Gujranwala is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, set in the country's heartland and known as an industrial centre. It is the birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler whose name is linked to the city's history, so visitors interested in the Sikh past of the region will find a personal connection here.
What the city is known for
Gujranwala has long been associated with skilled craftsmanship. Its workshops are known for leather goods, and it is also a notable producer of sports equipment. The city has a wrestling tradition, which remains part of its everyday culture. Its traditional sweets are another reason many people come to the city, and a tasting is an easy way to meet local food habits.
What a visit offers
- Bustling markets where you can see leather goods and sporting items being sold and made
- A window onto Punjabi culture, from food and music to the pace of daily life
- A chance to see an industrial city of Pakistan's Punjab beyond the larger metropolitan centres
Gujranwala suits travellers who enjoy walking through working markets, talking with craftspeople and seeing how a city makes its living. It is less about set-piece sights and more about the texture of the place, so an unhurried visit, with time for the bazaars and the food, will reward you most.