Jalandhar
Come to Jalandhar to experience an exciting mix of modern attractions and ancient monuments. This commercial hub is known as “the city of sports” due to its many sporting goods manufacturers. Hunt for bargains and try on the latest brands in the city’s many modern shopping malls. You’ll find over a dozen spread throughout the city selling designer clothes, jewellery and more.
Jalandhar dates back to 100 A.D and as you explore you’ll find a number of interesting buildings from its history. One of the most prominent is the 200-year-old Devi Talab Mandir temple. This temple has a striking gold, triangular roof. Inside you will see an impressive image of the god, Shiva. Also striking is St. Mary’s Church, a colourful and shapely building with a wide, palm-lined path leading up to a façade dominated by twin towers.
Children will love the city’s many amusement parks. Wonderland is the best known. It covers 3 hectares (11 acres) and boasts land trains, water rides and more. For an educational day out, try the Pushpa Gujral Science City. This is another of the city’s most prominent buildings, featuring a huge globe as its main building.
Jalandhar is located 144 kilometres (90 miles) east of Punjab’s capital, Chandigarh. Rail is the best way to get to Jalandhar, with connections to Delhi, Mumbai and several other major centres. The nearest airport to Jalandhar is Amritsar, which is about 50 miles (80 kilometres) northwest.
Summers can be extremely hot and also see the most rainfall, so June and July are good months to avoid. Visit in December to witness the city’s most popular festival, known as Hariballabh Sangeet Mela. Join in this musical celebration in honour of a saint to see Jalandhar’s ancient streets turn into stages as performers and musicians entertain the crowds.