script) -->
Cities to Visit in Punjab

Punjab Tourist Circuits

Punjab, the land of the five majestic rivers is not only famous as the granary of India. The state that contributes much to the country's agricultural produce is also an eminent tourism hub. The tourism department has thus devised comprehensive package tours or Punjab Tourist Circuits of a particular sightseeing belt.

Divided into the Majha, Doaba and Malwa regions, Punjab has plenty to be proud of. The erstwhile princely state has a history that dates back to the primordial Harappan Civilization and is the epicenter of Sikh culture.

The state houses the legendary Golden Temple and has a tragic past of trauma and suffering. Punjab played an active role in India's struggle for independence and witnessed the morbid horrors of the Jalianwala Bagh massacre.

Among the various travel zones of the Punjab tourist circuit, an excursion to the Amritsar - Ram Tirath - Sarai Amanat Khan -Wagha Border - Amritsar takes one back to the folds of history and mythology to the days of the Ramayana and the Mughal rule. A chilling trip to the fortified Indo-Pak border adds an element of scintillating thrill in the journey.

Amritsar - Dera Baba Nanak -Qadian-Kala naur-Gurdaspur-Pathankot is a significant pilgrimage route for the Sikhs. Dera Baba Nanak is the Mecca of the Sikhs, since their revered Guru Nanak Dev had spent his last days in the quietude of this quaint village.

Punjab Tourist Circuits



  • Amritsar - Ram Tirath - Sarai Amanat Khan -Wagha Border - Amritsar

    Among the various tourist circuits of Punjab, Amritsar - Ram Tirath - Sarai Amanat Khan -Wagha Border - Amritsar is one of the important one. We start our trip from the holy city of Amritsar by visiting the famous places like Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh, Company Bagh, Gobindgarh Fort, Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh.

    Now we move towards Ram Tirath Mandir, which is 11 km from Amritsar. The temple is one of the oldest temples dating back to the time of Ramayana. According to Hindu Mythology, Sita gave birth to her twin sons Luv and Kush at this place, which was an ashrama of Maharishi Valmiki. There's an ancient tank, temples and a hut.

    Our next destination is Sarai Amanat Khan located nearly 46 km on the Tarn Taran-Attari road. It was built by a Mughal noble Amanat Khan. The site has been announced as a "monument of national importance" under the 'Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958'. The sarai has a mosque, well and an open space within the courtyard for horses and bullocks. Remains of decorated arches with glazed tile-work reflect the Mughal architecture. The exciting journey to Wagha Border, becomes memorable if we see the exchange of salutes between the armies of India and Pakistan. Our journey ends at Amritsar, which is 28 Kms. away from Wagha Border.

  • Amritsar - Dera Baba Nanak -Qadian-Kala naur-Gurdaspur-Pathankot

    If you are interested in a pilgrimage trip to the Gurudwaras of Punjab, Amritsar - Dera Baba Nanak -Qadian-Kala naur-Gurdaspur-Pathankot is one of the best tourist circuits in Punjab. This tourist circuit commences at Amritsar, where you can visit the holy places like Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, and Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh. We have to travel for 55km from Amritsar to reach Dera Baba Nanak. This place is popular among Sikhs because Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the sikhs spent the last days of his life at this place. It is situated in the Gurdaspur district, on the banks of river Ravi Dera Baba Nanak are Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Chola Sahib are two Gurudwaras located here.

    This place is popular among Sikhs because Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the sikhs spent the last days of his life at this place. It is situated in the Gurdaspur district, on the banks of river Ravi Dera Baba Nanak are Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Chola Sahib are two Gurudwaras located here.

    From Dera Baba Nanak we travel towards Qadian, 18 Kilometers on the east of Batala city. If we access the town from Gurdaspur Via Kahnuwan-Kot-Todarmal, the distance is 26 Kilometers. Qadian is a holy place of the Ahmedyia Sect of the Muslims, spread all over the world. The Messiah of the sect Hazrat Mirrza Gulam Ahmad was born here. It is believed that Qadian was constituted in 1530 AD. The town was named as Qazi after Mirza Hadi Baig, the first Qazi of the region. It was later transformed into Islam Pur Qazi, then it became QaziMaji and from qadi it became Quadian.

    Some of the popular tourist places in Gurdaspur are Mahakaleshwar Temple At Kalanaur, Barath Sahib, Baradari the Summer Resort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji at Dina Nagar, Pandori Dham Temple at Pandori Mahantan, Achaleshwar Temple, Gurudwara Sri Kandh Sahib, Shrine of Brave Haqiqat Rai.

  • Amritsar-Tarn Taran-Hari-Ke-Pattan - Goindwal Sahib - Sultanpur Lodhi - Kapurthala( Kanjli lake) -Jalandhar

    Amritsar-Tarn Taran-Hari-Ke-Pattan - Goindwal Sahib - Sultanpur Lodhi - Kapurthala( Kanjli lake) -Jalandhar is one of the popular tourist circuits in Punjab. The trip starts from the Amritsar after visiting the holy shrine of Harminder Sahib. To reach Tarn Taran we have to 20 km., set up by the fifth guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev ji. The architecture of the Gurudwara was inspired by Mughals, consisting of a Tomb covered with copper. It is located near Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and has the the largest pond of all the gurudwaras.

    To reach Tarn Taran we have to 20 km., set up by the fifth guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev ji. The architecture of the Gurudwara was inspired by Mughals, consisting of a Tomb covered with copper. It is located near Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and has the the largest pond of all the gurudwaras.

    When we move to the outskirts of Amritsar, we reach Hari-ke-Pattan, a Bird Sanctuary, at the confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej. After traveling thirty kilometers southeast of Amritsar we reach Govindwal Sahib. This beautiful Gurudwara Samadhi of the second Guru of the Sikh, Guru Angad Dev ji. It has a deep well with 84 steps.

    It is believed that if you take a bath in the well and recites Japji Sahib (divine writings of Guru Nanak Dev ji ) at each step attains moksh. Sultanpur Lodhi is a city in Kapurthala district of Punjab, founded by Sultan Khan Lodhi. Sultanpur Lodhi derives its name from its founder. It is situated on the banks of river Kali Bein, running 6 miles north to the convergence of Beas and Sutlej. The Kanjli Lake of Kapurthala is a wonderful lake, which is a home for migratory birds in winter. The lake has developed as a popular tourist destination which has facilities for fishing and boating. The tourist circuit ends at Jalandhar.

  • Amritsar - Baba Bakala - Kartarpur - Jalandhar

    The tourist circuit of Amritsar - Baba Bakala - Kartarpur - Jalandhar provides an exciting journey in the famous destinations of Punjab. The tourist circuit starts at the famous city of Amritsar. Amritsar is an important pilgrimage center for the sikhs. People from far off places come to visit famous Har Mandar Sahib established by the fourth Guru of the sikhs, Guru Ramdas ji.

    The various tourist places of Amritsar are the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh, Company Bagh, Gobindgarh Fort, Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh etc.

    The tourist circuit starts at the famous city of Amritsar. Amritsar is an important pilgrimage center for the sikhs. People from far off places come to visit famous Har Mandar Sahib established by the fourth Guru of the sikhs, Guru Ramdas ji. The various tourist places of Amritsar are the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh, Company Bagh, Gobindgarh Fort, Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh etc. Sikhs consider Baba Bakala as a holy place because the ninth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was discovered by Makhan Shah Lobana. Kartarpur is a town in Punjab, nearly 15 km from Jalandhar, established by Guru Arjan Sahib. The foundation of this town was laid on November 24, 1594 by Guru Arjan Sahib. Presently, Kartarpur has established itself as an important center of furniture industry.

  • Chandigarh , Ropar (Rup Nagar), Anandpur Sahib, Bhakra - Nangal, Ropar, Chandigarh

    The tourist circuit of Chandigarh , Ropar (Rup Nagar), Anandpur Sahib, Bhakra - Nangal, Ropar, Chandigarh is a closed circuit, it starts from Chandigarh and finally ends at Chandigarh. After starting the journey from Chandigarh we travel towards Ropar.The next destination, Anandpur Sahib is located 40 km from Rupnagar town. It lies on the left bank of the river Sutlej and it has Naina Devi range at its background. Anandpur Sahib was established by, the ninth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur. One of the most important shrines at Anandpur Sahib is Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib.

    It is the place where the "Khalsa" was born. It is among one of the five sacred "Takhats" of sikhs. On the day of Baisakhi on 13th April, 1699, the tenth Guru of sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Ji formed Khalsa by christening five Sikhs and called them "Panj Piaras".

    Bhakra Nangal Dam is famous all over the world as it is one of the highest straight gravity dam made of concrete. The dam is 96 km in length and can store 7.8 million acre feet of water.At the back of the dam theres a lovely lake called 'Gobind Sagar'.

    On the downstream of the dam, two power houses are located with the capacity of producing 1050 MW of electricity. To encourage tourism water sports are promoted in the Gobind Sagar. The trip ends at Chandigarh.

  • Ludhiana - Moga - Ferozepur - Bhatinda - Malout - Muktsar-Faridkot

    Ludhiana - Moga - Ferozepur - Bhatinda - Malout - Muktsar-Faridkot is a tourist circuit of Punjab attracting tourists from all over India. The city of Ludhiana has derived its name from its ruling dynasty, Lodhi dynasty. Presently it enjoys the distinction of being the one of the most industrialized cities of Punjab.

    On 24th day of November 1995, Moga became the 17th District of Punjab. The place is also remembered as the birth place of the great freedom fighter, Lala Lajpat Rai is in Moga district. The Gurdwaras namely Mehdeyana Sahib, Dina Sahib, Takhtupura are located in Moga District. Famous parks like Kashmiri Park and Nehru Park are also situated in this district.

    At the center of Malwa region lies the Bathinda District. Some of the historical and important tourist places of the region are Damdama Sahib, Maiser Khana, Zoological Park, Qila Mubarak, Rose Garden etc. The Malout city is a municipal council in Muktsar district of Punjab. Malout is situated in southern Punjab and is known for its agriculture industry. Muktsar is associated with the victory of the Sikh forces over the Mughal forces in 1705. Faridkot is popular among the tourists for its forts and palaces.

  • Patiala-Nabha- Malerkotla - Ludhiana - Fatehgarh Sahib - Chandigarh

    The tourist circuit of Patiala-Nabha- Malerkotla - Ludhiana - Fatehgarh Sahib - Chandigarh covers the important tourist destinations of Punjab. Patiala is well known for its magnificent palaces, and museums.

    The popular tourist attractions in Patiala are Qila Mubarak Complex, Qila Androon, Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, Darbar Hall (Divan Khana), Shahi Samadhan, Moti Bagh Palace, Rajindera Kothi, Baradari Gardens, Ijlas-e Khas, Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib,Kali Temple, Qila Bahadurgarh, Panj Bali Gurdwara, Maiji Di Sarai etc.

  • Nabha is a small town in Patiala District, located to the south-east of Punjab. It is historically important as Pandit Nehru came here for court arrest. Malerkotla is a town in Sangrur District of Punjab. In the history of sikh religion it occupies a place of prominence.

    The Governor of Sirhind ordered to kill the two younger sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji,the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, which was protested by the ancestor of the Nawab of Malerkotla. The region is famous for its embroidery and handicrafts.

    Ludhiana city was established during the rule of Lodhi dynasty, ruled Delhi from 1451-1526 A.D. And derived its name from its ruler. The famous tourist places of Ludhiana are as follows:
    • Nehru Rose Garden
    • Hardy's World (Amusement park)
    • Guru Nanak Bhawan
    • Tiger Safari, Amaltas
    • Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
    • Gurdwara Charankanwal Sahib Machhiwara
    • Guru Nanak (Sports) Stadium

  • Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur, either back to Jalandhar or Ropar-Chandigarh

  • The Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur, either back to Jalandhar or Ropar-Chandigarh route is an exciting tour option. The Hoshiarpur Town will please a visitor with its old world charm and places of interest. The town of Hoshiarpur is blessed with exciting tourist spots like the Vedic Research Institute, the fruit gardens, the Archaeological Museum and its a shopper's delight with an wide range of handicrafts, lacquer treated furnitures and musical instruments. The town is very well connected with bus services from Jalandhar and other cities of Punjab and other nearby states.

    Jalandhar is another ancient city of Punjab, which is a very important industrial center of the state. Although old, it has emerged as one of the modern cities and the city is famous for its textile and sport goods manufacturing plants. It has immense potential as a tourism destination with places like Imam Nasir Mausoleum, Jama Masjid, St. Mary's Cathedral Church, Shiv Mandir, Tulsi Mandir, Gurdwara Chevin Padsahi, Sodal Mandir and few others.

    The historical town of Ropar is a favorite destination for history lovers. It is the home to several interesting archaeological sites. The most popular tourist spots in Ropar are Gurdwara Sri Bhatha Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Pataal Puri Saab, Anandpur Sahib, Kirtpur Sahib etc.

    Chandigarh is among the most well planned and modern cities of the country. The uniqueness of the city is that it serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana beside being a Union Territory itself. This beautiful city has numerous places of tourists interest like the Capitol Complex, Rose Garden, Rock Garden, International Doll Museum and many more.




Last Updated on 7 March 2013