Khalsa Heritage Complex

Anandpur Sahib Founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, 9lh Sikh Guru in 1665, this small town of 25000 population i's one of the great pilgrimage centers. It was here that Guru Gobind Singh baptized his first five 'Pyaras' coming from different regions and belonging to different castes and established the order of Khalsa. Known all over the world for 3-day long festival of "Hola Mohalla' in March every year where traditional martial arts are displayed by Nihangs.
Location Situated in the foothills of Shivalik range of Himalayas, Anandpur Sahib is 80 km by good motorable road from Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab. The last stretch of 11 km has been four-laned. There are two decorative entry gates on the main road with a beautifully developed part to greet the visitors to the town. Transport An overnight journey by train from Delhi and back. Halting place for climb to mythological temple "Naina Devi" atop the range - which is shortly going to have a ropeway trolly from Anandpur Sahib to the temple of Sri Naina Devi On way to Dcra Vadbhag Singh and Baba Deot Sidh (pilgrimage centres). National Highway from Chandigarh to Kulu and Manali tapers off from Kiratpur Sahib which is just 10 km away. Very close to the world famous Bhakra Dam. On the way to Dharmshala - the headquarters of Dalai Lama
Gurdwara Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Among the many historical Gurdwaras is Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the 5 seats of temporal authority of Sikh faith. The site was venue of creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh 300 years ago. This is one- of 4 historical Gurdwaras permanently illuminated with decorative lights, which is a major attraction during evening hours.
Son Et Lumiere There is a daily programme of "Sound & Light" at Gurdwara Quila Anandgarh depicting the lives and times of Sikh Gurus and the history of Anandpur Sahib. Its commentary is in English and Punjabi.
Visitors/Pilgrims Pilgrims, both Hindus and Sikhs and the tourists flock to Anandpur Sahib. Average 5,000 people visit it everyday. On weekends and other holidays, the number increases to 13,000. Number rises to lakhs during Hola Mohalla. Other tourists average 1,000 per day throughout. With the completion of Khalsa Heritage Complex which has get great potential for overseas tourists, the number of tourists is likely to go upto 8000 per day.
Khalsa Heritage Complex (under construction) Khalsa Heritage Complex is coming up on 24,431 sq. meters in about 100 acres as landscaped area with trees and shrubs. Out of this, museum complex alone comprises of 17,151 sq.m. with exhibit floor areas as 6,200 sq. m. In addition, artificial water body accounts for 26,000 meters and parking slot is 8,830 sq.m spread on both sides of the complex. There is provision of five tubewells to supply fresh water into the water body.
Electricity There is provision of independent 66 kv sub station exclusively for Khalsa Heritage Complex to meet its uninterrupted power supply. Besides there are 3 standby generators.
Water Supply & Sewage: The city has been given fresh drinking water supply connections replacing the old ones during tercentenary celebrations in 1999. A new sewage treatment plant has been put up for the city.
Accommodation Besides 5000 persons free accommodation in Gurdwara Serais, there is Kisan Haveli Guest House with ten rooms and PSEB rest house for upper class tourists. A 50 beded 3 star Hotel is being put up as a joint venture by ITDC and PTDC of Punjab Government. Ample Tourist accommodation is available at Nangal, Ropar and Chandigarh. Besides, the erstwhile princely state of Nalagarh has the palace converted as Heritage Hotel for upper class tourists.
Herbal Park Traditionally known as the area for medicinal herbs, 320 herbs have been identified around Anandpur Sahib. A Nature Reserve of 289 acres has been set up for phased development. De-ediction and Meditation Center is a major attraction of the town.
Sports Lush grounds of Dasmesh Academy provide good tennis, football, hockey grounds and gymnasium. In addition, Dashmesh Academy of Martial Sports with A/C multipurpose hall, horse riding grounds and ranges for archery and shooting has been set up at a cost of Rs. 14 crores in the vicinity of Dashmesh Academy. Horse shows, tent pegging and other traditional martial arts by groups of "Nihang Singhs" during Hola festival in the "Charan Ganga Stadium" is major tourist attractions, the world over.