Ludhiana is the most important city of the Indian state of Punjab and therefore the 28th largest urban agglomeration in India. The city has a neighborhood of 159 km2 and an estimated population of 1,618,879 as of the 2011 census. The city stands on the old bank of the Sutlej River. It is an industrial center of northern India, often mentioned as Indian Manchester by BBC. Ludhiana is among the list of smart cities which will be developed by the government of India and has been ranked as the easiest city in India for business according to the World Bank.
Ludhiana was founded in 1480 by members of the ruling Lodhi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. The name was originally "Lodhi-ana", meaning "Lodhi town", which has since shifted from "Ludhiana" to the present kind of Ludhiana. The Lodhi Fort, or "Purana Qila", is that the sole surviving structure within the town from this period; located within the neighborhood of Fatehgarh, it had been well-maintained under Ranjit Singh and the British after him, on the other hand, fell into disrepair. It was declared a state-protected monument in December 2013.
Ludhiana features a relatively dry monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate under the Köppen climate classification, although bordering on a hot semi-arid climate, with three defined seasons; summer, monsoon, and winter. Ludhiana has one among the worst pollution problems in India since 2002, with particulates being over six times the World Health Organization recommended standard, making it the 13th most polluted city in the world.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Ludhiana: -
1. Lodhi Fort
Built by Sikander Lodhi 500 years ago, Lodhi Fort may be a huge fort and a tourist attraction in Ludhiana. It was built to signify the dominance of the Lodhi dynasty in the region that was later known as Lodhi-ana and presently as Ludhiana. This fort is made in a manner that it tunnels underneath it that connects it with the residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Lodhi Fort is a well-known tourist attraction.
Though it stands in a semi-ruined position, it still has the charm of catching the eye of tourists. Till the year 1946, it was in a well-maintained condition but after the independence, some gates were destroyed due to natural calamities. The interiors of the fort still carry the carvings of the traditional era. It has beautiful surroundings that are used as an area for conducting photo shoots. Couples during a sizable amount are often spotted getting themselves clicked near the ruined fort.
Spread in a neighborhood of 5.6 acres, the fort once stood as a sworn statement of the bygone era and several other rulers tried to require control over it including the Muslims, Mughals, and British. Once known for its glory and grandeur, the Lodhi Fort has gone into rack and ruin due to the carelessness of the archeological department and district administration. It is one of the places to visit in Ludhiana.
2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is the iconic Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum.
Spreading across four acres in area, this museum came into existence within the year 1999. The Punjab Government constructed the museum as a gesture of tribute to the courageous soldiers who struggled and laid their lives during various wars and battles that are fought so far.
Keeping up the museum with International standards was the prime focus of the govt. of Punjab. Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum not only pays homage to the soldiers but also educates the citizens of India about the role of defense. A majestic statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh sitting proudly on a throne welcomes you as you enter the museum. It has 12 galleries with exhibits of various divisions just like the Ancient History Gallery, Post-Independence History Gallery, War Heros Gallery, Air Force, and Navy Gallery, etc.
The main hall displays pictures of the varied Chakra winners, Chief Marshals, Generals, and Admirals of Punjab. Two glorious lawns exhibit trophies of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. A major attraction of this museum is the light and sound show which narrates the story of the war of independence and therefore the role of the gallant soldiers of Punjab in it. The show also creates a way of nationalism among the people.
You can even have a glance at the number of battle tanks, Anti-aircraft guns, an old Sukhoi, and an INS Vikrant model placed around the museum for the visitors to ascertain.
3. Pavillion Mall
Pavilion Mall is the next place to visit in Ludhiana. It was built and developed by Bharti Realty Ltd, in the middle of fountain chowk in Ludhiana city of Punjab. The complex comprises an approximate 500,000sq.ft. of leisure and shopping facilities, over 100 premium retail units that have a 17,000sq.ft food court.
With a plethora of high selling international brands also because of the national products and a wholesale-retail mixture of the supermarket, department shops, seven-screen multiplex, food court, kids zone, and restaurants, the mall is the pride of one of the foremost affluent cities in India - Ludhiana.
A 7 screen PVR Cinemas is another major entertainment venue at the mall alongside other shopping facilities. An exciting feature of Pavilion is that it's LEED pre-Gold-certified complex and is among India's only a few Gold-rated retail facilities.
4. Rakh Bagh Park
With a lush green landscape and a toy train, Rakh Bagh Park of Ludhiana could also be a favorite spot for kids, joggers, and walkers. The park may be a leisure space for the locals and tourists with its well-maintained garden. Revamped from the British Era the toy train never ceases to grab the eye of the youngsters because it rides around the park.
Both morning and evening walkers aren't left behind either; a jogging track encloses the park. The park is surrounded by tracks for bicycle riders and it houses exercising machines in the children's play area. There are food joints in and around the park's premises, therefore, the visitors can munch on refreshments and also a swimming bath for learners.
Although renovations, landscaping, and beautifications are planned, Rakh Bagh, a habitual space among locals. Given the luxurious green gardens and therefore the cool ambiance, the park is usually crowded within the afternoon and weekends. It is one of the places to visit in Ludhiana.
5. Hardy's World Amusement Park
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is Hardy's World Amusement Park
Hardy's world funfair is the most sorted out place in Ludhiana. This water-themed park gets your adrenaline pumped up with over 20 exhilarating rides like the roller coaster, sun & moon, pendulum, and motorcycle. Situated 7 km far away from Ludhiana, it's the foremost significant water-themed park in Punjab. It's a frolic place with mostly wave pools and water slides around the place.
The park is bifurcated into two- Dry and Water parks among which, there are a plethora of themed activities for all age groups. A thrilling high ride on a wooden ship, jamming cars with no traffic rules, the caterpillar ride that gives you butterflies in your stomach, swinging chairs, the toy train for just frolicking around, superbikes that swish within the air, toggling on a bull, horseback merry go round is all the amusing hubbubs of the funfair. The water park, on the other hand, is full-fledged with steep, splash, and speed.
The aqua pool with a kid's planet, ritual dancing, and wave pool with sprinklers and sprayers allows you to splurge into the water world. Hardy's world also houses many food stalls, souvenir shops, and a wondrous place just like the horror house. The funfair is for all age groups even providing comfortable accommodation in 25 well-appointed rooms with necessary amenities.
6. Gurdwara Charan Kanwal Sahib Machhiwara
35 km from Machhiwara, a town within the Ludhiana district of Punjab is Gurudwara Charan Kanwal. The serene ambiance and therefore the beautiful aesthetic architecture of the Gurdwara attract many tourists. It has an aura that provides every visitor spiritual peace.
In December, an annual congregation fair is held that marks the days of Guruji's stay (9th and 10th of Poh) and the day's Guruji stayed at Machhiwara. The name of this shrine holds a history. It is believed that when Aurangzeb's army attacked, Guru Gobind Singh resisted their onslaught and escaped into the woods of Machhiwara. Here, he rested and slept under a tree where he recited 'Mitar Pyare nu'. The old Jand Tree is still preserved outside the Gurudwara. Daya Singh, Man Singh, and Dharam Singh were his three companions who found him at the location.
The place he stepped on marks the location of Gurudwara Charan Kanwal, the feet of Guru Gobind Singh compared to a lotus flower. Hence the shrine may be a memory of the historical event. The tranquil surroundings and therefore the remarkable architectural work of the gurdwara lure in devotees also as tourists in large numbers. Another amazing and peaceful place to visit in Ludhiana.
7. Rural Olympics at Qila Raipur
Home to a minimum of one among the quirkiest festivals you'll come around anywhere within the planet - Rural Olympics, Qila Raipur may be a tremendous village whose love for sports and recreation is unmatched anywhere else in the country.
The small village is found just 15 km from the town of Ludhiana in Punjab and is like all other villages of the state with huge fields of wheat and mustard that stretch as far as eyes can see, and a particular calmness and peace about it, apart from the three days of February when the village transforms into a hub of sports, enthusiasm, and celebration. Qila Raipur is legendary everywhere on the planet for its celebration of rural sports and lifestyle in its event dubbed because of the Rural Olympics. Since its inception in 1933, the festival may be a work of art of all sports festivals.
The festival may be a bizarre yet grand affair, where sports lovers from far and wide flock by to witness the joys and action. The event which unfolds in three days sees all farming activities suspended and male members of the Punjabi households participating in numerous sports activities. Participants come from all parts of the state and therefore the neighboring states too to flaunt their prowess and athleticism. Along with sports one also can see the celebration of Punjabi rural life with renditions of Punjabi ethnic music and dances.
It was in 1933, Philanthropist Inder Singh Grewal visualized an annual recreational meet where farmers from areas surrounding Qila Raipur could get together and test their corporal endurance. The idea gave birth to Qila Raipur Sports, the undisputed "Rural Olympics''. In over six decades the festival has grown from a toddler to a prancing, energetic youthful organization. It is one of the places to visit in Ludhiana.
8. Bhir
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is Bhir.
A famous mosque is present at Bhir. It was inbuilt in the year 1911 by Mohammad Ghori. Bhir also features a 150-year-old Khangah of Abdul Rehman. The mausoleum of Alawal Khan is additionally present at Bhir. It was built during the rule of Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is octagonal and is topped over by a double pear-shaped dome.
Another famous structure is the tomb of Bahadur Khan. It has sloping walls. The double tomb of Hussain Khan is additionally present. Other well-known places are the Bilwan Wali Masjid and therefore the mosque of Kamal-ud-din Khan.
9. Nehru Rose Garden
Nehru garden may be a beautifully landscaped garden within the heart of the town Ludhiana. Sprawling over an area of 27 acres, this popular tourist attraction is home to over 17000 plants and 1600 varieties of roses.
The vast lawns are a perfect picnic spot with water fountains around them. Every night the fountains are illuminated with colorful lights and music. Although being one of the oldest and largest leisure spots in Ludhiana, established within the year 1967, it's the foremost verdure space within the vicinity. The garden may be a paradise for morning walkers and joggers. It provides an area for jogging and walking tracks within the enclosure. Apart from the fountains and landscape, the garden holds a planetarium at its entrance, boat rides within the artificial pool, and a mini zoo.
The leisure activities keep children and kids engaged by providing a while to relax for the adults. Hence, it makes itself a perfect spot for all age groups. The annual rose festival, one of the foremost significant cultural events held per annum attracts thousands of tourists around India. It is one of the best places to visit in Ludhiana.
10. Phillaur Fort
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is Phillaur Fort.
The Phillaur Fort, a logo of the potent heritage of Punjab, lies within the Phillaur town of Ludhiana city. It is situated on the banks of River Sutlej. It is also famous because of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort. Created by an Italian engineer, the fort was designed by Dewan Mokham Chand to serve the aim of a military fortress for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, afterward, the Punjab Police took control of the structure.
The 200-year-old fort is now being operated as a police training center and as a Finger Print Bureau. What holds the eye of the visitors is the European style of architecture of the fort. The channels dugout along the boundary of the fort, the four bastions on the four nooks, the watchtowers on the two gateways, and therefore the high walls around the fort make it an ultimate defensive construction. The fort is also considered a holy place by Muslims as it exhibits Pir-i-Dastgir’s shrine. He is also famous as Abdul Kadir Galani.
The fort also houses the tombs of several Muslim icons as of the members of Shah Shuja’s family. The Phillaur Fort has more to supply to its guests. One may visit the Dargah inside the fort or enjoy it at the golf links.
11. Punjab Agriculture University Museum
The Punjab Agriculture University Museum on the outskirts of Ludhiana displays artifacts from the varied era of rural Punjab. The museum which was highly inspired by the open-air museum in Copenhagen is a superb insight into traditional Punjab. It resembles the normal houses in rural Punjab with long paths flanked by water channels on either side.
The Museum is a hybrid of the agricultural and cultural portrayal of Punjab where one can visit the goat farm, cow farm, and horse farm. The models of miniature mountains, rivers, and water reservoirs are the crowd-pleasers. The exhibit has a long path with water channels on both sides and a beautiful facade in its 4000sq.ft of land. The 100-yard long path makes thanks to the etched wooden door of the museum with which holds the antique repertoire of the 18th century Punjab. This historic building houses a rare object made from six layers of camel skin.
The culture of Punjab comes alive at the museum because it features traditional instruments like Tumba, Sarangi, Vanjhali, and nagara. It is an ideal setting to know the socio-economic and non-secular lifetime of the yesteryears. It is one of the best places to visit in Ludhiana.
12. Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon
Looking for peace, this is the perfect place to visit in Ludhiana for you.
Famous because the memoir of Guru Gobind Singh, Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon is situated on the banks of Nanaksar Sarovar in Ludhiana. In the year 1975, Sikh Saint Baba alongside his followers established the Gurudwara in Kaleran. A dominant feature of this shrine is that the annual festival is held per annum for five days in August. It is attended by nearly one-lakh devotees.
This beautifully structured edifice houses three separate shrines around its premises namely Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Pehli, Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Chhevin, and Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Dasvin. Located 38 km from Ludhiana, this six-story structure is beautifully architectured with large marble floors and a Sanctum. The nearby villages offer the Langar, a communal meal of Sikhs to the Gurdwara hence the place isn't just known for its peace and solace but also brotherhood.
The Prakash Divas of Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Hargobind Ji, and Shahidi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev Ji alongside the Jor Mela are the significant festivities that are celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm from 13th-17th of January per annum. With an international audience from the United Kingdom, Canada, USA, and Germany, the Gurdwara may be a Shrine rather than just a pilgrim site.
13. Alamgir
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is Alamgir.
The village of Alamgir is situated around 10 km from the city center of Ludhiana. The highlight of this village is Shri Manji Sahib Gurudwara, more commonly referred to as Alamgir Gurudwara. This place holds great significance within the historical background of Sikhism.
The Gurudwara reflects yet one more landmark within the lifetime of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The backstory of this famous Sikh pilgrimage site is quite interesting. Guru Gobind Singh was pursued by the Mughal Army, and it had been at this place where he paused and rested, blessing it alongside his presence.
The langar hall of Shri Manji Sahib is among the most important langar halls of all the Sikh shrines with the capacity to serve many people for free of charge in one go. Like all other Sikh pilgrimage sights, Alamgir Gurudwara offers top-notch cleanliness and hygiene. Gurudwara Manji Sahib may be a pilgrimage site also as a tourist destination, both for its sacredness and therefore the piece of Sikh history that it offers.
14. Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib
Gurudwara Manji Sahib may be a significant pilgrim site for devotees; it's said to be one of the foremost religious shrines in Punjab. Situated within the village of Alamgir, it's also referred to as Alamgir Sahib.
A prominent highlight of this place is that the palanquin (Manji) that carried Guru to his place which is to date preserved within the Bhora Sahib (underground shrine), hence the name Manji Sahib. In 1761, Guru Gobind Singh reached Alamgir soon after the Mughals executed his mother and siblings. Upon arriving at the village, it's reported that the Guru shot an arrow into the bottom from which a spring appeared.
A lady with leprosy who bathed there in spring was cured. Ever since then, the place is understood as "Tissar" or Arrow Lake. It is prophesied that whoever visits the holy spring with faith is going to be cured of his worries and pain. The guru was also presented with a horse by a faithful follower. Apart from the holiness of the location, many locals and tourists visit this place for Langar, a communal meal that caters to many people a day. Gurudwara Manji Sahib may be a spirit of service to humanity. Another peaceful place to visit in Ludhiana.
15. Panorama (Park Plaza)
A restaurant of Park Plaza hotel in Ludhiana, Panorama even has some delicious buffet to serve on. From South Indian to North Indian cuisine, Panorama serves all at just one occasion consistent with your taste.
One can enjoy the buffet alongside great music in Ludhiana at Panorama of Park Plaza hotel. It is one of the places to visit in Ludhiana.
16. Bistro 226
The next on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is Bistro 226, one of the foremost famous restaurants in Ludhiana. Known well for its freshly prepared and delicious food the cafe offers an ideal place to spend quality time while enjoying the food.
The place is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Ludhiana and has a vibrant theme that attracts young people easily.
17. The Yellow Chilli
The Yellow Chilli is one of the buffet restaurants in Ludhiana. The restaurant provides a wide variety of delicious cuisines. The place focuses on a variety of traditional dishes and is legendary mainly due to its spicy and delicious north Indian food.
The place forms a typical family restaurant in Ludhiana due to its homely interior and also because of the taste of the food. It is one of the best places to visit in Ludhiana for a foodie.
18. Barbeque Nation
The last one on the list of places to visit in Ludhiana is none other than Barbeque Nation.
Barbeque Nation clicks in mind when people in Ludhiana think of possessing a yummilicious buffet. Although it's been known for its Non-veg buffet, it also serves some delicious veg buffet in Ludhiana. With this sort of food, Barbeque Nation in Ludhiana city also takes care of the taste of their buffet. It is one of the places to visit in Ludhiana.
Ludhiana is legendary for its industry of shawls and stoles and satisfies the demand of major domestic and international brands. As a result of its dominance within the textile industry, it's often dubbed because of the Manchester of India.
The music of Punjab reflects the traditions of the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, currently divided into two parts: East Punjab and West Punjab. Punjab has diverse kinds of music, ranging from folk and Sufi to classical, notably the Patiala Gharana. Ludhianvis are very keen on fun and delight. There are many people's dances of which the Bhangra, Gidda, and Jhumur are the most famous. The style of Punjabi dances ranges from very high energy to slow and reserved, and there are specific styles for men and ladies. Some of the dances are secular while others are presented in religious contexts. The dances are typically performed sometimes of celebration, like harvest (Vaisakhi), weddings, melas (festivals) like Lohri, Jashan-e-Baharan (Spring Festival), etc., at which most are encouraged to bop. Married Punjabi couples usually dance together. The husband dances within the sort of male Punjabi dances, frequently with arms raised, and therefore the wife dances within the sort of female Punjabi dances.
One can find the only Punjabi kind of cooking in Ludhiana that provides beautiful recipes for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The cuisine here is the legendary world over for Tandoori cooking. Experts say that the food culture of Ludhiana has been influenced by Mughlai style by and large, but has undergone tons of change within the hands of the local population. The staple diet of the region is wheat, although rice could also be cooked on special occasions. Aloo Matar, Sarson da Saag-Makki di Roti, Choley Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Dodha, Lassi are some of the famous foods of Ludhiana.
Being an area of rich cultural heritage, Ludhiana is legendary for its art and craft. Punjab possesses an upscale and hoary tradition of decorative designs and handicrafts. The general flock, especially the women, of Punjab is generally very fond of plastering their wall with the mud and engraves the ferns, plants, and many other fascinating elements. This is one of the classiest examples that you simply can get to make sure the very fact that art and craft are in their blood.
They have also acquired a high degree of experience in making fashionable colorful paper pots which will be wont to store various home items. In the very recent past, a little section of the Ludhiana population wanted to earn their livelihoods by weaving unique carpets of varied designs, crafted out of the straws of Sarcanda grasses. The young girls within the villages use to earn their livelihoods by weaving the bedspreads and floor spreads out of cotton.
They are so nice and unique that no tourist will return home without buying one from any of those small-scale manufacturing units. Wall hangings and therefore the needlework of Punjab are simply out of any question. Once upon a time these invaluable works were restricted to the state only but have now entered the international market.
These are some of the charms of Ludhiana, that one must go and explore. The above-mentioned are some of the best places to visit in Ludhiana. Do share your views about these places in the comment box.
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