Ludhiana city's historic and popular tourist spot and now a police academy, the Phillaur fort which is 14 kms from the city of Ludhiana and on Sutlej River banks, is situated in the city's town named Phillaur. This town was originally called as Phulnagar. The town was named after Sanghera Jat Phul which was a critical outskirts site that charged the most continuous Sutlej Ferry. Under the order of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a force was appointed which was very strong; it was headed by Governor Mokham Chand, the general of the Maharaja. They were stationed here between the years 1808 - 1812. Dewan Mokham Chand along with an Italian Architect designed the fort. Currently, there is a police training center which is operating in the fort itself. The Finger Print Bureau is also stationed here.

About the Fort

The Phillaur Fort is also known as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh fort who ruled between the years 1799 - 1839. The Maharaja had marked a settlement with the British in 1809 consistent with which the waterway Sutlej was concurred upon to be the limit between the domains of the two. Ludhiana being the last British post to the south of the Sutlej, it was common for Ranjit Singh to erect a number fortification at Phillaur, on the inverse bank of the stream.

About the Gateways

Each gateway of the fort is named after two Mughal cities, they are Delhi and Lahori gates. They are equally deep and measures 13.35m in breath. There is an enclosing wall that surrounds it which is 4.7m beyond the wall. The entrance is a high and broad archway measuring 3.7m. The front parapet has a baradari like domed shaped structure at the front. The gateways are currently painted in white and red.

About the Sarai

The brickwork of the entryways is outstandingly fine. Some red sandstone has additionally been utilized within the structures. The Mughal sarai's central courtyard is open and inside the enclosed walls are small rooms where visitors or tourists can stay.

In the middle part of the Sarai, which do not have gateways, there are rooms. The bigger rooms were built for people or travelers of higher ranks.

In every Sarai, there is a mosque which was open for public prayers. In any case, no mosque is surviving in the Phillaur Sarai. The development of the mosque in this Sarai may have made some structural issues. The explanation for why being the back divider of a mosque in India dependably confronted to the west, the course of the Mecca and if a mosque was to be implicit the Sarai at Phillaur it must be set at a corner ways point in the yard which might have showed up truly odd. The settlement of a tomb in the eastern corner of the Sarai is seen just in this mind boggling. It must date from an astounding later period and the story connected with it is absolutely a flight of extravagant. Comparable stories are connected with various medieval landmarks.

Frequently, an awe inspiring hammam, even now getting by the sarai's at Diorama and Nurmahal, likewise structured a part of a Mughal Sarai. However the hammam in Phillaur Sarai was inherent the eastern corner as judged from a gap in the domical roof of a room in this corner.

Initially, one or more wells must have been there in the patio of the Sarai to supply drinking water to the guests.

Date of Erection of the Sarai at Phillaur

As per David Ross, a British traveler wrote that Shah Jahan built the Phillaur Sarai. The site was selected after which it was covered with brick mounds and ruins which are the materials that was used to constructed the Sarai.

Accommodations

Ludhiana has a variety of hotels that is available for its visitors. A person can choose from hotels which are economically cheaper in rate with basic amenities to luxurious hotels which offer a variety of services. Based on their budget, they can go ahead and stay.

Ways to Reach There

By Air

The closest operational airfield from Ludhiana is at Chandigarh which is the state capital and is 100 km away and the other one is at Amritsar.

By Rail

Ludhiana line station is generally associated with New Delhi and all other paramount towns of India. Prepare takes something like 4-5 hrs from New Delhi to arrive at Ludhiana.

By Road

Ludhiana is arranged on the Amritsar-Delhi Grand Trunk Road. Amritsar, Chandigarh, New Delhi and other major urban communities in Punjab are generally connected with Ludhiana through street. A person can opt to travel by taxis, rickshaws and the local buses.

Best Time to Visit

November to March.

Timing: Morning to Evening

Admission Fees: Free