Gujranwala is a city people usually drive through, but it has a real Sikh-era history and a few places worth a day out. The main places to visit in Gujranwala are Sheranwala Bagh with its baradari and samadhi, the old haveli of Ranjit Singh's family, Eminabad's gurdwaras to the south, and the cutlery town of Wazirabad to the north. It sits on the Grand Trunk Road about 70 to 80 km north of Lahore, so it works well as a stop or a day trip.
This is a short, honest guide: what is there, what is closed or being restored, and how to fit it into a day. It is not a resort destination, and it is best treated as heritage and food.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| From Lahore | About 70 to 80 km by GT Road |
| From Islamabad | Roughly 220 to 280 km, depending on route |
| Population | About 2.5 million (2023 census), the fifth-largest city in Pakistan |
| Main sights | Sheranwala Bagh, Ranjit Singh haveli, Eminabad, Wazirabad |
| Best for | Heritage, food, a day out from Lahore |
| Time needed | A full day for the city plus one excursion |
How to get to Gujranwala from Lahore or Islamabad
Gujranwala lies on the Grand Trunk Road, which links Lahore and Rawalpindi, and on the main railway line between Karachi and Peshawar. From Lahore the road distance is roughly 70 to 80 km, depending on where in either city you start. The GT Road is slow through the towns, so allow a good margin for traffic, especially on weekdays.
From Islamabad, published distances range from about 220 km to 280 km depending on the route, and driving takes roughly two and a half hours or more. Coming from the capital, Gujranwala is a natural stop on the way to Lahore rather than a trip of its own.
By rail, trains on the Karachi–Peshawar main line stop at Gujranwala. Check current timetables with Pakistan Railways, as services change. Once in town, rickshaws and ride-hailing cover most short distances.
Sheranwala Bagh
Sheranwala Bagh, the "garden of lions", is a public park in the city dating to the late 18th century. It was built by Mahan Singh, the father of Ranjit Singh, and takes its name from two lion statues that once stood near the gate. Inside are a two-storey baradari, or pavilion, built by Mahan Singh, and his samadhi, which Ranjit Singh added in 1837.
The baradari was damaged in riots in 1992, and the municipal authorities finished restoring it in 2012. It is a useful first stop: small, central, and a quick way to understand why Gujranwala matters in Sikh history. Give it half an hour.
The Ranjit Singh haveli
The haveli in the old city is traditionally regarded as the birthplace and childhood home of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It was in poor condition for years, hemmed in by later buildings.
The Walled City of Lahore Authority began a conservation project in 2024, with a budget of about PKR 84.5 million and completion expected in late 2025. Officials said in 2025 that the site would soon be open to the public. We could not confirm whether it has formally reopened, so ask locally, or check with the Walled City of Lahore Authority, before building your day around it.
Eminabad and its gurdwaras
About 12 to 15 km from Gujranwala, depending on the source, Eminabad is the strongest reason to leave the city. It is an old town tied to Guru Nanak's stay during Babur's invasion in 1521, and it has three gurdwaras: Rori Sahib, Chakki Sahib and Khuhi Bhai Lalo. Rori Sahib is the functioning one and was visited by Sikh pilgrims from India during Vaisakhi in 2025.
We have a separate guide to Eminabad and Gurdwara Rori Sahib with the details.
Wazirabad
Wazirabad, on the Chenab north of Gujranwala, is famous across Pakistan for cutlery and knives. It is more a working town than a sightseeing one, but a stop to look at the workshops and shops is worthwhile if you want something to take home. Our Wazirabad cutlery buying guide covers what to look for.
What to eat
Gujranwala's food reputation is at least as strong as its monuments. Grilled meat, especially tikka, and rich karahi dishes are what the city is known for. For a fuller list of dishes and where people go, read our guide to Gujranwala's famous food. Plan lunch as part of the day.
A suggested day from Lahore
- Leave Lahore early and reach Gujranwala by mid-morning.
- See Sheranwala Bagh and, if it is open, the haveli in the old city.
- Drive to Eminabad for Rori Sahib and the town.
- Have a late lunch back in Gujranwala.
- Return to Lahore before evening, because the GT Road is unpleasant after dark.
Add Wazirabad only if you start very early or stay overnight.
Is Gujranwala worth visiting?
If you like Sikh and Mughal-era history and you are already on the GT Road, yes: it gives you a half day of substance and a good lunch. If you want landscapes, big monuments or a polished tourist experience, no. Lahore's own sites are richer, and Gujranwala is best as a supplement to a trip there.
Signage and visitor facilities are minimal, so go with a local guide or a driver who knows the old city. For wider planning, see our travel guide and browse all destinations.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gujranwala from Lahore?
Roughly 70 to 80 km by the Grand Trunk Road, depending on where you start and finish.
What is Gujranwala famous for?
Its food, especially grilled meat, and for Sikh history, since Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born here. Nearby Wazirabad is famous for cutlery.
Can you visit the Ranjit Singh haveli?
It was under conservation from 2024, with officials saying in 2025 that it would soon open to the public. Confirm locally that it is open before you go.
Is Gujranwala safe to visit?
Gujranwala is in central Punjab and is not among the areas the UK government advises against. As anywhere, check current local news and advice before travelling.
Is one day enough?
Yes for Gujranwala city and Eminabad. Adding Wazirabad makes it a long day.
