Family Trip to Bathinda

Aug 21, 2023 - 16:34
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Family Trip to Bathinda

Embarking on a journey to Bathinda is an enriching experience that caters to the diverse interests of every family member. Located in the heart of Punjab, India, Bathinda seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity, creating an ideal destination for family travel. The city boasts historical landmarks such as Qila Mubarak and Bahia Fort, where tales of the past come to life through intricate architecture and fascinating stories. The tranquil Bathinda Lake offers opportunities for leisurely boat rides, picnics, and moments of serenity amidst nature. Families can immerse themselves in the vibrant Punjabi culture, relishing authentic dishes like butter chicken, sarson da saag, and indulging in the joyous beats of local music and dance. Whether exploring the rich Sikh heritage at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib or enjoying the bustling local markets, Bathinda provides a harmonious blend of experiences that resonate with every member of the family. 

 

Day 1: Arrival in Bathinda 

  • Arrive at Bathinda either by train or air (nearest airport: Bathinda Airport). 

  • Check in to your pre-booked hotel and freshen up. 

  • Visit Qila Mubarak, a historical fort with a Gurudwara inside. Explore the fort's architecture and learn about its history. 

  • Have dinner at a local Punjabi restaurant to enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine. 

  • Overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 2: Religious and Cultural Exploration 

  • Begin the day with a visit to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, a prominent Sikh pilgrimage site. 

  • Explore the Rose Garden, a serene place for a morning walk and relaxation. 

  • After lunch, visit the Bathinda Lake and enjoy boating and picturesque views. 

  • In the evening, explore the local markets and shop for traditional Punjabi clothing and handicrafts. 

  • Return to the hotel for dinner and rest. 

Day 3: Historical Sites and Museums 

  • Start the day by visiting the Chetak Park, which houses a war memorial and a tank. 

  • Proceed to the Bir Talab Zoo to see a variety of animals and birds. 

  • After lunch, visit the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) Museum to learn about the fertilizer industry and its significance to the region. 

  • Spend the evening at the Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan, a religious site. 

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and head back to the hotel. 

Day 4: Rural Experience 

  • Take a day trip to the nearby village of Qila Bahadurgarh to experience rural life and Punjabi culture. 

  • Participate in traditional activities such as bullock cart rides, pottery making, and Punjabi folk dance (Bhangra). 

  • Enjoy a traditional Punjabi lunch prepared by the locals. 

  • Return to Bathinda in the evening. 

  • Have a leisurely evening exploring local markets or relaxing at the hotel. 

Day 5: Departure 

  • Check out from the hotel after breakfast. 

  • Visit the Mazaar of Peer Baba, another religious site. 

  • Explore the Bathinda Thermal Plant and understand its role in power generation. 

  • Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant. 

  • Depart from Bathinda with fond memories and souvenirs. 

 

Here are some fun activities for families with kids to enjoy in Bathinda, along with approximate prices.  

  • Visit Bathinda Lake: Enjoy boating and picnicking at Bathinda Lake. Boating prices can range from ₹50 to ₹100 per person, depending on the type of boat and duration. 

  • Chetak Park: Explore Chetak Park, which has a war memorial and a tank. Entry is usually free. 

  • Bir Talab Zoo: The entrance fee to Bir Talab Zoo is typically around ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children. 

  • Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan: This religious site is usually open for visitors without any entry fee. 

  • Mazaar of Peer Baba: Similar to the above, the Mazaar of Peer Baba is open to visitors without an entry fee. 

  • Qila Mubarak: Admission to Qila Mubarak may cost around ₹10 to ₹20 per person. 

  • Bathinda Rose Garden: Entry to the Rose Garden is often free, providing a great place for a leisurely walk and family photos. 

  • Qila Bahadurgarh Village: A visit to Qila Bahadurgarh village might include various activities like bullock cart rides, pottery making, and folk dance performances. Prices can vary based on the activities you choose, but a rough estimate for a package could be around ₹500 to ₹1000 per person. 

  • National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) Museum: The museum's entrance fee is typically very low, around ₹10 per person. 

  • Bathinda Thermal Plant: Depending on the tour arrangements, you might find free or inexpensive guided tours. 

  • Local Markets: Explore local markets to shop for traditional Punjabi clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Prices will vary based on what you purchase. 

 

Here are some special dishes and treats you should consider experiencing: 

  • Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag: A quintessential Punjabi dish, this combination features flatbread made from cornmeal (Makki di Roti) served with mustard greens cooked in spices (Sarson da Saag). 

  • Amritsari Kulcha: These stuffed bread rolls are a popular North Indian delight. Enjoy them with chole (chickpea curry) for a satisfying meal. 

  • Chole Bhature: Another favorite, chole bhature consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). It's a hearty and flavorful dish. 

  • Lassi: Indulge in a tall glass of traditional Punjabi lassi, a yogurt-based drink that can be sweet or salty. It's a refreshing treat, especially in the Punjabi heat. 

  • Makki di Roti with Gur (Jaggery): Experience the local tradition of enjoying makki di roti with gur (jaggery). The combination of the warm roti and the sweetness of jaggery is delightful. 

  • Pinni: A popular Punjabi dessert, pinni is a sweet made from roasted flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. It's often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. 

  • Aloo Paratha with Butter: Aloo paratha is a stuffed flatbread filled with spiced mashed potatoes. Enjoy it with a dollop of fresh butter for extra richness. 

  • Punjabi Sweets: Explore a variety of Punjabi sweets such as gulab jamun, jalebi, gajrela (carrot pudding), and more at local sweet shops. 

  • Paneer Dishes: Being a vegetarian-friendly option, indulge in various paneer (cottage cheese) dishes like paneer tikka, paneer butter masala, and shahi paneer. 

  • Papad Warian: A unique dish, papad warian is a mix of roasted and spiced papads (thin, crispy crackers) and other ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. 

  • Tandoori Delights: Try tandoori items like tandoori chicken, tandoori fish, and tandoori paneer, which are marinated and cooked in a clay oven (tandoor) for a smoky flavor. 

  • Fruit Chaat: Savor a refreshing fruit chaat, a mix of various fruits seasoned with tangy spices and a hint of lemon. 

  • Punjabi Samosa: Enjoy crispy and flavorful samosas, which are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas. 

  • Patiala Lassi: If you're in the mood for a grand lassi experience, try the Patiala lassi, which is a jumbo-sized lassi topped with cream and dry fruits. 

 

Don't miss the opportunity to explore local Punjabi restaurants and eateries to sample these delicious dishes. The food in Bathinda is a significant part of its culture, and indulging in these flavors will definitely add a special touch to your family trip. 

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