One of the oldest cities of India, Jalandhar is apt for getting to know the state of Punjab closely. The heart of Punjab and its former capital should be your go-to option if you want to experience the best of what this state has to offer. This city has beautifully preserved the rich heritage, architecture, and culture of Punjab.
An ancient city, Jalandhar has a rich history. Initially, it was known as Prasthala in Mahabharata and later renamed Jullundur during the British Era. In fact, its present name Jalandhara is also after a demon king whose name can be traced in the Puranas and Mahabharata. Besides, along with Multan (presently in Pakistan but before independence a part of India), Jalandhar is one of the oldest cities of Punjab. In fact, the region that surrounds this city was known as Jalandhar Doab and was a part of the eastern territory of Alexander’s kingdom. Go for a hotel in Jalandhar right away to enjoy a vacation in Punjab
Over the years, this city has evolved itself as a commercial and industrial centre of Punjab. Located right on the Grand Trunk Road, it is easily accessible from the national and state capitals. Adding to its charm are the two rivers flowing around it, i.e. Beas and Sutlej. In fact, the Hindi meaning of Jalandhar is “an area that lies underwater” and according to folklore, the city gets its name due to its geographical location, i.e. lying between the two rivers Beas and Sutlej. Hotels in Jalandhar are equipped with the tourists to look forward to.
This should be one of the first places which you should visit when in Jalandhar. It will give you a holistic feel of the state of Punjab. Its architecture is so designed that you will feel that you are in an ancient Punjab village, the waiters are so dressed that you get to know about the traditional dress, and its Punjabi food has just the right flavours of Punjab.
Located on the Jalandhar-Phagwara Highway, this traditional Punjabi village-themed resort offers the ambience of a Punjabi village and the waiters are dressed in tehmat and kurtas, and phulkari jackets. The resort has an arena that is called the Rangla Punjab where cultural programmes take place every evening giving you an insight into the rich heritage and traditions of Punjab. Moreover, its restaurant has an authentic Punjabi menu which is the most famous cuisine in India.
Imagine a place made with Nanakshahi bricks, featuring antique artefacts, and serving authentic Punjabi food with folk music playing in the background. Well, this is Rangla Punjab and should be the starting point of your city tour. Also, Hotels in Jalandhar are equipped with the tourists to look forward to.
This temple has historical and religious significance and is located right in the heart of the city. As per ancient stories, this temple was invaded by different foreign invaders. Further, this temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. According to religious scriptures, the right breast of Devi Sati had fallen in this mandir. There is also the idol of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva in this temple.Goddess Kali is known in Jalandhar as Tripurmalini and Lord Shiva as Bhishan Bhairav.
Now in the place of the old temple, a new one has been constructed. There is also a model of the Amarnath Yatra that has been built in the temple premises. Near this temple, there is also an ancient temple of Goddess Kali. Besides, there is also a 200-year-old masonry tank, which is pious for the Hindus.
Every year the popular Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan takes place in this temple. It is organised annually in the month of December. Also, a hotel in Jalandhar is the Best in terms of service.
Along with Devi Talab Mandir, you can also visit Sodal Mandir. This mandir has a unique story too. Baba Sodal was born in a Khatri family in Chadha clan in Jalandhar city. One day Baba Sodal’s mother was going to the nearby pond to wash clothes and instructed him not to come. Despite being told not to come, he followed his mother. His mother got angry and asked him to repeat her words three times while drowning in the pond. As he was repeating the words, he dived in the water and was never seen again. Some believe that he died while others claim that he converted into a snake.
The Samadhi of Baba Sodal has his painted portrait with garlands and is a place of worship. There is also a tank named Baba Sodal-da-Sarovar in which the pilgrims take a holy dip. In the month of September every year, a fair takes place at the Samadhi. This fair takes place on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi and pilgrims from across the country belonging to different religions come and attend it. Also, a hotel in Jalandhar is the Best in terms of service.
This ancient city is constantly evolving and standing strong and its testimonial is the Pushpa Gujral Science City. A joint project of the Indian and Punjab governments, this city is spread over 72 acres of land on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala road. The subjects that are covered here include agriculture, engineering, technology, physical sciences, health sciences, human evolution, applied and natural sciences. The other subjects that are covered here include environment, robotics, information technology nuclear science, and biotechnology.
For the interest of visitors, there are two different types of packages that are offered. The first package includes a laser show, flight simulator, digital planetarium shows, and virtual 3D show among others. The second package is an expansive one. Along with the offerings of the first package you get an add-on of dome theatre film tour.
Along with these packages, there is boat riding that takes place in this science city. With these packages, you will have to buy the boating tickets separately. Also, a hotel in Jalandhar is the Best when it comes to quality.
One of the popular tourist attractions, this theme park also boasts of the rising growth and development of Jalandhar at par with other Indian cities. If you have a liking for those thrilling rides, then a visit to this theme park is an absolute must. This spacious park spread over an area of 11 acres has several thrilling and water rides offering you a fun-filled experience.
Among others, there are bumper cars, boating, flying dragon, horror house, kiddies boating, slide splash, and playhouses. Moreover, a must-try is the wave pool, which is the most popular attraction of this theme park.
You can also grove to some Punjabi music on the aqua dance floor. The unique feature of this dance floor is that it is underneath a canopy, then there are artificial clouds from where they manage artificial rain. So, if you are ready to experience the thrill and exhibit your moves, then visit the wonderland theme park. However, note that the water park is closed during winters as Jalandhar experiences extreme weather conditions and temperatures drop significantly during the winter months.
An 800-year-old tomb is a sacred place for Muslims. It is also believed that the Sufi Saint Baba Farid had visited here and stayed in this mosque for 40 days. The mosque reflects the beautiful Mughal architecture with mural designs and fine drawings on its walls. There are four tall minarets of this mosque that can be seen right from the street of the main market. Almost every Muslim festival is celebrated in this famous mosque with much vigour. In fact, it is also beautifully lit up during prominent festivals and looks absolutely stunning. Also, a hotel in Jalandhar is the Best in terms of service and quality.
This temple is dedicated to the wife of the demon Jalandhara. The Tulsi Temple is the temple of Vrinda and has a huge tank on its one side in which it is believed that the demon uses to take bath. Located in Kot Kishan Chand locality, in proximity to this temple is the temple of Gupha. This temple has an idol of Goddess Annapurna, i.e. the Goddess of Plenty. Besides, there are also several temples of Lord Shiva near the Tulsi Mandir and there is also the Brahma Kund. In proximity to the Tulsi Mandir is also the Sheetla Mandir (near Balmiki Gate). This temple is believed to be as old as the city itself. Within its premises, there are also two old temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman.
This gurudwara was built by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Devji in 1656. It is located in Kartarpur, which is around 16 kilometres from Jalandhar and has huge significance for the Sikhs. In fact, every year devotees visit this gurudwara in huge numbers on the birth anniversary fair of the Guru.
Along with the gurudwara, you can also visit the memorial of Guru Virjananda, which is also there in Kartarpur. It is the birthplace of Swami Virjananda who was the teacher of Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
It was built in 1947 by Rev. Fr. John McDonnell and was managed by different chaplains who had been appointed by the Diocese of Lahore to Jalandhar. After the partition, the Catholic Mission of Indian Punjab in 1955 was raised to Apostolic Prefecture status with its headquarters in Jalandhar. Thereafter, the church in Jalandhar cantonment became the Cathedral of the Mother of the Churches of Punjab. The old church was demolished in 1987 and the foundation of the new one was laid. This new church was blessed by Pope John Paul II and it was graced by Archbishop Jose Sanchez who was the special delegate of Pope John Paul II. It was inaugurated by Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, the Vatican Ambassador. Then, in 1989 the Apostolic was announced and Archbishops and Bishops from across the country had attended it.
It was built by the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. The story behind the making of this temple is that the nawab eyed a newly married Hindu girl and when he tried to make her an object of his lust, she was rescued by a serpent. The girl was a devotee of Lord Shiva and the nawab was shocked to see a serpent. He begged mercy and later got this temple built. Known for its unique architecture the temple gate is in the style of a mosque and the rest of it is designed like a temple. This should be in your places to visit in the Jalandhar list. This temple is located in Gur Mandi near the Masjid Imam Nasar. Also, a hotel in Jalandhar is the Best in terms of service.
With several places to see in Jalandhar, you can easily plan a stay here for 3-4 days and have a proper feel of Punjab. You can also plan excursions to nearby cities of Punjab like Amritsar, which is just a two hours’ drive. Besides, remember to go to Sadar Bazaar to shop for some phulkari when in Jalandhar. The best time to visit is from September to March. Post that the temperatures will soar making it difficult to explore the city.
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