Must-Visit Travel Destinations in Punjab | Rich Cultural Tourism Hotspots

Punjab is also known as the “Land of Five Rivers.” It is known for its religious diversity as well as for being one of the oldest cities in the world.

There are lots of places to visit in Punjab, that’s for sure.

Chandigarh

This is the first planned city of India after Indian independence. You can find Chandigarh at the foot of the Shivalik Ranges. It also has a favourable climate all year round.

Here are some of the attractions in Chandigarh.

Rock Garden: Just near Sukhna Lake, you’ll find the Rock Garden. It was created by Nek Chand and it’s a garden landscaped with several sculptures and potteries of dancers and animals.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden: The largest rose garden in Asia although you’ll find some medicinal herbs here as well.

Yadavindra Gardens: The garden has several structures depicting Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Mahendra Chaudhry Zoological Park: This park is famous for its lion safari. But you can find some rare species of other animals here as well.

The Museum and Art Gallery: Features collections of items as far back as the Indus Valley Civilisation. There are also Dinosaur Fossils here that were extracted from the region.

Patiala

Patiala is a charming city in Punjab, India, known for its rich history, royal palaces, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a travel blog on what to see and do in Patiala:

Qila Mubarak Complex: A must-visit destination in Patiala and home to several historic buildings and monuments, including the Qila Mubarak Palace, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Darbar Hall. The complex offers a glimpse into the royal life of the Patiala kings and their lavish lifestyle.

Bahadurgarh Fort: A historic fort located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the city. You can visit the various temples and shrines located inside the fort and learn about its history.

Baradari Gardens: A beautiful garden is located in the heart of the city and is a popular picnic spot. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, relax by the lake, and admire the various fountains and sculptures.

Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib: Is a Sikh shrine located on the banks of the Ghaggar River and a popular place of worship. You can witness the daily kirtans and pay your respects to the holy book.

Jalandhar

In the Mahabharata, this place was referred to as Prasthala. This is also one of the oldest cities in India.

Some places to visit are as follows.

Imam Nasir Masjid: This is about an 800-year-old mausoleum already. It was said that Sufi Saint Baba Farid visited this before.

Tulsi Mandir: Nearby to the maunder, you’ll find a tank where it is said that Jalandhara used to bathe. A temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna can also be found nearby.

Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum: This contains items owned by the freedom fighter Sardar Bhagat Singh name.

Wonderland Theme Park: This has rides, a water park, and even a wave pool.

Ludhiana

Located on the banks of the Sutlej River, this is the largest city in Punjab. This city was a major part of the 1857 uprising against the colonisers.

The best attractions here are:

Gurudwara Charan Kamal: The Gurdwara Charan Kanwal at Machhiwara marks the site of the garden where Guru Gobind Singh had a sip of water and a spell of brief sleep. It was here that his three devotees Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Daya Singh, and Bhai Dharam Singh joined him. The sacred shrine commemorating the historical event has a beautiful building, worthy of the holy tradition. An annual congregation fair is held in December, corresponding to the 9th & 10th of Poh, the days of Guruji’s stay at Machiwara.

Lodhi Fort: This fort was built by a Muslim ruler named Sikandar Lodhim, this majestic fort is in ruins now.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: A great place for learning about the history of Ludhiana.

Tiger Zoo: One of the most famous attractions in Ludhiana, you can ride a jeep to watch tigers from outside.

Bathinda

This is already a 3,000-year-old city. It’s a city very rich in culture, heritage and tradition. Places to visit are:

Qila Mubarak: One of the oldest forts in Punjab, this fort has been around since the Kushana Kingdom under Kanishka.

Bathinda Lake: A great place for relaxing and there are some eateries around the lake as well.

Bir Talab Zoo: This is home to many rare species of animals.

Pathankot

This is the meeting place of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Some attractions here are:

Mukteshwar Temple: Located on the banks of River Ravi, this is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Nupur Fort: Also known as Dhameri Fort and it has a temple inside it. The temple is the only one where Lord Krishna and Meera Bai are both worshipped.

Shahpurkandi Fort: This provides amazing views of the city.