Fazilka - Town of learned people

170 year old historical town Fazilka is located in southwestern Punjab (INDIA), about 325 kms west of Punjab State Capital Chandigarh, 405 km east of the National Capital New Delhi and 200 km south of Amritsar. Fazilka is on India -Pakistan border and is 11 km off the international border with Pakistan. River Satluj flows at the eastern side of Fazilka parallel to India Pakistan border. It is situated on the rice growing and cotton rich belt of the state and is one of the major rice exporting centers in India. Before partition, the town was the biggest wool market in undivided Punjab. Fazilka is a city and a municipal council in Punjab, India. In 2011, it was made the headquarters of the newly created Fazilka district by Government of Punjab vide their Gazette Notification No. 1/1/2011-RE-II (I)/14554 dated July 27, 2011. As per 2011 Census of India, Fazilka city population is 76,492, constitutes 40,306 Male and 36,186 Female with sex ratio 898 females per 1000 males.

Fazilka's origin dates back to AD 1844. It was established by Mr. Oliver and was christened after the original owner of the land, Mian Fazil Watoo. The first railway line through the town was setup in AD 1898 on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the accession of Queen Victoria. Being at the border, Fazilka also had to bear the brunt of the two Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971.

The famous 'Tosha' sweets have its origin in Fazilka. The first single cylinder steam ship in the world, Fazilka, was named after this town. Fazilka is also home to the second biggest TV tower in Asia, which stands at 305 m above the ground.

Amritsar International Airport and Ludhiana and Bathinda Domestic Airport serve Fazilka. Fazilka Railway Station is located on Abhor- Ferozepur Region of Northern Railways. National Highway 7 passes through Fazilka.

India’s smallest big town Fazilka is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the East End River Satluj, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, gardens and exotic food culture of the city. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Rural and Urban life, the city is a one of the finest travel destination of border region of Punjab, India. Narrating the city's British Past, Fazilka city centre, takes you through the Union Jack aerial view-Grid Iron road patter streets passing through formidable Methodist church, famous clock tower and car-free market area. You will also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The central part of Fazilka displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.

Walk through from Wool Market starting from Ram Narayan Pediwal clock tower, generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined, architecturally rich avenues and low rise buildings. The architectural features of the wool market have been especially designed in the traditional north Indian style, with mud-brickwork load bearing wall construction and stone roofs. During Fazilka Heritage Festival time nightfall, Fazilka city centre is dramatically floodlit and light music make a lovely display with coloured lights.