Gurdaspur

Punjab is replete with a number of historical, archaeological, religious and scenic places which could be promoted to attract both domestic and international visitors. There are many such sites in Gurdaspur district which, though quite ancient and associated with history, have neither been included in tourist circuits nor mentioned adequately in tourist literature.

Gurdaspur was founded by Guriya Ji in the beginning of 17th century. On his name, this city was named as Gurdaspur. He bought land for Gurdaspur from Jats of Sangi Gotra. Guriya Ji, a Sanwal Brahmin of Kaushal Gotra, belonged to a village Paniar situated 5 miles north of Gurdaspur.

Little is known about the ancient history of the district except a few antiquities like the rock temples at Mukheshwar Gurdaspur along with its neighbouring districts was the same of the explicits of Alexander, who came up to River Beas in his grand design of world conquest. He fought a grim battle with the Kathaians at Sangala which is located near Fatehgarh in Gurdaspur.

From the latter half of the 10th century up to 1919 A.D this district was ruled by the Shahi dynasty under Jayapal and Anandpal. Kalanaur in this district was the most important town during the period of Delhi Emperor from 14th to 16th century it was twice attacked by Jasrath Khokhar in 1422 and then in 1428.

In the decline and fall of the Mughal supermacy and the rise of the Sikh power this district saw, its most stiring scenes.

During partition of India in 1947 the future of Gurdaspur could not be decided for many days. As majority of population of this district was Muslim. REDCLIFF Awards of Boundary transferred only Shakargarh Tehsil Of Gurdaspur district to Pakistan, and the rest of the district was transferred to India.

Tourist Places

Takht –I - Akbari

Here Akbar was coroneted as the Emperor of Hindustan on 14th February 1556 AD. It is protected by Archaeological Survey of India. AKBAR the great Mughal Emperor 1556 – 1605 was coronated at a place situated at a distance of 2 Kms East of Kalanaur. HUMAYUN, the father of Akbar, died on 26 January 1556 in Delhi in a fatal accident while climbing down the stairs of Din-I-Pannah library also known as Sher – Mandal. At the time of coronation, Akbar was only 13 years 3 months old. At the time of his father’s death he was accompanying his tutor BAIRAM KHAN and was staying at Kalanaur.

Mahakaleshwar Temple At Kalanaur

Since time immemorial, a big Shivratri fair is held every year in the Mahakaleshwar temple on Shivratri day when a large number of devotees gather here to celebrate the festival of Shivratri. It is the only temple of shiva in india in which shivlingam is in horizontal position. This shivlingam is in mahakaleshwar temple at Kalanaur.

Dera Baba Nanak

Dera Baba Nanak is situated 45 Kilometers west of Gurdaspur. This place is associated with Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The two famous Gurudwaras at Dera Baba Nanak are Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Chola Sahib.

Achaleshwar Temple

On the opposite side of Gurudwara, there is Achaleshwar temple. According to local sources written on the board of the temple, this temple belongs to Satyug period and is related to God Kartik the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Mosque Aqsa

Town of Qadian is associated with the founder of AHMADIYA MUSLIA SECT, the Promised Messiah "HAZRAT MIRRZA GULAM AHMAD " who was born in Qadian. Qadian is not only known now within India but enjoys special regard in the hearts of 10 million Ahmadia Muslims spread in all five continents of the world.

Sri Namdev Durbar at Ghoman

GHOMAN is situated about 26 KM. Southeast of Batala city. Ghoman is about 10 KM from Sri Hargobindpur. It is towards west side of Sri Hargobindpur. Ghoman is associated with Baba Namdev (1270-1350 AD). Baba Namdev was the founder of this town and meditated here for 17 long years. Here he did miraculous deeds.

Gurdas Nangal

Village Gurdas Nangal which is associated with Banda Singh Bahadar’s last battle with Mughals is situated about 7 kilometers (4 miles) west of Gurdaspur City. Bhai Duni Chand’s Haveli earlier known as BANDE WALI THEH is about one mile from the present village of Gurdas Nangal. A brief life history of Banda Singh Bahadur is written on a huge board and is displayed in front of Gurudwara.

Gurdwara Chola Sahib in Dera Baba Nanak

Situated on the left bank of the Ravi, Dera Baba Nanak is one of the famous places associated with the life of Guru Nanak Dev, who after his long travels came to Pakhoke village, where his father-in-law Mul Chand lived. This very place was later selected as the site for founding the town of Dera Baba Nanak, where Guru Nanak spent 12 years of his life, with his sons. A gurdwara has been erected on the site where Guru Nanak used to sit in meditation. Known as Gurdwara Chola Sahib, it contains the precious robes of Guru Nanak, which were presented to him when he visited Mecca. The interior of the shrine has been adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities. The walls have been decorated with frescoes and studded with mirrors. Thousands of pilgrims visit this place on the eve of Maghi in the second week of January every year.

Gurdwara Damdama Sahib in Sri Hargobindpur

This historic town, 38 km south of Gurdaspur, was founded by Guru Hargobind after he fought a fierce battle here against the Mughals. The three-storeyed Gurdwara Damdama Sahib has been built to commemorate the visit of the Guru here.

Rest Houses & Hotels

1 PWD Rest House, Gurdaspur 241214
2 PSEB Rest House, Gurdaspur 230083
3 Sainik Rest House, Gurdaspur 223127
4 Forest Rest House, Pathankot 2220349
5 PWD Rest House, Pathankot 2221033
6 Canal Rest House, Madhoupur 01870-257239,33
7 VIP Rest House, RSD Shahpur Kandi 253218
8 Ravi Sadan Rest House, Shahpur Kandi 253232
9 Gulmohar Pathankot 2220292
10 Coral Restaurant, Madhopur 01870-257241
11 Pushkar Dee Pee Residency, Jammu Road Malikpur, Pathankot 2243400