Punjab
Bathinda: Explore One Of The Oldest Towns In Punjab!
Amritsar, Pathankot, or Chandigarh is primarily popular for roaming around Punjab. Whereas, it is true that there are several other places to visit in these cities, let us also tell you that these beautiful cities are often crowded with visitors. In Punjab, the city of Bathinda has situated nearly 140 km from Ludhiana and roughly 230 km from Chandigarh.
During the ancient time, the city was better known by the name Bikramgarh and was later renowned as Bathinda by the Bhati Rajput Kings of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. In Bathinda, visitors can find not only relaxing and soothing surroundings but also ancient architectural masterpieces around the city’s expanse. Moreover, across the city, temples, ancient structures, and forts can be found and the city also features 5 man-made lakes.
This city is also known as Heart, as it is situated in the heart of Punjab. Comprising several histories of Punjab, this city also presents a robust claim in the list of topmost tourist places to visit in Bathinda.
Table of Contents
Qila Mubarak
Not only in Punjab but of India also, Qila Mubarak is one of the oldest forts. For approximately 1900 years, it has been present in its current form. This magnificent structure blends in seamlessly with the surrounding desert scenario, carrying a subtle and elegant appearance.
In Punjab, this could explain why Qila Mubarak is still a popular tourist destination. Let us tell you that this beautiful fort also hosts lakhs of visitors every year. However, this fort remains closed on Monday and you can walk between 9 am and 5 pm.
Damdama Sahib
With the divine aura and peaceful surroundings of Damdama Sahib Gurdwara, one should visit any holy and religious place after visiting the lake, fort, and garden. This place fascinates visitors immensely.
This beautiful Gurudwara is located in Talwandi village which is nearly 28 km away from the main city, it is one of the 4 seats of the Temporal Authority and holds religious significance for Sikh Community.
Bahia Fort
In 1930, this astonishing fort was the official family residence of the royal armed forces of Patiala Estate and it belongs to the 22 Villages Group of Royal Patiala Estate.
In 1980 it was transformed into a luxurious hotel with an extravagant blend of modern and traditional architecture and began as a non-star hotel, but with consistent upgrading of a building during 2000 by GOI, this fort was awarded the first 4-star hotel of this region. In addition, this achievement was re-approved by GOI in 2009.
Lakhi Jungle
Lakhi Jungle is nearly at a distance of 15 km from Bathinda. Among Sikhs, this is another memorable place. Lakhi Jungle is a must-visit destination as it holds a religious significance. This place is very much exciting for all and historians precisely love visiting this destination
He also sanctified the Sarovar, that an individual who will do ishnaan here will get respite from all sorrows. This place is very much exciting for all and historians precisely love visiting this destination.
Bir Talab Zoo
Across an area of 161 acres, the Bir Talab Zoo is spread in Bathinda and consists of a supreme boundary wall. In 1978, this zoo was established by the Red Cross Society and taken over by the Forest and Wildlife Protection Department of Punjab in 1982.
The zoo is popular for its lawns and gardens where visitors can spend time indulging in spotting and picnicking the several animals and birds across the zoo.
The Bir Talab Zoo has beautiful gardens for you to calm down and soak in nature. It has a presentation of astonishing birds and sporadic deer like the blackbuck.
Rose Garden
Parks and Gardens are one of the most peaceful places in the city and carry a natural feeling. During the fast-running life of the city, the garden carries a passive environment full of fresh air far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Rose Garden of Bathinda is one of the parks serving the same determination. This park is situated in a massive area of nearly 40,000 sq. m. It is one of the few areas in Bathinda where individuals can relish and sit in the natural atmosphere along with astonishing roses of different varieties.
Thermal Plant Lake
The popular Thermal Plant of Bathinda has opened a public lake for individuals to have a picnic around and celebrate the boat ride. Visitors to this place can easily select from several types of boats such as self-driven pedal boats and motorboats.
If you are planning for a family trip to Bathinda then this is the best destination in Bathinda to visit your kids will be fascinated and will immediately fall in love with the location. In addition, this place is also enclosed with some exotic flora.
Zoological Park
A zoological park is a perfect place for a picnic for visitors traveling with kids. It is located at a distance of 6 km from the city, a perfect place for you to unwind post-sightseeing.
Dhobi Bazaar
Dhobi Bazaar deserves to be your next stop if you are a die-hard shopaholic and it is located near the popular Mall Road of Bathinda. The area of this market is much known for the broad series of products that it proposes.
The evening is the best time to visit this bazaar when the sparkling lights introduce a mystic aura luring you into it. Moreover, once you visit this bazaar do not forget to savor the taste of lip-smacking Dhokla and Raj Kachori, accessible at the nearby eating joints.
Maiser Khana Mandir
Situated in Bathinda, Maiser Khana Mandir is a popular Hindu Temple devoted to goddesses Shri Durga and Shri Jwaalaji. This beautiful temple is an imperative divine place for the supporters of Hinduism.
The legend behind this beautiful temple talks of a man named ‘Kamal’ who was abortive to finish a hazardous pilgrimage to Shri Jawalji’s temple and as a consequence paid a lifelong penance to Goddess Durga. The Goddess was delighted with the man’s dedication and granted him deific visions twice in an individual year.
These visions are now relished by organizing two fairs or melas two times a year at the juncture of Ashtami. This is an annual practice where individuals assorted in great numbers to celebrate the festivals. However, you will not just find Hindi devotees here, but Sikhs also who pleat with equal devotion.
Best Time To Visit Bathinda
As a forthcoming foremost tourist destination of the state of Punjab, Bathinda enjoys its status thanks to its economic progress and nature-preserving activities. Situated within the Malwa terrain of Punjab, this city houses different foremost religious shrines likewise above cited tourist destinations.
Along with such holy shrines, this destination also fosters some architectural marvels that structured fortresses and prison enclosures for the Rajput royals of yore. Throughout the year, this destination witnesses an arid and warm climate.
However, the temperature and invigorating weather observed throughout the winter season proved to be the best time to visit this astonishing and appealing town.
How To Reach Bathinda?
Bathinda is a promising industrial and chemical center in Northern India. This major industrial and chemically advanced status is a result of the work passed out by its cement plants, thermal power plants, and chemical companies throughout the years.
As a lesser number of visitors visit this city, it proposes visitors with less jam-packed tourism adventures. The conceit of the town, Bathinda Lake, is a perpetual beauty garnish of the complete area. When done with their exploring activities, visitors can also shop for traditional wear and other traditional handicrafts from the popular Mall Road.
The reckless way to reach Bathinda is by getting onto an airplane. However, the exceptional connectivity of railheads spread around Bathinda carries access to the whole of India. Let us browse through the dissimilar transport options accessible to get to the attractive city of Bathinda.
By Bus: Bus operatives running to/from Bathinda to other cities are restricted since the train connectivity is very broad in Bathinda, Mercedes Benz Bus Service is the operator carrying buses on the route to Chandigarh.
If choosing to travel from Delhi, Quality Cabz carries SUVs for your transport and Indo-Canadian Transport. Co proposes a bus. Also, the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) transport links Bathinda to a few cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Faridkot, etc.
By Air: There is no Airport positioned in Bathinda. Whereas the closest airports are situated at Chandigarh and Amritsar, which are at a distance of nearly 146 km and 177 km correspondingly. One can take a flight to either of the 2 destinations and then travel by bus or taxi to arrive at Bathinda.
By Rail: Bathinda has one of the greatest railway junctions across India and is well-linked with all the foremost cities of the nation.
Conclusion
The historical city of Bhatinda is better known for its multicultural influences from the Sikh and Rajput sovereigns that have governed the city. The aforementioned attractions are a must-visit as they carry a deep insight into the history of the earliest city of Bhatinda.
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