Known as the Land of the Five Rivers, Punjab has a reputation that precedes its rich culture. An enthralling mix of tradition and commercialisation, the city never fails to offer travellers who venture here a truly unforgettable experience. Here are 10 places to visit in Punjab to witness the true essence of the city.
- Amritsar
With a stunning Golden Temple that reflects on the river, this city is famous for its spirituality, patriotism and legends. The city, a significant pilgrimage site, boasts numerous monuments and is considered the most popular tourist destination in Punjab. In addition to the vast potential for sightseeing, Amritsar’s streets are also lined with various shops that sell Punjabi cuisine, making it a popular spot for food lovers as well.
- Ropar
This city provides a glimpse into Punjab’s culture and history. As an ancient town in the state, it has become quite popular for holding the ruins of the Harappan civilisation. Its close proximity to the lower Himalayan range makes it rich in ecology, making it an attractive location to wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
- Mohali
A cultural and commercial hub, Mohali is one of the most famous cities in Punjab and has played a major role in promoting sports. Carrying both the International Hockey Stadium and PCA Cricket Stadium, the city is naturally a top spot for sports enthusiasts.
- Sirhind
The Tughlaq emperors re-established Sirhind, a place steeped in history, as a military outpost. This location carries long trails of its history and is also known to be a pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
- Ludhiana
Rich in its agriculture, Ludhiana is a city that boasts the beauty of Punjab. With a zoo, intriguing history, and an array of delicious cuisines, Ludhiana is the perfect location for a relaxing yet exciting holiday. There are also plenty of places to visit here, including an amusement park, Phillaur’s Fort, and several museums.
- Kapurthala
Known as the Paris of Punjab, Kapurthala boasts intriguing architecture, with most of its landmarks incorporating French and Indo-Saracen architecture styles. For those who are interested in the subject or simply wish to witness these regal buildings, Kapurthala is definitely a destination worthy of your bucket list.
- Patiala
Patiala is the fourth largest city in the state of Punjab. Dubbed the City of Newspapers, it blends various architectural styles. With a charming atmosphere, it is also an excellent location to discover authentic Punjabi goods.
- Bhatinda
Like most cities in India, Bhatinda has also earned itself a nickname. With a rich history, this City of Lakes, as it has been dubbed, holds many significant locations, such as thermal power plants and the Central University of Punjab, which have contributed significantly towards the development of the state.
- Nangal
Although it is not one of the most popular locations for holidaying in Punjab, it is a wonderful pitstop on the way to your destination. Displaying a massive dam, there are plenty of things to do, including frolicking around and having picnics. The view of the gorgeous Shivalik Hills makes it all the more alluring.
- Pathankot
This green region, which borders Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, is definitely high on tourist maps. This landscape, which is lush and even more stunning during the monsoon seasons, holds various landmarks in addition to its great views, including Shahpurkandi Fort, Mukeshwar Temple, Nurpur Fort, and Ranjit Sagar Dam.
Keywords: holidaying in Punjab, 10 places to visit in Punjab, Punjab, Amritsar, Punjabi cuisine, International Hockey Stadium, PCA Cricket Stadium.
