Amritsar
281 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
Amritsar has made a huge contribution to Indian history and is the holiest hub for Sikhs. The name of the city, which means the pool of nectar, is derived from the pool that surrounds the Golden Temple. Though the city is quite congested, it has an air of spirituality and a heart to it.
The stunning complex of the Golden Temple, with the Central Sikh Museum, will surround you with a spiritual energy that is hard to shake off. The gurdwara is located at the nucleus of the lake, which glitters like gold after the sun goes down. At every corner you’ll find devotees who have volunteered for either cooking or cleaning the premise. Eat a free meal at the dining hall and make sure you don’t waste any food.
The Jallianwala Bagh, from the pages of history, comes to life here. The complex, where around 1500 people were massacred, still has bullet marks all over it. A peek into the well, inside which hundreds jumped to save their lives, is sure to leave you feeling uncomfortable.
An hour away from the city is the Wagah Border, where the gates divide Pakistan and India. An evening parade, held before sunset every day, is an experience worth savouring. Amritsar remains incomplete without the lassi with heaps of malai, available almost everywhere. There are endless options to stay in the city but if you want to splurge, consider the Green Acres Haveli and Country Inn Hotels and Resorts.
Lahore
255 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,September,October,November,December
Lahore is the intellectual and cultural capital of Pakistan and a journey to this bustling city will remain with you for a long time. From Lahore Fort to the Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate, there is so much to see and do here and it isn't just another run-of-the-mill city in a country.
History, architecture, art and music envelop the city and everywhere you go, there is a story to unravel. You will also have an opportunity to experience exhilarating Qawaali sessions and a tryst with Sufism. Do spend time at one of the city's many rejuvenating gardens and a day exploring the many historical sites that the city is home to.
If you happen to be here on a Thursday, a visit to Wagah border is unmissable. The intensity of the profound ceremony is so deep that it'll demand another visit from you! There is lots for shopaholics here as well, including Anarkali bazaar and the Pace and Fortress Stadium Market. If you have a little space in your itinerary, you can also squeeze in a visit to the largest museum in Pakistan, the Lahore Museum. With a collection of rare art, objects and paintings including the Fasting Buddha of Gandhara.
There is plenty to choose from if you are looking for a decent place to stay including luxury hotels and budget accommodations.
Ludhiana
284 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
Founded during the Lodhi Dynasty, Ludhiana is now a bustling city on the old banks of Sutlej. It cannot be passed off as a tourist place per se, but a day in this city with its rural and urban lifestyle, can certainly leave you richer. Travel to this city to witness the fascinating Kila Raipur Sports Festival – Ludhiana's very own rural edition of the Olympics.
The forts of Lodhi and Phillaur are examples of the magnificent medieval architecture and reflect Ludhiana’s royal heritage. The Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon is one of the most peaceful places in the city. A few hours at Punjab Agricultural University Museum and Punjab Rural Heritage Museum can give you a deep insight into Punjab’s rural background and farming traditions.
You can try the Waves Mall or West End Mall for a little shopping or even head out for an idyll walk at the Leisure Valley. Lassi, sweet or salted, must be tasted here. Ludhiana is also famous for its chicken, so try as many varieties as possible at Chawla’s. There are hotels from the Radisson and Park groups if you want to spend a luxurious night in the Lodhi city.
Bikaner
157 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,March,October,November,December
Bikaner is said to be the most colourful of all the cities of Rajasthan. It is not as developed as the other touristy places and that's probably why it still holds the Rajasthani spirit in its true form and colour. A maze of narrow streets, fort walls and fine old Havelis outline this medieval city.
The Karni Mata Temple is believed to be the holiest temple in all of the city. Thousands of rats, who are considered pious, flock and run about the temple and are protected, worshipped and even fed.
Rajput art and architecture shines in all its glory in this desert city with forts, palaces and temples modelled with red and yellow sandstone. Most of the palaces, such as the Laxmi Niwas Palace and Lallgarh Palace have been turned into heritage hotels, where you may consider staying. Amongst all others, the colossal that stands out is the Junagarh Fort. The many palaces, temples in the premises are now preserved as museums and upholds the grandiose lifestyle of the past Maharanas. There are also a couple of notable Jain temples, the famous most being Jain Temple Bhandasar.
Starting from Kalbeliya and Ghoomar dances to the taste and aroma of Dal Baati Churma, lehsun ki chutney and the sweetness of ghevar and halwa, from camel rides to sand dune camping, Bikaner is an array of experiences.
Jalandhar
292 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,November,December
Punjab is warm and welcoming no matter which corner of it you choose to visit. However, Jalandhar doesn't have much to offer in terms of making one experience that bonhomie, unless a plethora of temples work fine for you.
But if you're on your way to a hill station (Shimla, Srinagar, Mussoorie etc) then some interesting stopovers could be the Pushpa Gujral Science City, where one can watch a planetarium show, earthquake simulator, flight simulator, virtual 3D show and many galleries and exhibits. One can never quite leave Punjab without experiencing at least a dash of it's vibrant and hearty culture, and for just that dash, Rangla Punjab Haveli takes the prize in this city. A charming Punjabi village themed resort with folk music playing in the background, the staff dressed in colourful phulkari jackets and tehmat-kurtas, serving mouthwatering Punjabi vegetarian dishes, that could making anyone feel every bit of that old traditional charm. Another such wonder is the restaurant Haveli, with the same lively ambiance and also shops where one can buy traditional Punjabi clothes. For amazing Punjabi non-vegetarian dishes, Baba Chicken is the place to go.
Kurukshetra
340 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - January,February,March,September,October,November,December
Straight out of the pages of history is the pious city in Haryana, Kurukshetra. The land is hallowed for being the zone for the Kurukshetra War of Mahabharata and also the founding place of Lord Krishna’s brainchild, Bhagavad Gita. If you visit the city today, you would find its sanctity unblemished. A tour around the place will take you on a journey through time.
Jyotisar is the place where Lord Krishna had encouraged Arjuna to proceed with the war. The 1000-year-old banyan trees shadow and seemingly protect the place to stand the test of time. The Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar are water bodies that are considered sacred. Thousands of pilgrims flock for a bath in these waters to wash away their sins. The ritualistic aarti in the evening is beautiful to watch as hundreds of lamp flicker in the water.
The Heritage Hotel and Saffron Hotel offer relaxing stays. Spend a day seeing the town on a rickshaw. You will be amazed at the number of temples dotting the city. A quick visit to Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb will beautifully articulate the Persian influence and will add to the enriching experience of this saintly city.
Panipat
342 Kms from Suratgarh
Best time to visit - October,November,December
Panipat, in Haryana, has a strong historical connection with India’s royal past. With several monuments and museums to its credit, Panipat is the place to be for those interested in history.
The tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi is a great display of the interesting patterns of lakhori bricks. Besides its historical significance, it is a great architectural feat. The tomb of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar is another place to visit. The Salar Gunj Gate, a major archeological feat, is now the nucleus for a lively local market.
The Panipat Museum is a popular attraction. You can find information, armoury, sculptures, paintings, maps and documents from all the three battles fought in Panipat in its galleries. There is no better way to indulge in the much-acclaimed past of the city.
Before you leave, don't forget to indulge in the lip-smacking chaats and faludas at the street food joints to complete the satisfaction circle of all senses.
