Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Mohali is renowned for numerous tourist attractions, Manauli Fort being one of them. With a deep historical root and architectural grandeur, the fort offers a glimpse into the royal past. Despite being less known and hyped, Manauli has its charm, enriched by tales of battles, royal legacies, and cultural pride. If you are looking to explore a less crowded yet historically enriching destination in Mohali, a visit down to this fort is an absolute must. Numerous aspects of the Manauli attract travellers, with its enriching past and authentic Punjabi hospitality being a few reasons.
Quick Details About Manauli Fort
Address: Manauli Fort, Sector 83, JLPL Industrial Area, Manauli, Punjab
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Mohali Railway Station
About Manauli Fort Punjab
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Manauli Fort stands as a relic of Punjab’s royal history, dating back to the 18th century. Built by the descendants of Sikh royalty, this fort has witnessed significant moments in the region’s history, including various territorial conflicts and political transformations. Over the centuries, the lack of maintenance has led to the fort currently being in a dilapidated condition.
It is this place where Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and the Mughals fought in a fierce battle. The fort is architecturally significant, with a blend of traditional Punjabi craftsmanship. Once home to royals and warriors, the fort now lies in partial ruins, offering visitors a raw, unfiltered look at its storied past. As for the fort’s architecture, Manauli Fort has rounded towers, which stand tall at four corners of the fort, each measuring 35 feet in height.
How To Reach
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: If you are taking a flight, you’d need to reach Chandigarh International Airport first and then hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the airport to the village to explore the fort.
By Rail: Mohali Railway Station is where you need to get down if you are taking a train. From the station, take an auto rickshaw since the fort is nearby.
By Road: You can easily drive or hire a cab from nearby cities. State-run buses also service the area, making it accessible for budget travellers.
Places To Visit Around Manauli Fort
After you finish exploring Manauli, there are several nearby tourist attractions that you must add to your travel itinerary as well.
1. Sukhna Lake
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Sukhna Lake is one of Chandigarh’s most popular tourist destinations, offering a serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The lake is a man-made reservoir and offers boating experience. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens and well-maintained pathways, perfect for you to take a stroll in. Not just the tourists, the place is quite popular among locals too.
Distance From Manauli Fort: 19.7 Km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
2. Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Photo: Ijon / Wikimedia Commons
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is an iconic and quirky attraction, created by Nek Chand, a government official who secretly built the garden in his spare time. The entire garden is spread across 40 acres and has a collection of sculptures made entirely from industrial waste, ceramics, and discarded materials. The garden, despite how beautiful it is, highlights the importance of sustainability for the world.
Distance From Manauli Fort: 18.8 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Chhatbir Zoo
Photo: Robert Stokoe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Chhatbir Zoo, officially known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, is one of the largest zoos in northern India and offers a great day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo is located on the Chandigarh-Patiala Road and is spread across 202 acres. Inside the zoo, you will find designated sections for different wildlife species like lions, tigers, elephants, and leopards. They also have safari experiences available.
Distance From Manauli Fort: 11.1 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Vecislavas Popa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The nearest city to the Manauli Fort is Mohali. So, if you are planning to spend a few days, you will find numerous hotels in the city including Regenta Place Mohali, Maple Leaf Hotel, Hotel The Benz, Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali and Arista Hotel.
Where To Eat
Photo: Radhikamprabhu82 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To appease your hunger and try out some authentic Punjabi food, you can head down to the nearby Manauli village or head to Mohali to try some of the local restaurants. A few of the best-rated spots include Arabic Restro Lounge, Punjabi Haveli, Charcoal, Katani Vaishno Dhaba and JB’s Kitchen.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The average cost of a trip to Manauli Fort ranges between ₹800 to ₹2,000 per person. This includes transportation costs (around ₹300-₹1,000 depending on the mode), entry fees (approximately ₹50), and any refreshments or snacks, making it a budget-friendly destination for a day trip.
Tips For The Travellers:
- Have comfortable shoes on as you will need to walk around a lot.
- Carry a water bottle and snacks, especially if you plan to spend the whole day at the fort.
- Opt for a local guide to fully understand the historical significance of the site.
- Bring a camera with extra batteries to take fort pictures and capture the scenic views and historical architecture.
Manauli Fort is one of the most underrated forts in Punjab. The rustic charm of the fort, paired with its unique and robust architecture makes this a spot that you have to explore while in the state. If you are in Mohali or Chandigarh, a visit down to the fort makes for a great day trip experience too. Plan your trip today with TripXL, your one-stop platform for booking travel experiences and discovering offbeat destinations.
Cover Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
