Punjab, the land of five rivers, is endowed with natural beauty as well as a rich culture of which the country is proud. From spirituality to commercialism, this state will charm you no matter what you are looking for.
If you are a true traveler who wants to see the true essence of Punjab, you must take a circuit! These places to visit in Punjab are perfect to add to your itinerary, as you will return home with beautiful memories to cherish.
Experience the king-size life of Gabrus and indulge in traditional folk activities like bottoms-up with bhangra and lassi. After all, you are in Punjab!
1. Amritsar
A city known for legends, patriotism and spirituality, Amritsar is found at the top when talking about religious places in Punjab. The Golden Temple or home of Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
You will find many famous monuments in Punjab . The narrow lanes of Amritsar are lined with shops selling colorful juttas, suits and more. A foodie can’t get enough of Amritsari Kulche, Butter Chicken, Lassi – the list is long!
Major Tourist Attractions: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border
Places of Stay: Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar, Hyatt Regency Amritsar, Ramada by Wyndham Amritsar
2. Chandigarh
The capital of Punjab, Chandigarh is counted among the metro cities of India and the top places to visit in Punjab . This welcoming city will welcome you with flavors of everything between modernity and antiquity.
Chandigarh is one of the cleanest cities in the country, where one can spend time shopping in malls, relaxing in cafes or relaxing in a pool or garden. If you are wondering what to see in Punjab, this city will be your answer.
You don’t even need to worry about how you will reach, as the city is well connected by road, rail and even air. If you are planning to explore famous places in Punjab then you should definitely plan to visit Chandigarh.
Major Tourist Attractions: Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, International Dolls Museum, Pinjore Garden
Places to Stay: Hotel Pride, Hotel Empire Inn, Hotel Oyster, Ramada Plaza Wyndham Chandigarh Zirakpur
3. Ludhiana
Another recommendation from our list of places to visit in Punjab is Ludhiana . Here you will be able to see the true beauty of the state and its rich agricultural conditions.
This simple but amazing town will give you an insight into the lifestyle of the locals, especially if you visit the museum of rural life. There’s history, a bit of wildlife at the zoo, delicious food, and even an amusement park that you’ll be traveling with the kids.
Major Tourist Attractions: Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Museum of Rural Life, Phillaur Fort, Museum of Rural Life
Places: Park Plaza Ludhiana, Radisson Blu Hotel MBD Ludhiana, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, Palm Court
4. Jalandhar
Representing the culture of Punjab, Jalandhar is an unforgettable name in the list of best places in Punjab. It is an ancient city, which holds special importance not only for Sikhs but also for Hindus as it houses many holy shrines.
From street shopping to popping tags in showrooms, Jalandhar has a lot to offer. If you’re exploring with kids, you’ll have plenty to do. It is one of the most popular cities in Punjab .
Major Tourist Attractions: Wonderland, Devi Talab Temple, Science City, Niku Park
Places to Stay: Sarovar Portico, Radisson Jalandhar, Ramada Encore Wyndham Jalandhar, AB Clarks Inn
5. Bathinda
The city of lakes, Bathinda is a simple town, which is still one of the tourist destinations in Punjab that you cannot miss. From AIIMS to thermal power plants and the Central University of Punjab, the city has various landmarks that have led to massive development in the state. The city tells the legend of the past as the ruins stand as witness.
Rulers like Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan fought wars and ruled the city in earlier times. It is one of the best places to visit with family in Punjab .
Major Tourist Attractions: Qila Mubarak, Rose Garden, Joggers Park
Accommodation: Hotel Sapphire, Comfort Inn Tulip Heights, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
6. Patiala
The fourth largest city in the state, Patiala’s name often appears in lists of beautiful places in Punjab . It is also called the city of newspapers and the monuments here show a mix of different architectural styles like Mughal, Rajput and of course Punjab.
You will find plenty of places to visit in Patiala, Punjab . If you are a history buff, this city will not disappoint you. Patiala is also an option for travelers who want to buy authentic Punjabi items like juttis, parandas and more.
Major Tourist Attractions: Moti Bagh Palace, Kali Mata Temple, Qila Mubarak, Bahadurgarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal
Accommodation: Hotel Mohan Continental, Baradari Palace, Hotel Clarion Inn, Hotel Ekbal Inn
7. Kapurthala
One of the lesser known places to visit in Punjab, Kapurthala is known as the Paris of Punjab, due to its interesting architectural setting. Most of the landmarks here are built in French and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. There are also interesting legends that you will come to know during your trip to the city.
For anyone who wants to discover a city of beautiful architecture, Kapurthala is nothing less than a treasure! It is one of the best tourist places in Punjab .
Major Tourist Attractions: Jagatjit Palace, Elysee Palace, Moorish Mosque, Shalimar Garden, Kanjali Wetland
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham, Ramnik Hotel, Hotel Mehk
8. Pathankot
One of the most famous places in Punjab , Pathankot is located on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by greenery, this city looks even more spectacular during monsoons. Along with its beautiful landscape, the city is also known for its history.
Pathankot also serves as a major railway line to various neighboring towns in Himachal such as Dalhousie.
Major Tourist Attractions: Noorpur Fort, Mukteshwar Temple, Kathgarh Temple, Shahpurkandi Fort, Ranjit Sagar Dam
Places to Stay: Best Western La Vista Pathankot, Hotel Venice, Hotel Woodland, The Grand Hotel
9. Nangal
Have you ever heard about Bhakra Nangal Dam? Yes, it is in Rupnagar district of Punjab. One of the offbeat places to visit in Pune , Nangal is a day’s drive from Chandigarh.
If you are wondering if there is anything to see in Nagal, you will be surprised by the number of things here. Don’t miss a trip over the huge dam. View the beautiful Shivalik hills from this place.
Enjoy a sunny winter afternoon at Sutlej Park and celebrate 500 years of Sikh history at Virasat-e-Khalsa.
Major Tourist Attractions: Bhakra Nangal Dam, Sutlej Park, Virasat-e-Khalsa, Sheetla Devi Temple, Nangal Wetlands Places
: Hotel Alitus, Hotel Solitaire, The Gulmohar Grand Hotel – 8 Mile Stone Behadla, Hotel Temple View Inn
10. Roper
If you are looking for places to visit near Jalandhar, Punjab then Ropar is nearby. Also known as Rupnagar, Ropar is an ancient city in Punjab that is more famous for the ruins of the Harappan civilization. Wasn’t Roper expected to have such historical significance? Well, that’s the story of Punjab.
It is a culturally and historically rich state in India, a glimpse of which you will get to see in Ropar.
Major Tourist Attractions: Anandpur Sahib, Ropar Wetland, Jatveshwar Mahadev Temple
Places to Stay: Hotel Sahil Palace, Hotel Park Regency, Hotel Baj, SM Resort
11. Mohali
Still searching for the best tourist destination in Punjab ? Also known as Ajitgarh, Mohali is a major commercial, cultural and transport hub. This place is of unique importance for promoting the sports sector.
As Mohali is home to the PCA Cricket Stadium and the International Hockey Stadium, both stadiums attract sports enthusiasts from across the country to this beautiful venue.
Devotees also visit this place as there are many popular Gurdwaras including Gurdwara Amb Sahib, Singh Shaheedan etc. It is one of the famous tourist places of Punjab .
Major Tourist Attractions: Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Mansa Devi Temple, Punjab Cricket Association Stadium
Places of Stay: Hotel Mirage Mohali, Hotel Anchorage Mohali, Hotel Greenland, Glades Hotel
12. Sirhind
Sirhind was earlier known as Fatehgarh Sahib. Prithviraj Chauhan had a military garrison in the rebellion against Muhammad Ghori. The place became part of the Ghori Sultanate and later in 1362, it was re-established by the Tughlaq emperors.
If you visit Sirhind, you will find traces of its past history, giving you a great opportunity to explore the struggles of past kings.
Currently, it is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs as two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were brutally murdered here. It is one of the best tourist destinations in Punjab to explore the culture and tranquility of the region .
Major Tourist Attractions: Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup, Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj, Tomb of Nabis at Brass
Places of Stay: Rutbah Hotel and Restaurant, Hotel Noor Mahal Regency and Restaurant, Jaggi Resorts