Whenever we hear the word Punjab, the rich fields of mustard and the energetic aura of the Punjabis come to our minds. The way Punjabis stay connected to their roots and fill the place with their exuberant personality is a wonder to behold. To know more about their culture, you should know these 10 famous places in Punjab which you can visit with family and friends.

The 10 Famous Places to Visit in Punjab

Punjab is one of the oldest and the richest cultures in the world. The state’s architecture hides so many stories behind its walls. The soil holds many vibrant traditions, values, and history in every particle. You can sit with a random old person, and he will tell you tons of stories about Punjab.

All these famous places in Punjab will teach you about the history, culture, and values of the state called the ‘Land of the Five Rivers’. Every place has a story, you just have to be a good listener and remember it. Punjab will for sure teach you about love and hatred, war and peace.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple is the heart of Punjab, it is the most significant proof of the richness of Punjab. You can feel the soothing aura of the place just by listening to the name. Visiting Golden Temple is for sure once in a lifetime dream of every person that they have to fulfill. It is also known as Harmandir Sahib.

It is located in Amritsar, which is known for its cultural and religious value in Punjab. This Sikh pilgrimage is a tourist attraction for millions of tourists worldwide. Just like a flock of birds, devotees visit this shining golden religious site to seek blessings. 

This golden-domed temple; a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture is the central hub for Sikh religious activities. It is a Sikh belief that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, had a vision regarding the presence of the divine at the site, which was the reason why the Golden Temple holds so much spiritual significance. It is one of the extravagant famous places in Punjab.

Jallianwala Bagh

I know many of you might instantly remember the massacre of 1919 when thousands of innocent people were killed by the British. It is proof of the atrocities of the British and now has become an established memorial site for the Indians who were shot. 

This historical garden is home to a museum, gallery, and several structures that are proof of one of the most deadly massacres in human history. The main attraction is the Martyr’s Well, many people jumped in the well to escape the bullets. Along with this, the walls of the Bagh are covered with the ruins of bullet holes everywhere. These preserved structures never fail to remind the Indians of their darkest days during the fight for independence.

The Partition Museum 

 The Partition Museum is the centerpiece of the largest migration in human history. It defines the struggles during the independence when nearly 20 million people were displaced from both India and Pakistan. It is located in the town hall of Amritsar and acts as the core memory of all those who were affected by the partition of India.

So many untold stories are given a voice through this museum. Various documents, stories, and belongings of the displaced people are kept in the museum to pay tribute to the lost lives and the surviving families of those displaced, who can never forget the horrors of the migration. 

This museum holds various experiences of the surviving families in the form of oral stories, objects like jewellery, clothes, cooking utensils, and everything else that the families possessed. It is a constant reminder of the horrific most horrific event of British India.

It not only safeguards the memory of millions who lost their lives but also of those who showed resilience to the challenging circumstances that the partition forced on them. 

Wagah Border

Wagah Border is the international border and an army outpost that separates India and Pakistan. A very famous place to visit for its historical significance and the extraordinary military ceremony that takes place everyday. 

The migrants used the Wagah Border during the independence of India in 1947. It lies on the famous Grand Trunk Road that connects Amritsar and Lahore. Apart from its historical significance, it is well known for the Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Border Ceremony.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum 

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is a popular museum located in the middle of Ram Bagh Garden in Amritsar. It is another main attraction of Punjab which was originally the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first king of the Sikh Empire. 

The museum is a treasure of history, art, and the architecture of the Sikhs in the past. A mind map to the extravagant lifestyle of the Maharaja. It takes you on a historical ride with the museum displays like objects used by the Maharaja and his family, rare paintings, and centuries-old coins and manuscripts.

Even though every painting in the museum is a sight to behold, one particular painting of Lahore is the most famous of all. Every object displayed has a story of its own. You can learn about the rich culture of Sikhism through this Museum’s collections.

Rangla Punjab Haveli

Rangla Punjab Haveli is the illustrator of the rich culture of Punjab. In the state Rangla Punjab means the colourful and lively roots of Punjab. This is not just a famous tourist attraction but a huge canvas of the colourful heritage and culture of rural Punjab, painted to preserve the roots of the state. 

It is also known as the ‘Melting Pot of Punjab’s Culture’ which showcases what Punjab exactly is from the inside. You will get to read the whole book of Punjab’s culture while visiting this place. Some important traditions include:

1. Gidha Bhangra: The traditional folk dance of Punjab is filled with energy. The women perform Gidda while the men perform Bhangra.
2. Khoo diya Tinda: It was used in earlier houses as a decor, mostly in pind areas.
3. Haar-Shingar di Hatti: A collage of colorful artistic and traditional artifacts. Ranging from juttis to phulkaris.
4. Punjab Da Julaha: Revisit the older times with weaving of khadi cloth as a live demonstration.
5. Bhand: Fall off your seats with laughter with these traditional funny performances by artists. These live joyful performances have been entertaining Punjabis for generations. The acting, and dialogue delivery, will make you laugh without even trying. 

Witness the liveliness of Punjabi culture in Rangla Punjab Haveli, one of the culturally rich and famous places in Punjab. 

Virasat-e-Khalsa

Virasat-e-Khalsa is a museum in Anandpur Sahib which was earlier known as Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex. It holds an important significance for the Sikh community. The museum is home to some insightful events that occurred in Punjab 500 years ago. These events gave birth to Sikhism and to the Khalsa Panth. 

The museum is a philosophical retreat that envisions the message of peace and brotherhood by the great gurus of Sikhism. It includes various scriptures written by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the last Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism.

Harike Wetland

Harike Wetland is also known as Hari-ke-Pattan. It is the largest wetland in North India situated near the border of Tarn Taran Sahib. This man-made wetland has a rich biodiversity and is home to various species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

This beautiful wetland is a definition of peace and an abundance of vibrant floating vegetation which includes flowers like Water hyacinth, The Lotus, and many more which makes the site look like a dreamland. Also, recently the Indus Dolphin, which was declared to be extinct, was spotted in the Harike Wetland which is considered a significant discovery. 

Shri Devi Talab Mandir

Shri Devi Talab Mandir is a Hindu temple of Goddess Durga. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of the goddess. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas in India. It is the spot where Maa Sati’s right breast had fallen.

Inside this temple there is a structure like the Amarnath Temple, a temple of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a 200-year-old pond at the center of the temple premises. People consider it as   its most astounding feature. Immerse yourself in the divinity of Maa Durga and the glistening water of the ancient pond. 

The Qila Mubarak

The Qila Mubarak is one of the most famous historical monuments in Punjab. It also recognizes as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Dated back to around 1200 AD, it is the oldest surviving fort in India. 

All bricks used for the fort are as old as the Kushana period. It is the only witness that confirms the existence of Razia Sultana– the first and the only woman emperor of Delhi. 

Furthermore, it is also known as the Bathinda Fort, it is a must-visit to know about the lost glories and the existence of emperors and kings. The walls and the ceilings truly define surviving various wars and the changing times. 

If these three historical monuments are not enough to quench your thirst of knowing Punjab’s history then visit these 10 Historic Palaces and Forts in Punjab You Must Visit.

Final Note

Punjab might become one of your favourite destinations if you want a lively escape. The rich history and culture of Punjab is one to behold. The grounded people and their energetic aura can lift up anyone’s dull face. The famous places in Punjab that I have mentioned are the propagators of Punjab’s culture and heritage. These are constant reminders of its rich history of struggles and glories.

You might be asking yourself how you can reach the mountainous, filled with breathtaking views, the beautiful place called Manali from your well-planned city, filled with high-end nightclubs and amazing nightlife city Chandigarh. Tag along with me and discover how to reach Manali from Chandigarh.

Manali is no less than Kashmir when it comes to heaven on earth. It is filled with ecstatic views and a peaceful aura, away from the bustling crowds and city life. It is an absolute wonder for those who have not experienced village life or seen snow-capped mountains and beautiful green meadows. You can experience everything when you visit Manali. 

How to reach Manali from Chandigarh

Although you can reach Manali via many means from Chandigarh, many are still clueless about how to reach Manali from Chandigarh. For my unaware friends, keep the following routes and transport in mind to reach the popular tourist destination, Manali.

Even though thousands of tourists travel to Manali, they have to travel by bus or personal transport as the famous hill station does not have a railway station or an airport of its own. Many of us consider train the best medium of transportation for long routes, but for Manali, you have no choice other than to travel by car or bus. 

Traveling By Bus

Traveling by bus is the most affordable ride for Manali. The minimum hours it takes to reach Manali from Chandigarh is about 7 hours. If you want to reach Manali faster, then you can hail a cab to Mandi and then book a bus seat to Manali. This will take you about 6 hours to reach your destination.

If you decide to take the faster route, you will get to experience not a single but two destinations. Taking a little detour and extending your vacation is worth it when the moments are memorable. I’m sure many of you might not know this, but Mandi is also known as ‘’Chotti Kashi’’ due to its similarity with Varanasi.

Mandi has various ghats on the bank of the Beas River and various temples of Lord Shiva near them, which gives off the impression of Varanasi. Anyone who visits Mandi wonders along the lines of the cultural, traditional, and architectural heritage of this cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh. 

Anyways! If you are okay with traveling by bus, without feeling cramped or nauseous, then it’s the perfect ride for you. Traveling by bus has its perks, you get to observe so many different lives. A stranger sitting next to you might also be going to Manali. Who knows you might develop a bond and travel together!

 I feel, buses are the best transport for solo traveling, but the price differs according to the type of bus you have booked. If you don’t want to get off at two places and directly want your feet to touch the greenery of Manali then there are 31 direct buses from Chandigarh to Manali. Some of these buses are:

1. Leo Travel Heights- They provide you with a blanket, charging point, and water bottle.
2. Himachal Volvo Bus Service
3. HRTC
4. Indo Canadian Tpt Co
5. Himachal Tourist Volvo Bus
6. Himachal Holiday Tours

The trip will cost you around Rs 899 to Rs 900, depending on the bus service.

You need to keep in mind that traveling by bus means you cannot explore little pockets of places during the journey. The bus won’t stop wherever you want it to, so it might be a secondary option for travelers who are free birds and like to explore every part of the journey. 

Travel By Cab

If you have a good budget and can afford a more comfortable medium, then you can travel by cab too. Travel alone or with your gang, it will be a wonderful journey. Book your cab from Chandigarh Airport and experience the best road trip. Also, cabs are safer as the drivers know the routes.

 So, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery outside or sing along with your friends while crossing the mountains on your way. A one-way trip from Chandigarh to Manali costs around Rs 3600 to Rs 4500 (the minimal fare). It differs according to the season, day, and time you have planned your trip.

The type of car you book also decides the amount of the trip, depending on your requirements. Nonetheless, the journey will be unforgettable and a smooth one too.

Travel by Car

Now, my friends who like to travel in their vehicles, you need to keep a few things in mind for a smooth and hassle-free road trip.

• If you are from Chandigarh and want to travel through Rohtang Pass, you can’t travel without a permit.
• You need to have a special permit from the Manali SDM office, or the Manali Union.
• This is because non- Himachal vehicles are not allowed to cross the barrier for Rohtang Pass.

I’m sure you would definitely not want to miss the thrill of passing through the Atal Tunnel and therefore you should get the pass for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Rohtang Pass. If by any chance you feel like visiting Shimla, before going to Manali then these 10 Must-Visit Dhabas on the Chandigarh-Shimla Highway are the best ones for the ultimate taste.

Best Routes to Reach Manali from Chandigarh

Transportation depends on one’s preference but selecting the best route for a smooth journey needs to be shared for convenient traveling. I would suggest you not to visit Himachal, especially the hilly areas during monsoons. Monsoons bring with them lots of landslides and roadblocks along with the heavy downpour. Then even these routes won’t help you to reach Manali fast. Enjoy Himachal’s beauty in summers, when nature is in full bloom, and in winter when snow transcends the mountains.  Here are the best routes for you.

Route 1: Through NH3

This is the shortest and the fastest route to reach Manali faster from Chandigarh. It is the most preferred route to travel by tourists. However, anything that gives results faster always has some troubles too. During peak seasons, it is highly packed with traffic due to its popularity. 

Nonetheless, NH3 has standard highway tolls, and the road condition is much better than other routes since it has fewer landslides and road closures. 

You will pass the following places if you take this route:

• Nalagarh
• Bilaspur
• Mandi
• Kullu
• Naggar
• Manali

This route will take you about 8 hours to cover a distance of 299 km from Chandigarh to Manali. Apart from just reaching one destination, you can enjoy some detours too. On taking this route you can explore the following places too:

1. Gobind Sagar Lake
2. Prashar Lake, Mandi
3. Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan Valley
4. Chandrakhani Pass, Kullu

Enjoy a good meal on your way in:

1. Bahadur Ka Dhaba, Bilaspur
2. Chawla’s, Mandi

Route 2: Through NH154 

A bit longer route than the previous one, with moderate traffic on the way. This is why it makes traveling a bit slow. So, before traveling check for the latest updates on road traffic, for an uninterrupted experience. 

The road map for traveling through this route is: 

• Dharampur
• Barmana
• Mandi
• Kullu
• Manali

This route will take you about 8 hours 58 min to cover a distance of 308 km from Chandigarh to Manali. Now onto some detours on the way to Manali:

1. Kasauli
2. Kalka- Shimla Railway
3. Pinjore Gardens

Enjoy the delicacies of these few eating spots on the way:

1. Heritage Haveli, Rupnagar
2. Shelly Restaurant, Kalka 
3. Kasauli Cafe, Kasauli

Other Means to Reach Manali 

Even though there is no direct route for trains and flights to Manali, if still you are willing to travel through either then keep the following route in mind.

Reaching Manali by Train

• No direct trains are available from Chandigarh to Manali.
• You can catch a train from Chandigarh to Joginder Nagar, near Bir Billing.
• From there you will have to travel by bus or car to reach Manali. 
• However, it will take you nearly 20 hours of traveling.

Reaching Manali by Flight

• Flights from Chandigarh to Manali are not regular enough.
• The drop-off is at the Kullu-Manali airport.
• It only takes about 4 hours to reach Manali by air, depending on the route.
• However, it might cost you the whole trip if you book flights during peak seasons. It costs between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10,000.
• It all depends on the route, and the season you want to travel in. 

Final Note

Visit this beautiful destination with friends and family or do solo traveling, everything is an experience of its own when visiting Manali. This quick guide for how to reach Manali from Chandigarh is just a brief of the routes and the transport you can choose if visiting the place. Everyone experiences things differently so enjoy the journey that will lead you to this beautiful destination at the end. 

Panchkula, a city in Haryana is known for its natural beauty and greenery. Named as the only city in Haryana to be covered with forest is perhaps not an understatement at all. Apart from just being known for the same, it offers many places to explore too. Let me take you to the 10 places to visit in Panchkula.

If you are in Chandigarh and also want to explore some other places and don’t know where to begin, then I have the perfect treat for you. Panchkula is also known as ‘‘The City of Five Canals’’, with its well-planned structure and surrounding greenery, it is a perfect peaceful retreat for you!

Places to Visit in Panchkula

Panchkula is a part of the Tricity which includes Chandigarh and Mohali as the other two. Every city has its own uniqueness with something different to offer. Panchkula is also known for some of its famous places which can be visited anytime throughout the year but best if visited from February to June. If you ever feel hungry in the middle of your exploration of these places you can visit these Top 8 Best Restaurants in Panchkula: A Foodie’s Guide

Mata Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi temple is built in the heart of the city. It is also known as holy Shakti Peeth and lies in the lapse of nature. The structure is very old and was built in the 1800s. The temple is situated on the foothills of Shivalik hills. It is built of white marble with a peepal tree, which is also called the sacred fig.

Every city in India has a temple in its vicinity, which serves as the center of the city. Temples are the holy places where one can attain peace and experience the existence of the higher form. 

Even though Mansa Devi temple situated in Panchkula, it is spread across Bilaspur which makes it covering areas of two different states. According to the Hindu mythology, the head of Devi Sati had fallen where the temple was built. 

Morni Hills

Morni Hills is the only hill station in Haryana, in Panchkula. People who like to explore the unexplored places filled with flora and fauna, should never miss these hills. Even though there are no monuments or anything as such, the landscape’s serenity is enough to make you feel at peace. 

It has a lake known as Tikkar Tal, which might become your favorite spot for spending some quality time with your loved ones. Enjoy the comfort of nature and the natural sound of the landscape. 

Morni Hills offers you more than just this. It also has a Fort known as the Morni Fort. It was built in the 17th century and also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Furthermore, the Hills also has an amusement park. The children as well as the adults can enjoy themselves while exploring the different props in the park.

Gurudwara Nada Sahib

Gurudwara Nada Sahib is situated in Shivalik hills, known for its calm environment. It holds an important place in Sikhism, and it is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, rested at the place while travelling to Anandpur Sahib. 

Pinjore Gardens

Pinjore Gardens is also known as Yadavindra Gardens. It is one of the oldest places in the city built in the 17th century. Very well known for various extraordinary attractions while also holding a great value in Indian mythology.

It offers a nice getaway, away from the city crowd. According to the legends, Pandavas had rested in the place on their journey to exile. The whole place is filled with fountains from start to finish. At the end of the walk, there is a royal residence known as Sheesh Mahal, where the ladies of the royal family stayed.

Cactus Garden

Cactus garden is not just a garden but a research center as well. It is known for its rare and endangered species of cactus. The garden is home to over 3,500 species of cactus which includes Opuntias, Ferocactus, Mammillarias and many more. 

The garden is the largest one in the whole Asia. It is a good place to visit with family. The children as well as the parents can learn about cacti in depth and get to observe the endangered species of the plant.

Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani is one of the iconic places to visit in Panchkula. It is a village, designed to empower the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. I’m sure you must have guessed it by the name itself.

The village is built with mud houses referring to the old tradition of building houses in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is well known for its extravagant hospitality which can be seen in this small village. It is surrounded by natural beauty while organizing folk dance, folk songs performed by the local artists. 

Furthermore, you can get the snippets of Rajasthan from the place, with its delicious Rajasthani food along with camel rides and the famous kathputli shows. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience bits and pieces of Rajasthan.

Bhima Devi Temple

Bhima Devi Temple, also known as Khajuraho of North India for its unusual and titillating sculptures. It comprises the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple. Most of the sculptures were destroyed by the Mughal rulers but whatever is left is now considered as a protected monument under the ‘Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.’

The temple is dated back to the 8th to 11th century, covering up to 100 antique monuments of the past. The temple is well known for its antiquity, home to the ruins of Hindu deities. It also holds lots of architectural significance with its wooden carvings and phenomenal structure. People who have a strong affection towards the history of monuments, deities and architectural structure, should definitely visit the place.

Ramgarh Fort 

Fort Ramgarh is a heritage hotel in Panchkula. It is deemed as a 4-star hotel with a significant historical background. Surrounded by the green forest of the Shivalik Range and a breathtaking view, it is your perfect destination for a sweet escape. 

As the name suggests, it is a historical fort built by Raja Ram Chander. The architecture has been preserved which gives the fort its unique aura. It is one of the most booked places in Panchkula due to its historical ambience.  

The Cove 

The Cove is a great retreat for travelers searching for a good hotel in Panchkula. It is a 4-star hotel and one of the highly recommended hotels in Panchkula. It offers an excellent series of cuisines with an extravagant interior along with a beautiful rooftop bar. All these features make it worth the visit. 

Funcity

Funcity is one of the biggest amusement and water park in North India. An energetic retreat full of adventures for families and friends. It has some thrilling and adventurous rides which everyone can enjoy endlessly. 

The park has such a vibrant atmosphere that none can resist its charm. Its water rides are enjoyable. The visitors get to savor the green hills surrounding the park. It has been a place for entertainment and fun for many years. People have the option of choosing between the water or normal rides. This is a benefit of the park which gains it a lot of popularity. 

Final Note

Panchkula is full of various experiences. From the lush green hills of Morni to the serene sound of the Tikkar Tal lake to temples rich in history, you can experience every emotion in this city. The places to visit in Panchkula have a lot of historical relevance. It can also be seen as a city to gain knowledge about certain events that shaped the history in subtle ways while enjoying the peace which makes life worth every adventure and exploration.