Pathankot is one of the prominent cities in Punjab that is often used as a gateway for Chamba and Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh due to its prime location. Pathankot is a district of Punjab that is at the meeting point of the three northern states of India, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir and serves as a travel hub for all three northerly states. While offering many tourist attractions, there are several places to visit in Pathankot that are ideal for a blissful holiday experience.
This destination is surrounded by picturesque foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie, with the river Chakki flowing close by and the majestic shivaliks in the background creating a beautiful scenery in your minds. Pathankot, although, often serves as a major pit-stop for tourists travelling to the mountains of Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Jammu & Kashmir, Chamba and Kangra and head further deep into the Himalayas. Pathankot also comes with a rich historical significance that binds people to travel to all these places and witness the rich culture of this heaven’s abode.
Best Time to Visit Pathankot
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Pathankot is a place where you can visit throughout the year, even in summers as the weather is pleasant at all times. However, the best time to visit Pathankot is during the months of October to April with temperatures going as low as 7°C and as high as 32°C.
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How to Reach Pathankot
Here are the best ways you can reach Pathankot as per your preference:
By Air: The best and fastest way to reach the city of Pathankot is by taking a flight to the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar which is located at a distance of 119 km in Amritsar. The airport is well-connected by flights from all major cities.
By Train: Enjoy the scenic routes and travel at a moderate pace by taking a train from any major station directly to Pathankot station.
By Road: Another way to reach the city is by driving yourself or hiring a cab/taxi from the nearest town or city.
13 Places to Visit in Pathankot
Pathankot serves as a resting spot for several travellers who are heading further deep into the Himalayas and to explore the mountains of Dharamshala, McLeodganj and Jammu & Kashmir. While you’re visiting this divine city in the state of Punjab, make sure you add these places to visit in Pathankot to your itinerary and make the most of your stay here.
1. Ranjit Sagar Dam
Ranjot Sagar Dam makes for an ideal spot to enjoy a day out with friends or family as it boasts several tourist places near Pathankot where you can relax and unwind. Witness the wilderness of Pathankot and the scenic beauty that will leave you bewildered. The Ranjit Sagar Dam is also known as the Thien Dam and constructed on the river Ravi, it’s a part of the hydroelectricity project of the state government of Punjab and was completed in 2001.
Location: Ranjit Sagar Dam, Ravi River, Pathankot
Time required: 2 hours
What’s special: Boating facilities and a great picnic spot to spend time with your friends and family.
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2. Mukteshwar Temple
Located near Pathankot on Shahpur Kandi Dam Road, this quaint temple houses the shrine of Lord Shiva and is also known as Mukesaran Mandir and is one of the many Shiva Temples in India. Known to be as the most sacred places around Pathankot, this temple stands tall atop a hill and reflects the beauty and charm that it exudes as an important cultural landmark for locals living in and around Pathankot. It is a significant spiritual center for many devotees who come to worship here from all across the country. This holy temple also houses the idols of Gods of the Hindu religion like Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Parvati.
Location: Mukteshwar Temple, Doongh, Punjab 145029
Time required: 3 hours
What’s special: Participate or observe cultural relics and shrines of various deities during this religious retreat.
3. Shahpurkandi Fort
Nestled on the banks of the Ravi River in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas, Shahpurkandi fort is one of the best Pathankot tourist places. It was built in the 16th century and stands tall amidst the scenic beauty of Pathankot. A part of fort now serves as a resting house for tourists and provides breathtaking views of the city of Pathankot. Visiting this fort is one of the mandatory things to do in Pathankot.
Location: Shahpurkandi Fort, Shahpur Kandi Twp, Shahpur Kandi, Punjab 145029
Time required: 3 hours
What’s special: A panoramic view from the top of the fort.
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4. Hydraulic Research Station
Hydraulic Research Station is famous for the various models of dams and various irrigation projects displayed here that makes it an intriguing place to visit in Pathankot. Marvel at the interesting engineering techniques used for the construction of these dams and irrigation projects. Situated in Malikpur, 7 km from Pathankot, it makes for an exciting visit to enrich your information about these models.
Location: Hydraulic Research Station, Malikpur, Asa Bano, Punjab 145025
Time required: 2 hours
What’s special: An interesting collection of various irrigation techniques and technologies.
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5. Nagni Temple
A religious landmark, this temple is one of the famous Pathankot tourist places that is situated about 16 km away from the city and is devoted to the Goddess of snakes. One of the holy temples in Punjab, This ancient temple organizes a huge fair every Saturday in the month of August that attracts many pilgrims and tourists from across the country. Besides being one of the most famous places to visit in Pathankot, a unique aspect of this temple is that the place where the idol of nagni mata is positioned, water comes out from there. The locals of the surrounding area also believe that a snake bite can be cured if you drink this holy water and apply mud on it from the premises of the temple.
Location: Nagni Temple, Kohri
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: Morning and evening prayers that offer a window into the traditional prayer rituals.
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6. Nurpur Fort
Formerly known as the Dhameri Fort, this fort dates back to the 10th century. One of the most amazing tourist places in Pathankot, Nurpur Fort was destroyed by the British and then demolished again by an earthquake in 1905. This, one of the many forts in India, is famous for its ancient Krishna Temple located in the inner sanctum, which was built in the 16th century and is said to be one of the only places where both the idols of Lord Krishna and Mira Bai are worshipped together.
Location: Nurpur, Pathankot
Time required: 2 hours
What’s special: Historic touring and ancient structures
7. Kali Mata Ka Mandir
A very famous temple that attracts visitors and devotees from all across the country, it is dedicated to the Hindy Goddess, Kali Mata. A huge crowd is usually noticed on Tuesdays due to the special bhandaara. To reach Kali Mata mandir, devotees have to do a 2 km trek. It is one of the places to visit in Pathankot that should’nt be missed.
Location: Kali Mata Ka Mandir, Dalhousie Road, Pathankot
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: The trekking trail to the temple offers a scenic view of the surrounding valley.
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8. Kathgarh Temple
This temple is said to have been visited by Bharat during his search for Lord Rama as per the Hindu mythology, it is located at the confluence of the Beas and the Chonch River. Built in a roman styled architecture, lots of devotees gather around to visit this temple in Pathankot. This is considered as one of the best tourist places in Pathankot.
Location: Kathgarh Temple, Indora – Kathgarh Road, Tehsil Indora, Kangra, Kathgarh, Himachal Pradesh 176401
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: The riverside location of the temple makes for a mesmerizing detour.
9. Shani Dev Temple
Image Source Shani Dev Mandir is one of the famous shrines located in Pathankot which is dedicated to Lord Shani. This is one of the best places to visit in Pathankot which attracts the pilgrims from all around the country who come here to seek blessings. This shrine is located amidst the surreal surroundings of nature’s finest beauty,
Location:Saili Rd, Pathankot, Punjab 145001, India
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: The traditional rituals performed by locals are a cultural sight to observe.
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10. Ashapurni Mandir
This is one of the oldest temples in Pathankot where the shrine of Ashapurni mata is worshipped. This is one of the best places to see in Pathankot where people come and take the blessings from the goddess. During the time of Navratri, Kanya Poojas are hosted here which attracts a vast number of people.
Location: Sarain Mohalla, Androon Bazar, Pathankot, Punjab 145001
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: The large statue of Shiva is a popular landmark that many visitors come to photograph.
11. Laxmi Narayan Mandir
Among all the places to visit in Pathankot, the Laxmi Narayan Mandir is one of the famous temples in the region. This is one of the largest temples of the town which is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all around the place. There is a statue of Lord Hanuman installed inside the temple courtyard and it is surrounded by lush greenery which makes it more beautiful.
Location: Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Municipal Colony, Pathankot, Punjab 145001
Time required: 1 hour
What’s special: The surrounding green valleys offer some breathtaking views of nature during your visit to the temple.
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12. Novelty Mall
Though not exactly one of the Pathankot tourist places, Novelty Mall still gives you reasons galore to visit. It is one of the most entertaining spots in town. One can enjoy shopping, dining, and recreational activities in the mall. Go, watch a movie at the cineplex with your friends in your free time. You can gorge on delicious fast food at the food court and kill your hunger pangs. There are a variety of brand outlets from where you can shop your favorite apparel and accessories.
Location: Dalhousie Road, Mamun, Pathankot, Punjab 145001
Time required: 3 hours
What’s special: The mall offers a chance to add some conventional activities like watching movies and eating at your favorite franchise during your travel.
13. City Centre Mall
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Pathankot is not a huge city which is why you can count City Centre Mall as one of the tourist places in Pathankot. One of the oldest malls in Pathankot, it is locals’ favorite spot to hang out and shop. It was the first mall to come up in Pathankot. You will find a variety of food outlets where you can satiate your hankerings. Enjoy watching movies at Miraj Cinemas in the mall for a fun evening.
Location: Gandhi Chowk, Pathankot, Punjab 145001
Time required: 3-4 hours
What’s special: A well-rounded place for spending an evening and people watching.
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Pathankot is a destination that comes as a respite for travelers seeking a hideaway from the mundane urban life and finding refuge in the scenic landscape of Pathankot amidst the lush green mountains and river Ravi that encapsulates this holiday destination. If you’re planning for a getaway in Pathankot, then make sure you add these places to visit in Pathankot to your itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Pathankot
What is Pathankot famous for?
This place is mainly known for the lush greenery and the rich historical past. There are numerous attractions here where families can enjoy including Ranjit Sagar Dam, Mukteshwar Temple, Shahpurkandi Fort, Hydraulic Research Station and more. Furthermore, Pathankot is close to areas like Dalhousie, Dharamshala and Manali. Is it safe to travel to Pathankot during COVID times?
Before planning to travel to Pathankot, it is important to read the state regulations regarding covid and take safety precautions as they keep changing due to the uncertain situation. However, it's always best to take precautions such as negative covid test, masks and sanitising your hands regularly. Is Pathankot safe?
Pathankot is known as one of the safest places where violent crime is almost unheard. Being a popular travel destination, there is always a flock of seasonal travellers who can be found sightseeing and dining in the central district. If you are travelling at night, make sure you have made all the arrangements beforehand to avoid any last-minute hiccups. How far is Pathankot from Amritsar?
The distance from Pathankot to Amritsar is around 107 km. The two cities are very well connected by rail and roadways. If you are visiting either one of the destinations, you can easily hop to the other for a quick and worthy day trip. How far is Dalhousie from Pathankot?
Dalhousie is located at a distance of 85 km from Pathankot. It also makes for a great weekend getaway if you want to expand your itinerary during travel. Is it worthwhile to travel to Pathankot?
Pathankot is definitely worthwhile to travel to as it is a historic city in Punjab with lots to see. It shares the International border with Pakistan and the city is filled with various forts, temples and greenery. Which river flows in Pathankot?
The Chakki river which is a tributary of the Beas River flows in Pathankot. It is also a popular attraction as many tourists travel to see the river and enjoy waterside activities. What are the other places near Pathankot?
There are many places to visit near Pathankot within 100 km such as Kangra, McLeodGanj, Dharamshala and Palampur.
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Being an army kid, Yashasvi has had a fair share of traveling around the country and collecting erratic experiences in her little adventure jar. Choosing to follow her heart and combining her passion into a full-time job, she has been writing blogs about travel, lifestyle, and food for 2 years.
