Bathinda is a city and municipal corporation in Punjab, India. The city is the administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is located in the northwestern part of the Malwa region, 227 km west of the capital city of Chandigarh, and is the fifth-largest city of Punjab. Known as one of the oldest cities in the state of Punjab, Bhatinda according to “Ainai-Barar Bans” Bathinda was built by Bhati Rao, son of Bal Band, who became ruler of Punjab in 336 Bikrami Sambat. He also founded Bhatner. It was also called Whatinda and Bitunda which finally become known as Bhatinda. Bathinda is known as the ‘City of Lakes’ due to its lakes.
Bathinda is home to the Central University of Punjab and AIIMS Bathinda. The city is also home to two modern thermal power plants, Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant and Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat and a petrochemical plant. Originally called Tanwarhindha, it was changed to Bathinda to conform to the phonetical expression as locally pronounced. In 1004, Mahmud of Ghazni besieged the local fort, which was located on the route from the northwest into the rich Ganges valley. The city is known for the Qila Mubarak fort a historical monument in the heart of the city of Bathinda in Punjab, India.
It is recognized as a monument of national importance and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. the fort has been in existence from 1100-1200 AD in its current place and is the oldest surviving fort in India. The site of India’s 1st empress Razia Sultan’s incarceration, the Bathinda Fort also called Qila Mubarak fort is a historical site. The 2000-year-old Qila Mubarak fort in Bathinda is considered to have a shared legacy. Built by Raja Dab during 90-110 AD, the fort was visited by Guru Gobind Singh in 1705. In 1189, Muhammad Ghori attacked and occupied the fort of Bathinda.
Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the ruler of this region, managed to recover possession of the fort thirteen months later in 1191 after the First Battle of Tarain.In 1634, a battle named Battle of Lahira (at Lahira in Bathinda) was fought between Guru Hargobind and Mughals. In 1754, Bhatinda was conquered by Maharaja Ala Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala and since then it was part of princely state of Patiala. till its merger with India after independence. Well connected by rail, road, and air there are numerous education institutes that attract students from across India.
A major trade centre for the area’s agricultural products; industries include flour milling and hand-loom weaving, city of Bhatinda is one of the most dazzling places to visit in Punjab. and has a number of places which are known for their historical and religious value for tourist. Tourist can explore the oldest surviving fort in India with a visit to Qila Mubarak in Bathinda or bask in luxury at a former royal residence at Bahia Fort Hotel. Tourism is Bhatinda is not just about the fort, for nature lovers, it has places like Zoological Gardens, Lakhi Jungle, Thermal Plant Lake, Bir Talab Zoo, Rose Garden, Bir Talab Forest and the Chetak Park to enjoy some solitude..
Bathinda also has a huge fort, Govindgarh, built in the 16th century, with walls 118 feet (36 metres) high, For the religious travelers also, Bhatinda has no dearth of places. It has notable religious places as well like the Damdana Sahib, Maisar Khana Temple and the Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan which attract large number of devotees every year. other places worth visiting in Bhatinda are Damdama Sahib Maiser Khana Mandir, Bahia Fort Shop[pers can visit Dhobi Bazaar and numerous other markets and shopping malls that sell a variety of local and branded products.
Bhatinda boasts of serving the lip-smacking dishes of Punjabi cuisine ranging from Channa Bhatura to Sarson da Saag with Makki ki Roti. The local food is sold at restaurants. The street food scene is famous and roadside shops serve a number of snacks like samosas, pakoras, and jalebis. The city known for its pleasant weather is best visited during the winter months from October to March. Bhatinda promises a memorable getaway for everyone on a weekend trip. There are numerous ho0tels and lodges that provide luxurious and mid-range accommodation.
