- From Pathankot
- ≈ 170 km (about 3.5–4 hrs by road)
- Best time
- October to March; Hola Mohalla (March) for the festival
- Altitude
- ≈ 286 m
- Good for families
- Yes
About Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib, in the Shivalik foothills of Rupnagar district, was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Here Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa on Baisakhi in 1699, at the spot now marked by Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. The Virasat-e-Khalsa museum, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, tells the story of Punjab and the Sikh faith. The town is busiest during Hola Mohalla, the martial festival held the day after Holi.
Highlights
Birthplace of the Khalsa
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib marks 1699.
Virasat-e-Khalsa
An award-winning museum of Sikh history.
Hola Mohalla
Martial displays the day after Holi.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October to March; Hola Mohalla (March) for the festival
How to Reach
By road: about 170 km from Pathankot via Hoshiarpur and Una, around 3.5–4 hours. Anandpur Sahib has a railway station; the nearest airport is Chandigarh (≈ 90 km).
Local Food
Langar at the gurdwaras; dhabas along the Nangal road.
Stay Options
Gurdwara sarais and hotels in Anandpur Sahib or Nangal.
Places to see
Top attractions in Anandpur Sahib
Must-visit places in and around Anandpur Sahib.
- 01
Town centre
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
One of the five Takhts, where the Khalsa was founded.
- 02
≈ 1 km
Virasat-e-Khalsa
Museum of Sikh and Punjabi heritage by Moshe Safdie.
- 03
≈ 1 km
Qila Anandgarh Sahib
One of the forts built by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, now a gurdwara.
- 04
Held in March
Hola Mohalla
The annual festival of mock battles, horsemanship and gatka.
Things To Do
Pay respects at Kesgarh Sahib
Spend 2–3 hours at Virasat-e-Khalsa
It is usually closed on Mondays — check before you go.
Plan around Hola Mohalla
Book stays early if visiting then.
Suggested Itinerary
- 1
Early morning
Leave Pathankot via Hoshiarpur and Una.
- 2
Late morning
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and langar.
- 3
Afternoon
Virasat-e-Khalsa and Qila Anandgarh Sahib.
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Virasat-e-Khalsa is usually closed on Mondays.
Cover your head in gurdwaras and the Takht.
During Hola Mohalla expect very large crowds and traffic.
