13 Best Places to Visit in Ludhiana: A Complete Travel Guide

Ludhiana doesn’t make it onto most travel itineraries in Punjab. That is a mistake. Known as Punjab’s largest city and the knitwear capital of India, Ludhiana carries a reputation built on industry and commerce. What is often forgotten are historical architectures, rural heritage museums, and green spaces that provide real respite from the industrial hustle and bustle. This guide covers 13 places worth your time in Ludhiana, along with practical information on timings, entry fees, and how to structure your visit efficiently.

1. Lodhi Fort (Purana Qila)

Lodhi Fort is one of the historic architectural treasures located on the banks of the Sutlej River. Built during the Lodhi period in the late 15 th century, this crumbling structure has witnessed five centuries of Punjab history. The principal gateway, defensive walls and a mosque inside the complex demonstrate Afghan architectural influences marked by pointed arches and solid construction that were meant for defense.

Practical Details:

Location Sutlej riverbank, Old Ludhiana

Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Entry Fees: Free Entry

Time Needed: 45 minutes

2. Punjab Agricultural University Museum

This museum chronicles the evolution of farming in Punjab with exhibits that show the development of farming techniques, from ancient manual practices to modern times when farming is mechanised. The seed bank conserves indigenous varieties of crops that have mostly vanished from commercial farming.

Practical Details: 

Location: PAU Campus, Ferozepur Road

Timing: 9 am – 5 pm (Sundays closed) 

Entry Fees: ₹10  

Time Needed: 1- 1.5 hours

3. Rural Heritage Museum

Asia’s largest rural heritage museum recreates traditional Punjabi village life with full-size replicas of mud houses, working water mills and agricultural setups. Each structure uses authentic materials and traditional construction methods and the interiors are furnished with period-appropriate items – wooden beds, brass utensils, and textile looms.

Practical Details:

Location: PAU Campus

Timing: 9 AM-5 PM (closed Mondays)

Entry fees: ₹20 adults 

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum

This museum is a tribute to Maharaja Ranjit SIngh and chronicles the Sikh military history from the 18th century to the modern-day conflicts. The collection includes arms, uniforms, medals and battle dioramas. The outdoor display includes tanks and artillery.

Practical Details:

Location: Around 25 km from Ludhiana

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays) 

Entry Fees: ₹30 for adults

Time Needed: 2 hours

5. Tiger Zoo (Chhatbir Zoo)

Officially known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, this zoo is spread across a vast area and is one of the largest zoological parks in North India. The tiger safari is the main attraction, over 100 species of animals such as Asiatic Lions, Gharials and many species of birds make this place their home. Large enclosures are designed to resemble natural habitats.

Practical Details: 

Location: Chhatbir, 35 km from Ludhiana

Timings: 9 AM-5 PM (opens on all days except Mondays) 

Entry Fees: ₹50 adults, Lion Safari ₹100 extra 

Time Needed: 3-4 hours required

6. Gurudwara Charan Kamal

This gurudwara marks the site of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s visit during his travel in Punjab. The white marble building, reflective pool, and tended garden create a meditative feeling far from the industrial nature of the city. Langar is served free throughout the day.

Practical Details:

Location: Alamgir, 18 km from Ludhiana

Timings: Early morning to evening 

Entry Fees: Free entry 

Time Needed: 1 hour 

7. Phillaur Fort

Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century, this fort was a controlling point for movement across the Sutlej River. Now a police training academy, some sections have been left open for visitors. The accessible parts display Sikh period military architecture with thick walls, watchtowers and imposing gateways.

Practical Details: 

Location: Phillaur, 25 km away from the city

Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (limited access)

Entry Fees: Free entry

Time Needed: 45 minutes

8. Nehru Rose Garden

Spread across 30 acres, this garden is one of the largest dedicated rose gardens in Asia, with a large variety of roses. Peak flowering takes place between February to March. Beyond roses, the garden has musical fountains, manicured lawns, walking paths and a small lake.

Practical Details: 

Location: Near PAU, Ferozepur Road 

Timings: 5 AM-9 PM

Entry Fees: ₹ 20 for adults

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

9. Rakh Bagh Park

One of Ludhiana’s oldest public parks, which dates back to the British period. Dense tree cover offers actual shade, a small lake, children’s play areas and walking paths serve the residents. Early mornings are for yoga groups and joggers and evenings for families seeking escape from the summer heat.

Practical Details: 

Location: Model Town 

Timings: 5 AM-8 PM 

Entry Fees: Free entry

Time Needed: 1 hour 

10. Pavilion Mall

Pavilion Mall is a large shopping and entertainment complex in Ludhiana that has retail outlets, food options and a multiplex cinema. For travellers, it offers air-conditioned comfort during the summer months.

Practical Details: 

Location: Ferozepur Road

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM 

Entry Fees: Free Entry

Time Needed: 2-3 Hrs 

11. Hardy’s World

This amusement and water park offers family entertainment with water slides, wave pools and rain dance places during the summer. Dry rides operate year-round. Weekdays provide much smaller crowds.

Practical Details: 

Location: GT Road, 12 km from the city 

Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM

Entry Fees: ₹600-800 adults

Time Needed: 4-5 hours 

12. Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)

Built during British rule, the Clock Tower is the most identifiable heritage structure in Ludhiana. The surrounding Chaura Bazaar is still a working wholesale textile market – quite an authentic commercial Ludhiana with fabric shops and traditional sweet makers.

Practical Details: 

Location: Chaura Bazaar, Old Ludhiana Market

Timings: 10 AM-8 PM 

Entry Fees: Free 

Time Needed: 30 minutes (2+ hours for exploring the market)

13. Deer Park

This small park houses spotted deer, blackbuck, and various species of birds in a well-maintained green space. It serves both as a miniature wildlife encounter and a public garden for tranquil mornings.

Practical Details: 

Location: Near Gurudwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib

Timings:8 AM – 6 PM 

Entry Fees: ₹10

Time Needed: 45 minutes

Planning your Ludhiana Itinerary

One Day: Lodhi Fort – Rural Heritage Museum – PAU Museum – Nehru Rose Garden – Clock Tower

Two Days: Add Chhatbir Zoo, Rakh Bagh Park, and Pavilion Mall

For those traveling through Ludhiana while exploring the rest of Punjab, Ludhiana tour packages that cover Amritsar, Chandigarh and Patiala offer good multi-city coverage.

Best Time to Visit: November to March offers comfortable weather. Summer temperatures are extremely hot, making outdoor sightseeing difficult.

Getting Here: Chandigarh Airport (100 km) offers better option for connectivity compared to the local Sahnewal Airport. Ludhiana Junction has links with the major cities by rail. Delhi is some 310 km by road.

For complete Punjab experiences, Ludhiana holiday packages that take care of the logistics and local transportation make the trip much easier for the planning process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit places in Ludhiana for first-time visitors?

Do not miss Lodhi Fort for its historical importance, the Rural Heritage Museum for cultural exposure, and Nehru Rose Garden for relaxing. These three sites offer a good balance for an introduction and exploration within a single day.

How many days are enough to explore Ludhiana?

Two days are enough time to cover the major attractions with ease. One day can be dedicated to historical sites and museums, the second is good for Chhatbir Zoo or a leisure activity.

Is Ludhiana safe for tourists? 

Ludhiana has a reputation for being safe. Standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping belongings secure in crowded markets and using registered transportation.

What is Ludhiana famous for besides industry?

The city is historically significant as a Lodhi-era settlement, and it has Asia’s largest Rural Heritage Museum and the most extensive gardens such as the Nehru Rose Garden.

What local food should visitors try?

Visitors should try makki di roti with sarson da saag (seasonal), chole bhature and Amritsari kulcha and lassi. Ghumar Mandi is the place to have authentic street food experiences.

Plan Your Punjab Trip

Ludhiana rewards visitors who look beyond its industrial reputation. For hassle-free exploration, explore Memorable India’s specially curated packages connecting Ludhiana with Amritsar’s

Golden Temple, Chandigarh, and Patiala’s royal heritage.