Roam Around The Famous Cities of Punjab
The massive state of Punjab features some of the best places that are beyond perfect to spend a couple of days to experience a couple of naturalistic spots, architectural marvels, spiritually inclined places, fun hangout places and much more.
1. Amritsar
Home of some of the most iconic spots of India, Amritsar is majorly known for being home to one of the grandest gurudwaras. A spiritual and cultural centre for the Sikh community is perfect to witness in the state of Punjab.
Golden Temple
The grand Golden Temple of Amritsar has a special place in the hearts of many for it is regarded as a holy shrine of the entire Sikh community. No trip to Amritsar is complete without visiting this stunning architectural marvel that forms a small part of the huge gurudwara complex called as Harmandir Sahib by the Sikhs. The Golden Temple has been erected on a rectangular platform that is surrounded by a huge amount of waters known as the Amrit Sarovar, from where the city gets its name. The Holy book of Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib has been installed inside the temple every morning. The book is then returned back every night to the Akal Takhat which is the spiritual seat of the Khalsa brotherhood. The temple was however subjected to some demolition, but in 1830 it was later rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh by marble and gold which today makes it a stunning sight to witness. You can visit the temple at 3 am in the morning till late at 10 in the night.
Jallianwala Bagh
The Jallianwala Bagh is known around the world for a dreadful event that occurred years ago and left the eyes of many filled with tears and shock. Years ago on the 13th of April, 1919 a day filled with blood that took the lives of hundred innocent Indians. The people inside the Jaliawala Bagh were there to attend a meeting. But in return, the people participating were killed by British troops on the order of General Dyer. Once you get to visit inside the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar the first thing that you will be greeted with are the inscriptions on the stone plaque which is the exact place from where the bullets were fired. After the entire incident, this place was turned into a memorial ground which was designed by the American Architect Benjamin Polk. Even a well in which people jumped to save themselves from the fire has been well preserved and acts as a constant reminder of the horrific event.
Wagah Border
The Wagah border is the famous tourist attraction on the grand trunk road that marks the significant division between the Indian and Pakistan country which is known as the ‘Berlin Wall of Asia’. Right on the border, a ceremony of lowering of the flags is held every evening since the year 1959. The ceremony witnessed a flock of tourists from across the country. Every day the retreat ceremony begins thirty minutes before sunset. Both the public systems on either side of the border play patriotic songs. The Border Security Force (BSF) jawans march with their rifle while encouraging the kids and women to hum and dance to the rhythm of the songs. A joyous occasion that reminds people to love the expression of brotherhood is expressed throughout the ceremony. Hence, make sure that you attend it while in Amritsar.
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Hall Bazaar
No holiday is complete without shopping and when you are in one of the famous cities of Punjab shopping is a must. The most famous and busiest markets of Amritsar is the Hall Bazaar. Located near Hall Road, this market is a one-stop for everything you could imagine. Shopping items such as electronics, books, handicrafts, home décor and clothing can be shopped from this place. The bazaar also has an incredible range of carpets, blankets, accessories and shawls to take home. The place is also perfect to try some delicious Punjabi cuisine.
2. Chandigarh
The city of Chandigarh forms the capital of both the states of Punjab and Haryana. A perfect blend of both traditional and modernity vibe encompasses the city that is fun to experience for all. Loved by youngsters for a small trip over the weekend, Chandigarh has some of the most beautiful attraction spots that you should surely witness.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a famous and loved spot of Chandigarh that is often visited by both locals and tourists. The Rose Garden was built in 1967 under the supervision of the First Chief Commissioner, MS Randhawa. It is located in the sixteenth sector of Chandigarh that stretches to approximately thirty acres and displays around 825 varieties of flowers and 32,500 varieties of trees and medicinal shrubs. Earlier the gardens were named after the former president of India, Shri Zakir Hussain and hence were called the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. The unique flourishing variety of flowers makes this place a popular spot among people especially nature enthusiasts. The entire beauty of the gardens is topped by the stunning mountains in the backdrop and a beautiful fountain that is erected right in the centre of the garden.
Rock Gardens
The beautiful city of Chandigarh features another great and stunning place to witness that is the Rock Gardens. The Rock Garden is one of the most massive open-air exhibition halls that exquisitely display stunning sculptures for tourists attraction. A total of five thousand sculptures have been well designed by Nek Chand who was a former Road Inspector of Chandigarh. The gardens have been constructed right in the middle of the well known Sukhna Lake and the stunning Capitol Building. Hence, the Rock gardens are also addressed as the Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. Not just the sculptures but in 1957, the garden was also constructed by officer Nek Chand single-handedly. The entire area spreads over an area of 40 acres where you will have fun witnessing colourful mosaic art pieces and sculptures.
Sukhna Lake
The famous lake of Chandigarh, the Sukhna Lake is found near the beautiful Shivalik hills. Hence, making for the perfect naturistic moment that is beyond perfect to witness. The Lake is a man-made lake that stretches up to a length of three square kilometers. It was constructed in 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna stream that flows down the Shivalik Hills. The purest blue waters of the Sukhna Lake act as the perfect spot for locals to start or end their day by either fixing themselves with a spot around it or just jogging by it. The architect of Chandigarh, Le Corbusier mentioned that this lake would be the centre of wellness pursuits for the locals. Furthermore, it also has one of the longest rowing channels in India that is known to host the famous Asian Rowing Championships.
The best way for people to enjoy here is by going on a boat ride on its waters that cost fifty to a hundred rupees for an individual. Other famous activities around Sukhna Lake include rowing, trampoline jumping and Solar cruising. The lake is also home to many fishes and migratory birds such as Siberian ducks and cranes.
Pinjore Gardens
The famous Pinjore Gardens of Chandigarh are seventeenth-century Mughal Gardens that are located in the city of Pinjore, in Panchkula, Haryana. The gardens stretch to a humongous area of hundred acres, making it one of the most beautiful places to witness and around Chandigarh. Also known as the Yadvinder Garden, the Pinjore Gardens are known for their lush greenery, tall fountains, and stunning water bodies. People around the globe love exploring these gardens because of its strong Mughal influence which are mesmerizing to observe. Not just exquisite greenery but the place also has a mini zoo, a Japanese garden, a nursery and some picnic spots. Every year during the months between April and June, the Pinjore Gardens serve as the venue of the annual Mango Festival.
3. Ludhiana
The largest city of Punjab, Ludhiana is regarded for being one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in the country. Famous for its hosiery industries, Ludhiana offers great historical and spiritual sites to witness. Over the years the city has seen modernity being added into its streets through massive malls and parks.
Hardy’s World Amusement Park
Travelling with kids or out with your dear ones to the great city of Ludhiana? Well, then a visit to one of the most loved amusement parks, Hardy’s World Amusement Park is an absolute must. One of the most fun places of Ludhiana, the water-themed park has around twenty fun rides such as the roller coaster, sun & moon, pendulum and motorcycle. It is located around 7 km away from the city of Ludhiana that is completely worthy of visiting. Hardy’s world amusement park is nestled right on top of parkland on the Ludhiana to Jalandhar Highway. The fun slides and rides of the park are divided into two parts that are the Dry and the Water park that can be enjoyed by people of various ages. Some of the fun rides include the wooden ship, jamming of cars that are operated by electricity, the fun caterpillar ride that is surely going to leave your child screaming with fun, swinging chairs, kid toy train, superbikes, toggling on the bull, horseback merry go round are some of the favourites of the park. The water park side of the amusement park features rain dances and wave pools for you to enjoy.
Pavillion Mall
The Pavillion Mall is the most famous spot of Ludhiana. Located at the centre of fountain chowk of the city, the mall was built by the Bharti Realty Ltd. in the year 2014. The entire area stretches up to an area of 5,00,000 sq. ft. that features all kinds of leisure and shops till you drop facilities. The Pavilion Mall has over a hundred shopping outlets that also includes a 17,000 sq.ft food court. A wide range of high-end international brands, national products, massive supermarket stores, department stores, seven-screen multiplex, food court, kids zone and restaurants cover this mammoth of a place. The mall is loved by the locals of Ludhiana, hence, you are definitely going to come across a large amount of a crowd at any point during the week. The seven-screen PVR Cinemas is another massive attraction that enhances your movie-watching experience.
Gurdwara Charankanwal Sahib Machhiwara
The famous religious Gurudwara Charankanwal Sahib Machhiwara is located around thirty-five kilometre from Machhiwara, a town in the Ludhiana district of Punjab. The Gurudwara is found on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh Highway that spreads a sense of tranquillity and peacefulness to its surroundings. The gurudwara has stunningly erected architecture that continues to attract tourists from all over the country. The spiritual vibe that encompasses it is said to be soul-touching. Every year in the month of December, an annual assembly fair is held which marks the days of Guruji’s stay when he stayed in Machhiwara. The name of the Gurudwara has been inspired by the time when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s army was attacked. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji resisted Opposed their attack and escaped into the woods of Machhiwara. He then rested and slept under a tree where he recited ‘Mitar Pyare nu’. The old Jand tree has been maintained outside the Gurudwara. His three companions Daya Singh, Man Singh, and Dharam Singh found him at that place. The place he stepped on marks the site of Gurudwara Charan Kanwal, the feet of Guru Gobind Singh is correlated to a lotus flower. Hence the shrine etches the memory of the old event.
Lodhi Fort
The Lodhi Fort of Ludhiana is one of the most famous forts of Ludhiana that is also known as the Purana Qila or Old Fort. A massive ancient structure that sadly is in ruins due to poor maintenance facilities. The Lodhi Fort was once the gateway to Sikander Lodhi’s empire and the pride of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A large piece of land has been acquired by the fort which is enclosed from all sides. But, despite its current condition, it is frequently visited by the locals of Ludhiana.
4. Jalandhar
Jalandhar is well known for its perfect blend of heritage and history as it was a prominent part of the illustrious Indus Valley Civilisation. The Jalandhar of today is a famous commercial and industrial hub topped with mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine.
Science City Kapurthala
Every science enthusiasts dream spot, the Science City Kapurthala also known as Pushpa Gujral Science City in Jalandhar is a clever initiative of the Government of Punjab that helps people dwell an interest in the science of their environment, especially for the younger kids. The place uses concepts of physical, applied, natural and social sciences, engineering, technology, agriculture, health sciences, energy, industries, human evolution, environment, ecosystems, Jurassic parks. It also features various informative aspects of space, IT, nuclear science, robotics and biotechnology too. The place also has a theatre and digital planetarium that showcases glimpses of the undiscovered world. Science City Kapurthala is known to feature a climate change theatre that helps educate younger and adult minds to help save planet Earth. Hence, the place is perfect if you want to educate your child and give them a break from gulping up the textbooks.
Devi Talab Mandir
The Devi Talab Mandir is a two-hundred-year-old Hindu temple in the city of Jalandhar, Punjab. One of the most famous temples of the city, it attracts thousands of people from across the country daily. The temple features Goddess Durga, which is also one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas of India. In the past few years, the temple has gone through some changes that have led to the new addition that resembles the beautiful Amarnath caves. One of the most ancient temples of India, the Devi Talab Mandir features a two-hundred-year-old tank too that is a great significant point for devotees. A shrine of Lord Shiva sitting on a tiger is also beautiful to witness.
Nehru Park
The Company Bagh, previously known as the Nehru Park, is one of the oldest parks of Jalandhar, Punjab. Located near the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation (JMC), the park was recently further constructed to make it more appealing to the crowd. The renovation led to the construction of a musical fountain, some fancy electric lights, a three gate entrance that has been constructed at different areas of the garden, children’s fountain and a playground area with slides and swings. The park spreads out on a three-acre ground that is perfect to spread a mat and enjoy a picnic outing with your family or to just jog around. The Nehru Park is also embraced by a white coloured Mahatma Gandhi statue.
Sadar Baazar
Sadar Baazar in Jalandhar is one of the most famous shopping spots that is crowded by the locals quite often. Located in the Jalandhar Cantonment Area of Punjab, the Sadar Bazaar is known to be the hub of imports from across the country. A wide range of items to shop from, the market has one of the best varieties in terms of clothes, jewellery, necklaces, earrings, bracelets – and shoes, and sunglasses and watches. Not just street shops but big showrooms can also be spotted down the street. Book lovers will also be able to find some classics to take back home. Do not forget to try some delicious street food while strolling around the market.
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