The provincial government of Pakistan’s Punjab province is set to establish a “Darshan Resort” in close proximity to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, offering Sikh pilgrims a picturesque view of the holy site. The Kartarpur corridor, inaugurated in 2019, connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan—where Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak Dev lived and passed away in the early 16th century—to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. Spanning 4 km, the corridor provides visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Punjab Secretary of Tourism, Raja Jahangir Anwar, shared on Monday that the construction of a five-storey Darshan Resort is slated to commence next month, with an estimated cost of PKR 300 million. This initiative underscores the commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Sikh visitors and fostering cultural and religious ties between the two nations.
Regarding the project, he mentioned that it will be situated just 500 meters away from Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
“The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for next month, and we anticipate the completion of the resort by the end of 2024,” Anwar stated, highlighting that the entire project will be funded by the Punjab government.
The provincial secretary elaborated on the features of Darshan Resort, revealing plans for at least 10 suite rooms on the top floor, along with a mini theatre and a gym.
He emphasized that the resort will provide a breathtaking aerial view of Kartarpur Sahib.
“Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has already granted approval for the establishment of a 50-room Darshan Resort by the Punjab Tourism Department,” Anwar confirmed.
Kartarpur holds special significance in the Sikh religion, as it was where the first Guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, spent the last years of his life.