Pathankot is one of the must-visit destinations in Punjab. Apart from being a major military base in India, the city is also known for its picturesque beauty and myriad tourist attractions. Go through the following lines and explore the tourist places in the city, in detail.Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar temple is one of the most sacred places around Pathankot. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva ad is situated on the bank of the River Ravi, about 20-22 km from Pathankot City. The temple is also known as the Mukesran Mandir and is believed to have served as the house of the Pandavas, during their exile. Situated at the hilltop, Mukteshwar temple has a white marble Shivling, with a copper Yoni. The Shivling is surrounded by the idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Paravati, Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. A mela, called the Mukesran Da Mela, is held every year, in the month of April, to mark Baisakhi.
Nurpur Fort
Built by the Pathania Rajputs, around 900 years ago, Nurpur Fort is located 25 km away from Pathankot. The fort was constructed by Raja Basua and was originally called Dhameri. Around 100 years after the construction of the fort, it fell in the hands of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who renamed it as Nurpur Fort. It lies on the banks of the River Jabbar. The fort has a Lord Krishna Temple, which has a black stone idol of the deity. Nurpur is also famous for its Pashmina shawls and other woolen textiles.
Nagni Temple
Nagni temple is dedicated to Nagni Mata, the Goddess who protects people from the bites of poisonous snakes. It is located around 30-35 km away from Pathankot and falls in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In the month of August, a huge fair is conducted around the premises of the temple.
Kathgarh Temple
Kathgarh temple is an ancient Shiva temple, located approximately 25 km away from Pathankot. During Naag Panchami, it is believed that the gap between Lord Shiva's and Goddess Parvati's holy stones, enshrined here, reduces and during Shivratri, the gap increases. Built in Mughal style, it houses a 6-feet long and 5-feet round Shivling.
Shahpur Kandi Fort
Shahpur Kandi Fort is one of the main attractions of the Pathankot city. Built in 1505 AD, by Rajput King Jaspal Singh Pathania, the fort was designed to maintain control over the Kangra and Nurpur region.
Ranjit Sagar Dam
It is the biggest gravity dam in Asia and the Punjab Government has plans to develop the surrounding area into a major tourist spot. Its origin can be traced back to the Mughal Era. The dam is located at river Ravi, near village Thein.
Other Attractions
India's foremost Hydraulic Research Stations is situated at Mailkpur, which is 7 km from Pathankot. Here, models of dams and irrigation canals are mad,e before actual work starts upon them. You can also undertake religious trips to Jwalaji (130 km) and Chintpurni (130 km) from Pathankot. Sri Chinmayya Temple falls on the way to Yol Camp (100km). This is the place where the German Soldiers were kept in confinement by the British, after the Second World War.
