Hoshiarpur: Nature, Woodcraft and Culture
Accommodation in Hoshiarpur
Hoshiarpur combines natural attractions with a rich heritage of craftsmanship and sites of archaeological and religious significance. If you are looking for a hotel in Hoshiarpur, you can plan your stay around these highlights: Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its mixed forest and birdlife, while wood inlay, historic buildings and artefacts reveal other aspects of the region.
Nature and Wildlife
The mixed forests of Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many bird species. Visitors need prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the sanctuary. This means that a visit to the natural area is subject to a specific requirement that you should take into account when planning.
Wood Inlay and Architecture
Hoshiarpur is known for wood inlay products such as flooring, wall panelling, furniture and decorative items. This traditional craft has been passed down through generations for more than 350 years. Woodworkers also make turned furniture with patterns carved into a layer of lacquer. The pieces bring together different techniques: making objects from wood and decorating their surfaces.
A distinctive feature of the region's architectural history is Sheesh Mahal Hoshiarpur, commissioned by Lala Hans Raj Jain in 1911. Glass was used for the interior walls and ceilings. Paintings on the first floor depict the coronation ceremony of King George V. Its construction date, materials and subject matter offer a specific glimpse into the historic themes to discover in Hoshiarpur.
Archaeological and Religious Traces
Dholbaha is an important archaeological site, reportedly dating back to prehistoric times. Evidence suggests that between 700 and 1200 CE, it was a flourishing temple town. Many artefacts discovered at Dholbaha, dating from the Gurjara-Pratiharas and Paramaras dynasties, can be seen at the Hoshiarpur Archaeological Museum. The museum exhibits thus add to the picture of the archaeological site's history.
Gurdwara Garna Sahib is located in the village of Bodal in Hoshiarpur district. According to tradition, Guru Hargobind Sahib visited the gurdwara.
Nearby Places
Dera Sant Garh is in the village of Harkhowal, about 13 km from Hoshiarpur. A two-day festival is associated with the death anniversary of Baba Jawala Singh, observed in the month of Kartik.
About 40 km from Hoshiarpur, in the village of Beh Nangal, is Kamahi Devi Temple. It is dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi and was known as Kamakshi Devi Temple. According to tradition, the temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas. Comparing the places in the surrounding area reveals both religious dedications and stories about their respective histories.
Citrus Cultivation in the District
The district's agricultural landscape includes Citrus Estates in Bhunga and Chhauni Kalan. Citrus Estate Hoshiarpur is located in the village of Chhauni Kalan, about 2 km from the district headquarters, on the Hoshiarpur–Chandigarh road. It is part of a government initiative to promote citrus cultivation on a large scale and move away from traditional farming patterns that place a strain on water and soil.
In Khanaura, the Horticulture Department has established a Center of Excellence for fruit under an Indo-Israel project with support from MIDH. Various table and processing varieties of citrus fruits are grown there and assessed for their suitability. The citrus facilities in Chhauni Kalan and Khanaura therefore represent different aspects of the region's citrus cultivation.
Getting to Hoshiarpur
The nearest domestic airport to Hoshiarpur district headquarters is Adampur Airport, 25 km away. Hoshiarpur's main bus station is Bhagwan Balmiki Interstate Bus Terminal Hoshiarpur. Regular bus services connect Hoshiarpur with other major Indian cities. These are two distinct points to consider when planning your trip: the distance from the district headquarters to the nearest domestic airport and the regular bus connections to Hoshiarpur.
Discover More Places
Discover more destinations: Moga, Fazilka, Amritsar, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar
Return to the main travel overview: Punjab.
