Ludhiana
Ludhiana, situated around 100 kilometres from Chandigarh, is a city in the state of Punjab in North India. With a population of more than 1.6 million inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the state and is recognized as a significant centre for commerce, industry, and education.
Having been established by the Lodhi dynasty in the 15th century, the city has a fascinating history. It has progressed into a crucial hub for textile manufacturing, with many small and medium-sized businesses producing a range of goods such as blankets, shawls, and woollens.
Apart from its industrial value, Ludhiana is renowned for its vibrant culture, hosting various festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The city has a significant Sikh community, and numerous gurdwaras, which are Sikh temples, are popular tourist destinations.
All in all, Ludhiana is a lively and dynamic city that combines its rich cultural heritage with modern industrial growth, establishing it as an essential hub for trade, learning, and tourism in the region.
Places to Visit / tourist places
- The Lodhi Fort, situated in the center of Ludhiana city, is an ancient fort constructed in the 15th century by Sikander Lodhi. It is a great place to learn about the history and architecture of the region.
- Another famous monument in Ludhiana is the Phillaur Fort built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 1800s. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture and delightful gardens.
- The Gurdwara Charankanwal Sahib Machhiwarais a well-known Sikh temple located in Machhiwara, approximately 25 km away from Ludhiana. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, rested at this site during his journey to Anandpur Sahib.
- Bhir, a small village situated on the outskirts of Ludhiana, is popular for its calm and peaceful surroundings and beautiful temples, including the ancient Bhir Mandir devoted to Lord Shiva.
- Alamgir,located about 10 km from Ludhiana, is a town renowned for its historical Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib and the Jama Masjid, a mosque built in the 17th century.
- The Gurudwara Shri Manji Sahib Jama Masjidis a unique place of worship in the town of Alamgir that houses both a Sikh Gurudwara and a Muslim mosque. It serves as a symbol of communal harmony.
Experiences
- Hardy's World Amusement Park: Situated along Ludhiana-Jalandhar GT Road, Hardy's World Amusement Park is a well-liked attraction for families and thrill-seekers alike. With a range of rides and features such as roller coasters, water rides, and arcade games, it's a perfect spot for spending a day with friends and family, indulging in some exhilarating rides and activities.
- Punjabi cuisine: Ludhiana is renowned for its delectable Punjabi cuisine, known for its intense flavors and spices. You can discover a broad variety of tempting dishes in the city, including tandoori chicken, butter chicken, naan, kebabs, and more. Some popular places to relish Punjabi cuisine in Ludhiana include Baba Chicken, Gianis, and Kulcha Land. You can also explore the local street food stalls and dhabas (roadside eateries) to savor some of the best Punjabi delicacies. Enjoying Punjabi food is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss while in Ludhiana.
Nightlife (Pubs, clubs, lounges)
- The Brew Estate is a microbrewery situated in the city center that is known for its craft beers and delicious food. It provides a cozy and lively ambiance, making it an ideal spot for spending time with friends.
- The Beer Cafe is a chain of bars found across India, including in Ludhiana. It serves both local and international beers, as well as tasty food, and has a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Brewmaster, Ludhiana is another well-known microbrewery in Ludhiana that offers a vast range of beers, food, and live music. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is famous for its relaxed and welcoming vibe.
- Fahrenheit The Lounge is a fashionable lounge bar located in the Sarabha Nagar market of Ludhiana. It offers a unique mix of international cuisine, cocktails, and music.
- Las Vegas ǀǀ, Ludhiana is a trendy bar and lounge situated in the Ferozepur Road area of Ludhiana. It has modern decor and is renowned for its exceptional music and drinks.
- PK Tunn is a trendy rooftop lounge bar located in the heart of the city. It serves a variety of cocktails, mocktails, and snacks.
- Peddlers, Ludhiana is a funky bar situated in the Sarabha Nagar market. It has a lively ambiance, live music, and entertainment on weekends, making it a popular hangout spot.
- The Upper House is a rooftop bar and restaurant in Ludhiana that offers a fantastic selection of cocktails, delicious food, and an incredible view of the city.
Street food to try in Ludhiana
- Chole Bhature is a dish that is commonly eaten in Ludhiana and consists of spicy chickpeas paired with deep-fried bread called bhatura, which is available at many restaurants and street food stalls.
- Amritsari Kulcha is a type of stuffed bread that originates from Amritsar but is also a favorite in Ludhiana. The bread is filled with spiced mashed potatoes and served with chole and pickles.
- Samosas are a popular snack in India that can be found at almost every street food stall. They are a pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, and can be baked or fried.
- Lassi is a refreshing traditional Punjabi drink that contains yogurt, water, and spices. It is usually served in a clay pot called a matka.
- Chaat is a savory Indian street food that combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, typically made with chickpeas, potatoes, chutneys, and spices. There are various chaat stalls in Ludhiana that offer different variations of this dish.
- Bhutta, or roasted corn on the cob seasoned with spices and lemon juice, is a popular snack in Ludhiana during the monsoon season.
- Paranthas are a type of Indian flatbread that are stuffed with different fillings, such as potatoes, paneer, and cauliflower. They are often served with a side of yogurt and pickle and are a favorite breakfast item in Ludhiana.
- Golgappas, also known as pani puri, are small, crispy, hollow spheres filled with flavored water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices, and are sold by street vendors in Ludhiana.
- Pakodas are deep-fried snacks made from a batter of gram flour and spices and can be filled with various ingredients like onion, potato, paneer, or spinach. They are commonly served with chutney and make a perfect evening snack in Ludhiana.
- Chaap tikka is a vegetarian kebab made from soybean chunks that are marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal. It is a popular street food in Ludhiana and is typically served with mint chutney and onions.
- Gobi manchurian is an Indo-Chinese dish that consists of deep-fried cauliflower florets coated in a spicy sauce, and is a favorite among street food enthusiasts in Ludhiana.
- Baragara is a popular snack in Ludhiana that is made by deep-frying a mixture of boiled potatoes, peas, and spices. It is often served with a tangy tamarind chutney.
- The North Indian meal tandoori chicken is cooked in a tandoor after being marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices. It is a well-liked street food in Ludhiana and is usually served with onions and mint chutney.
Best Hotels
- Park Plaza is a luxurious hotel situated in Ludhiana's central location, offering spacious rooms with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel features a fitness center, spa, and an outdoor pool, along with a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar.
- Radisson Blu Hotel MBD Ludhiana is a luxurious hotel in the center of Ludhiana's business district, providing elegant rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel features a fitness center, spa, and an outdoor pool, along with a multi-cuisine restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bar.
- Hyatt Regency Ludhiana is a 5-star hotel situated in Ludhiana's business district, offering spacious and modern rooms with high-speed internet access, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel features a fitness center, spa, and an outdoor pool, along with a restaurant serving various cuisines, a coffee shop, and a bar.
- Aspire Rooms is a budget-friendly hotel located in the center of Ludhiana, providing basic amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
- The Crosswoods ONE is a luxurious hotel located on the outskirts of Ludhiana, surrounded by greenery. It offers elegant rooms equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a fitness center, spa, and an outdoor pool, along with a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar.
- Hotel Luxuria is a budget-friendly hotel located in Ludhiana's central location, providing basic amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
- Hotel The Retro Regency is a budget-friendly hotel situated in Ludhiana's center, providing basic amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
- Samrat Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located in Ludhiana's central location, providing basic amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Famous restaurants
- Bistro 226 is a restaurant in Ludhiana that is famous for its European cuisine. It has a comfortable atmosphere and outdoor seating options. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and desserts.
- The Yellow Chilli is a popular chain of restaurants across India that offers contemporary Indian cuisine. It serves dishes inspired by different regions of India, including starters, main courses, and desserts.
- The Indian Summer is a high-end restaurant in Ludhiana that serves authentic North Indian cuisine. It has a luxurious atmosphere and serves a wide range of dishes such as kebabs, curries, and biryanis.
- Baba Chicken is a well-known restaurant chain in Ludhiana that specializes in chicken dishes. It offers a range of options, including tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and chicken biryani.
- Cafe Delish is a casual dining restaurant in Ludhiana that serves a variety of dishes, including Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisine. It has a cozy atmosphere and serves delicious food at reasonable prices.
- Bistro Flamme Bois is a Ludhiana restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas. It also offers other dishes such as pasta, salads, and desserts. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere.
- Colonels Cabin is a popular restaurant in Ludhiana that serves North Indian and Chinese cuisine. It has a casual atmosphere and is known for its delicious food at affordable prices.
- Basant is a vegetarian restaurant in Ludhiana that is known for its delicious Punjabi food. The menu includes a range of dishes such as parathas, chole bhature, and lassi. The restaurant has a traditional decor and a friendly atmosphere.
Malls to check out
- Westend Mall: Located in the center of Ludhiana, Westend Mall is one of the city's biggest shopping malls. It features a wide selection of both domestic and international brands, along with various dining and entertainment options.
- MBD Neopolis Mall: MBD Neopolis Mall is a contemporary shopping center in Ludhiana that boasts upscale brands, a food court, a cinema, and other entertainment facilities. It is well-known for its luxurious stores and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Silver Arc Mall: Silver Arc Mall is a well-liked shopping destination in Ludhiana, offering a variety of brands ranging from fashion to electronics to accessories. In addition, it has a food court and a multi-screen cinema.
- Grand Walk Mall: Grand Walk Mall is a newer mall in Ludhiana that offers a diverse range of shopping and dining options, including both domestic and international brands. It also includes entertainment amenities such as a cinema and other activities.
- The Pavilion Mall: The Pavilion Mall is a favorite shopping and entertainment hub in Ludhiana, offering numerous shopping choices, a food court, and entertainment activities like a cinema.
- Ansal Plaza: Ansal Plaza is a shopping and entertainment center located on the outskirts of Ludhiana. It has a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices, including a cinema and gaming area.
- JMD Goverdhan City Centre: JMD Goverdhan City Centre is a shopping and entertainment complex in Ludhiana that features a variety of brands, a food court, and a cinema.
- Gold Souk Grande: Gold Souk Grande is a Ludhiana mall that primarily caters to jewelry shoppers. It features many jewelry stores, as well as a few restaurants and coffee shops.
Best places to shop
- Akalgarh Market is a well-liked shopping destination in Ludhiana that focuses on traditional Punjabi wear, such as Phulkari suits, juttis, and turbans. Additionally, the market offers various shops selling jewelry, accessories, and handicrafts.
- Chaura Bazar is one of Ludhiana's oldest markets, dating back to the British era, and is renowned for its wide variety of stores selling textiles, jewelry, footwear, and electronics. The street cuisine of this market is very well-known.
- Mochpura Bazar is a market located in Ludhiana known for the variety of stores selling fabrics, including silk, cotton, and georgette. Additionally, there are stores selling jewelry, accessories, and footwear.
- Gur Mandi is a wholesale market in Ludhiana specializing in textiles, including raw materials for clothing, fabrics, and yarn. It is a hub for textile manufacturers and retailers.
- Ghumar Mandi is a popular market in Ludhiana that offers a mix of high-end and budget shopping options, including designer wear, footwear, accessories, and cosmetics.
- Meena Bazaar is a market in Ludhiana that specializes in women's clothing, such as sarees, suits, and lehengas. The market also has various shops selling jewelry, footwear, and accessories.
Famous Shops
- Lifestyle
- Saluja store
- Parkash Shoppe
- Kwality Store
- Kala Mandir
- Manyavar
- Khushi Ram & Sons
- CORNER SHOP
- Balbir Store
- Hamleys
Museums in Ludhiana
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum is situated on the GT road in Ludhiana, which was founded in 1999 to display the Indian Army's involvement in various wars and conflicts. Moreover, the museum displays the life and accomplishments of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the creator of the Sikh Empire. It has a range of artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to different wars, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Kargil War.
- Punjab Agriculture University Museum is established inside the Punjab Agricultural University campus in Ludhiana. It was founded in 1974 to showcase the region's agricultural history and evolution. The museum houses various displays of agricultural equipment, tools, and machinery used at different stages of farming. Visitors can also learn about crops, cultivation methods, animal husbandry, and dairy farming through the museum's exhibits. Its primary aim is to raise awareness about agriculture's significance and its contribution to the economy.
Events / Festivals
- Rural Olympics at Qila Raipur: The Rural Olympics, also known as Kila Raipur Sports Festival, is an annual event held in the village of Kila Raipur, located near Ludhiana. It is a unique event that showcases traditional rural sports, such as bullock cart races, tractor races, and tug-of-war. The event attracts participants and spectators from all over the world and is considered one of the most significant rural sports events in India.
Gardens and parks
- Rakh Bagh Park: Rakh Bagh Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Ludhiana. It has a large lake, an open-air theater, a jogging track, and a playground for children. Family activities and picnics are common at the park.
- Nehru Rose Garden: Nehru Rose Garden is a famous garden in Ludhiana that is home to over 17,000 plants and more than 1,600 varieties of roses. The garden also has a musical fountain and a small lake. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and is especially beautiful during the rose festival held annually in February.
Best time to visit
Ludhiana is best visited from November to February, which falls in the winter season, as the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. With temperatures ranging from 7 to 20 degrees Celsius, it is a suitable time to explore the city's tourist spots and immerse oneself in local festivals and events. However, summers in Ludhiana are hot and humid, with temperatures between 27 to 42 degrees Celsius, making it less favorable for outdoor activities. The monsoon season starts from July and lasts until September, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall, which can interrupt travel plans. Hence, the winter season is considered the ideal time to visit Ludhiana.
How to reach
- By Air:
Sahnewal Airport, which serves Ludhiana, is a private airport that is 12 kilometres from the city's core.Nevertheless, this airport only has a few planes going out of it. The nearest major airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is around 136 km away from Ludhiana. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Ludhiana.
- By Train:
With excellent connections to various cities across India, Ludhiana is a significant railway station in Punjab. Several trains, including Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express, stop at Ludhiana railway station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach your destination.
- By Road:
Ludhiana is well-connected to other major cities in Punjab and neighbouring states through a network of national highways. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Ludhiana. Several state-run and private buses operate from nearby cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How old is Martand Sun Temple?
The temple was constructed in the 8th century CE and is now more than 1200 years old.
Who built the sun temple in Anantnag?
The temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty in the 8th century CE.
Why was Martand temple destroyed?
It was destroyed by a Muslim ruler named Sikandar Butshikan or Sikandar Shah Miri in a bid to Islamize the society and to make people follow Islam in the valley.