The magical land of Punjab is home to cheerful, lively, and fun-loving people who welcome you with open arms and a smile on their face. Rainbow tinged turbans worn by cheerful men, vibrantly colored attire, bangles, ribbons, and scarves adorned by women, and bhangra music - all bestows Punjab a colorful and lively culture.
The charming cities of the state are dotted with enticing monuments, gurudwaras, sacred shrines, temples, ashrams, wide lakes, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to numerous rare species of animals and migratory birds. It is an ideal destination for tourists interested in exploring ancient civilization, rich culture, mouth watering cuisine, and exquisite shopping.
Quick Facts about Punjab
- First state to adorn Agriculture Green Revolution
- Second largest agricultural producer in India
- Major manufacturer of sports and hosiery goods
- Renowned for traditional and local handicrafts, handlooms, and cuisine
- Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala and Kapurthala are major tourist destinations
Drive your way to Punjab
The rail and road network of Punjab is simply commendable. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway stations in Punjab. Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi and Himalayan Queen provide train connections between Chandigarh and Delhi.
An excellent network of roads and state highways (NH1 or the Grand Trunk Road) connect major Indian cities (including Delhi) to Chandigarh. Inter State deluxe buses ply to and from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to Chandigarh.
Popular Tourist Destinations in the Punjab
Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Quila Mubarak, Jallianwalah Bagh, Art Gallery at Sheesh Mahal, Sukhna lake, Gurudwara Bhabour Sahib Purana Quila, Asafwala War Memorial, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Hussaini Wala Border in Ferozpur, Mehdiana Sahib Gurudwara and Shahpur Kandi fort are the major tourist attractions in Punjab that should not be missed out during a tour to Punjab.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple is a must see tourist destination and is amongst the most famous tourist attractions of Punjab and India. The temple was founded in late 16th century by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev. The oldest and holiest shrine of the Sikh faith, it is also revered by thousands of devotees and pilgrims from all parts of the world.
The main temple structure is nestled in the middle of a beautiful pool called "Amrit Sarovar" and is surrounded by a white marble pathway. The dome of the temple is covered by a layer of Gold plating which give it a brilliant dazzle in the summer sun. The temple looks particularly captivating at night when it is beautifully lit up, with its exquisite pure gold dome illuminated. The inner marble surface and the ceiling of temple is embellished with numerable bright, multi-colored, decorative patterns making it a spectacular delight for visitors to adore.
The sacred temple (Gurudwara) is a place for finding peace and your soul. Just before entering the main temple, devotees walk through a narrow marble channel running with water that cleans their feet and perhaps their minds. In essence this is a symbol of purity by getting rid of all dirt in the abode and minds of one's self. The celestial melodious Morning Prayer arouse a deep sense of spirituality into the minds of all devotees with its divine gospel.
There is an imposing "langarkhana" where one can take one's meal after handing over the food tickets bought beforehand. A remarkable thing to notice here is the social/religious service offered by the general folk regardless of their stature and income status. People rich or poor, are seen preparing meals, washing dishes, serving drinking water to thirsty devotees, and keeping shoes in the shoe racks as a part of community service offered to Gurudwara.
Jallianwala Bagh
Historic in significance, Jallianwala Bagh was the site where hundreds of innocent and unarmed protesters, including women and children were trapped and massacred by British army on 13th of April, 1919. Remains of bullet marks, pierced walls, and a martyr's well which became the funeral ground for thousands of people who jumped off to protect themselves from the firing are testimonies of the biggest tragedy in India. Some of the surrounding buildings also are probably of the same bygone time.. The site is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
Wagah Border
Wagah Border, 28 kilometres away from Amritsar separates India from Pakistan. The Wagah Border post is one of the major tourist attractions and is never out of zeal. Major tourist attraction here is the "Lowering of Flags" ceremony conducted by the security forces of India and Pakistan namely Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers. The ceremony starts at sunset and is a symbolic gesture between the two countries. The display - an enormous show of strength by the soldiers of both sides is breath-taking and infuses the feeling of patriotism to anyone witnessing the grand event. monuments in Kapurthala, a fort in Bhatinda and also some great designs in the capital city of Chandigarh.
Delectable Cuisine
Punjabi is filled with fertile fields and the local delicacies found here are well known in India and internationally. The food made using the freshest crops and dairy is simply rich and delicious. The most famous dish savored by travelers here is mind-blowing "makke ki roti and sarso ka saag" which is topped off with a giant glass of chilled 'lassi' (buttermilk). Apart from this, delicacies like Tandoori chicken and tikkas, Amritsari Macchli (Fish), Makkai di Roti (tortillas) and Sarson ka Saag (made with mustard leaves) allow you to eat to your heart's content.
Shopping Opportunities
Punjab has worldwide excellent repute for being one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of handloom products, handicrafts and hosiery goods in India. The state has a grand collection of handicrafts and handloom products. Woolen blankets, sweaters, and accessories can be found in great varieties and are quite cheap in Amritsar compared to other parts of India. Katra Jaimal Singh market in Amritsar is a good shopping area for buying some memorable souvenirs. Chandigarh is renowned for sculptures made of recycled material like bangles, broken glass, ceramics and plastic bottles. Ludhiana is the home of woolen clothing in Punjab. With thriving woolen mills, this city pulls the tourists for its immensely popular woolen clothing options of all sorts.
Rural Punjab Delight
Punjab's hinterland is where most families own acres of fertile farm lands and farmhouses. All villages are well connected with black roads and are immensely attractive lush with greenery and cross-legged trees. Farmers sowing seeds, women singing folk songs, powerful sound of marching Tractors & Trolley in the tracts, and the beautiful greeneries of farm landscapes give a soothing effect to one's mind. Tourists can stay in a farmhouse-style home stays and participate in rural chores like farming, milking cows and churning the butter and sipping a chilled glass of lassi while watching sunset and more.
Last Updated on : 9 March 2013
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