The oldest major city in Punjab, Jalandhar is home to temples, tombs, monuments and historical architecture. The city still harbours old-world traditions, tantalising Punjabi cuisine and traditional markets that make for an authentic getaway destination.

Things to do

Jalandhar is a popular destination to buy speciality items, such as sports gear, leather goods and automobile parts. Find the true treasures of Jalandhar at Sadar Bazar, including handmade sweets, Phulkari scarves and custom-tailored suits. High fashion and trendy boutiques can be found at Model Town Market.

Pushpa Gujral Science City encourages kids to explore interactive exhibits and entertainment centres focusing on space exploration, biology and other science-related topics. You can enjoy 3D laser shows as well as a children’s park and lake. Wonderland Theme Park features a haunted house, aqua dance floor and thrilling rides.

Spirituality is ever-present in Jalandhar, especially in the 200-year-old Devi Taleb Temple devoted to the Goddess Durga. With a gold-infused main temple and an array of smaller ornate temples, sculptures and courtyards, you can roam through the past for hours on end. You can also stop by St. Mary’s Cathedral Church to admire its ornate architectural designs from the 20th century.

Punjabi cuisine abounds in regional restaurants, such as Kurry’s & Kabab, where aromatic plates of chicken masala and rajma chawal are served. Another favourite eatery is Baba Chicken, known for its Kali mirch tikka and signature chicken Beijing soup.

Getting around

You can fly into Amritsar Airport and rent a car for the 75-kilometre drive to Jalandhar. The city is well serviced by buses, taxis, pedicabs and auto rickshaws.