Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Punjab

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten

Punjab is the land of five rivers, great saints and warriors. It is the birthplace of the Sikh religion. The delicious food, rich culture and heritage, glorious art forms and passionate people living life to the fullest welcome you to this land. Some of the amazing places to visit here are:

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Punjab

Chandigarh

It is one of the well-planned cities of Independent India, also called “City Beautiful”. Its planned architecture along with its location at the foothills of Shivalik hills makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. These locations are a must-visit in the capital city of Punjab.

• Famous rock garden – Open exhibition of beautiful sculptures made with urban waste 
• Sukhana Lake – Boating, cafeteria and Trampoline for kids
• Shanti Kunj – vibrant flowers and meandering stream.
• Rose Garden – 825 varieties of flowers and numerous trees and shrubs
• Museum of Evolution – multifaceted perspective of life on earth.
• Other gardens – Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Garden, Butterfly Park, Cactus Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Terraced Gardens, Garden of Silence

Amritsar

Amritsar is home to the holiest place of the Sikhs, Harimandar Sahib usually referred to as the Golden Temple. The entire city is built around this religious site.  

The top spots to visit other than Golden Temple are:

• Jallianwala Bagh – memorial where a peaceful crowd was massacred by the British
• Partition Museum – collection of memories of the partition of India
• Akal Takht – -Seat of power of the Sikh community
• Wagah Border – India’s boundary with Pakistan
• Mahraja Ramjet Singh Museum 

This city is also famous for its food. Some of the specialities include Langar and Kada Prasad, Amritsari Kulcha, Dal Makhani, Makki ki roti and sarson ka saag Dal Mahan and Butter Chicken.  Delectable Punjabi food is available here…

• Langar at Golden Temple
• All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha
• Kulcha Land
• Surjit food plaza
• Heritage street
• Sharma Gulab Jamun and Jalebi
• Kanha Puri
• Kesar Ka dhaba

Ludhiana

Ludhiana is a manufacturing and export hub of woollen garments, dyes, machine tools motor parts, mopeds and more. It is also famous for the Rural Olympics and Punjab Agricultural University. Some landmarks here are:

• Ruins of Lodi Fort
• Rural Heritage Museum
• Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib
• Alamgir – Sikh Pilgrimage
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
• Phillaur Fort

Patiala

The quintessence of Punjab is found right in this city. Purchase traditional items, visit architectural monuments of Rajputs and Mughals such as:

• Qila Mubarak Complex
• Baradari Garden
• Moti Bagh Mahal
• Banur
• Samana

Jalandhar

Jalandhar’s history goes back in time to the Indus Valley civilisation. It has many historical sites and temples that you can visit. It is also a place for kids to have fun. Check out the following to immerse in the culture of the city:

• Pushpa Gujaral Science City
• Tulsi Mandir
• Shaheed-E-Azam
• Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum
• Devi Talab Mandir – the oldest temple in the state
• Imam Nazir Mausoleum
• Window shopping and long walks

Pathankot

Pathankot is a rest stop before going to higher altitude regions in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Nearer to the Himalayas, it is blessed with immense natural beauty. Some spots that attract are

• Mukteshwar Temple – has old caves where Pandavas lived in Exile
• Nurpur Fort
• Ashpurni and Kathgarh temple
• Shahpurkandi Fort
• Ranjit Sagar Dam Hydraulic Research Station 
• Ranjit Sagar Dam

Bathinda

Bhatinda is called the City of Lakes due to the presence of 5 artificial lakes. It is in existence since 7000 BC. Some places you should see here are:

• Bhatinda Fort 
• Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
• Rose Garden
• Zoological Park
• Lakhi Jungle
• Bhatinda Lake
• Quila Mubarak
• Maiser Khana temple
• Dhobi Bazaar – great bargains

Harike Wetland 

It is the largest wetland in the Northern part of India. It spreads from Amritsar to other cities and towns such as Tarn Taran Sahib, Kapurthala and Ferozepur. It is a most attractive spot for bird watchers and nature lovers in Punjab. More than 375 bird species have been recorded here. It also boosts rich wildlife such as amphibians, snakes, terrestrial animals and fish.

Ropar Wetlands

Ropar Wetland is located northwest of Chandigarh.  It is formed from the man-made freshwater 

Ropar Lake. It is famous for the 250 migratory birds that flock here from all parts of the world. 

It is home to many endangered animals such as scaly ant eater, python and turtle Chitra Indica. You will also find jackal, wild boar, small Indian mongoose, fruit bats and jungle cats here.

Kapurthala

Also called Paris of Punjab, it has buildings built within French and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. 

The list of landmarks here is:

• Elysee Palace
• Jagajit Palace
• Kanjili Wetlands
• Shalimar garden
• Moorish Mosque

When to go

Like most Indian states, it is best to visit Punjab in the winter months between October to March.

How to Reach 

By Air

Punjab has 3 international and 9 domestic airports apart from some private airports. The state is connected to major cities across India and the globe via these airports

By Road

The highways in Punjab are well developed and the state is connected to major cities in India. The dhabas on these highways serve yummy Punjabi food that is loved by all travelers.

By Rail

An extensive railway network connects Punjab to major cities in India.

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