Nomad Saikat
Punjab as a state has a lot of “Mitti ki Khoosboo” or what we say as the fragrance of being close towards the land. The state has been a centre of many dynasties and rules. Alongside it has always been a hot spot for a lot of activities during the freedom movement as well. All of these in turn had made Punjab a place heavily rich with historical and cultural relevance. What adds up is the strategic location of this state as well. Overall when you are visiting here you will get to explore many historical places in Punjab. I have made a list of historical places in Punjab with names for you.
Even though Punjab is multi faceted when it comes to being a travel destination, the famous historical places in Punjab certainly need special mention. These are historically and culturally rich sites that will give you a lot of insight about the land. So keep on reading about the top 5 historical places in Punjab that you simply cannot miss out on.
Historical Places in Punjab
Golden Temple
Address: Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar Cantt, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 4 am to 11 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Also known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is undoubtedly one of the famous historical places in Punjab. People everywhere can almost spell Punjab and the Golden Temple interchangeably. Even though this is an important religious location for the Sikh community, it is one of richest treasure hubs for the history of Punjab as well. Not only as a religious destination, people from other communities also visit here whenever they are visiting Punjab. One of the most spiritual places in India, this Gurudwara is located in the heart of Amritsar. Furthermore, according to Sikh community this Gurudwara is the holiest of all the shrines of Sikhism.
With golden architecture and picturesque location the Golden Temple truly looks majestic. However the upper level of the Golden Temple has a pure gold gilded dome weighing 750 kg. The lower level is made of marble flooring that looks equally elegant. What makes this location special is that people from all castes, creed, and religion have the permission to visit here. It is one such religious location that is open for all. Additionally what makes it special is the great Langar or community kitchen. The Golden Temple organizes a Langar every single day where more than 100,000 people receive free food.
Other than that the beautiful premise has a holy tank, Amrit Sarovar. Also a Sikh Museum is also located here along with a clock tower. Visiting the Golden Temple in Punjab is an experience in itself. Built in the 16th century this is one of the famous historical places in Punjab that everyone needs to visit once.
Jallianwala Bagh
Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Museum timings are from 10 am in the morning to 5 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
This is one of the most famous historical places in Punjab that many people visit. However, even today it can be a haunting and spine chilling experience to visit this location. In 1919 while many innocent Indians had gathered here for peaceful protests, a British unit led by General Dyer openly fired on them. Thousands of Indians were terrified with the turn of the events. They were unarmed yet the British army ruthlessly attacked them leading to a dark page in the history of British Rule. Later this place became a memorial for the people who were killed here.
This site stretches for 7 acres and houses a gallery, a museum along with some other memorial structures. Even today bullet holes are there on the walls of the place. These have been preserved here as a memorial so that everyone can remember about the heartbreaking sacrifice of innocent lives. Along with that a dry well is present here where people had jumped on to as their last respite to save themselves. But in the process of it many people were actually injured. Alongside there is a pictorial series with illustrations where descriptions and explanations about how the whole incident happened.
The incident is still haunting to every Indian and you can still get goosebumps if you visit here. After the Indian independence Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first President of India inaugurated this memorial. It is certainly one of the famous historical places in Punjab that you need to visit.
Read More : BEST HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF INDIA
Wagah Border
Address: Wagah, Hardo Rattan, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm. Ceremony timings are 4:15 pm in winters and 5:15 pm during summers.
Entry fee: No entry fee
It is one of the most famous historical places in Punjab as well as one of the major tourist attractions in Punjab as well. The Wagah border is located only 28 km away from Amritsar. This is the location where the boundary between the two countries India and Pakistan are marked. The Wagah Border is only 22 km away from Lahore in Pakistan. However, other than the fact that this is the border area, the Wagah Border Ceremony is something that makes it more special. Another name of this ceremony is the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
Since 1959 this Ceremony has continued at this very location every evening. Just before dusk this ceremony starts and it is undoubtedly the major attraction of this location. However the purpose of the ceremony is to show the military showmanship and friendship between both the countries. Both Indian and Pakistani soldiers gather at this location every day. For 30 minutes the ceremony continues and this is surely going to give you goosebumps. This ceremony also has entertainment value. Every day thousands of people gather here to witness the ceremony.
During the 30 minute of this ceremony the international gates of both the countries remain closed. Alongside, the flags of both the countries lower down. With the National Anthem, choreographed parade of the soldiers and cheers of Jai Hind and Vande Mataram it is an experience of a lifetime. At last the ceremony ends with the soldiers of both countries shaking hands. It can be one of a pride infused moment for you. And you will truly feel patriotic after this whole ceremony. So make sure while exploring famous historical places in Punjab, don’t miss Wagah Border.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Address: Lawrence Road, Company Bagh, Ram Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, Punjab
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. Mondays are close days
Entry fee: Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children
Located in Amritsar’s Company Bagh, this museum is one of the famous historical places in Punjab. Basically at one point of time this was the summer residence of the first king of Sikh empire Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Later after his name this place has turned into a museum that a lot of people visit. You can collect a lot of information from the 18th and 19th century Sikh community from this museum. Along with that there are snippets related to Raja Ranjit Singh’s life as well. This museum is located only 4 km away from the Golden Temple. So you can make a stop at this location on your way as well.
In 1977 this place was turned into a museum. The museum houses a lot of personal belongings of the kings and many antique goods as well. Furthermore you will find ancient weapons and armoury here as well which is quite fascinating to observe. Moreover many old paintings, ancient manuscripts as well as coins are on display here. You would also get to know a lot about the Sikh rulers and their rule from these paintings. This museum is located just in the middle of the Ram Bagh Garden. You can surely visit here if you are looking for popular and famous historical places in Punjab.
Qila Mubarak
Address: Bhatinda, Punjab
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday
Entry fee: No entry fee
In the middle of Bhatinda, Qila Mubarak is one of the famous historical places in Punjab. On king Kanishka’s initiative this fort was built during the Kushana dynasty. At present the Archaeological Survey of India maintains this structure as a monument of national importance. Dating back to 1100 to 1200 AD this fort is one of the oldest surviving forts in India. Another name of this fort is also Bhatinda Fort.
This fort is the treasury of so many historical moments. The first ever lady to sit on the throne of Delhi, Razia Sultana served imprisonment here. There are two sections of this fort. One is Qila Androon and the other is Qila Mubarak. Qila Androon was a place where the royal family lived. The construction reflects a subtle blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Moreover if not for anything else, the sheer brilliance of the architecture makes this one a must visit location. Even today the magnificence and opulence of this fort is present. Names of some great rulers like Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Jayapala, Kaniskha, Sultan Mahmud are related to this fort. Whenever you are visiting Punjab make sure you are definitely visiting here.
Wrapping Up!
So these are the top 5 historical places in Punjab that are a must visit if you are visiting Punjab. Next time when you visit Punjab you cannot miss out on these famous historical places in Punjab. You will be able to get a lot of insight about the days gone long back. Somehow visiting these locations will transport you to those times as well. Furthermore these locations will give you peace, inner strength, courage, patriotic feel, spine chilling thoughts and a lot more. Yes, that’s exactly how versatile the places here are. So when are you planning a trip to Punjab? And let me know if this article on historical places is helpful for you.
