Pathānkot, India
Region: Punjab
Geographic Coordinates: 32.266800, 75.600000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 155909
Language: Punjabi
Pathānkot is a city located in the northwestern part of India, In the state of Punjab. It is situated at the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie and serves as an important gateway to both Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, With several historical monuments and temples that are worth visiting. One of the most popular attractions in Pathānkot is the Mukteshwar Temple, Which is believed to be over 500 years old.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of devotees every year who come here to offer their prayers. Another famous temple in Pathānkot is the Kathgarh Temple, Which is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Apart from temples, Pathānkot also has several other historical sites such as Nurpur Fort, Shahpur Kandi Fort, Ranjit Sagar Dam, And Panchakki. These sites offer insights into Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and are great places for history buffs.
Pathānkot also serves as an important military station for Indian forces due to its strategic location near Pakistan border. The city has a large airbase that houses fighter jets like Sukhoi-30MKI along with transport aircrafts like C-130J Super Hercules. The cuisine in Pathānkot reflects Punjabi culture with its emphasis on hearty meals consisting of roti (flatbread), Dal (lentils), Sabzi (vegetables) along with meat dishes like tandoori chicken or butter chicken. There are several restaurants serving delicious Punjabi food in Pathankot such as Kanha Sweets & Restaurant or Giani Di Hatti.
Pathankot’s climate varies according to seasons; summers can be hot while winters can get chilly due to its proximity towards Himachal Pradesh’s hills. The best time to visit Pathānkot is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. Pathānkot is a city that offers a perfect blend of history, Culture, And natural beauty. It serves as an important gateway to several popular tourist destinations in northern India and has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, Pathānkot should definitely be on your travel list!
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Nurpur Fort
- Ranjit Sagar Dam
- Shahpurkandi Fort
- Kathgarh Temple
- Shiva Temple, Shahpurkandi
- Kali Mata Mandir
- Nagni Temple
- Ashapurni Mandir
- Pathankot Cantonment Cemetery
- Agriculture
- Wheat
- Rice
- Maize
- Sugarcane
- Vegetables
- Tourism
- Dalhousie
- Dharamshala
- McLeod Ganj
- Manufacturing
- Textiles
- Paper products
- Rubber goods
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transportation
- Good road connectivity with other cities in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir states of India
- In 2016, a terrorist attack occurred at Pathankot Air Force Station resulting in the death of seven Indian security personnel and four attackers.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the renowned Sikh ruler who established the Sikh Empire extending from Tibet to Afghanistan, was born in Gujranwala near Pathankot.
- The Shahpur Kandi Fort was constructed by Raja Jasrath Khokhar during the 16th century and is situated on River Ravi’s banks near Pathankot.
- Nurpur Fort, built by Raja Basu in the 10th century, is located approximately 24 km away from Pathankot.
- The ancient Mukteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located about 22 km from Pathankot.
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an essential religious site for Sikhs as it marks Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit during his travels across India.
- Dalhousie Hill Station provides breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys around it as it sits over 2000 meters above sea level.
- Dhruv Pandove Cricket Stadium has hosted several international matches including those played between India and Pakistan.
- General Zorawar Singh Museum showcases artifacts related to General Zorawar Singh who was a legendary warrior known for his military campaigns against Tibetans in Ladakh region during early nineteenth century.
- The Sujanpur Tira Palace was built by Raja Abhaya Chand in the 18th century and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Ranjit Sagar Dam
- Nurpur Fort
- Kathgarh Temple
- Shahpur Kandi Fort and Gardens
- Kali Mata Ka Mandir
- Shiva Temple, Shahpurkandi
- Dhauladhar National Park
- The Kangra Fort Museum
- The Pathankot War Memorial
- Lohri Festival: This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Pathānkot and marks the end of the winter season. People light bonfires, dance to traditional music, and enjoy traditional food.
- Baisakhi Festival: This festival is celebrated in April every year and marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year. People visit gurudwaras, perform bhangra dances, and enjoy traditional food.
- Diwali Festival: Diwali is a major festival in India that celebrates the victory of good over evil. In Pathānkot, people decorate their homes with lights and candles, burst firecrackers, exchange sweets and gifts.
- Holi Festival: Holi is a colorful festival that celebrates spring’s arrival. People throw colored powder at each other, dance to music, eat sweets like gujiya.
- Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami marks the onset of spring season in India when people worship goddess Saraswati for knowledge and learning.
- Gugga Naumi Mela: It is an annual fair held at Gugga Mari Temple near Pathankot during August-September months which attracts thousands of devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan etc.
- Kartik Poornima Mela: It is an annual fair held on Kartik Poornima day (November full moon day) at Shahpur Kandi Fort near Pathankot which attracts thousands of visitors from nearby areas.
- Buddha Jayanti: A grand celebration takes place on Buddha Jayanti or Vesak Day commemorating Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary as well as his enlightenment & death anniversary.
- Baba Balak Nath Fair: The Baba Balak Nath temple located near Dehar village hosts a grand fair during Shravan month (July-August) which attracts huge crowds from all over northern India.
- Mahashivratri: The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Pathankot. People visit Shiva temples, fast, chant mantras and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
- Chole Bhature: This is a popular Punjabi dish consisting of spicy chickpeas served with fried bread.
- Amritsari Kulcha: A type of stuffed bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, usually served with chana masala.
- Tandoori Chicken: A marinated chicken dish cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor.
- Rajma Chawal: A vegetarian dish made with kidney beans and rice, often served with yogurt or raita.
- Chaat: A street food snack consisting of crispy fried dough topped with various chutneys, yogurt, and spices.
Some popular restaurants in Pathānkot serving these dishes are:
- Moti Mahal Delux Tandoori Trail
- Kesar Da Dhaba
- New Preet Palace Restaurant
- The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor
- Billoo Da Dhaba
- Ranjit Sagar Dam Park is a beautiful park situated near the Ranjit Sagar Dam, providing breathtaking views of the dam and surrounding hills.
- Shahpur Kandi Fort and Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known destination for wildlife enthusiasts, housing several animals including leopards, deer, and wild boars.
- Nurpur Fort is an ancient fort located on the banks of the Beas river that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is a historic temple devoted to Lord Shiva that attracts devotees from all over India.
- Kathgarh Temple is another famous temple in Pathankot that is believed to be one of India’s oldest temples.
- Kali Mata Ka Mandir is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali known for its unique architecture and religious significance.
- Chattradi Temple Complex comprises an ancient complex with several temples devoted to different deities such as Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.
- Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji ranks among Pathankot’s most important Sikh shrines that draws devotees from all over India and abroad.
- Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary situated near Pathankot provides various outdoor activities like bird watching, camping, trekking etc.
- Ranjit Sagar Lake offers boating facilities as well as fishing opportunities for tourists visiting Pathankot.
