Located around 75 km from Amritsar, Gurdaspur was founded by Guriyaji Mahant in the 17th century. Flanked by Rivers Beas and Ravi, this major city of Punjab is the northern-most district of the state. The city has immense historical and spiritual significance and it is said that Mughal emperor Akbar was enthroned here.

Alexander, the Great, is also said to have fought one of his many battles in the city. The main attraction is Batala, situated 30 km away, which is said to be the place where Guru Nanak got married. The gurdwara, where the ceremony was held, called the  Kandh Sahib, draws visitors from far and wide. Batala is also the site of the tomb of Sher Khan, foster brother of Akbar. The tomb is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and invites visitors from around the area. Nearby Batala, lies Qadian, which is the birthplace of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmediyah community.

Other attractions in Gurdaspur include the palace built by Maharaja Sher Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the tomb of Sayid Imam Ali Shah, a sufi saint. Gurdaspur also boasts a major natural wetland called Keshopur, which attracts thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia in winters. The popular species one can sight are wigeon, dub chick, black ibis, gadwall, common teal, pintail and Northern shovelercan.