Flight Booking Tour Package
best places to visit in punjab

Last Updated At: 03-Oct-2024

Places to Visit in Punjab | A Land of Fairs, Festivals, Fun & Food

Punjab, a lush-green state, reminds us of richness, royalty, and grandeur. The state attracts tourists in huge numbers who love knowing more about its rich traditions, culture, heritage, historic places, architectural marvels and warm-hearted people. They are mesmerised by the sense of “Punjabiyat” displayed in the positivity, spontaneity, and vibrancy of its people who live their life to the fullest. The land of Punjab is peppered with awe-inspiring places which will give you a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the people residing here. Here we bring you some of the best places to visit in Punjab, especially if you wish to experience the true essence of the state.

Located in the northern part of the country, the land of Punjab is rich in fertile alluvial soil. The vast expanse of mustard fields will remind you of popular and cult Bollywood movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya le Jayenge. Revisit the chapters of history and know what makes Punjab a tourist hotspot and a culture-rich state.

List of Best Places to Visit in Punjab to Witness Its True Beauty

Over the years, the state has stood strong against multiple invasions and wars on its soil. The relics of those days can be seen in its forts, palaces, museums, etc. Visit some of the most striking places in the city and enjoy the mezbaani of full of life, generous to a fault, loud and boisterous Punjabis who will win your hearts with their simple, loving gestures.

  • Chandigarh. The City Beautiful
  • Amritsar. The Holy City
  • Mohali. A Vibrant City
  • Pathankot. A Gateway to Jammu & Kashmir
  • Jalandhar. The Leather Hub of India
  • Sirhind. The Satudar Desh
  • Kapurthala. Paris of Punjab
  • Hoshiyarpur. Land of Saints
  • Gurdaspur. Soak in Extravagant Punjabi Culture
  • Ludhiana. The Town of Lodhi
  • Anandpur Sahib. The Birthplace of Khalsa

When planning to visit this awe-inspiring state close to the north-western fringes of the country, remember to plan your trip in winter. Enjoy salubrious weather while exploring the place, soaking in its beauty and culturally vibrant fairs and festivals!

1. Chandigarh. The City Beautiful

Talking about the different tourist locations in Punjab, the capital of the state, Chandigarh, is the first city that absolutely deserves all the attention it gets. This city accurately represents how the world sees Punjab— pompous, vibrant, and extravagant. Independent India’s first planned city Chandigarh houses several of the best places in Punjab. This cosmopolitan city, planned and designed by Le Corbusier, offers a lot to discerning tourists. The vast expanse of gardens, sweeping boulevards, serene lakes, well-manicured gardens, and opulent civic buildings will leave a lasting impression in your mind. Chandigarh tops the list if you are looking for the best places to visit in Punjab, and now you know why.

  • Best Time to Visit. October to March
  • Places to Visit in Chandigarh. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Rick Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery, Japanese Garden, Sukhna Lake, Garden of Fragrance, Elante Mall
  • Things to do in Chandigarh. Boating in Sukhna Lake, hearty breakfast at cafes, cycling through the city, exploring gardens, shopping at Sector 17, and checking out the lovely Rock Garden

2. Amritsar. The Holy City

One of the most popular tourist spots in Punjab, Amritsar can be a major source of awe and inspiration for every traveller. The best places to visit in Amritsar include historical sites like the Wagha border and Jallianwala Bagh. First and foremost, the famous Golden Temple, the most important religious place for all Sikhs worldwide, is located here. Built in 1604 by the 4th Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, the Golden Temple attracts many tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.

Of the many places to see in Amritsar, the Wagha Border, Akal Takt, and Jallianwala Bagh deserve special mention. The Wagha Border is the shared region between India and Pakistan, and the Closing Ceremony is a treat to behold. Indias’s Border Security Force( BSF) and Pakistan’s Rangers conduct the ceremony, which lasts for 45 minutes and witness a display of grandeur and valour from both parties.

  • Best Time to Visit. November to March
  • Places to Visit in Amritsar. Shri Harminder Sahib or the Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh, The Wagah Border, Shri Durgiana Temple, Partition Museum, Mata Lal Devi Mandir, Gobindgarh Fort.
  • Things to do in Amritsar. Visit the famous Golden Temple, participate in langar service, enjoy Punjabi cuisines, shop for Phulkari dupattas and juttis, and witness the evening program at the Wagah border.

Also Read - Famous Food Of Punjab

3. Mohali. A Vibrant City

Cricket remains at the heart of India, and every cricket enthusiast is already aware of the Mohali Stadium, or the famous IS Bindra Stadium housed in the Punjabi city of Mohali. Another planned city, Mohali, is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Punjab that boasts lush green views, profound greenery, and amazing weather. The best part of Mohali is seeing modern and contemporary buildings and ancient, well-preserved historical monuments side by side, adding to the city's charm. With a bucket load of fun activities like trekking and rock climbing, there is not a single boring day at Mohali, one of Punjab’s famous places.  

  • Best Time to Visit. November to February
  • Places to Visit in Mohali. Gurudwara Shri Amb Sahib, Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial.
  • Things to do in Mohali. Rock climbing, trekking, visiting Mohali stadium.

4. Pathankot. A Gateway to Jammu & Kashmir

Pathankot lies at the congruence of three states, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu Kashmir, and shares the border with Pakistan. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and very close to hill stations like Dalhousie and the Kangra valley, Pathankot demonstrates Punjabi history and heritage. The Nurpur Fort is a symbol of the great Pathans who inhabit the region that is protected by the lofty ranges of the Himalayas on one side and the Shivaliks on the other. Other tourist destinations include the Ranjit Sagar Dam and the Shapur Kandi Fort.

  • Best Time to Visit. April to October
  • Places to Visit in Pathankot. Mata Ashapurna Devi Temple, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Nurpur Fort, Hydraulic Research Station.
  • Things to do in Pathankot. Visit Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple to seek blessings, explore the Nurpur Fort, seek blessings at Mata Ashapurna Devi Temple, shop at local markets, and enjoy lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine.

Also Read - Famous Festivals Of Punjab

5. Jalandhar. The Leather Hub of India

Established during the Indus Valley civilization, Jalandhar is one of the most ancient cities in Punjab. The city was incidentally the starting point of many revolutionary movements that accelerated India’s freedom struggle. The major historical sites include the Jang E Azadi memorial and the Shaheed-e-Azam museum, which provide a concrete idea about the nation's fight for independence. Food lovers will love to gorge on the authentic Punjabi dishes served at the Rangla Punjabi Haveli and get the true taste of food items like “sarson da saag” and Makki di roti apart from a glimpse into the Punjabi way of life. If you plan a trip to Punjab, do not forget to add Jalandhar to your itinerary.

  • Best Time to Visit. January to March
  • Places to Visit in Jalandhar. Baba Sodal Mandir, Wonderland Theme Park, Devi Talab Mandir, Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, Wonderland Theme Park, Pushpa Gujral Science City, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Nikku Park Road.
  • Things to do in Jalandhar. Visit popular leather manufacturing companies, enjoy and have fun at Wonderland Theme Park, revisit history at Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, and check out the amazing collection of scientific exhibits at Pushpa Gujral Science City.

6. Sirhind. The Satudar Desh

Sirhind is one of Punjab's most famous religious destinations, lodged between the cities of Ludhiana and Ambala. Owing to its strategic location, Sirhind was used as a frontier by the Mughal army troupes and equally important for Hindus and Muslims. Tombs of the famous Mughal architect Ustad Sayad khan and Khwaja Khan, known as Ustad ki Mazar and Shagird ki Mazar respectively, as well as Hindu temples like Mata Chakreswari Devi Jain Temple, are all housed here. The peak seasons are usually during the winter when the temperature falls below the usual and offers a charming view of the surrounding scenery.  

  • Best Time to Visit. April to October
  • Places to Visit in Sirhind. Aam Khas Bagh, Gurudwara Sahib, Jahaz Haveli Diwan Todarmalji, Gurudwara Sahib Thanda Burj Sirhind, Archeological Museum, Phuwara Chawk, Rauza Sharif.
  • Things to do in Sirhind. Explore Aam Khas Bagh, pay respects to Rauza Sharif, enjoy the annual festival of Shaheedi Jor Mela, and check out artefacts at the archaeological mela.

7. Kapurthala. Paris of Punjab

Colloquially termed the Paris Of Punjab, Kapurthala has garnered much acclaim owing to the specimens of spellbinding architecture that dominate the city. The main tourist attractions of the city include the Jagatjit Palace, the Jagatjit Club, and the Elysee Palace — each of them with its own unique architectural splendour. The lavish gardens and the historical venues at Kapurthala make it one of the best places to visit in Punjab, particularly during the autumn and spring seasons. The road and railway network connects Kapurthala to the biggest metropolitan locations of Northern India and is very well connected to the Raja Sansi International Airport at Amritsar. What tourists enjoy most here is the tranquil atmosphere and the laid-back environment of the Shalimar Gardens and the Wetland Kanji, which are also ideal for picnics.

  • Best Time to Visit. October to March
  • Places to Visit in Kapurthala. Jagatjit Palace, Moorish Mosque, Kanjli Wetlands, Jagatjit Club, Shalimar Gardens, Elysee Palace, State Gurudwara.
  • Things to do in Kapurthala. Bird watching at Harike Bird Sanctuary, connect with inner self at State Gurudwara, soak in the opulence of Jagatjit Palace, enjoy scenic views at Kanjili wetlands, and a stroll at Shalimar Gardens.

8. Hoshiarpur. Land of Saints