Garden

This garden is also popular as Yadavindra Gardens and is situated about 20 KM away from Chandigarh City.

It is located on Chandigarh-Panchkula Road. The garden is very famous picnic spot for the people of the surrounding areas.

The garden occupies about 100 acres of area and has got beautiful fountains and pavilions. It houses a mini zoo, old palaces, a plant nursery and many picnic lawns.

There is a guest house within the park premise.

Fairy Cottage Faridkot

Faridkot has a beautiful picnic spot Fairy Cottage located on Chahal Road. This cottage is located at a distance of 7 KM from Faridkot City and was constructed in 1910 – 1911 by Maharaja Brijender Singh. People from the surrounding areas and also from far off places come here to enjoy outings.

Wonderland Amusement Park Jalandhar

This family park is one of the most popular entertainment destination and picnic spots of Punjab. This was established in the year 1008 and is spread over an area of 11 acres. The amusement park has a water park too which remains closed during winter months. Interesting things to see here are Horror House, Jurassic Coaster, Swing Chairs, Flying Dragon, Wonder Fish, Play House, and Rambo Train.

Museums of Punjab

Museums are there in many cities of Punjab. Some of them are exclusive ones where people get to see particular kind of exhibits only. These museums have been the best places to know this region and to see and feel how rich culture and heritage of Punjab Region is getting preserved. Find here the information about different museums of Punjab:

Museum of Rural Life of Punjab

This museum is located in the premise of Punjab Agricultural University and not-to-be-missed place for the tourists. The museum depicts the rural life of Punjab State and has many artifacts like coins and utensils belonging to Harappan Era.  This museum is famous for different types of Bronze utensils.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum Ludhiana

This museum is also known as Uppal Museum and was opened in the year 1999. The two most important sections of this museum are Historical Gallery and Kargil Gallery. The entrance of Uppal Museum has a big statue of Maharja Ranjit Singh Ji. This museum has many artifacts related to wars including weapons, tanks, Aircrafts etc. The historic gallery has the information about great fighters of Punjab.

Soil Museum Ludhiana

This is one of its kind museums where visitors get to know about soils of different types. Here in this museum, visitors get o see the soil maps of Punjab and India, soil profile of this state, specimens of different types of minerals and soils. This museum is often visited by students, officials from Department of Agriculture and young farmers.

Archaeological Site Museum Sanghol

This museum, located about 40 KM from Ludhiana in the west is known for its wonderful artifacts of yesteryears.

Many items belonging to Harrapan Era are kept here.

You will get to terra cotta items, jewelry items, human figurines, potteries, coins and other interesting items belonging to ancient India.

Shahed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum Khatkar Kalian

This museum named after the great martyr of India, Bhagat Singh, was opened for the public in 1981, 23rd March. The museum is located in the ancestral village of Bhagat Singh and is about 55 KM away from Jalandhar and 100 KM away from Chandigarh. Many important documents and exhibits belonging to Indian Freedom Struggle are kept here. They are- A Bhagawat Geeta signed by Bhagat Singh, personal items of Sardar Ajit Singh, pen that was used to sign the death sentence of Bhagat Singh, and his associates Sukhdev and Rajguru.

International Dolls Museum

Located at Sector 23 in Chandigarh City, this Dolls Museum has more than 300 dolls from different countries across the globe e.g. Denmark, Russia, Korea, Germany etc. This museum is a favorite place for children. The museum has dolls from various states of India.

Museum of Evolution of Life

This museum was opened for public in the year 1973. It is located in Sector 10 and is one of its kinds in entire Asia. The museum takes visitors on a journey of Evolution of the Earth and evolution of species. The museum is opened from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week except holidays.

Wildlife in Punjab

Most of the land area of Punjab State is used for agricultural purposes and that is why many parts of forest land have been lost. Still Punjab has diverse flora and fauna and they are getting conserved in different National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of this state. Apart from having animals like Elephant, Deer, Black Bug, this state also has many endangered species like Pangolin, Indus River Dolphin, and Otters etc. Read below to know about different National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and zoos located in Punjab.

Kanjli Wetland Kapurthala

This streamlet offers panoramic landscapes and a dense forest surrounding the streamlet has diverse flora and fauna.

Kanjli Wetland is located only 5 KM away from Kaputhala Town. Varieties of migratory birds can be seen in this wetland that covers about 50 acres area.

Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake.

Abohar Black Bug Sanctuary

This sanctuary exclusively meant for the State Animal of Punjab, Black Bug, occupies about 18,650 hectares of land. Here more than 4000 Black Bugs are present and they can be seen wandering through villages located within the sanctuary area.

Hari-ke-Pattan Wetland and Wildlife Sanctuary

Located on the convergence of Sutlej and Beas Rivers of, this wetland is spread over 4,100 hectares. Many residential and migratory birds can be seen here and it is one of the best places to visit for the nature lovers.

Bir Motibagh Sanctuary

What used to be one of the best hunting grounds for the rulers of Patiala has gained the status of Sanctuary after independence.

Varieties of animals and birds found here are Chital, Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Jackal, Myna, Partridge, Peafowl, and Quail etc.

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

This once hunting ground of Patiala Rulers has been given the status of Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972 and is spread over an area of 661 hectares. Many types of deer can be seen here. The sanctuary has a long road passing through it and it divides the sanctuary into two different parts.

Ropar Wetland

This wetland which is spread over an area of 1365 hectares is a man- made wetland having fresh water. This place is also known for its scenic beauty as it is fringed by beautiful Shivalik Hills. Regular and rare birds are seen here in this wetland.

Chhatbir Zoo

This Zoological Park is also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park and is the home of many endangered species. This zoo is located about 55 KM from Patiala.

Things to Do in Punjab

Punjab has exotic restaurants, shopping malls, traditional shopping areas and markets, beautiful tourist places and monuments to have fun. Visitors would enjoy shopping exclusive handloom items of Punjab and taste the delicacies of Punjab.

Shopping in Punjab

Visiting Punjab and not doing shopping there is something which you can’t even imagine. Punjab is famous for its unique handloom art. Embroidery works of Punjab, also called Phulkari is a collectible item. Phulkari sarees, dupattas, dress materials, bed sheets are bought by the tourists during their visit. Another must-buy item is Punjabi Jutti which looks elegant and beautiful. Visitors get these exotic local items from traditional shops. There are shopping plazas in various parts of Punjab from where people could buy branded items.

Eating Out in Punjab

Trying out delicious local cuisines of Punjab is what you must do during your Punjab visit. Punjab is famous for all types of parathas, sargo-da-saag and lassi. You must try out these dishes while you are in Punjab. Malai Tea is another refreshing drink that will make you feel reenergized. Some of the best restaurants to try out all types of delicious foods are Kesar da Dhaba, Brothers’ Dhaba, Yellow Chilli, Thai Chi etc. Pizza House and Café Coffee Day in Amritsar offer good quality pizzas and coffee so that visitors can enjoy having snacks there.

Sightseeing in Punjab

Many famous places of Punjab are must-to-visit for the tourists. These are temples, gurudwaras, zoos, sanctuaries, monuments, gardens, parks, forts, palaces, and lakes. Adventure seekers and sport lovers like to visit Killa Raipur to witness Rural Olympics where varieties of sports events are organized. Bullock Car Race, Dog Race, Camel Race, Tug-of-War, Tractor Race etc. are some of sports events organized here and more than 4000 people participate in these events. You can witness this spectacular event held only 15 KM away from Ludhiana if you plan your Punjab Visit during February Month.

Accommodations in Punjab

Punjab being one of the most important tourist spots and business hubs of north India, varieties of accommodation facilities are available in this state. Budget hotels are there to cater people with tight budgets and for those who are planning for longer stay in this state. Luxury hotels, Resorts & Spas are there in some cities of Punjab to cater guest who are looking for luxurious and comfortable stay.



Here are the details of some of the hotels in Punjab:

Hotel Pearl Inn and Suites Amritsar
Address:
3 A Hotel Lane
Queen’s Road,
Amritsar

Radisson Blue Hotel Amritsar
Address:
Airport Road,
Amritsar

Hotel Plaza Bar and Restaurant Jalandhar
Address:
Old Court Road
Plaza Chowk
Phone No.: 0181 222 5844

Hotel Skylark and Restaurant Jalandhar
Address:
Circuit House Road
Phone No.: 0181 222 5221

Radisson Blu Hotel Ludhiana
Address:
Ferozpur Road
Phone No: 0161 430 3000

Hotel Nagpal Regency Ludhiana
Address:
Box No: 2610
Bhaibala Chowk
Ferozpur Road
Phone No.: 9217 525 939

Hotel Raj Continental Amritsar
Address:
Court Road,
Opposite St. Paul’s Church
Phone No.: 0183 256 6992

Punjab also has some luxurious resorts where guests could enjoy heavenly stay. Far away from the hustle bustle of the city, these resorts help the guests to have ultimate salvation of body and mind both.

Kang’s Nirvana Resorts & Spa
Address:
Kang Farm,
On Una - Mahilpur Road
Jaijon Doaba
Hoshiarpur

Kikar Lodge Ludhiana, Grand Lily Resort Jalandhar, Garden Resort Patiala, Walla Resort Pathankot and Jagat Resorts Mansa are some of the other resorts of Punjab.

Get the Full Lists Here: Hotels in Abohar | Hotels in Ajitgarh | Resorts in Amritsar | Accommodations in Barnala | Hotels in Bathinda | Hotels in Hoshiarpur | Accommodation in Jalandhar | Hotels in Khanna | Hotels in Ludhiana | Hotels in Moga | Hotels in Pathankot

Best Time to Visit Punjab

Punjab enjoys three seasons which are winter, monsoon and summer. Each season enhances the beauty of Punjab State in its own way and tourists can visit Punjab throughout the year. The best time to visit Punjab is from October to March. In October winter starts in many parts of Punjab. The weather remains bearable till November end but in December and January, the state has chilly winters. During December and January temperature becomes 12oC in the morning and dips down below 0oC at night in some parts of the state. From October – March, the weather remains pleasant and tourists could the most during this period. During this time, important festivals and fairs of Punjab get organized i.e. Holla Mohalla, Lohri, Dussehra.

How to Reach Punjab

Punjab has emerged as one of the most significant tourist destinations and at the same time has placed itself in the list of some of the most economically developed places of India. People keep coming here for visiting various places of interest and also for business and other purposes. This state can be reached by all modes of transport.

Road Transport is highly developed and well built road network and availability of public and private bus services help people reach easily to Punjab from different parts of north India. Most of the places of north and east India are well linked to Punjab State through National Highway No. 1 or Grand Trunk Road.

Rail Services link Punjab with almost all parts of India. Mail, Express, Superfast and Passenger trains are plenty in numbers to link Punjab and rest of India. Major railway stations of this state are Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jalandhar.

The State of Punjab has two important airports situated at Amritsar and Chandigarh. Pathankot in Punjab also had an airbase but it is not being used since 2008. Almost all the major airlines have their flights connecting Chandigarh and Amritsar airports to other major airports of India.
Local Transports in Punjab are autorickshaws, taxis, jeeps and private vehicles. Buses both private and public run frequently connecting various cities and towns of the state and the surrounding places.

Fact File of Punjab
Best Time to Visit: October - March
Languages Spoken: Hindi and Punjabi
Currency: Rupees
State Animal: Black Buck
State Tree: Tahli
State Bird: Baaz
Tourism Website: Click Here