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INTRODUCTION

Ludhiana is industrial metropolis of the Punjab industry. Its machine, tools and motor parts are widely exported. The Christian Medical College and the Punjab Agricultural University which has ushered green revolution in Punjab are the renowned centers of Education.Ludhiana holds world record in food production.

This city situated on the banks of the Sutlej River, was founded in 1480 by Lodhi princess from Delhi.

ORIENTATION

One of the centrally located cities of Punjab, Ludhiana stands on the banks of river Sutlej. It borders Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib and in the west and flanked in the south by the district of Sangrur and Patiala.

HISTORY

History dates back Ludhiana to be ruled by powerful kings of Yodhas, Guptas and Rajputs.It is here in Ludhiana where great empires clashed and fought for establishing in their power and growth. In 1480 AD this city was founded by the Lodhi Chief Nihand Khan of Lodhi dynasty in Mir Hota village.Ludhiana was initially called as Lodhi-ana.The city attained huge progress when it was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and a cantonment was established here. Later the British took over the city. It is also the birthplace of some noteworthy freedom fighters of India namely Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Kartar Singh and Maulana Habibur Rehman.

FESTIVALS

Lohri - This is basically a Punjab festival. It is celebrated with bonfire dancing around and putting popcorns, nuts and sesame in fire. This is celebrated in winter in the month of January.

Baisakhi - This festival falls in the month of April and the Sikhs celebrate it to commemorate their tenth Guru, Guru Govindh Singh, founder of Khalsa.It is an important day for Sikhs and Punjabis. They read Granth Sahib perform Bhangra dance and sing Shabad Kirtan.

Teej - This is a festival mainly celebrated by the ladies of the Punjabi community where they enjoy swings while singing traditional teej songs. Rope swings are decorated. Women wear exotic and colourful dresses.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Pir-I-Dastgir shrine

This shrine is popularly referred as Abdul Kadir Galani and is situated in the north-west to the fort of Ludhiana.This is one of the most important shrinr visited both by the Hindu and Muslim pilgrims.

Bilwanwali Masjid

This mosque is situated on the main highway of Ludhiana and is known for its rectangular shaped construction. This mosque which belongs to the period of Emperor Jahangir has two double storied gates which are profusely decorated with coloured tiles and intricate brick carvings.

Gurdwara Charan Kanwal Sahib

This is a very holy place for the people of Ludhiana for history says that it was in this place Gobind Singh was joined by his three devotees Dhram Singh, Daga Singh and Manu Singh. At present, this place in Machhiwara houses a traditional building surrounded by a beautiful garden in memory of Guru Gobind Singh.

MONUMENTS

Lodhi Fort

Though Lodhi fort in Ludhiana remains as a ruin now, it once withstood many invaders who were trying to capture this kingdom.Lodhi Fort is nearly 500 years old and it was built by Sikander Lodhi.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum

This museum mainly talks about the bravery of the Indian soldiers especially the Punjabi soldiers. The museum is not only informative about the defense services but it also has many exhibits to strengthen the bonds of national integration and unity.

Apart from the displays the museum organizes shows depicting the valor of the Punjab soldiers who have dedicated their life for the Indian military. This was started in the year 1990.

Rural Museum, PAU

This museum, housed in the campus of Punjab Agricultural University was established in the year 1974 and spreads over an area of 4000 sq. Yards. The museum mainly concentrates on the rural life of the people of Punjab and displays the Punjabi Culture to its best. There are exhibits of old bronze utensils, farming equipment etc. The doors of the museum are finely carved out.

Nehru Rose Garden

This garden is situated in the Civil Lines Area and is nestled with thousands of plant varieties and it has rare collection and varieties of rose plants. It is here where the annual rose festival is held and people from different parts of the country come to witness this major fair of Ludhiana.

It is also an area for relaxation for the people of this city and ideal for morning and evening walks. The garden is also adorned with beautiful fountains.

Hardy's World Amusement park

This is one of the interesting amusement parks in the city where it provides entertainments like jolly rides for children. It also has other amenities like shopping complex and small eat outs. It is situated at a distance of about 7 km from the city.

Bhakra Dam

Bhakra Dam, one of the highest straight gravity dams in the world is built on river Sutlej, near the border between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. This dam supplies power to the whole of North India. The dam gives a beautiful view of the nearby green forest area. Over the decades the banks of the lake have developed into a tourist complex including café, museum, walks, gardens and wooded areas. And the scenery is spectacular to catch.

Amaltas Tiger Safari

This is a very good spot for the nature lovers for you can get to see tigers roaming about in the dense jungle. It is a very thrilling spot situated at a distance of about 6 km from the city centre. It spreads over an area of 4-sq-km.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Ludhiana does not have an airport by itself but the closest airport to the city is in Chandigarh which is at a distance of 100 kms.Various domestic airlines operate their flights to and from Chandigarh to the other destinations of India on a regular basis.

By Rail

There are regular trains for New Delhi and Amritsar from Ludhiana Railway Station. Fast trains connect Ludhiana to Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Puri, Nagpur, Jammu and other cities of India. The important trains include Frontier Mail, Jammu Tawi and Deluxe Express to Mumbai, Shatabdi Express to Delhi, and Utkal Express to Puri and Howrah Mail to Calcutta.

By Road

Ludhiana being located on the Amritsar-Delhi section of the Grand Trunk Road, the various important towns of Punjab such as Jalandhar, Amritsar and Chandigarh are well-linked to Ludhiana through the excellent road network. A wide range of road transport, including taxis, tempos, private and state owned bus services are available in the city.