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The mention of Bathinda often rings one bell, “Jab We Met” and the fraction of other Bollywood movies shot in and around Punjab. Albeit its small size and predominantly rural culture, there are several things to do in Bathinda. From exploring the iconic and serene Bathinda Lake to stopping by the Bathinda Fort, there is a lot that you can indulge in the next time you visit the city in Punjab. If you are interested in learning more about the historical past of the state of Punjab, Bathinda is the perfect spot for you to stop and explore.
10 Things To Do In Bathinda
This list of things to do in Bathinda offers a glimpse into the glorious past of the state of Punjab, one that is surely going to leave you mesmerised with its ancient forts, serene lakes, and vibrant bazaars.
1. Visit The Historic Bathinda Fort
Photo: Lavish Thakkar / Wikimedia Commons
Given the steeping history of this city, you must start your tour with the iconic Bathinda Fort, also known as Quila Mubarak. It is the fort where Razia Sultan was held. The origins of this fort date back 1600 years ago by Raja Dab. Since it is almost 4 decades old, the fort has also witnessed several key events in Indian history and played a crucial role during the Mughal era and the British period. The fort is spread across an area of 16 acres and it is reportedly 100 feet high. Although a lot of the fort’s structure has been destroyed, the bastions and the clay bricks used in the construction of this fort are worth witnessing.
Location: Fort, Near Fort, Old City, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mondays closed)
2. Explore The Tranquil Rose Garden
Photo: Justin DoCanto / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For nature lovers, one of the best things to do in Bathinda is to stop and explore the stunning Rose Garden. The garden is spread across 10 acres and is home to a variety of roses, blooming in different colours and fragrances. The garden is beautifully landscaped with walking paths, benches, and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for morning walks, picnics, and photography. You must visit during the blooming season, which is usually between May and October. The entire garden is filled with unique colours of roses, hundreds and thousands of them in full bloom. It is a great spot to visit for families with children.
Location: Rose Garden Rd, Hazura Kapura Colony, Guru Gobind Singh Nagar, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:15 PM
3. Take A Stroll Around The Chetak Park
Photo: Rapper&singer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another hidden gem in Bathinda that’s great for families to explore is Chetak Park. The park is named after Maharana Pratap’s famous horse, Chetak and it is a park that features a beautifully maintained green space with a variety of plants, trees, and flowers. Inside the park, there is a small lake where the visitors can indulge in a boating experience too. Aside from that, there are well-maintained walking paths, ideal for individuals who want to indulge in a stroll. The park gets crowded during the evenings when the children play around and adults indulge in a relaxing time.
Location: Mehna, Bathinda, Punjab 151004
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
4. Marvel At The Bir Talab Zoo
Photo: Il Vagabiondo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are fond of animals and want to witness some up close, the Bir Talab Zoo is a pretty amazing spot to visit. It is one of the most popular things to see in Bathinda, especially for children. The zoo is located on the outskirts and is home to a wide range of animals, birds and reptiles. The zoo itself is spread across an area of 161 acres, so prepare yourself for a lot of walking. It is particularly known for its herd of deer, including the rare blackbuck. Beyond that, you can spot tigers, leopards, monkeys and a variety of birds too.
Location: Bir Talab Multania Road, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹5
5. Visit The Thermal Plant Lake
Photo: Janusz Walczak / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another unique experience that you must indulge in when in Bathinda is visiting the Thermal Plant Lake. It is a man-made lake, which is located near the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, hence the name. Not just tourists, the lake is equally popular among the locals. There is a well-maintained park surrounding the lake where you can stroll, relax or even host a picnic. There are designated walking paths and benches for sitting. The views of the lake during sunrise or sunset make it a great subject for photography as well. Also, there are local vendors selling snacks that you can try.
Location: Hardev Nagar, Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Power Plant Area, Bathinda, Punjab 151002
Timings: 24*7
6. Experience Spiritual Bliss At Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
Photo: Jagvir Kaur / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to one of the cities in Punjab is incomplete without visiting a Gurdwara. In Bathinda, the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is one of those spots you can’t miss out on. It is said that this is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, stayed and compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib. The overall architecture of the place is quite reminiscent of the Golden Temple, especially with the large central hall, domes, and intricately designed interiors. You can offer your prayers and take part in Langar.
Location: Near, Sangat – Talwandi Rd, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab 151302
Timings: 24*7
7. Shop At Dhobi Bazaar
Photo: Diham / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
No visit to Bathinda is complete without exploring the bustling Dhobi Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise. It is said to be one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city where you get to shop a variety of unique items. From traditional Punjabi attire to modern fashion, handicrafts, electronics, and much more, there is a lot that you can explore and indulge in. Also, beyond the lively atmosphere, the market is home to some of the oldest local eateries where you can try authentic Punjabi cuisine. So, don’t miss out on trying items like chole bhature, samosas, and lassi.
Location: Near Railway Road, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
8. Witness The Splendour Of Mazar Of Peer Haji Rattan
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are wondering what to do in Bathinda, plan your visit to the Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan, which is a holy mazar that is located in the centre of Bathinda. It is a religious centre where people visit to pray. There are a lot of historical tales associated with this place. One such is that Baba Haji Rattan visited Mecca and when he returned to India, he decided to settle down in Bathinda for good, which is where the mazar is located. The majority of the people visiting this place settle down to offer their prayers and meditate too. There is a Gurdwara located nearby as well.
Location: Hazi Ratan Rd, Hazi Rattan Nagar, Civil Lines, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 24*7
9. Enjoy Serenity At Bathinda Lake
Photo: Oleksandra Zelena / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the things to do in Bathinda Punjab is to visit the iconic Bathinda Lake. This is a man-made lake that offers a blend of natural beauty with a variety of recreational activities. The lake is a fairly popular site among tourists and locals alike. There are numerous sides to the lake, including Lake 01, Lake 02 and Lake 03. Also, the main highlight of the lake is the adjoining park area that enables you to unwind and relax. In the evenings, Bhatinda Lake comes alive with colourful fountains and light shows. There is a boating facility available, which you can indulge in too.
Location: Lake number 3, Goniana Road, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
10. Indulge In Shopping At Mittal City Mall
Photo: Dr Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To indulge in a modern shopping experience, head to Mittal City Mall, which houses some of the most renowned brands. Beyond the brand outlets, the mall has a cinema, showroom and a food court where you can unwind and relax with your friends and family. The expansiveness of this mall is stunning to look at as well. Also, given how big the mall is, there are several shops that you can visit and shop to your heart’s content. Don’t miss out on trying the local and authentic Punjabi dishes at the food court inside the mall.
Location: Vishal Nagar, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM
The next time you are planning a trip to Punjab, consider exploring the top things to do in Bathinda. The city, albeit its a remote location, has a lot to offer. From religious destinations to natural wonders, there is a variety of unique things you can indulge in. To enjoy a city in Punjab that’s not overcrowded, consider booking your next vacation with TripXL and head to Bathinda for the ultimate experience.
Cover Photo: Nitin544 / Wikimedia Commons
