Day 1: (Reaching Fazilka)
Stop 1: Clock Tower City Centre: Located at the heart of Fazilka City, the City Centre Clock Tower (Ghantaghar) is a reminder of the city's British past. It has four gates on each direction and an inauguration board written in four languages. With 82 steps to the top, the clock tower has a clock situated on all four sides and a machine in the center. As you take a walk around the area, you will pass by the Union Jack, Grid Iron Road patterned streets and the formidable Methodist church. The bustling and colorful bazaars that offer a variety of goods at unbeatable prices amidst a chaotic atmosphere will also be a sight to behold. The architecture of the Wool Market, with its mud-brickwork load bearing walls, stone roofs and traditional North Indian style, is especially noteworthy. Right next to the clock tower, you can also find the famous 'Tosha' sweets at the Tosha sweet shop. All these elements come together to create a mesmerizing charm that captures the essence of Fazilka.Stop 2: Fazilka Jutti Shopping at Indira Market: If you want to experience some true Punjabi culture, then head over to Indira Market on Court Road near Clock Tower. Here, you will find a variety of the most beautiful and intricately designed Punjabi juttis. The selection of colors, styles and designs is simply unbeatable. Plus, these juttis are incredibly comfortable and won't break your budget. And to make your shopping experience even more special, make sure to pick up some Fazilka tilla Jutti - a registered Geographical Indicator and a must-have souvenir from Fazilka. Whether you're shopping for yourself or for a gift, you can be sure to find the perfect Jutti at Indira Market.
Stop 3: Asafwala War memorial: Just seven kilometers away from Fazilka town on National Highway No 10 (now 7), Aasafwala Shaheedon Ki Samadh- a sacred memorial and War Museum in the remembrance of the martyrs of 1971 war between Indo-Pak is managed by “Shaheedo Ki Samadh Committee Aasafwala (Fazilka), with the co-operation of civil and army administration. It is an historical place to visit if you come to Fazilka. You can pay reverence towards all those martyrs who had sacrificed their lives to defend Fazilka from Pakistan aggression
Stop 4: Mahavir Check Post at Sadiqi Village, situated on the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Fazilka district, is the third joint check post after Wagah in Amritsar and Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district where a retreat ceremony is performed every evening by the Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers. Located on NH-7 and 11 kms from Fazilka, the ceremony takes place at different timings linked to the sunset. Visitors must check the daily timings before visiting the border. Attending the Fazilka Retreat Ceremony is a must-do for anyone visiting the area and is a unique way to experience the peaceful coexistence of the two countries. On 14th and 15th August, a grand celebration is organized by both India and Pakistan to mark their respective Independence days. The Retreat Ceremony is an extraordinary display of the cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries and is accompanied by patriotic music and speeches. It is a memorable experience for visitors who, in witnessing the lowering of both flags, gain an appreciation for the peaceful relations that exist between India and Pakistan.
Stop 5: Sunset Point, as the sun sinks in the horizon, Sunset Point (30°22'41.1"N 73°57'48.2"E) near the village Karni Khera on the NH-7 becomes a popular pitstop for tourists. The months of July-September and December to February, in particular, are a treat to behold with its verdant agricultural fields and the tricolor national flag standing proud in the backdrop. An ideal spot for photographers, this place offers a stunning and unforgettable experience to all who visit.
Stop 6: TV Tower, Fazilka often nicknamed the Fazilka Eiffel Tower, is a 304.8 m (1,000 ft) tall Indian lattice tower at Fazilka, Punjab, India, which is used for FM-/TV-broadcasting in the whole of Punjab. The tower is currently the forty-fourth in the world and the second tallest man-made structure in India. Fazilka TV Tower is able to supply all areas around 100 kilometers of its location with TV programmes. The tall tower is nicknamed the “Fazilka Eiffel Tower”, although its similarity with the real Eiffel Tower is questionable at best. Fazilka TV Tower, after Rameswaram TV Tower, is the second-tallest man-made structure in India.
Stop 7: Village Khuikhera: Midblock stopover for food: Take a journey 15 km down NH-7 towards Abohar and discover a hidden gem nestled in the village of Khuikhera - a midblock food outlet! Here, you can sample the rich and flavorful cuisine of the Fazilka region - a mix of Rajasthani, Haryanvi and Punjabi dishes created with locally sourced ingredients like lentils, vegetables and meats. Experience the authentic atmosphere of the region and enjoy a delightful dinner with a cup of jiggery tea for dessert. A must-visit for all visitors to Fazilka! The best place to visit Khuikhera midblock food is at night for dinner. Drive back safely to Fazilka after the dinner or you can plan your stay at Forest View or Jyani Farm stay near Village Katehra.
Day 2: Fazilka to Abohar (32 Kms) NH-7
Stop 1: Rural Farmstay in Jyani Haveli, village Katehra, Fazilka is a unique experience that will take you back to the roots of rural India. Spread over an area of plus 100 acres, it is a largest organic farming farm in the country. With its lush green fields, beautiful country-side views and a peaceful atmosphere, this farm stay is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the blissful silence while taking a stroll through the fields, relax in the shade of the trees and enjoy the local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients. Wake up to the chirping of birds and the sound of fields. The friendly atmosphere of the host family will make you feel at home and the local hospitality will make you feel right at home. Spend your days exploring the nearby villages, enjoy a tractor ride and tube wall bath and don't forget to take in the breath-taking sunrise views. Experience rural India at its best at Jyani Haveli, village Katehra, Fazilka.
Stop 2: Gurudwara Shri Badtirath Sahib, Haripura: Feel the divine presence in Gurudwara Shri Badtirath Sahib, Haripura, Abohar. This spiritual oasis is located on the Abohar Ganga Nagar National Highway No.62, just three kilometers from Khuian Sarwar town and seventeen kilometers from Abohar. It is associated with the legacy of the first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. According to legend, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this place during his first Udasi and Guru Gobind Singh Ji came here after the battle of Muktsar. The gurudwara is built on sikh architecture and has a sarowar. A two-storey building, with a large marbled courtyard, is the main shrine. There are several other buildings, including a langar hall, situated in the complex. This temple is a great place to visit and experience the serene atmosphere and feel the presence of spirituality.
Stop 3: Black Buck Sanctuary Abohar: The Abohar Black Buck Sanctuary is an oasis of wildlife, situated along Abohar-Situgunno Road, stretching across an expanse of 18,650 hectares. Home to 13 Bishnoi villages, the sanctuary is unique in that it is an open sanctuary, allowing its inhabitants to wander freely, even through the villages and homes. The Abohar Black Buck Sanctuary is a remarkable example of conservation in action. Providing a safe haven for the black buck, the Bishnois consider them sacred and have worked hard to save them from poaching - a success story, with their numbers rising to over 4000. It is also home to blue bulls, wild boar, porcupines, hare and jackal, as well as a variety of flora, such as Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachata indica and A. tortilis. The Abohar Black Buck Sanctuary with its open sanctuary concept and the dedication of its people, is indeed a remarkable example of conservation in action is a must-visit for anyone wishing to witness the beauty of wildlife in its untouched glory.
