Gujranwala

Gujranwala is the lively heart of Punjabi industry and culture, often referred to as the 'City of Wrestlers' due to its long-standing tradition of producing world-class athletes in the sport of Pehlwani. Visitors can witness traditional wrestling matches in local 'Akharas' early in the morning. Historically, the city is significant as the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, and several historical sites related to that era can still be visited. The city is arguably most famous for its food. Gujranwala's culinary scene is legendary, particularly its meat dishes like BBQ, Mutton Tikka, and the unique 'Chirra' (sparrow) delicacies. The bustling food streets offer an authentic taste of Punjab that is hard to find elsewhere. It is also a major manufacturing center for ceramics, fans, and kitchen appliances. The best time to visit is from October to March to enjoy the outdoor food markets comfortably. It's a short 1.5-hour drive from Lahore, making it a popular weekend getaway for food lovers.

Nearby cities

Sahiwal

Sahiwal is a city in Punjab, known for its Sahiwal cattle breed and cotton industry.

Dera Ghazi Khan

Strategic city at the foot of the Sulaiman Mountains, where Punjab meets Baluchistan.

Hafizabad

Hafizabad is a city in the Punjab province and another major center for rice production.

Chiniot

Chiniot is a city in Punjab, famous for its exquisite wooden furniture craftsmanship.

Kamoke

Kamoke is a city in the Gujranwala District of Punjab, famous for its rice cultivation.

Jhelum (city)

The city of Jhelum is located on the banks of the Jhelum River in Punjab and is known for its large expatriate community.

Sadiqabad

Sadiqabad is a city in the Rahim Yar Khan District of the Punjab province.

Burewala

Burewala is a city in the Vehari District of Punjab and an important agricultural center.

Muridke

Muridke is a city near Lahore in Punjab, a fast-growing industrial and commercial center.

Gojra

Gojra is a city in the Toba Tek Singh District of Punjab, a center for the cultivation of crops and sugarcane.

Mandi Bahauddin

Mandi Bahauddin is a city in the Punjab province, known for its fertile soils and agricultural output.

Daska

Daska is an industrial city in the Sialkot District, known for its manufacturing of agricultural machinery.

Pakpattan

Pakpattan is an ancient city in Punjab, famous as the home of the shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Farid.

Toba Tek Singh

Toba Tek Singh is a city in Punjab, immortalized in a famous short story by Saadat Hasan Manto.

Vehari

Vehari is a city in Punjab and the center of a major cotton-growing area.

History & landmarks

Multan

The 'City of Saints' is famous for its magnificent Sufi shrines and blue pottery.

Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is a history-rich city in Punjab, known for its magnificent palaces and as the gateway to the Cholistan Desert.

Badshahi Mosque

An iconic Mughal-era mosque in Lahore, opposite the Lahore Fort.

Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)

A Mughal-era Persian garden complex, known for its terraces and marble pavilions.

More places

Gujranwala Industrial Estate

An important industrial hub known for its ceramics, textiles, and engineering industries.

Minar-e-Pakistan

A national monument in Lahore that commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940, a major step towards the creation of Pakistan.

Lahore Fort

A citadel in Lahore that showcases the history of the Mughal Empire.

Wazir Khan Mosque

A 17th-century mosque in Lahore, renowned for its intricate faience tile work and frescoes.

Bagh-e-Jinnah

A historic botanical garden in the heart of Lahore, offering extensive lawns and rich flora.

Lahore Safari Park

A large wildlife park that houses lions, tigers, and many bird species.

Lahore Knowledge Park

A project to develop an education and research hub aimed at fostering the knowledge-based economy.

Hiran Minar

A 17th-century hunting complex built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in memory of his favorite pet antelope.