Bathinda or Bhatinda, named after the Bhati Rajput kings, is one of the oldest cities in Punjab and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa (Punjab) Region. Courtesy to five artificial lakes in the city, Bathinda is also known as "The city of Lakes". Bathinda is a historical city. It was associated with the imprisonment of first woman emperor of India, Razia Sultan in 1239 in the fort here. In 17th century 10th guru of sikhs Shri Guru Gobind Singh came to Qila Mubarak. The sikh's fifth takhat Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated 30km from Bathinda.

It is home to two modern thermal power plants, Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant at Bathinda proper, and the one at Lehra Mohabbat,a fertilizer plant, a large oil refinery, a Zoo, and the Qila Mubarak fort. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. Bathinda's railway station is one of the biggest railway junctions in the country and is currently undergoing a project for modernization. It is considered one of the best cities in Punjab for education.

Places of interest

Bathinda is lucky to have a rich religious and cultural heritage. There are a number places worth visiting in and around Bathinda. Many of them are deeply connected with various religious beliefs.

Qila Mubarak: This is an oldest and highest small brick monument.

Bahia Fort: This was built in 1930 in front of the main Fort by S. Balwant Singh Sidhu belong to a group of 22 villages, so called Bahia Sahib. It was as official residence of armed forces of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State . Now it has been converted into a Four Star Hotel.

Lakhi Jungle: This is situated 15 km away from Bathinda and on the way to Mukatsar. A forest having old Gurudwara enjoyed the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev who recited one lakh holy Paths of Shri Japuji Sahib.Therefore it was called Lakhi Jungle. Tenth Sikh Guru , Guru Gobind Singh also visited this place.

Rose Garden: This garden boasts of large number of varieties of Roses. It is very near the city and is visited by large number of people on weekends. The 10 acre garden is located close to Thermal Plant. It has a vast variety of rose plants and is a good picnic spot.

Zoological garden: It is a plant nursery of the forest department located approximately 10 km away from the Cantonment and is a popular picnic spot. This place is a small zoo in the midst of a small forest.

Chetak Park: A beautiful garden built in Bathinda Cantonment is popular among children's and others. It has a lake and boating facility.

Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan: It is one of the most revered place of worship in the city.

Dhobhi Bazaar: It is the main market of Bathinda.Here are the famous bakeries and shops of the city.It is named Dhobhi Bazaar because of the Dhobhi Ghat that existed here before the market.