Pathankot
Pathankot is an important place in terms of tourism. It is found in the Gurdaspur district. It is situated the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie. The River Chakki and Bari Daob Canal are found close by. The population of Pathankot makes it the 5th largest city in the state of Punjab. Asia’s largest military based is found here.
Nurpur princely state was ruled over by the Pathania Rajputs. Pathankot formed part of this state till 1849. Paragans considered it as their headquarters. Pathans settled over here since the medieval times, giving the place its name. The hill stations of Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Kangra Valley, Jwalaji and Chintpuri can be reached through Pathankot.
Pathankot is also bound by the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Loi and shawl weaving are important industries here.
Places to visit
Jugial Township: This place is 15 kilometers from Pathankot. Greenery is abundant here. one of the biggest temples in Punjab is found here called the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Kathgarh Mandir: Kathgarh is an important temple. It is located 30 kilometers away from Pathankot. It is an ancient temple. It is believed to built during the times of Alexander, the Great.
Nurpur Fort: The Pathania Rajputs got the Nurpur Fort built almost 900 years ago. A great earthquake hit the region in the year 1905 AD. This greatly damaged the fort. The fort is located 25 kilometers from Pathankot. The fort has a temple too.
Shahpurkandi fort: Shahpurkandai Fort was built in the year 1505 AD. Jaspal Singh Pathania, a Rajput Chief, got this fort built. The fort is of strategic importance. It was made to have control over Kangra and Nurpur region. Temples are found inside the fort. River Ravi is close by.
Shiva Temple Kathgarh: This ancient temple is located 25 kilometers away Pathankot. A unique phenomenon takes place inside the temple. On the occasion of ‘Naag Panchami’, the gap between the statues of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati decreases. The same gap increases on the occasion of ‘Shivratri’. No one has a clue as to why and how it happens.
How to reach
By Air: A domestic airport is found at Pathankot. Mr. Praful Kumar inaugurated on November 21, 2006. Delhi and Dalhousie are well connected to Pathankot through flights. Through that, it is connected to the rest of the country.
By rail: Pathankot and Chakki Bank station are the two railway stations found here. Many cities are directly connected to Pathankot through trains.
By road: Proper bus services are available within the major cities of Punjab and Pathankot. Taxis and auto rickshaws are also available.