Important information Patiala

Patiala

It was founded in 1753, by Maharaja Ala Singh and named Patiala, literally the territory (pati) of Ala. In 1948, it became the capital of a new state, PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), created by merging the princely states of East Punjab. The rulers of Patiala were great patrons of art and crafts, which made the city an important centre of Punjabi language and culture.

Tourist Acctration in Patiala

• Qila Mubarak
• Moti Bagh Palace
• Sheesh Mahal
• Baradari Gardens
• Kali Devi Temple
• Gurudwar a Dukh Niwar an Sahib
• Bhadurgarh Fort 

Qila Mubarak : The fort in the heart of the town was built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh at the site ofakuchi-garhi. The royal family also resided here and the residential area was known as 'Qila Androon' or the Inner Fort. The palaces are adorned with fine murals painted by artists from Kangra and Rajasthan. The Durbar Hall, to the right of the entrance was built later and is noted for its beautifully ornament ceiling and fine murals. It houses a museum displaying a historic collection of weapons.

The bustling bazar around the fort is a treasure - trove for shopper's. The shopping list comprises of specialities of Patiala - exquisitely embroidered leather shoes (jutties), tasselled silken braid (pirandis) and brightly embroideredp/iw/fcari fabrics etc.

Moti Bagh Palace : The magnificent palace in Indo-Saracenic style was completed in early 20th century and is one of the largest residences in Asia. It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens and water channels. The main palace now houses theNational Institute of Sports and Sports Museum.

Sheesh Mahal: The charming palace near a small lake was built during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862). Its interiors are beautifully embellished with pieces of glass and mirror (sheesh). An Art Gallery here displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala. World's largest collection of medals, decoration and orders of various countries are exhibited here.

Baradari Gardens: The graceful garden was laid-out in the late 19th century, by prince Rajinder Singh. It also has a rock garden and a fern house.

Kali Devi Temple: It is located opposite Baradari garden on the Mall Road. The painted chamber of the shrine is a protected monument.

Gurudwar a Dukh Niwar an Sahib: The famous gurudwara marks the site, where Guru Teg Bahadur ji rested on his way to Delhi to embrace martyrdom.

Bhadurgarh Fort (6 kms.) : It was originally founded in 1658, by Nawab Saif Khan. The present structure was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patialam 1837.

Important information Around Fatehgarh

Tourist Acctration in Around Fatehgarh

• Sanghol
• Sirhind
• Aam Khas Bagh
• Rauza Sharif 

Sanghol

The archaeological site north of Fatehgarh Sahib is said to have flourished 3,000 years ago and was known as Sangal-Dwip. It became an important settlement between 1 st and 6th century, under the patronage of Kushans and the Guptas. The Sanghol Museum exhibits archaeological finds recovered from various sites of the State. A stupa and monastery here dates back to 1 st -2nd century.

Sirhind (5 kms.)

It was an important town during the reign of Tughlaqs and the Pathan Sur dynasty. The town flourished under Mughals till 1 709. It suffered immensely between 1 709 and 1 763, due to frequent clashes between the rising Sikh power and the Mughals. It is dotted with a number of mosques and mausolea, the important ones are - tombs of Mir Miran and Taj '' of Ustad and Shagird and the mosque of Saint Butcher Sanda.

Aam Khas Bagh : This royal palatial mansion is the main attraction of Sirhind. Its construction was started by Hafiz Khan during the rule of Akbar, as a serai (highway inn) for the weary travellers and a retreat for the royalty. Later, Jehangir and Shah Jahan further developed this graceful structure. It fell into ruins after the battles between Sikhs and Mughals and has now been restored and converted into a tourist complex.

Rauza Sharif : The mausoleum marks the burial site of Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmad Faruqui Sirhind.

Important information Fatehgarh Saib

 Fatehgarh Saib 

The historic Sikh pilgrim centre is named after Baba Fateh Singhji, the younger son of Guru Gobind Singhji.

Tourist Acctration in Fatehgarh Saib

•  Gurudwara   Fatehgarh   Sahib
• Gurudwara   Jyothi Sarup

Gurudwara   Fatehgarh   Sahib :The beautifuarul white guradwara marks the site where Zorawar Singh (9 years old) and Fateh Singh (7 years old), the two younger son's of Guru Gobind Singh ji were entombed alive inside an enclosure of brick and cement. They preferred martyrdom instead of embracing Islam under the pressure of the Nawab of Sirhind. A large number of pilgrims visit the shrine throughout the year.

Gurudwara  Jyothi Sarup: It is built on the site where Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh and their grandmother Mata Gujri were cremated

Important information Around Anandpur Saib

Tourist Acctration in  Around Anandpur Saib 

• Kiratpur Sahib
• Bhakra Dam 

Kiratpur Sahib (11 kms.)

The sacred city was founded in 1627, by Sri Hargobindji, the sixth Sikh Guru. It is also associated with Pir Budhan Shah, a Muslim saint known for his very long life. Sri Hargobind, Sri Har Rai and Sri Har Kishan, the three Sikh Guru were cremated here.

Bhakra Dam (35 kms.)

It is considered to be the world's highest straight gravity concrete dam. A large number of tourists visit the dam site, the huge reservoir named Gobind Sagar reservoir and well laid-out gardens nearby.

Important information Anandpur Sahib

 Anandpur Sahib

The 'City of Bliss' set on the left bank of the river Sutlej with Naina Devi mountain in its backdrop is a major Sikh pilgrim centre. It was founded in 1665, by Guru Tegh Bahadurji, near the ruins of an ancient place Called Makhowal. Guru Gobind Singhji, the tenth Sikh Guru (1666 -1708), spent about 25 years of his life over here and ] under him the town attained great importance. The annual Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla, is the main event of Anandpur Sahib. The highlight of the celebrations is the spectacular j display of martial traditions by the Nihangs.

Tourist Acctration in  Anandpur Sahib

• Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib
• Gurudwara Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (Sis Ganj)
• Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib

Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib : On the auspicious day of Baisakhi (13th April, 1699), i Guru Gobind Singhji, founded the 'Khalsa' or the 'Army of Pure' over here. He baptised the first five Sikh volunteers to help him defend the faith and called them the 'Panj Piare' or the five beloved ones. The magnificent guradwara is one of the Panj or five Takhts of | Sikh faith. It also enshrines 12 weapons of Guru Gobind Singhji.

Gurudwara Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (Sis Ganj) : The hallowed head of Guru Tegh Bahadurji was cremated here with full rituals on 16th November 1675. He was executed ' by the Mughals at Delhi and the head was brought here by Bhai Jaita.

Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib : It was the fort and residence of Guru Gobind Singhji. The daily light and sound show held in the evening depicts scenes from the lives and the ; times of the Sikh Gurus.

Important information Around Amritsar

Tourist Acctration in Around  Amritsar

• RamTirth
• TarnTaran
• Wagah Border 

RamTirth(llkms.)

It is believed to be the site of the Ashram of Maharishi Balmiki, the legendary sage who composed the great epic Ramayana. Sita, the consort of Lord Rama is said to have stayed here and gave birth to the twin sons, Luv and Kush. The pilgrim centre has an ancient tank and many temples.

TarnTaran(22 kms.)

The famous golden domed Guradwara at Tarn Taran was built by Sri Arjan Dev ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. The water of the holy pool is said to possess miraculous powers, especially for those suffering from leprosy.

Wagah Border (28 kms.)

hs The spectacular ceremony of "Beating the Retreat" held every evening at Wagah border 2 near Attari has become an important tourist attraction on both sides of the of the Indo -j£ Pak border. A number of buses ply between Amritsar and Attari.

Important information Amritsar

Amritsar

Amritsar, the 'Spiritual Capital of Punjab' is one of the most important Sikh pilgrim centres in the country. It was founded in 1577, by Guru Ram Das and was later named as Amritsar, after the sacred pond - Amrit Sarovar or the'Pool of Nectar’

Tourist Acctration in Amritsar

• Golden Temple Complex
• Jallianwala Bagh 
• Durgiana Mandir or Lakshmi Narain Temple 
• Ram Bagh Garden

Golden Temple Complex : The Golden Temple magnificent temple complex set in the 'heart' of Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikhs. Its foundation was laid in 1588, by the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev ji on a small island in the waters of Amrit Sarovar and was consecrated on August 16, 1604. The temple was virtually destroyed in 1761, by Ahmad Shah Abdali, an Afghan invader. It was restored between 1803 and 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a great Sikh ruler. The gurudwara complex is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture and is regarded as one of the most tastefully decorated shrines of the world. Darshani Deori, the northern gateway with two splendidly carved silver doors is the main entrance. It also houses the Central Sikh Museum. The main shrine called as Harmandar or Darbar Sahib is set in the middle of sacred Amrit Sarovar pond. The original copy of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs is kept covered under a jewelled canopy at the Darbar Sahib during the day and is returned ceremoniously to the Akal Takht at night. Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the dome of the shrine in gold and embellished the interiors with lavish decorations. Guru-ka-Langar, the massive community kitchen overlooking the eastern entrance of the temple complex is a must visit site.

Jallianwala Bagh : The beautiful walled garden near [ the Golden Temple complex is a major landmark in the history of India's struggle for independence. The Martyr's Memorial built in the shape of an eternal flame of liberty has become a pilgrim site for every Indian. On April 13,1919, Gen. R. Dyer ordered firing on a peaceful gathering here. A section of wall with bullet marks is still preserved. The exact number of deaths is still unclear, but the official figure show only 379 people killed and 1,200 injured. The small Martyr's Gallery exhibits the pictures and newspaper reports as well as other first hand accounts of this ghastly event.

Durgiana Mandir or Lakshmi Narain Temple : This important   shrine   dedicated   to   Goddess   Durga resembles the famous Golden Temple.

Ram Bagh Garden: The small palace surrounded by a beautiful garden was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It houses a museum displaying weapons dating back to Mughals and portraits of various dynasties of Punjab.