The state of Punjab in India is famous for its tradition, cuisines, and glorious past. The public communication and transportation network in the state is huge. The state is a major hub of religions like Sikhism and Hinduism. Major cities in the state are as follows:

Amritsar
Patiala
Ludhiana
Chandigarh (the capital)

The state is an excellent site for cultural tourism and religious tourism. Since the state has an extensive history, people interested in history also find the state quite interesting. The state has a lot in store for nature lovers who prefer the countryside, temples and shrines, ranches, and old pattern homes. The rural areas of the state bear testimony to the actual characteristics of Punjab.

The boundary between Pakistan and India at Wagah is a famous tourist spot as well. Patiala is known for cultural traits like Salwar, Patiala Peg, and Jutti.

Tourists visiting Punjab have plenty of opportunities to make the most of its traditions, history, and religiousness. The regal mansions and castles of the kings, famous war sites, temples, shrines, and other religious places of worship are the principal attractions of this state. Sikh architecture is manifested in all major monuments and memorials of the state. Punjabi food consists of both non-vegetarian and vegetarian food.

Tourist attractions in Punjab

The state houses various places of tourist interest and tourism is a flourishing industry in the state. The different tourist attractions in Punjab can be categorized into the following:

Castles and Citadels
- The Historic Fort at Bathinda, in Bathinda
- Gobindgarh Fort - Amritsar
- Quila Mubarak - Patiala
- Faridkot Fort
- Anandpur Sahib Fort - Ropar
- Bahadurgarh Fort (near Patiala)
- Shahpur Kandi Fort - This is located at a distance of 7 km from Pathankot
- Phillaur Fort - Ludhiana
- Keshgarh Fort - Anandpur Sahib
- Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1838 AD) - Amritsar
- Payal Fort
- Famous memorials in Sangrur and Nabha

Museums in Punjab
Given below are the names of the most famous museums in the state:
- Sanghol Museum
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum - Amritsar
- Government Museum - Hoshiarpur
- Anglo Sikh War Memorial - Ferozeshah
- Qila Mubarak Patiala - Museum of Armory & Chandeliers
- Rural Museum - Punjab Agricultural University
- Sports Museum - Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala
- Art Gallery at Sheesh Mahal
- Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex
- Guru Teg Bahadur Museum - Shri Anandpur Sahib
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum - Ludhiana
- Sikh Ajaibghar - Mohali
- Shahed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum - Khatkar Kalan

Gurdwaras, Temples and Shrines
- Temples:
  - Ram Tirath Temple - Amritsar
  - Devi Talab Mandir - Jalandhar
  - Kali Devi Temple - Patiala
  - Durgiana Mandir - Amritsar
- Gurdwaras:
  - Gurdwara Shri Baoli Sahib Goindwal Sahib
  - Golden Temple - Amritsar
  - Baba Bakala
  - Khadur Sahib
  - Gurudwara Ber Sahib - Sultanpur Lodhi
  - Dera Baba Nanak - Gurdaspur district
  - Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib
  - Kiratpur Sahib
  - Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib
  - Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup
  - Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib
  - Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
  - Parivar Vichora
  - Mehdiana Sahib
  - Gurdwara Manji Sahib - Ludhiana
  - Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib
  - Gurdwara Karamsar Rara Sahib
- Muslim Shrine
  - Rauza Sharif - Sirhind

Gardens
- Bansar Garden - Sangrur
- Jallianwala Bagh - Amritsar
- Shalimar Garden - Kapurthala
- Ram Bagh Garden - Amritsar
- Rock Garden, Chandigarh (the capital)
- Bara Dari Garden - Patiala

Mughal Architecture in Punjab

Given below are the prominent examples of Mughal architecture and design in the state of Punjab:

Serai Nurmahal - Nurmahal
Aam Khas Bagh - Sirhind
Mughal Serai - Shambhu
Mughal Serai - Doraha
The place of enthronement of Akbar, the famous Mughal Emperor at Gurdaspur
RDB (Rang De Basanti) Fort or Serai Lashkari Khan, situated close to Doraha
Kos Minar

Payal Fort

The Payal Fort has an extensive history of 800 years. The fort is situated in Payal, which falls under the Payal tehsil in Ludhiana district. In 1771, Maharaja Amar Singh of Patiala constructed it with the assistance of Mughals.

Following that, Maharani Sahib Kaur conquered the citadel from the Mughal Hakumats. The citadel still exists and the Sarai of this citadel, which is known as Sarai Lashkari Khan lies close to the fort in Sri Manji Sahib Kottan. This citadel is named as RDB (Rang De Basanti) Fort. Currently, the Archeological Survey of India has the responsibility of looking after this famous Payal Fort.

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Zoological Gardens and Wetlands in Punjab

Given below are the names of the zoological gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and wetlands in the state:

Kanjli Wetland - Kapurthala
Hari-ke-pattan, Ferozepur - Amritsar (National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary)
Zoological Park - Chhatbir
Satluj Water Body Wetland - Ropar
Sukhna Lake - Chandigarh
Tiger Safari Ludhiana & Deer Park at Neelon

Shopping Malls, Dining Venues and Amusement Parks in Punjab

Listed below are the names of the popular dining venues, shopping malls, and amusement parks in the state:

Bharavan the Dhaba - Amritsar
Haveli - Phagwara, Jalandhar
West-End Mall - Ludhiana
Kesar da dhaba - Amritsar
Ansal Plaza Mall - Phagwara
Hardy's World Amusement Park - Ludhiana
Floating Restaurent - Sirhind
Viva Mall - Phagwara, Jalandhar

Other tourist attractions in Punjab

Masoleums of Ustad & Shagird, Nakodar, Jalandhar
Takhat-i-akbari,Kalanaur, Gurudaspur
Mughal Sarai, Shambhu (Patiala)
Serai Nurmahal
Tomb of Mir-i-Mran Sirhind
Sarai Amanat Khan , Amritsar Circuit
Handira Mausoleum, Sultanpur Lodhi
Sabraon War Memorial
Jallianwala Bagh Martyr's Memorial Amritsar
Bhir, Ludhiana
The Sargarhi Memorial at Ferozepur
Martyrs: Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru Memorial, Ferozepur
Pushpa Gujral Science City
Desh Bhagat Hall, Jalandhar

Last Updated on 04 November 2011

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