Question 1

What are the best places to visit in Pathankot?

Accepted Answer

There are many natural, historical, and religious attractions in Pathankot. The best places include:

1. Nurpur Fort

This 900-year-old fort is a popular tourist attraction that houses the ancient Krishna Temple in the inner sanctum. Built by Pathania Rajputs, Shah Jahan later named this fort after his beloved wife, Nur Jahan. You can gulp down the glorious history of Pathankot by visiting this splendid fort.

2. Mukteshwar Temple

Considered as one of the most popular shrines, the Mukteshwar Temple is almost 350 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is located approximately 2312 meters above sea level. It is revered as one of the eighteen most significant temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu scripture. It houses a white marble Shiva Linga, and the idols of other Hindu deities like Vishnu, Brahma, Lord Ganesha, Parvati, Nandi, and Hanuman.

3. Ranjit Sagar Dam

Built for irrigation and power generation purposes, the Ranjit Sagar Dam is a stunning work of engineering being the biggest hydroelectric project in Punjab. Built on river Ravi, this dam also attracts tourists due to its alluring natural beauty. You can have a breathtaking view of Pathankot from this dam.

4. Kathgarh temple

Situated at the confluence of River Beas and River Choch, the Kathgarh temple is renowned for its 6 ft high Shivalinga. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this temple is symbolized by an ancient lingam with mystical origins.

This temple was also said to have been visited by Bharat during his search for Lord Ram. Built-in a spectacular roman styled architecture, in the village of Kathgarh, this temple also offers some admiring landscapes all around it.

5. Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Being one of the largest temples of Pathankot, the Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a very famous temple in this region. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and it houses the idols of the Hindu deities in the main shrine. You can also witness here a large statue of Lord Hanuman in the courtyard. There is ample greenery all around this temple for one to experience a serene spirituality.

6. Hydraulic Research Station

The Hydraulic Research Station is an excellent example of civil engineering and hydraulics. The station has a magnificent display of dam models and models of systems used for irrigation. With all the simulations and research information readily available here at this station, one can use it as practical experience in this field.

7. Shani Dev Mandir

Shani Dev Mandir is one of the famous shrines in Pathankot dedicated to Lord Shani. It is believed that offering prayers and worshipping in this temple can relieve people of their miseries and difficulties. This temple is located amongst mesmerizing natural surroundings with the Himalayas in the background. It provides a spiritual and tranquil atmosphere for contemplation.

8. Shahpurkandi Fort

Built by the Rajput of emperor Shah Jahan, Jaspal Singh Pathania, the Shahpurkandi Fort was built in 1505 to protect the regions of Nurpur and Kangra. Although in ruins, some of the parts of the fort still stand intact even after five centuries.

Question 2

Why is Pathankot famous?

Accepted Answer

Pathankot was earlier famous for Loi and shawl weaving industries for many centuries. Now it serves as a base for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Pathankot is also famous for the 900-year-old Nurpur Fort and the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Temple.

Question 3

How do I get to Pathankot?

Accepted Answer

Here are the preferred options to reach Pathankot.

1. The best way to travel to Pathankot is by flight. Despite having its own airport, commercial flights are rare as the Indian Air Force uses it. Hence the nearest airports are Amritsar and Jammu. The Jammu airport is a domestic airport and has flights connecting to all the major cities of India.

2. Another way to travel to the city of Pathankot is by railway, as the Pathankot Junction Railway Station is the primary station here. It has a number of trains connecting to most cities and towns across the country.

3. You can also prefer traveling here by a bus service through the Maharana Pratap Inter State Bus Terminal.

Question 4

Is Pathankot safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Pathankot is very safe to travel. You’ll not find notorious activities prevalent over here. But whenever you step outside of your hotel, take care of your personal belongings to avoid burglary and pick-pocketing. Being the base of the Indian Defence forces further strengthens the preexisting safety of this city.

Question 5

How far is Dalhousie from Pathankot?

Accepted Answer

The distance between Dalhousie and Pathankot is 85 km by road and 44 km by air. The minimum time required for a bus to reach from Dalhousie to Pathankot is 2h 31m.

Question 6

Does Pathankot have an airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Pathankot has an airport of its own, but it is primarily used by the Indian Air Force and is rarely used for commercial purposes. Fortunately, there are nearby airports of Jammu and Amritsar with great connectivity to all the cities of the country.

Question 7

How far is Pathankot from Jammu?

Accepted Answer

The road distance between Pathankot and Jammu is 105 km, while the aerial distance is 88 km, and by train, the distance is 91 km.

Question 8

What is the best time to visit Pathankot?

Accepted Answer

The best period to visit Pathankot is during the winter season lasting from October to March. The average temperature during this time ranges from 0°C to 8°C with a chilly but pleasant climate. You will be able to enjoy outdoor activities better during this season. You may even get a chance to witness snowfall if you are lucky in winters.

Question 9

How can I go from Dharamshala to Pathankot?

Accepted Answer

The distance between Dharamshala and Pathankot is 88 km by road. The easiest and convenient way to travel from Dharamshala to Pathankot is by a taxi or a cab. You can hire a cab from any area of Dharamshala to reach Pathankot.