Places to Visit in Anandpur Sahib Punjab India
The ‘City of Bliss’ set on the left bank of the river Sutlej with Naina Devi mountain in its backdrop is a major Sikh pilgrim centre. It was founded in 1665, by Guru Tegh Bahadurji, near the ruins of an ancient palace called Makhowal. Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru (1666 – 1708), spent about 25 years of his life over here and under him the town attained great importance. The annual Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla is the main event of Anandpur Sahib. The highlight of the celebrations is the spectacular display of martial traditions by the Nihangs.
Gurudwara Keshgarh Sahib
On the auspicious day of Baisakhi (14th April, 1699), Guru Gobind Singh ji, founded the ‘Khalsa’ or the ‘Army o Pure’ over here. He baptised the first five Sikh volunteers to help him defend the faith and called them the ‘Panj Piare’ or the five beloved ones. The magnificent gurudwara is one of the Panj or five Takhts of Sikh faith. It also enshrines 12 weapons of Guru Gobind Singh ji.
Guruwara Guru Tegh Bahadur ji (Sis Ganj)
The hallowed head of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was cremated here with full rituals on 16th November 1675. He executed by the Mughals at Delhi and the head was brought here by Bhai Jaita.
Gurudwara Anandgarh Sahib
It was the fort and residence of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The daily light and sound show held in the evening depicts scenes from the lives and the times of the Sikh Guru.
Other important sites are Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, Guru-ka-Mahal, Gurudwara Thara Sahib, Gurudwara Mai Jito ji and Guru Teg Bahadur Museum etc.
Anandpur Sahib Tourist Places
Kiratpur Sahib (11km)
The sacred city was founded in 1627, by Sri Hargobindji, the sixth Sikh Guru. It is also associated with Pir Budhan Shah, a Muslim saint known for his very long life. Sri Hargobind, Sri Har Rai and Sri Har Kishan, the three Sikh Guru were cremated here.
Bhakra Dam (35km)
It is considered to be he world’s highest straight gravity concrete dam. A large number of tourists visit the dam site, the huge reservoir named Gobind Sagar reservoir and well laid-out gardens nearby.