5 Places to Spend Your Weekends Near Mohali

* Gurdaspur, Punjab

Gurdaspur is named after Guriya Ji, who founded this city in the beginning of the 17th century. It is a popular city located in between Ravi and Sutlej rivers, in the state of Punjab. The language used by most of the people in the city is Punjabi while for official purpose, Hindi and English are also used. Gurdaspur tourism represents a colourful bouquet of Punjabi culture, which includes divine gurudwaras, bhangra (Punjabi dance form), traditional pagri (turban), paranda (used in braided hair) and the irresistible Punjabi food.

* Mansa, Punjab

Mansa, popularly called the ‘area of white gold’, is situated in east Punjab, on the Barnala-Sardulgarh-Sirsa road. This place was originally a part of the Phulkia Sikh Dynasty (1722–1948) before becoming a part of the Kaithal Sikh Kingdom (1762–1857). Its roots can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found remains of Harappa and Mohanjodaro in some of its villages.

* Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab

Fatehgarh Sahib is a historical town in the state of Punjab. It holds an important place in the history of Punjab and is well-known as the battle ground of the war between Sikhs and Muslims. Fatehgarh Sahib tourism holds significance owing to the famous Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, which is the place of the martyrdom of Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They were bricked alive by Wazir Khan, Faujdar of Sirhind, on their refusal to change their religion.

* Ludhiana, Punjab

Ludhiana, located on the banks of the Sutlej river, is the largest city in the Indian state of Punjab. This centrally located city of the state is segregated into New City and Old City. It was founded in 1480 and has been named after the Lodhi Dynasty. Many NRIs staying in Canada, UK, Australia and US hail from this city. Ludhianvis, a name given to locals, are known for their hospitality.

* Patiala, Punjab

Patiala is the third largest city in south-east Punjab and is located at an elevation of 250 metres above sea level. The city, built by Sardar Lakhna and Baba Ala Singh, was fortified by Maharaja Narendra Singh (1845-1862). It is the administrative capital of the Patiala District and is dotted with ramparts and ten gates. Along with Punjabi, which is widely spoken here, Hindi and English are also used for official purposes. Diwali, Holi, Dusshera, Gurpurab and Baisakhi are the main festivals celebrated in the city.