Gujranwala Travel Guide 2025 – Explore the City of Wrestlers
Published: 16/05/2025
Want a travel destination full of history, tasty food, and fun activities? Gujranwala, known as the City of Wrestlers, is a great place to visit in Punjab, Pakistan. Famous for its wrestling heroes, spicy dishes, and old forts, this lively city is great for families, food lovers, and history fans.
In this easy Gujranwala travel guide for 2025, we’ll show you the best picnic spots, parks, restaurants, food, famous people, and things to do in Gujranwala to make your trip awesome.
Let’s explore!
Why Visit Gujranwala?
Gujranwala mixes old traditions with modern vibes. It’s Pakistan’s third-largest industrial city, making about 5% of the country’s GDP with products like grains and fans, according to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.
But its heart is pure Punjabi, with a rich past. It was the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the “Lion of Punjab,” who made it the Sikh Empire’s capital from 1799 to 1801.
The city, also called Rachna Town, sits where the Chenab and Ravi Rivers meet, creating beautiful views. Its wrestling culture shines with legends like The Great Gama, Raheem Bakhsh Sultaniwala, and Bholo Pehlwan.
You might even catch traditional dangal wrestling matches at local akharas during festivals! With amazing food and historical sites, this Gujranwala travel guide shows why it’s a must-visit.
Top Gujranwala Picnic Spots
Gujranwala’s green spaces are perfect for family picnics. Here are the best Gujranwala picnic spots:
1. Jinnah Park
In the city center, Jinnah Park spans a large area (estimated at 60+ acres) with green lawns, a lake, and bright flowers. It’s a top pick for picnics, with playgrounds for kids, a jogging track, and an amphitheater for events. Bring snacks and relax under the trees.
2. Gulshan Iqbal Park
Located in Shaheenabad, Gulshan Iqbal Park is great for families. It has swings, train rides, and picnic areas with clean restrooms. The greenery makes it a fun spot for a sunny day. Nearby snack bars offer quick bites.
3. Boat Point, Peoples Colony
For something special, visit Boat Point near Peoples Colony along the Chenab River. Locals bring mangoes and watermelons for summer picnics. You can rent a boat (around PKR 500/hour) or enjoy the river views. Parking is available.
4. Model Town Park
This park has a calm lake for boating and picnic spots. Its clean paths and family-friendly vibe make Model Town Park a peaceful escape from the city.
Best Parks in Gujranwala
Love nature or fitness? Gujranwala’s parks are green and welcoming. Besides Jinnah and Gulshan Iqbal, try these Gujranwala parks:
- Gujranwala Cantt Park: A fitness spot with a jogging track, gym, and yoga area, surrounded by trees.
- Liaquat Park: Famous for old trees and plants, it’s quiet with swings for kids and picnic spaces.
- Ghora Bagh Park: A central park with open areas, great for games or casual picnics.
Top Gujranwala Restaurants
Gujranwala restaurants serve bold Punjabi flavors that foodies love. Here are the best places to eat:
1. Shahbaz Tikka
A must for Gujranwala food, Shahbaz Tikka (Chand da Qilla and Food Street) is known for smoky chirray (grilled sparrows), tikkas, and kebabs. The taste will make you want more!
2. Bundu Khan
Near Gulshan Iqbal Park, Bundu Khan offers tasty BBQ like mutton chops and chicken tikkas. It’s a family favorite for its quality and variety.
3. Haji Abdul Ghani Amritsari Siri Paye
Start your day with spicy siri paye (lamb or goat trotter stew) and hot naan at this famous spot. It’s a true Gujranwala breakfast.
4. Malee’s Cafe & Bakers
In Satellite Town, Malee’s Cafe has a cozy vibe with pizzas, burgers, and desserts. Nice for a calm lunch or a coffee break.
5. Manhattan Bites
Want fast food? Manhattan Bites on G.T. Road serves crispy New York-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.
For a fun food adventure, visit Gujranwala Food Street in Liberty Market. Stalls like Hot Grill and Quick Pizza Hut serve kebabs, pizzas, and more.
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Must-Try Gujranwala Food
Gujranwala’s food is all about big tastes and hearty meals. Known for its love of meat, here are the top dishes to try:
- Chirray: Grilled sparrows with spices, a specialty at Shahbaz Tikka.
- Batera: Slow-cooked quail in a spicy sauce, best at Batera House.
- Siri Paye: A rich lamb or goat trotter stew, great with naan for breakfast.
- Fried Fish: Fresh fish from Machli Mandi, fried or grilled. This lively market is a foodie hotspot with vendors cooking fish on the spot.
- Nihari: A slow-cooked beef or mutton stew, served at Mohammad Nihari House.
- Desi Sweets: Enjoy jalebi, laddu, or barfi at Sialkot Sweets.
- Al Madina Lassi: A creamy yogurt drink with rose water, perfect after spicy food.
Machli Mandi is a must-visit for its vibrant vibe and fresh fish dishes, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Famous People from Gujranwala
Gujranwala has given the world many stars:
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh – Founder of the Sikh Empire, born in Haveli Ranjit Singh, Gujranwala.
- The Great Gama – Legendary wrestler trained and raised in Gujranwala.
- Sohail Ahmed (Azizi) – A Famous comedian from Gujranwala.
- Waqar Younis – A Fast bowling legend who grew up in Gujranwala.
- Munnu Bhai – Born in Wazirabad, a part of Gujranwala Division.
- Amrita Pritam – Born in the larger Gujranwala District (now Mandi Bahauddin).
Gujranwala Historical Sites
Gujranwala’s history, linked to the Sikh period and the Gurjar community, is a great experience for anyone who loves culture. Top Gujranwala historical sites include:
- Hari Singh Nalwa Fort: A Sikh-era fort, great for history lovers.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Haveli: A beautiful mansion with Sikh architecture.
- Khalsa-era Gates: Ossuary: Visit Manabadi Gate and Sialkoti Gate, historical landmarks from the Sikh period.
- Gurudwara Rori Sahib: A sacred Sikh site in Eminabad, 12 km away, offering a peaceful spiritual experience. Eminabad also has other Sikh-era sites like old gurdwaras.
- Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower): A 1900s tower, a symbol of colonial times.
- Gujranwala Heritage Museum: Showcases Sikh-era artifacts, coins, and local art (not Indus Valley artifacts, as sometimes claimed).
- Chichraan Wala Mandir: A 1901 temple now used as a mosque, open to visitors with permission from local authorities.
- Nishan-e-Manzil: A monument honoring martyrs, good for a quiet visit.
Fun Things to Do in Gujranwala
There’s something for everyone in Gujranwala:
- Jinnah Stadium: Watch a cricket match for sports fun.
- Fun Dunya: A small amusement park with rides and a horror house, great for kids.
- King’s Mall: Shop, watch movies, or eat at the food court.
- Gujranwala Zoo: See peacocks, deer, and more, perfect for families.
- Wapda Town Market: Shop for clothes or visit Rail Bazaar for handicrafts.
- Dangal Matches: Catch traditional wrestling at local akharas, especially during festivals like Basant.
Explore Gujranwala’s Tehsils
Gujranwala has five tehsils, each unique:
- Gujranwala City: The busy center with historical sites and food streets.
- Sadar: Has parks and calm areas for walks.
- Nowshera Virkan: A rural area with local markets.
- Kamoke: Known for grain markets and festivals.
- Wazirabad: Famous for cutlery and riverside historical sites.
Take a day trip to see their special charm.
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Where to Stay in Gujranwala
Need a place to stay? Try these options:
- Shelton Hotel Gujranwala: A comfy hotel with Wi-Fi and breakfast (from PKR 6,000/night).
- Royal Garden Hotel: Budget-friendly with clean rooms (from PKR 4,000/night).
- Guest Houses: Check Airbnb for affordable stays in Wapda Town or Satellite Town.
Book early for the best deals, especially in winter.
Day 1: History and Food
- Morning: Visit Hari Singh Nalwa Fort and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Haveli.
- Lunch: Eat chirray and kebabs at Shahbaz Tikka.
- Afternoon: See Manabadi Gate, Sialkoti Gate, and Gujranwala Heritage Museum.
- Evening: Dine at Bundu Khan and walk through Gujranwala Food Street.
Day 2: Nature and Fun
- Morning: Picnic at Jinnah Park by the lake.
- Lunch: Try siri paye at Haji Abdul Ghani Amritsari Siri Paye.
- Afternoon: Have fun at Fun Dunya or shop at King’s Mall.
- Evening: Relax at Gulshan Iqbal Park and eat jalebi at Sialkot Sweets.
Final Thoughts
Gujranwala is full of strength, great food, and rich history. This Gujranwala travel guide will show you the best things to do — from enjoying a picnic at Jinnah Park to tasting siri paye at the city’s top food spots.
Whether you’re visiting forts, cheering at Jinnah Stadium, or tasting sweets by the Chenab River, Gujranwala will win your heart. Ready for an adventure? Pack your bags and dive into Punjab’s spirit! Share your favorite Gujranwala spots in the comments below.
FAQs About Gujranwala Travel
It’s known for wrestlers like The Great Gama and Raheem Bakhsh Sultaniwala, with a big dangal wrestling tradition.
Try chirray, siri paye, batera, fried fish, and sweets like jalebi or laddu.
Yes! Parks like Jinnah Park, Fun Dunya, and the zoo are great for kids.
Visit Hari Singh Nalwa Fort, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Haveli, Gurudwara Rori Sahib, and Khalsa-era gates.
Head to Wapda Town Market for clothes or Rail Bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Yes! Basant (spring kite festival) and local dangal wrestling events are fun, especially in February or March.
Visit in June-August for lower hotel prices, use rickshaws for cheap transport, and eat at Food Street for affordable meals.
Explore Eminabad (12 km away) for Gurudwara Rori Sahib and Sikh-era sites, or Wazirabad for its cutlery markets.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
