Punjab is a land where you find history, natural beauty, religion and legendary hospitality combine into one. The famous Golden Temple is often referred to as the emblem of the state. But there are more to its credit. History still has its strong imprint in the tourist attractions in Punjab. Religion adds another layer of charm to them.
The fertile lands of Punjab can bowl you over with sheer beauty. A long drive along the smooth roadways would offer you vistas of green stretches of mustard fields. With mustard flowers in full bloom, it becomes another breathtaking view.
Some important tourist attractions in Punjab are:
Golden Temple: The world's most renowned Sikh pilgrimage is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Punjab. The edifice of gold-laden dome and the marble base enshrine the holy script of Guru Granth Sahib. It took 400kg of gold leaves to cover it. The architecture showcases an exquisite blend of Hindu and Islamic style.
Anandpur Sahib: On the left bank of Sutlej River, the historic town founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, houses a number of importamt Gurudwaras.Guru Govind Singh created Khalsa here in 1699 at Guru dwara Keshgarh Sahib.
Sheesh Mahal: It is a beautiful palace built by Maharaja Narinder Singh with terraces, gardens, fountains and an artificial lake. The in-house gallery displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala.
Art Gallery at Sheesh Mahal:
The museums and art galleries occupy an important place among the tourist attractions in Punjab and you can pay visit to the art gallery at Sheesh Mahal in the Patiala city. This art gallery houses a rare collection of miniature paintings and paintings of Kangra, Rajasthan and Patiala styles. There is also a particular section on splendid Tibetan Arts and Artifacts.
Qila Mubarak:
It is also known as Patiala Fort and was first built as a mud fort or Kachi Garhi. There is a Darbar Hall which has been converted into a mini museum where rare arms and armors like a sword of Nadir Shah are stored. A number of precious pieces of art are also on display, like the exquisite chandeliers. If you are interested in the arms and ammunition of the medieval and early modern ages, then you must visit the Cannon Park which is located within the premises of this massive fort.
Wagha Border: This is the border of India and Pakistan. In the evening, the change of guard among the Indian Border Security Forces is an enchanting spectacle.
Jallianwallah Bagh: This is an important landmark in the history Indian Freedon Struggle. It commemorates the death of hundreds of men, women and children who were murdered by the ruthless firing by the British Police in 1919. The bullet marks are still alive on the boundary walls.
Qila Mubarak Bathinda
Qila Mubarak is a National Monument of India, located in the heart of Bathinda. It has been existing for the last 1900 years. The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushna period, when Emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India. Raja Dab, along with the emperor of Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort. It is bigger than its competitors at Lahore, Phillour and Hanumangarh. The fort has been visited by famous Gurus of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Razia Sultan, the Sultana of Delhi, was imprisoned in this fort in 1240 AD.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, the capital of Punjaband neighboring Haryana, is the first planned city in India, specially designed by French architect Le Corbusier. The main tourist attractions in Chandigarh are the Rock Garden,Sukana lake, Pinjore Gardens, andRose Gardens. The Rose Gardens, better known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, is the largest rose garden in entire Asia and features a stunning range of over 1600 rose species. Nature lovers from different parts of the country flock to Chandigarh to view the romantic theme gardens of the city. Leisure valley is the most picturesque and popular tourist destination in Chandigarh. Chandigarh Leisure valley is resembles a garland of gardens that lends the entire city enormous charm.
Chandigarh rock garden, full of art objects made of industrial and urban waste, is an epitome of human creativity and innovation. Sukhna Lake, a three km long unique man-made lake, is a scenic lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. Open hand in Chandigarh, is one of the most significant monuments of the city. This monument, 14 metres high and weighing around 50 tonnes, was made from metal sheets that rotate like a weathercock, indicating the direction of wind.
Visit Punjab
Punjab fulfills all dreams and aspirations of an avid traveler. Apart from the world’s largest Gurudwara – the Golden Temple, Punjab attracts millions of tourists from across the globe to see its inimitable architecture, historical monuments, hill resorts, temples, churches, mosques, romantic gardens and serene lakes. In short, Punjab has a whole array of attractions to offer to a travel enthusiast. TheYadavendra Gardens 24 kilometers on the Shimla road at Pinjore has enchanting Mughal style terraced lawns, alluring flower beds, gorgeous fountains and breezy pavilions enclosed by high walls swathed in the mauve and magenta bougainvillea.
Purana Quila, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Mehdiana Sahib Gurudwara, Hussaini Wala Border in Ferozpur, Asafwala War Memorial, Gurudwara Bhabour Sahib and Shahpur Kandi fort are some of the must-see tourist attractions inPunjab.