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Punjab, the land of five rivers is a favourite tourist destination for national and international tourists. When planning a trip to Punjab, it is common to think of places like the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh, but there’s a side of the state that most tourists are unaware of. Yes, we are talking about the offbeat things to do in Punjab that take you closer to the state’s history and culture like never before. With just a little planning and an itinerary in hand, you can set out to explore a unique side of the state.
Top 15 Offbeat Things To Do In Punjab
Questions like, what to do in Punjab? are common to cross your mind, especially if it is your first time. Besides popular tourist places, there are plenty of offbeat things to do in Punjab.
1. Visit Harike Wetland And Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Eva-Maria Kintzel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Although Harike Wetland is the largest wetland in northern India, travellers often overlook it. But if you are a nature enthusiast, you should include Harike Wetland in your itinerary, which is among the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Punjab. The highlight of this place is the large variety of bird species that migrate here during the winter. Also, this place is recognised as an important wetland by the Ramsar Convention. If you are planning to visit Punjab between November and January, you can spend a day at Harike Wetland, watching migratory birds without dealing with the crowd.
Location: Maujgarh, Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Explore Mughal Sarai
Photo: Journojp / Wikimedia Commons
When looking for offbeat things to see in Punjab, you are likely to come across Mughal Sarai Doraha. Some people may recognise this place from the Bollywood movie, Rang De Basanti. This is the same place where they shot the song, “Tu Bin Bataye.” As far as the history of this place is concerned, it was built during Jehangir’s era, when it was used as a caravan Sarai. It was particularly used for Mughal caravans to halt at night. Although the structure is several centuries old, you can still see the architectural designs that reflect Mughal elements.
Location: Ward No. 13, Ludhiana District, Doraha, Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Be A Part Of Hola Mohalla
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the offbeat things to do in Punjab with friends that travellers may not know about is the Holla Mohalla festival. If you happen to visit Punjab in March, you can be a part of the festival and experience something new. This three-day festival takes place in Anandpur Sahib and is an important event for the Sikh community. Every year, Sikhs come together to celebrate this festival and participate in various activities like horse racing, and Gatka martial arts. They also perform live bhangra, the traditional Punjabi dance at the festival.
Location: Anandpur Sahib
Timings: March
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Anandpur Sahib For Scenic Retreat
4. Learn The Art Of Chikki Making
Photo: Annelies Brouw / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Made of jaggery, Chikki is a delicious treat that is hard to resist. If you are interested to see how it is made, you should head to Chandigarh. Although Chikki is made all over Punjab, Chandigarh offers a special experience. There you will find sugarcane fields, where they make Chikki with fresh jaggery. You can request them to show you the process and learn something new on your trip. Not to mention, you can also try the most authentic Chikki in Chandigarh.
Location: Chandigarh
Timings: 24*7
5. Serve As A Volunteer At Golden Temple
One of the offbeat things to do in Punjab with family is to serve as a volunteer at Golden Temple. While most tourists visit this holy place to pay their homage, you can do things a little differently. You can choose to serve as a volunteer for a day and experience something beautiful. From working in the kitchen to cleaning the temple, you have to do all sorts of things as a volunteer. Something is soothing about working as volunteers without creating a fuss and being a part of the spiritual brotherhood.
Location: Golden Temple Way, Town Hall, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Explore The Golden Temple
6. Visit Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels
If you are in the city of Amritsar and looking for offbeat things to do, you should visit the Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib. This historic place offers a lovely view of the city from its terrace. With a height of 45 metres, this happens to be the tallest building in the city. There are nine floors in this building and each of them is adorned with beautiful artwork. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Golden Temple, which is located just a few metres away. There is also a meditation room on the top floor of the gurdwara, where you can relax your mind or watch views from the balcony.
Location: S18/476, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab
Timings: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
7. Experience Rural Life At Sadda Pind
Photo: Saddapind / Wikimedia Commons
You will not hear many tourists talk about Sadda Pind, but it allows you to experience rural life in Punjab. Situated on the Amritsar bypass, this living theme park is built on several acres of land. People come here to experience the traditional lifestyle of Punjabis in old villages. Once you are at Sadda Pind, you will see that it is a replica of an old village. Locals here wear traditional dresses and live in mud houses. Besides exploring the place, you can also participate in various activities like pottery and embroidery.
Location: Behind Main Bypass Road, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Amritsar
8. Nature At Nepli Reserve Forest And Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: KL47N YT / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Chandigarh, Nepli Reserve Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place for nature lovers. This nature reserve was built to control the siltation of Sukhna Lake. Occupying an area of 26 square kilometres, the reserve is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The plants and trees here help increase organic matter in the soil, which in turn reduces the siltation of Sukhna Lake. From reptiles to mammals, and birds, you can spot various animals at the reserve. An interesting thing to see is the watchtowers that are supported by rest houses.
Location: Sector 19, Chandigarh, Punjab
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
9. Explore History At The Partition Museum
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Partition Museum in Amritsar is a special place, where you can see and learn a lot of things about the 1947 partition. It takes you through a journey into the lives of those who were affected by the partition of the country. The museum features a thoughtful design and has several sections. Each section holds a unique aspect of the partition story. As you enter the museum, you are greeted by the introductory gallery, where you can see maps and other stuff related to the partition.
Location: Hall Rd, Town Hall, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Partition Museum Amritsar
10. Visit Dhanas Lake
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are fond of bird-watching, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Dhanas Lake. It is one of the fun things to do in Punjab to enjoy nature and spot various bird species. One of the highlights of this place is the solar photovoltaic plants that float on the lake. It was set up by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society) to promote solar power. The lake also offers a lovely view of the lush greenery which is perfect for taking walks.
Location: Dhanas Main Rd, Dhanas, Chandigarh, 160014
Timings: 24*7
11. Explore Virasat-e-Khalsa
Photo: Sanyambahga / Wikipedia
The famous Virasat-e-Khalsa museum in Anandpur Sahib is one of the best places to visit in Punjab. It is devoted to protecting and showing off the rich history of Sikhism. With its 75-acre grounds, the museum marks the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa, which was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, and 500 years of Sikh history. The complex is made up of two main parts that are linked by a dramatic bridge over reflecting pools. It was designed by the famous architect Moshe Safdie. The western complex has a theatre, a library, and temporary galleries.
Location: Anandgarh – Kesgarh Road, Near Qila, Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab 140118
Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Suggested Read: Jallianwala Bagh Museum
12. Learn About History At Gobindgarh Fort
Photo: Gobindgarh Fort / Wikimedia Commons
The Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar is among the offbeat places in Punjab that show the area’s military and cultural history. The fort was built by the Bhangi Misl in the 18th century and later strengthened by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Today, Gobindgarh Fort has been turned into a lively cultural centre where people can enjoy a unique mix of history and fun. On the huge grounds of the fort, there are museums with rare items, traditional weapons, and displays about Sikh military history. People can also see folk dances, live cultural performances, and sound and light shows that bring Punjab’s past to life.
Location: Fort Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
13. Witness The Historic Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Photo: Ijon / Wikimedia Commons
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a famous rock garden that was made by a government worker named Nek Chand. The work started in secret in 1957 and is still going on today. The garden is a work of art and a sustainable resource because it was made completely from trash from businesses and homes, as well as broken ceramics, glass bangles, and tiles. The Rock Garden is spread out over 40 acres and has winding paths, waterfalls, and thousands of funny sculptures of animals, dancers, and singers. Each part of the garden has its own theme, taking tourists on a strange journey through imaginative landscapes.
Location: Sector 1, Chandigarh, India
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Nirvana Adventure Park Hoshiarpur
14. Visit Qila Mubarak
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring Qila Mubarak, a beautiful fort complex in the middle of Patiala, is among the unique things to do in Punjab. It is one of the best examples of a Sikh building. The founder of the Patiala family, Baba Ala Singh, built the fort in the 18th century. It was the home of the Maharajas of Patiala. The huge complex has the main fort, Ran Baas (a guest house), Darbar Hall, and several palatial buildings with beautiful paintings and woodwork. The Qila Mubarak museum has a large collection of royal artefacts, such as old weapons, manuscripts, and traditional clothes.
Location: Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
15. Explore Phillaur Fort
Photo: Smloverboy4 / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Phillaur Fort is one of the historical and offbeat things to do in Punjab for couples that combines Mughal and European styles. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the fort in the early 1800s. It was meant to be a defensive stronghold to keep others from coming into the area. Notably, an Italian engineer had a hand in designing the fort, which is why its bastions and layout are so European-style. Phillaur Fort has been used for many things over the years, such as a military school and a police training centre.
Location: Phillaur, Ludhiana, Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Maharaja Ranjit Singh Fort
The offbeat things to do in Punjab not only offer a unique experience but also provide a fresh perspective on the state. By opting for such a trip, you get to dive deeper into Punjab’s culture and traditions. So, if you are ready for an unforgettable trip, make sure to have an itinerary ready. For better planning, you have TripXL to help you.
Cover Photo: Darshak Pandya / Pexels
