Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab, with an estimated population of 3.5 million. It is located in Ludhiana District on the banks of the Sutlej River.

Ludhiana is centrally located on the Grand Trunk Road from Delhi to Amritsar, and is well-connected to the Indian capital city of New Delhi by air, road, and frequent train service. An international airport is being planned.

It is a major industrial and educational center of northern India, and is the crossroads of many different cultures. Ludhiana is known as the "Manchester of India" because it is the industrial hub of Punjab. There are also firms manufacturing bicycles and motorcycle parts, machine tools, sewing machines, generators, diesel engines, tires & tubes, and other consumer goods.

Ludhiana has several tourist attractions, such as Tiger Safari, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, the Rural Museum at PAU, The Rose Garden, Hardy World, Water Park and Dream Land. There are many good Hotels and Restaurants. There are also a large number of places to eat out, highlighting Ludhianis' passion for good food. There are also many religious and historical places in and around Ludhiana. Sikh religious sites in the district include Gurudwara Alamgir,Dukhniwaran Sahib, Nanaksar Kaleran (Jagraon), Raikot and Macchiwara. The nearby town of Malerkotla is a sacred place for Muslims. The Jain temple at Jagraon is relegious center for the Jain community.