Historical Places in Punjab For A Colourful Holiday

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide. Founded by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, in 1577, its sanctum is adorned with gold, reflecting its name and the grandeur of Sikh architecture.

Timings: The temple is open daily from 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Entry Fee: There is no fee for entry; however, donations to support the temple's operations and the langar (community kitchen) are appreciated.

Jallianwala Bagh was a great historical place in Punjab during the Indian struggle for Independence. It is a public garden in Amritsar which houses a memorial of national importance that was established by the government of India in 1951 to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British forces on April 13, 1919.

Timings: The memorial is open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM in summers and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winters.
Entry Fee: Entry is free for all visitors.

Wagah Border is a road border between India and Pakistan. It is a famous tourist spot nowadays because of the famous beating retreat ceremony that is held every day before sunset. Almost 5,000 people visit the border to be a part of this ceremony. The flag ceremony is conducted by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers.

Timings: The Beating Retreat ceremony generally starts around 4:30 PM in winters and 5:30 PM in summers, but it's advisable to arrive at least an hour earlier to secure a good spot.
Entry Fee: There is no charge to attend the ceremony; however, VIP seating may be available at a nominal fee or through prior arrangements.

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is dedicated to the lion-hearted leader, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as the "Lion of Punjab." The museum, once the summer palace of the Maharaja, offers an insightful peek into his life and the history of the Sikh Empire through a collection of artifacts, paintings, armory, and coins.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: INR 40 per adult and INR 20 for children.

The Khair-ud-Din Masjid in Amritsar stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic heritage and architectural prowess. Established by Muhammad Khairuddin in 1876, the mosque gained prominence when Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari, raised his voice against the British from here.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM,

Gurudwara Mata Kaulan, situated adjacent to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is dedicated to a devout Sikh woman named Kaulan, who was a spiritual contemporary of Guru Hargobind Ji. Despite facing persecution for her devotion to Sikh principles, Mata Kaulan's unwavering faith earned her a special place in Sikh history. 

Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Guru Ke Mahal, nestled in the heart of Amritsar, is an ancient mansion that once served as the residence for the Sikh Gurus. Initially constructed by Guru Ram Das Ji in the 16th century, it has been the home to several successive Gurus. With time, additional chambers were added by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and the complex now stands as a poignant reflection of Sikh history.

Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Lodhi Fort, also known as Purana Qila, in Ludhiana is a testament to the grandeur of the medieval era, primarily reflecting the legacy of the Lodhi dynasty. Built by Sikander Lodhi in the 16th century, this fort stands as an epitome of the city's rich history and architectural prowess. 

Timing : 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM

Phillaur Fort, located in the Phillaur town of Punjab, stands as a symbol of Mughal and Sikh architecture. Originally designed by Dewan Mohkam Chand, a general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the fort has witnessed various historical events and transitions. Once a symbol of grandeur and military might, the fort now houses the Punjab Police Academy.

Timings:  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sheesh Mahal, situated in Patiala, Punjab, is an exquisite palace adorned with magnificent mirror work and intricate designs, epitomizing the grandeur of the erstwhile Patiala royalty. Constructed under the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh in the 19th century, the palace displays a splendid blend of Mughal and European architecture, with a remarkable collection of frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.

Timings: Usually open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for foreign nationals.

Baradari Gardens in Patiala, Punjab, is a sprawling garden enveloping the Darbar Hall and the iconic Baradari Palace. Established during the reign of Maharaja Rajinder Singh, these gardens showcase the splendor of the Patiala dynasty, adorned with gorgeous flora, manicured lawns, and aesthetically designed fountains.

Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Qila Mubarak Complex in Patiala stands as a testament to the grandeur of Punjab's royal heritage. Constructed in the 18th century, this fortress, with its series of palaces, gardens, and a beautiful mosque, showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, reflecting the rich history and culture of the era.

Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee: Indians (around INR 10-20) and foreign tourists (around INR 100-150),

Nurpur Fort, located in Punjab, showcases the grandeur of the Mughal era and stands testament to the region's historical significance. With ancient ruins, mosques, and a Krishna temple, this fort was named after Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, and has witnessed various historic events.

Shahpurkandi Fort, located in Punjab, is an ancient fort situated on the banks of the river Ravi. Built in the early 16th century by a Rajput chief, it is an embodiment of the rich historical and architectural heritage of the region. The fort's strategic location once made it a vantage point to monitor any enemy advances and control the region.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Rose Garden, officially named Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Rose Garden, is situated in Patiala, Punjab. This garden sprawls over an area of 42 acres and houses a diverse range of rose species, making it a tranquil spot for both residents and tourists.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Qila Mubarak, located in Bathinda, Punjab, stands as one of the oldest surviving forts in India, boasting a rich history dating back to the Kushana Empire. The fort's imposing structure, which has withstood numerous battles, has been a witness to various historical events, including the imprisonment of Razia Sultan, the first woman to ascend the throne in Delhi.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Lakhi Jungle, located in Bathinda, Punjab, is historically significant as it's believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, recited one lakh (100,000) 'Japuji Sahib Path' here. The place has since become a prominent religious spot, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Timings: Being a religious spot, it's generally open throughout the day, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.

The Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan, situated in Bathinda, Punjab, holds religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims, exemplifying the secular nature of the region. It's believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, also visited this place, adding to its religious prominence.

Timings: Open throughout the day

The Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh, Punjab, is a prominent institution that showcases the rich cultural heritage, art, and history of the region. Designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, the museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Indian art forms, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, closed on mondays and public holidays
Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 10 for Indians and INR 150 for foreign nationals.

Pinjore Gardens, also known as Yadavindra Gardens, are beautiful Mughal-style gardens located in Pinjore, Haryana. Established in the 17th century by the architect Nawab Fidai Khan during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, these gardens are a testament to the grandeur and precision of Mughal garden design with terraced levels, fountains, and a blend of the Rajasthani-Mughal architecture.

Timings: The gardens are usually open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Entry Fee: The approximate entry fee is INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for foreign nationals.

The National Gallery of Portraits in Chandigarh is a significant repository of portraits, recordings, and films on India's freedom fighters and the nation's struggle for independence. The gallery serves as a tribute to the countless souls who dedicated their lives to the Indian freedom movement, ensuring that their sacrifices and stories are preserved and passed on to future generations.

Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM