Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Punjab, Bathinda is an oft-overlooked destination more famous for being a centre of agriculture and economy. But this small city has a rich past: it is believed to have been extant for around a millennium – Ibn Battuta is said to have passed by here; and much before it was absorbed into the kingdom of Patiala, it was fought over by Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori.
THING TO SEE AND DO
The formidable Qila Mubarak has been the site of many a battle. According to legend, it was Emperor Kanishka who chose this site for fortifications. Around the 11th century CE, Mahmud of Ghazni captured the fort. It’s also associated with Prithviraj Chauhan and Mohammed Ghori. Later, Razia Sultan was imprisoned here. Even some of the Sikh Gurus are believed to have visited the Qila Mubarak, which still stands tall.
The Rose Garden is popular with locals, but the children will love a trip to the Mini Zoo and Deer Park at Bir Talab, 8 km to the south. There’s also a cafeteria here. Or take the children boating at Bathinda Lake, a popular place to hang out in the evenings.
The Mazaar of Haji Rattan, with the Gurdwara Haji Rattan right next door, is worth a visit to experience India’s unique religious syncretism.
A 45-minute drive out of town sees you at Maiser Khana, a shrine to Goddess Durga. Damdama Sahib (30 km southeast of Bathinda), one of the holiest shrines of the Sikh faith, is associated with the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh. This is where the Guru is said to have completed work on the Guru Granth Sahib. Another Gurdwara associated with Guru Gobind Singh can be found at Lakhi, 17 km away.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Good choices include the Best Western Stella Plus (Tel: 0164-5015000; Tariff: ₹4,900-7,900), Country Inn & Suites by Carlson (Tel: 5200200; Tariff: ₹5,000-5,500) and Comfort Inn Tulip Heights (Tel: 5050100; Tariff: ₹3,800-6,000).
For your meals, you could head to any of the fast food chain restaurants here, but it would be a shame not to try Punjab’s culinary treats. Moti Mahal is a good choice for those craving dal makhni as well as tandoori chicken.
When to go October to March Location In southwestern Punjab Air Nearest airport: Chandigarh Rail Nearest rail: Bathinda