The city of Bathinda in Punjab has historical and religious significance as well as amazing natural scenery. The city of Bathinda is the best destination for tourists who want to get a closer look at the Punjabi culture amid historical, religious and beautiful nature. Historical forts, Gurdwaras and Durga temples have been built in the city for tourists to see, while 5 man-made lakes add to the beauty of the city.
The city is called the “city of lakes” of Punjab because of these lakes. Tourist attractions in Bathinda include Lathi Forest, Rose Garden, Fort, Gurdwara, Masar Khana Durga Temple and ancient buildings amidst the natural scenery that the city boasts of. Let’s take a look at the tourist spots in Bathinda.
Mysore Khana Temple: This temple was built by M/s Khana in honor of Goddess Durga, Goddess Jwala. This temple is situated about 30 km from Bathinda city on Bathinda-Mansa road. A grand fair is organized in this temple every year on Ashtami day of Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri. According to Hinduism, Kamal, a devotee of Jwala Devi, embarked on a dangerous pilgrimage to have her darshan, but was unable to complete the journey, so he began a lifelong penance to please Goddess Durga and gain her darshan. Pleased by her devotee’s penance, Mother Durga visited devotee Kamal twice a year. Besides Punjab, devotees from neighboring states come to Maa Durga Mela to have darshan of Maa Durga and seek her blessings.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Gurdwara: This Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Gurdwara is in Damdama village about 20 km from Bathinda city. According to local people, after a fierce battle with the Mughals at Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Muktsar, Guru Gobind Singh went to the jungles of Malwa. Sikh Guru Gobind Singh stayed at this place for nine months and nine days and used this place as a center for his preaching. He addressed the place as Khalse-da-Takht, and had a seal on which was written ‘Takht Damdama Sahib Ji’.
Damdama Sahib Nihang is also the main center of the Sikh community. A grand fair is organized here every year on the day of Baisakhi. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib has 10 Gurudwaras and three lakes known as Nanaksar Sarovar, Akalsar Sarovar, Gurusar Sarovar. Nanaksar lake is associated with Guru Nanak Devji, Akalsar lake is associated with Guru Gobind Singhji, there is a famous belief about this lake that drinking the water of this lake cures any kind of illness. Gurusar Sarovar was built on the instructions of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
Fort Mubarak: The city of Bathinda is also mentioned in the Hindu texts Rigveda and Mahabharata. The city of Bathinda is associated with the Indus Valley Civilization. Therefore, Bathinda still has architecture of historical significance. Bathinda’s Fort Mubarak is also a beautiful example of architecture. Today the fort is located in Dhobi Bazar, the busiest area of the city. This fort was built by the Mubarak ruler Raja Dab in 110 AD. The bricks used in the construction of this fort belonged to the Kushan period.
The main reason for the construction of the fort was to protect the city from enemy attacks. Many rulers of Delhi kept this fort under their control and made many changes in this fort as per their wish. Rani Razia Sultana, the first female ruler to sit on the throne of Delhi, was also imprisoned in this fort. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, also spent some time in this fort in 1705. Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh has been built in this fort in his memory. The architecture of Qila Mubarak is boat shaped.
Which looks like a ship resting on sand if seen from a distance. Patiala royal family lived inside this fort. This place is called ‘Qila Andaroon’. A separate palace was built for the royal family in this fort. Like Moti Mahal, Rajmata Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Jail Mahal (built for royal prisoners), Chand Ka Mahal, Rang Mahal.
Rose Garden: Rose Garden i.e. Rose Park also plays an important role in enhancing the beauty of the city. The beauty of this rose garden is the variety of roses grown here. The Rose Garden was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal on 6 May 1979. Entry to visit this garden is free. Tourists can see many types of rose flowers here. It includes thousands of varieties of roses like papa geno, red, white rose, iridescent yellow rose, sheer joy. Visiting the rose garden on a rainy day in the monsoon season is a joy in itself.
Bir Talab Zoo: A variety of wild animals and birds can be seen in this zoo near Bir Talab. It was constructed in 1978 by the Bathinda Red Cross Society. In the year 1982, the Department of Forest and Wildlife Conservation, Government of Punjab took over the zoo and took responsibility for the care of the wild animals present here. In this zoo, tourists can see many protected trees like chital, deer, monkeys, leopard, stork, duck along with rose, bamboo, teak etc. Spotted Deer is the attraction of Bir Talab Zoo, tourists can see this deer very closely and also enjoy deer safari.
How to reach Bathinda
Route Route: Bathinda is 220 km from Chandigarh, 190 km from Amritsar, 140 km from Ludhiana and about 160 km from Jalandhar. Bathinda is directly connected to capital Delhi, Jaipur Jammu. Volvo buses are also available from Delhi to Punjab and Haryana, while travelers can also reach there by their own car or cab.
Railway Tracks: Several super fast trains run to Bathinda from Delhi and New Delhi railway stations which reach the city in around 5.15 hours. Bathinda Junction is a major railway station of the Northern Railway, located on the Ambala-Bhatinda railway line. New Delhi-Bhatinda Intercity Express, Dadar-Amritsar Express are daily trains.
Air Shaft: The nearest airport to reach Bathinda is Chandigarh which is about 225 km from Bathinda. From Chandigarh you can reach Bathinda by cab or bus.
