Experience Jalandhar’s Best Tourist Hotspots! | Travel Tips, Everything you need to know

Jalandhar, located in the state of Punjab, is an ancient city that has a rich history. It is named after Jalandhara – a demon king, mentioned in the Puranas and the Mahabharata. Jalandhar in Hindi means ‘an area that lies underwater’, and as per folklore, the city derived this name owing to its geographical location – between two rivers (Beas and Satluj).

Post-independence, the city served as the capital of Punjab until 1953, when Chandigarh acquired this status. The city’s rich culture and tradition along with several tourist attractions make Jalandhar tourism popular among travelers.

Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Jalandhar.

Imam Nasir Masjid

The 800-year-old mausoleum enshrines a sacred Dargah and was believed to have been visited by the Sufi Saint Baba Farid. Near the Imam Nasir Masjid, a 400-year-old Jama Masjid is also a marvel to behold, the two mosques are exemplary of the ancient architecture and are a must-visit.

Tulsi Mandir

Tulsi Mandir is dedicated to the wife of the demon Jalandhara, Vrinda. The nearby tank is an ancient pilgrim spot said to have been used for bathing by Jalandhara. Near the temple complex, one can also find a cave temple dedicated to the goddess Annapurna and plenty of smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum

Inaugurated on the 23rd of March, 1981, the Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum was established to mark the 50 years of the freedom fighter’s martyrdom. The precise location of the museum is at Khatkar Kalian which is the ancestral village of Bhagat Singh. It contains various antiquities that belonged to the freedom fighter and items which were connected to his role in the Indian struggle for Independence.

Wonderland Theme Park

Embracing a more modern past, Jalandhar also houses a theme park called the Wonderland Theme Park. The Wonderland Park is spread over an area of 11 acres and has many water rides and mechanical rides including bumper cars, flying jets, horror houses, flying dragons, side splash, boating, kiddies boating, a playhouse, wave pool, and a rain dance floor.

Devi Talab Mandir

A Shakti Peeth represents the spot, where Devi Sati’s right breast fell. Devi Talab Mandir is named after the 200-year-old pond located within the temple complex. The best time to visit the temple is during the annual music festival which has been famous for being the largest competition for north Indian classical music for the last 125 years. The festival is held during the winter months of December.

Shiv Mandir

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was founded by the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. The temple is a well-crafted specimen of Hindu-Turkic architecture. The distinctive mosque-style entrance makes way to the otherwise traditional Hindu temple complex. The temple is located at Gur Mandi in Jalandhar.

Rangla Punjab Haveli

How can one’s visit to any city in Punjab be complete, without experiencing the traditional culinary delights? Well, the answer to that question is the Rangla Punjab Haveli a traditional Punjabi restaurant. The restaurant is famous for the hospitality of the staff and is set in typical Punjabi village-style interiors. The best time to visit the village is during the weekends when you can experience the food accompanied by charming folk music and dance performances.

Pushpa Gujral Science City

The science-themed informative amusement centre is named after Pushpa Gujral, the mother of former Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral. It is located at the Jalandhar- Kapurthala Road and contains over 20 different science exhibits, a lake for boating, and a huge Dinosaur model.

Being an ancient city with a diverse culture, Jalandhar is a must-visit to experience the authentic roots of Punjab, the various temples and eateries located in Jalandhar make it an unforgettable Indian tourist destination.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Church

It was built in 1947 by Rev. Fr. John McDonnell and was managed by different chaplains who had been appointed by the Diocese of Lahore to Jalandhar. After the partition, in 1955, the Catholic Mission of Indian Punjab was raised to apostolic prefecture status with its headquarters in Jalandhar. Thereafter, the church in Jalandhar cantonment became the Cathedral of the Mother of the Churches of Punjab. The old church was demolished in 1987, and the foundation for the new one was laid.

This new church was blessed by Pope John Paul II, and it was graced by Archbishop Jose Sanchez, who was the special delegate of Pope John Paul II. It was inaugurated by Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, the Vatican Ambassador. Then, in 1989, the Apostolic was announced, and archbishops and bishops from across the country attended it.

Kartarpur Gurudwara

This Gurudwara was built by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Devji in 1656. It is located in Kartarpur, which is around 16 kilometres from Jalandhar and has huge significance for the Sikhs. In fact, every year devotees visit this gurudwara in huge numbers on the birth anniversary fair of the Guru.

Along with the gurudwara, you can also visit the memorial of Guru Virjananda, which is also there in Kartarpur. It is the birthplace of Swami Virjananda who was the teacher of Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

Sodal Mandir

Along with Devi Talab Mandir, you can also visit Sodal Mandir. This mandir has a unique story too. Baba Sodal was born in a Khatri family in the Chadha clan in Jalandhar city. One day Baba Sodal’s mother was going to the nearby pond to wash clothes and instructed him not to come. Despite being told not to come, he followed his mother. His mother got angry and asked him to repeat her words three times while drowning in the pond. He dived into the water while repeating the words and was never seen again. Some believe that he died, while others claim that he converted into a snake.

The Samadhi of Baba Sodal has his painted portrait with garlands and is a place of worship. There is also a tank named Baba Sodal-da-Sarovar in which the pilgrims take a holy dip. In September every year, a fair takes place at the Samadhi. This fair takes place on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi and pilgrims from across the country belonging to different religions come and attend it.

Discover this beautiful city and its beauty, charm, and history with Oceans Travel. With cheap flights to Amritsar made easily available from all UK cities like London to Amritsar, Birmingham to Amritsar, Edinburgh to Amritsar, Liverpool to Amritsar, Manchester to Amritsar and many others to Amritsar where you can have a memorable and affordable trip. There are great flight deals to Amritsar available with Air India, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and many more. Discover this beautiful place with a cheap ticket to Amritsar with Oceans Travel.