Chandigarh is known for being a well-planned, green city. Patiala, for its forts and palaces, its history and culture. Ferozepur holds a special significance in the Indian freedom struggle. And Amritsar – the beautiful Golden Temple, Wagah Border, the markets, and the food.
But Ludhiana? Unless you’re in the textile business, for which Ludhiana is famed, the city may not really entice you as a traveler. On the surface, it is mainly a city for people in transit or for businessmen, and if you have the time, you may be able to unravel something that piques your interest.
What is the best time to visit Ludhiana?
I recently spent 3 days in Ludhiana and to be honest, I’m not quite sure where the days went. I saw enough to get a flavour of what the city has to offer, but compared to my usual travels, I feel like I barely saw anything at all. I visited in February when the weather at night is chilly and during the day, it can get quite hot. The winter (October-March) is the best time to. visit Ludhiana, where November to January would see the temperatures drop to 6 degrees C or lower. In the summer, temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees, with June being the hottest month.
How to get to Ludhiana
Ludhiana has its own airport, however, Air India is the only airline that flies in and out of the city. The second best bet is Chandigarh airport which has many more options in terms of flights and is located 90 km away.
Where to stay in Ludhiana
If you have your own vehicle, it doesn’t really matter which area you choose to stay in. Ludhiana is a fairly small city and you can get around with ease. Apart from the market area, traffic is smooth and manageable for the most part. If there was a lot of sightseeing to do, I would have suggested booking your hotel close to the famous sights. But since there are none, choose an area like Pakhowal Road, BRS Nagar, Dugri, Model Town or Haibowal Kalan to stay at.
I stayed in two hotels in Ludhiana – The Bell Hotel in Model Town and Anntilia Inn at New Grain Market. Both came at relatively the same tariff of Rs. 3000 to Rs. 3500 a night. The hotel in Model Town had dozens of posh eateries along the road whereas the New Grain Market area is quieter.
What to do in Ludhiana
Good question. Apart from malls, a war memorial, gurudwaras, and a clock tower, there really isn’t much to see. If you like shopping, head over to Dal Bazaar, a crowded marketplace that’s surprisingly well organized. There’s an area with statonary shops, an area with bags, and another for wedding wear. It’s quite a sensory overload, but you may find it fun to walk around for an hour or so.
Where to eat in Ludhiana
To be honest, except for 2 restaurants, I found the food in Ludhiana quite forgettable. The city’s food scene is largely comprised of old restaurants that run more on hype and age than on food quality; and new-age restaurants that focus on a mish-mash of fusion dishes (most of which are absurd, to say the least).
Here are a few restaurants I tried in Ludhiana:
Baba’s Chicken – Big statement here, but I’d go so far as to say that Baba’s Chicken offered the best meal I had in Ludhiana (and even in Punjab). This two-storey restaurant has a lounge area on the ground floor (mainly occupied by men) and a family dining area on the first floor – both of which are usually full to the brim. Their Kali Mirch Chicken and naan are to die for, and they also do a range of lip-smackingly good tikkas.
Friends Dhaba – This place has quite a reputation for being one of the oldest establishments in Ludhiana. In fact, someone on the street recommended this place to me in casual conversation. But the food was not enjoyable in the slightest. They only offer 5-6 items (including salad and naan), and all of it is vegetarian, but don’t get me wrong… I’m not averse to vegetarianism and I’m thrilled with a small menu if it means that the execution of the limited dishes offered is flawless. But the dal makhani was alright, and the rest was quite bad – which is not something I usually say. This no-frills restaurant, like many old ones, has cramped seating, is noisy, and of questionable hygiene.
Bittu Lassi – Again, a place that’s well-known, but disappointing. Bitty Lassi is located in the chaotic market area and has a crowd surrounding the counter at any given time. It is my guess that a YouTube video or Instagram trend has shot the place to fame because honestly, the lassi was meh. If you are in the area and looking to quench your thirst, perhaps you can stop by as the lassi is quite affordable.
Colonel’s Cabin – This multi-cuisine family resto-bar is quite popular among people of all ages. The quality and quantity of the food served, the upbeat vibe, good drinks, and warm hospitality make it one of the best restaurants I visited in Ludhiana. Whether you’re looking for a spot for after-work drinks, a weekend hangout, or a place to catch the match, you’ll enjoy this lively place.
Dalipe De Puri – Now this is where it’s at! Dalipe de Puri is located in the middle of a market, and you will need to park in the designated paid parking area outside and make your way through the maze of lanes to get there (which is a great way to get a feel of the place, by the way.) The puri, chole, and lassi are out of this world – absolutely soul-satisfying. You will need to stand and eat as there is no seating.
The Ice Cream Masters – I checked out this swanky ice cream parlour and I must say, it must have been one of the most luxurious ones I’ve been to, with the largest selection of ice cream flavours I’ve seen in a while. The quality of ice cream could have been better and more in keeping with the upmarket interiors. I tried Anjeer and Pista – both were nothing to write home about, especially compared to what we get in Goa.
That’s all folks! That wraps up my 3-days in Ludhiana, and I hope you found this blog post useful. From here, I head on to Ferozepur – look out for the next blog post and catch me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram until then. Toodles!