Fatehgarh Sahib: Sikh Heritage, Sanghol and the Banyan Tree

Among lush fields in the village of Cholti Kalan stands a very large banyan tree. Its canopy extends over 3 to 4 acres of land. It is one of the largest trees in the country, possibly even in the world. Alongside this natural attraction, religious memorial sites and Sanghol’s archaeological heritage are among the area’s notable visitor attractions.

Religious Sites and Annual Festivals

Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup marks the site where the mortal remains of Mata Gujri, the mother of Guru Gobind, and her two younger sons, Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, were cremated. Seth Todar Mal purchased the land for the cremation site by offering the required gold coins.

Rauza Sharif is the mausoleum of Shaikh Ahmad Faruqi Sirhindi. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world visit the Urs celebrations in honour of Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. The Mata Chakreshwari Temple is also associated with a recurring event: it is believed to be about 1,000 years old, and every year hundreds of pilgrims come for the occasion four days after Dushera. The religious heritage encompasses different sites: a cremation site, a mausoleum and a temple.

The dates differ for planning purposes: Urs dates vary each year, while the event at Mata Chakreshwari Temple takes place four days after Dushera. If one of the festivals is important to your trip, check the dates for the year you plan to travel.

Sanghol: Archaeology and Heritage

The Sanghol Museum was established by the government to preserve Punjab’s cultural treasures and involve the public in appreciating them. It is located at an ancient Harappan site maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Excavations at Sanghol unearthed significant archaeological treasures that point to a long history of Punjab’s cultural heritage. The museum’s purpose, the Harappan site and the excavations add an archaeological perspective to the religious memorial sites.

By the Sirhind Canal: Tourist Attraction and Overnight Stay

The Floating Restaurant was built over the Sirhind Canal, is considered a major tourist attraction and is operated by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation. It is located 5 km from Sirhind on Sher Shah Suri Marg (GT Road). Use these details for guidance and check current road conditions before setting out. The Floating Restaurant has eight suites, so an overnight stay is possible. Check current availability before booking.

Getting There by Train and Finding Your Way

The district has Sirhind Junction railway station on the Delhi–Amritsar route. The station connects the district with Ropar and Nangal Dam. Check the timetables separately before planning your journey for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Chari, Rupnagar, Mansa, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Pathankot, Fazilka.

For the broader travel overview: Punjab.