bigtravelbuzzPathankot is a city in the Indian state of Punjab. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and serves as an important hub for transportation, with many major highways and railways passing through the city. Pathankot is also a popular destination for tourists, as it offers access to several scenic locations and pilgrimage sites in the region.
Here are some places to visit, things to do, and travel tips for Pathankot:
Places to Visit:
Mukteshwar Temple: This is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the top of a hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Ranjit Sagar Dam: This is a popular picnic spot located on the banks of the Ranjit Sagar Lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities here.
Shahpur Kandi Fort: This is a historic fort located on the banks of the Ravi River. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and later renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Nurpur Fort: This is a historic fort located about 25 km from Pathankot. It was built by Raja Basu in the 10th century and later captured by the Mughals.
Kathgarh Temple: This is a popular pilgrimage site located about 50 km from Pathankot. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been visited by the Pandavas during their exile.
Best Time To Visit Pathankot
The best time to visit Pathankot is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature during this time ranges between 10°C to 25°C. However, if you’re interested in visiting the nearby hill stations like Dalhousie and Dharamshala, the summer months of April to June can also be a good time to visit Pathankot.
How to get around in Pathankot
Pathankot is a small city, and it is relatively easy to get around by public transport. Some of the common modes of transport in Pathankot are:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport in Pathankot. They are available everywhere and are quite cheap. Auto-rickshaws are best suited for short distances.
Buses: Buses are a popular mode of transport for longer distances. Pathankot has a good network of buses, and you can easily find a bus to most parts of the city.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Pathankot, but they are more expensive than auto-rickshaws and buses. Taxis are best suited for longer journeys or when you need to carry a lot of luggage.
Motorbikes: You can also rent a motorbike in Pathankot. This is a good option if you want to explore the city on your own. You can rent a motorbike from various rental agencies in Pathankot.
Walking: Walking is also a good option if you want to explore the city at your own pace. Most of the tourist attractions in Pathankot are located close to each other, and you can easily walk between them.
Things to Do:
Explore the city: Take a walk around the city and explore the local markets, temples, and other landmarks.
Trekking: Pathankot is surrounded by hills and offers several opportunities for trekking and hiking.
Visit nearby hill stations: Pathankot is located near several popular hill stations such as Dalhousie, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamshala.
River Rafting: The Ravi River offers opportunities for river rafting and other water activities.
Wildlife Safari: The nearby Chamba Wildlife Sanctuary and Kangra Valley offer opportunities for wildlife safaris.
Where to eat in Pathankot
Pathankot is a city in the northern Indian state of Punjab, known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine. Here are some popular restaurants and food joints to try in Pathankot:
KFC: Located on Dalhousie Road, KFC is a popular fast-food chain that serves fried chicken and other fast food.
Moti Mahal Deluxe: This popular restaurant is located on the Dalhousie Road and serves traditional Punjabi food, including butter chicken and tandoori chicken.
Lovely Chaat Corner: This street food joint, located on the Railway Road, serves a variety of chaats, including samosas, kachoris, and pani puri.
Sethi Dhaba: Located on the Dalhousie Road, this traditional Punjabi dhaba serves delicious parathas, chole bhature, and lassi.
The Courtyard: This rooftop restaurant, located in the Hotel Venice, serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine with a great view of the city.
Dawat-e-Sher-E-Punjab: This restaurant, located on the Dhangu Road, serves authentic Punjabi food, including sarson ka saag and makki ki roti.
Brijwasi Sweets: This sweet shop, located on the Dhangu Road, is famous for its delicious sweets, including jalebis, gulab jamuns, and rasgullas.
Famous street stalls in Pathankot
There are many street food options in Pathankot that are popular among locals and visitors. Some of the famous street stalls in Pathankot are:
Chole Bhature Wala: As the name suggests, this stall serves delicious chole bhature, a popular North Indian dish made of spicy chickpeas and fried bread.
Billa Kulfi Wala: This stall is famous for its creamy and delicious kulfi, a frozen dessert made with condensed milk and various flavours like mango, pistachio, and rose.
Momo Point: This stall serves hot and tasty momos, a popular Tibetan snack made with steamed or fried dough filled with vegetables or meat.
Surjit Food Plaza: This stall is known for its delicious chaat, a savoury snack made with potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind chutney.
Singh’s Fried Chicken: This stall is a popular spot for fried chicken lovers, serving crispy and juicy chicken with a variety of sauces.
Chatkara Food Street: This street has several food stalls serving a range of delicious snacks, including pav bhaji, samosas, and jalebis.
Billo Di Hatti: This stall serves hot and fresh parathas, a type of flatbread stuffed with vegetables or meat, and is a favourite among locals.
These street stalls offer delicious food at affordable prices and are a great way to experience the local cuisine of Pathankot.
Where to stay in Pathankot
Here are a few options:
Kaveri Hotel: This is a popular luxury hotel in Pathankot, known for its comfortable rooms, excellent service, and amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and restaurant.
Hotel Venice: This hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, along with facilities like a fitness center, spa, and restaurant.
Hotel Woodland: This hotel is known for its spacious rooms, excellent service, and on-site restaurant.
Hotel Opulence: This is a new luxury hotel in Pathankot, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a fitness center.
The Grand Hotel: This is another popular luxury hotel in Pathankot, with spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
Please note that prices for luxury accommodation in Pathankot may vary depending on the season and demand.
Travel Tips:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pathankot is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Getting around: The best way to get around Pathankot is by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Accommodation: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Pathankot to suit all budgets.
Food: Pathankot offers a variety of local and North Indian cuisine. Some popular dishes include Amritsari Kulcha, Chole Bhature, and Tandoori Chicken.
Safety: Pathankot is generally safe for tourists, but it is always recommended to take basic precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping your valuables safe.