Ludhiana is Punjab's most populated metropolis and prominent industrial city. It is most famous for its hosiery goods, which are in demand in all the markets of the east and the west. Instead of scenic spots, Ludhiana boasts of industrial goods. Machine tools, dyes, cycle parts, mopeds, sewing machines and motor parts are also exported from Ludhiana. You can shop hosiery items or visit the Rural Olympics held in Killa Raipur nearby. The Rural Museum at the Punjab Agricultural University can also be visited. The War Memorial’s Sound and Light shows arte worth a visit. Home of India's leading Agriculture University, Ludhiana is also a home of fairs and the spearhead of green revolution.

From being a small village called Meer Hota in 1481 to later Lodiana and now Ludhiana, the city has never been caught napping. Under theYodhas from the first to the fourth century, it later came under the rule of Samudragupta. But the Original Ludhianavis settled here much later in the ninth century. There were the Rajputs from the ninth century. There were the Rajputs from the south and then the Turks and the Afghans who took the Bet area of Sutlej on lease from Mohammad Gami. Later, the Sidhus, Gills, Sandhus and the Grewals came from the jungles of Jagraon and camped here.

Early Settlers: Sikandar Lodhi sent Yusaf and Nihang to stop the approaching Baloachs. They crossed Sutlej and after defeating Khokhars of Doaba, established Sultanpur Lodhi. Nihang stayed back at village Meer Hota as Naib. He was the one who changed the name of the village to Lodiana. Later, his grandson, Jalal Khan, built the Lodhi Fort there. His two sons Aloo Khan Khijar Khan divided among themselves the area around the fort but were dethroned by Babur who even demolished Nihang's tomb. That didn't end the travails of this town. During Akbar's reign, it was a tehsil along with Tihara, Hathur, Bhundri, Machiwara, Payal and Doraha. Not many of us know that Guru Gobind Singhji traveled through Jharsahib, Machiwara, Kanech, Alamgir, Lama Jatpura and Lakha and finally at village Dina and wrote the famous Zafarnama in 1806. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also came to Ludhiana twice. On the pretext of solving the Patiala crisis, he won the area around Sahenewal and gifted 54 villages to Raja Bhag Singh of Jind. Diwan Mokham Singh was made the ruler.

The modern times: The British too, traipsed along with Capt. Akhtar loni (1809-1815), an English political agent, followed by Capt. Maney and Sir Matton (!833-1838). After the death of Raja Sangat Singh, the Britishers captured 80 villages and Ludhiana came under Assistant Political Agent. During the First English-Sikh War, there were only 4,000 white soldiers. Ranjodh Singh Ladwa burnt this cantonment and looted the English at Baddowal. At Aliwal's War, however, Henry Smith defeated Ranjodh Singh. The 1857 sepoy mutiny didn't amount to much as Deputy Commissioner Ricket successfully thwarted it with the help of Nawab of Malerkotla, Nabha patti.

The Bet Muslims, however, revolted while urban Hindus and Sikhs remained pro government. In fact, fellow Ludhianvi Rai Kishan Chand Dhandari was the official advocate of the English at Lahore! Bassian Kothi was the biggest armour at that time and many secret agents lived in that area. Maharaja Dilip Singh was also kept for one night at Bassian Kothi. Kaonkey kalan is another of the historical places in Ludhiana where antique coins were found along with bricks of 12inchX10inch size. It was also the main control area during the English Sikh War, while Chaoni Mohalla was an armament dump. English dug canals for irrigation and they helped their loyals to settle in bars that were vacated after the Partition. Maulana Shah Abdul Kadar led the Punjab mutiny. He was persuaded by blind Jaman Shah to settle here. It's here that he constructed a house and a masjid at Mouchpura now known as Masjid-do-Manjila. Jaman Shah would come here daily, bare-footed five times a day, to offer prayers. The Shah signed an agreement here in 1839 and the English crowned him king of Kabul. February 1921 sw Mahatma Gandhi at Daresi Ground in the city. At the end of the year, 3,000 freedom fighters from Ludhiana arrested and sentenced to prison. Another 475 joined the Quit India Movement. Politically, Ludhiana has contributed five chief ministers, namely Bhim Sen Snahan, Justice Gurnam Singh, Gian Singh Rarewala, Lachaman Singh Gill and Beant Singh. The Goa War took 87 of its young soldiers.

Access by Air:
The nearest operational airport from Ludhiana is in the state capital Chandigarh, 100 km away.

Access by Rail:
There are regular trains for New Delhi and Amritsar from Ludhiana Railway Station.

Access by Road:
Ludhiana is situated on the Amritsar-Delhi Grand Trunk Road. New Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and other major cities in Punjab are well linked with Ludhiana through road. The city lies about 305 km northwest of Delhi and is 100 km away from Chandigarh.

Location Map of Ludhiana:

Sightseeing places in and around Ludhiana :

The Fort : Located to the northwest of the city of Ludhiana, the fort draws both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims. The main attraction of the fort is the shrine of Pir-i-Dastgir, also known as Abdul Kadir Galani It.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum : The foundation of this museum was laid in 1990. The museum was planned to create general awareness about the defense services, not only for its role in defending the country but also in strengthening the bonds of national integration and unity. The presentations showcase the stories of bravery of Indian especially Punjabi soldiers in upholding the pride of the motherland.

Punjab Agricultural University : On the outskirts of the city is the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which is modeled on the Land Grant of America. The University has a Rural Museum, which houses local arts and crafts and objects belonging to the ancient times. The University also organizes a Kisan Mela every year.

Pir-I-Dastgir shrine : The fort to the northwest of Ludhiana includes the shrine of Pir-I-Dastgir, also known as Abdul Kadir Galani, which draws Hindu and Muslim pilgrims.

Bhir : Bhir has the famous mosque built by Mohammad Ghori in 1911, 150 years old Khangah of Abdul Rehman Khan, mausoleum of Alawal Khan built during Shah Jehan's regime, octagonal in shape, surmounted by double pear shaped dome, the tomb of Bahadur Khan with sloping walls, 2 storied, double tomb of Husain Khan, Bilwanwali Masjid, mosque of Kamal-ud-din Khan/Sarai Doraha on the main highway, Ludhiana dates back to Emperor Jehangir's time. Rectangular in shape it has rooms and verandahs on all sides. Two double storied gates are exquisitely decorated with colored tiles and intricate brick carvings.

Majestic Park Plaza Hotel : The hotel with the perfect location and a grandiose edifice, is the ideal venue for business travelers, tourists and for hosting conferences, meetings, weddings and other functions.

Facilities in Room:
All the rooms are occupied with CCTV, Mini bars, STD & ISD Direct Dialing, 24Hrs Room Service.

Restaurant Facilities:
BREAK FOR THE BORDER - The Coffee Shop offers wide range of international cuisine in an A- la -Carte and Buffet choices.

LODI RUWAYAT -Indian Restaurant has an exclusive Indian selection served with Panache in a royal blue ambiance.

TEA LOUNGE - The serene and uniquely styled terrace lounge serves finger snacks and selection of non-alcoholic cold and hot beverages.

THE CHAMPS - Sports Bar, The Champs is the most happening place in town serves exotic cocktails.

ORIENT BLADE - Chinese and oriental cuisine awaits you at the Oriental Blade.

Other facilities of the hotel: Travel desk, Laundry, Safe deposit lockers, Money Exchange, Doctor on call, Health club, etc are few of the facilities which are also available in the hotel.

For Detailed Dossier on Ludhiana City Guide, please write to us at  mktg@mediescapes.com