Bathinda is one of the popularly visited tourist centers in Punjab. It has both religious and cultural attractions, which invite tourists from all over the world. The important tourist attractions of the place have been listed below.
HOW TO REACH
By Road:-
Large number of bus and car service are available from metropolitan cities of India for convenience of tourists. It takes around 3 hours to reach Bhatinda from Delhi, covering a distance of 352 km.
By Rail:-
There are a large number of express trains connecting the important cities of India with Bhatinda.
By Air:-
There are no direct flights from Delhi to Bhatinda. However, tourists can take a flight to either Amritsar or Chandigarh. From the airport, taxis and bus services are available for tourists to escort tourists to Bhatinda.
WHAT TO SEE
Damdama Sahib:-
Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts or Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism. It has been built at the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures, called Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in 1705. Located in village of Talwandi Sabo, 28 km to the southeast of Bathinda, the gurdwara was officially recognized as the Fifth Takht of Sikkhism, on November 18, 1966.
Maiser Khana Mandir:-
Maiser Khana Mandir is situated 29 km from Bathinda, on Bathinda-Mansa Road. According to a legend, it was here that the jyoti of Mata Jawala appeared to a poor devotee, who could not reach the temple at Jawala Ji. Every year, two melas (fairs) are held here, visited by lakhs of devotes across the globe.
Qila Mubarak:-
Qila Mubarak is a National Monument of India, located in the heart of Bathinda. It has been existing for the last 1900 years. The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushna period, when Emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India. Raja Dab, along with the emperor of Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort. It is bigger than its competitors at Lahore, Phillour and Hanumangarh. The fort has been visited by famous Gurus of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Razia Sultan, the Sultana of Delhi, was imprisoned in this fort in 1240 AD.
Rose Garden:-
Rose Garden is a 10-acre garden in Bathinda, which is popular for the large varieties of roses that grow here. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in the city.
Bahia Fort:-
Built in 1930, Bahia Fort is located in front of the main fort. It once served as the official residence of armed forces of Maharja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State. Now, it has been converted into a four-star hotel.
Lakhi Jungle:-
Lakhi Jungle is situated 15 km away from Bathinda and is on the way to Muktsar. This forest has an old gurdwara and enjoys the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev, who recited one lakh Holy Paths of Shri Japuji Sahib here. Therefore, it is called the Lakhi Jungle. Guru Gobind Singh Ji is also said to have visited the place.
Chetak Park:-
This is an exquisite garden in Bathinda Cantonment, with wide collection of flowering plants. It is a popular picnic place for people of all ages.
Bir Talab Zoo:-
The Bir Talab Zoo is located just 6 km from Bhatinda. It is also a tourist complex with a children park and arrangements for rides. The lawns of this park are popular as picnic spots. Sambars, cheetah and black bucks are some of the residents of this park.
SHOPPING:-
Bhatinda City Guide is famous for its agricultural market and cotton handloom weaving. So you can buy a variety of agricultural products and hand-loom products from here.
FOOD:-
it is also famous for its traditional food. However, you can enjoy South Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies here. There are a number of good hotels, restaurants and dhabas in the city.