As an avid traveler and a resident of Amritsar, I have always been fascinated by the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of this vibrant city. While Amritsar itself has much to offer, there are numerous enchanting destinations located within a 100-kilometer radius that are worth exploring. In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences and recommend some must-visit places near Amritsar that will leave you spellbound.
Amritsar is one of the most important tourist attractions in India in the state of Punjab due to its stunning Golden Temple, Akal Takht and range of Gurudwaras and other sightseeing attractions. Read on to know about the best places to visit near Amritsar within 100 Km.
Amritsar is also loved by tourists due to its amazing shopping destination having beautiful traditional ethnic wears, craft items and most importantly the lip-smacking food of Punjab which you won’t find anywhere in the world with the same quality.
Best Places To Visit Near Amritsar within 100 Km
Amritsar apart from its city attractions is a hub of many other wonderful heritage destinations located around the city. The following are some of the finest destinations to include in your Amritsar trip within a distance of 100 km from the city.
Here is a list of the most popular places to visit near Amritsar within 100 Km.
Wagah
It is a village destination come union council in Punjab which is famous as the border of India and Pakistan. The destination lies in the Grand Truck Road separating Lahore and Amritsar and is widely known for the grand Wagah border ceremony since 1959.
The border is situated at a distance of 24km from Lahore and 32km from Amritsar. The Wagah border ceremony is witnessed by not just the Indian citizens but, also plenty of foreign tourists even come here especially to see the beautiful parade and flag celebration.
The flag ceremony here is hosted by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers. The celebration is hosted every day before sunset time. It is hosts entertainment events with Bollywood songs and parades with National Anthem playing in the background accompanied by loud shouts, high kicks and heavy foot stomping of the soldiers.
It continues for a duration of 45 minutes and ends with lowering down of the two country flags simultaneously after the sun sets.
Also read 13 Popular Historical Places in Amritsar That You Must Visit
Batala
It is the eight largest cities of Punjab situated at a distance of 41kms from Amritsar. It is basically a small town and a famous tourist attraction in Punjab due to its heritage structures. The destination houses plenty of beautiful palaces, architectural Gurudwaras, Hindu Temples as well as churches.
Batala is a historical city which was found in the 15th century by Rajput king Raja Ram Rao. It also got ruled by the Mughal and British. Some of the famous heritage destinations to visit in Batala are- Jal Mahal, Shamsher Khan’s tomb, Kali Dwara Mandir, Gurudwara kandh Sahib, Achleshwar Dam, Achal Sahib Gurudwara and so on.
Apart from the sightseeing attractions, Batala is also famous for its two major shopping destinations- Zail Ghar market, and Maharaja Market both of which are famous for handicrafts and Indian traditional wears.
You can easily access Batala from anywhere by reaching Guru Ram Das International Airport at Amritsar by air and taking a cab to Batala or catch a train from Amritsar and reach the Batala railway station.
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Gurdaspur
It is a famous city of Punjab situated on the banks of Beas and Raavi River at a distance of 87.7 km from Amritsar and 10km from Wagah border. It is a 17th-century destination that was found by Guriya Ji and hence the destination got its name as Gurdaspur.
The destination has got a major historical significance due to the number of famous events that took place in and around Gurdaspur. It houses the Antediluvian caves in ShahpurKandi by the banks of Raavi River that are known to be from Hindu epic Mahabharata period. It is also the destination where Alexander fought many battles; Prince Akbar got crowned as the Mughal emperor.
Some of the famous attractions here are- Dera Baba Nanak, Batala, Gurdas Nangal, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Shahpur Kandi Fort, Achaleshwar temple, Fish Park, Gurudwara Chola Sahib, and Thada sahib.
It represents half of Punjab’s history and culture along with delicious Punjabi food. It is famous among visitors for its annual celebration of Guru Nanak Dev jis marriage, Baishaki, Lohri, and Shivratri. It is definitely one of the best places to visit near Amritsar within 100 Km.
Also read, 8 famous vegetarian food and desserts in Amritsar
Jalandhar
It is a famous city of Punjab located at a distance of 82 km Amritsar with a rich historical background. The city was known by the name of Prasthala in the era of Mahabharata which later got renamed to Jalandhar under the British Raj.
The city has derived its name due to its strategic location between Beas and Sutlej River as Jalandhar in Hindi means- ‘underwater area’. If you consider the fact of Purana, the city is believed to derive its name from the demon king Jalandhara.
The surrounding regions of the city are known as Jalandhar Doab which is also referred to as the eastern territory of Alexander’s kingdom. Plenty of tourists from different corners of the world come to visit this city due to its collection of multiple heritage sites, religious destinations that speaks of the past history.
Some of the major attractions of Jalandhar are- Imam Nasiir Masjid, Tulsi Mandir, Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bharat Singh Museum, Devi Talab Mandir, Rangla Punjab haveli, Shiv Mandir, Pushpa Gujral Science city, St.Mary’s Cathedral and Wonderland Theme Park.
Related read, 7 best places to visit in Amritsar in 1 day
Hoshiarpur
It is a renowned city of Punjabi located in the Hoshiarpur district in the northeastern part of Punjab. The city plays a pivotal role in the epic of Mahabharata as it houses plenty of sites associated with the Mahabharata heroes- Pandavas.
According to mythology, Hoshiarpur’s location Dasuya is one of those destinations where Pandavas spent 13 years during their exile period. The destination has a touch of history and ancient traditions everywhere starting from its ancient temples, winding lanes to the legendary archeological remains.
The scenic beauty of the location is also amazing having the gorgeous backdrop of Shivalik hills. The city boasts of multiple sightseeing locations. Some of them are – Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Citrus County farmhouse, Gurudwara Garna Sahib, Kamahi Devi temple, Sheesh Mahal, Dera of Baba Charan Singh, Tomb of Shah Noor Jamal, 400-year-old Biranwala Temple, Hoshiarpur Archaeological Museum and many more.
Apart from sightseeing, the market areas of Hoshiarpur are also famous especially the Sheesh Mahal bazaar for amazing Pulkari work, ethnic jewelry, and wooden handcrafted items.
Recommended Read 7 best places for phulkari shopping in Amritsar
Kaghan Valley
It is literally a paradise destination located at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in the Mansehra district. The 155 km valley is an eye-arresting summer destination having gorgeous green pine and alpine landscapes guarded by mountains on all sides that starts from an altitude of 2,134 feet from sea level to a towering height of 13,690 feet called Babusar Pass which is the highest point of the location.
The unspoiled paradise apart from the breathtaking mountain and valleys is filled with crystal clear lakes and glaciers giving the entire destination a heavenly look. It is a famous international holiday spot for foreign tourists as well as Pakistani residents.
One of its bewitching attractions is the Lake Saif Ul Muluk named after Prince Saf-ul-Muluk. It is nothing less than a fairyland having snow clad mountains on all sides of the crystal clear lake with Malika Parbat at their summit which is also the highest peak of Khagan valley.
Other beautiful attractions include Naran, Supat Valley, Mallika Parbat, Shogran, Paras, Sharan, and Shinu.
Also read, 14 most popular hill stations near Amritsar
Gujranwala
This is another popular destination is Punjab located to the northern part of Pakistan’s capital Lahore. It is also the 7th most populated metropolitan area of Pakistan and its third large industrial center. It is connected to Peshawar and Lahore by the Grand Trunk Road.
The destination is also famous as the City of wrestlers as it is had produced many famous wrestlers so far and gives wrestling major importance. The city was found in 1867 by the Gurjars who were a pastoral community and it is also the birthplace of Ranjit Singh – the Sixth Sikh guru ruler. It is currently an extremely urbanized zone housing plenty of city attractions, hospitals, learning institutions, universities, shopping destinations, and eateries.
Some of its famous attractions are- Boat Point known for the picnics and boating experience, Satellite Town Market, Model Town Market, Wapda Town Market, Butta Plaza, Raili Bazaar, Fun Duniya amusement park, King’s Mall, Fazal Center, and Nishan-e-Manzil. The industrial town of Gujranwala is a great one to spend glamorous weekends.
Goindwal Sahib (35 km)
A spiritual destination of immense importance, Goindwal Sahib is a historical town associated with Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru. The town is renowned for its sacred Goindwal Baoli, a unique stepwell with 84 steps that symbolize the stages of spiritual progression. Visitors often take part in the practice of “Japji Sahib,” reciting the Sikh morning prayer while sitting on each of the 84 steps. The serene atmosphere and religious significance make it a must-visit place for devotees and those seeking tranquility.
Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary (60 km)
Nature enthusiasts and bird lovers should not miss the Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary. Situated at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, this sprawling sanctuary serves as a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. With over 350 avian species, including flamingos, pelicans, and cranes, it provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching and nature photography. Boat rides through the wetland offer a closer look at the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area.
Gurdwara Tarn Taran Sahib (22 km)
Another significant Sikh pilgrimage site near Amritsar is Gurdwara Tarn Taran Sahib. Built around a large Sarovar (holy tank), this gurdwara holds historical and religious significance. The tank is believed to have medicinal properties, and devotees take dips in its sacred waters for spiritual cleansing. The gurdwara complex also houses a beautiful marble temple and a museum showcasing historical artifacts. The tranquil ambience and architectural splendor make it a spiritually enriching experience.
Ram Tirath Temple (15 km)
Steeped in mythology and folklore, Ram Tirath Temple is associated with the exile of Lord Rama, the protagonist of the epic Ramayana. Legend has it that Goddess Sita gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush, at this very site. The temple complex includes ancient idols, a sacred tank, and a historic ashram. Devotees and history enthusiasts will find solace in the peaceful surroundings and intriguing tales that unfold at this sacred place.
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