Punjab has a rich culture, heritage, and history, as it is bordered by the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This is the same Sapta Sindhu referenced in the Rig Veda, and it was the site of the authoring of several Hindu scriptures. It boasts good soil due to the seven rivers that run through it. The immense mustard fields, which have been romanticised by Bollywood, are just as beautiful as you might expect. Various peoples, including Greeks, Persians, Turks, and Scythians, as well as Afghans, have attacked this region over the years. These invasions and other attacks are mentioned in the traditional “kissa,” which is a part of its folk culture.
One of the tourist attractions is the Jallianwala Bagh, where bullet wounds on the walls remain as fresh as they did hundreds of years ago. If you know its history and spend some time here, you will see scenes of innocent men, women, and children. It evokes sentiments of hopelessness, perplexity, fury, and melancholy, though not always in that order. The bullet holes, the martyrs’ well, and the memorial itself serve as reminders of humanity’s depravity.
The Golden Temple, also known as the Darbar Sahib, is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction. It preaches and, more significantly, practices universal brotherhood, love, and peace, and is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites. The Golden Temple is actually a temple complex made up of several structures. Among the other constructions, the main temple, which is covered in gold, stands out.
The practise of langar, or shared kitchen, is a perfect example of this fact. Thousands of people are served by temple devotees who volunteer as cooks and cleaners, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, and are inspired by the virtues of dedication and selfless service to mankind. In terms of universal brotherhood, this is how you lead by example. The Durgiana Temple, which is noted for its silver doors, is another well-known religious tourist destination.
A visit to one of Punjab’s museums, where you may relive history, is one of the nicest things to do. In a museum, you might find documents and records connected to partition and the riots that followed. You may see Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s swords, paintings, and other personal belongings, as well as the founder of the mighty Sikh Empire, who is also known as the “roaring lion,” at another place. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum attracts both history aficionados and the ordinary public. The Sikh ruler’s summer home was converted into a museum in 1977. The museum’s features include Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s personal possessions, such as firearms and armour.
A trip to the Zoological Gardens should be on your list of things to do in Punjab. It’s a great area to hang out with friends and family while taking in the scenery. Because of the laid-back environment and large size, there is always a quiet place to be found.
Punjab Places to visit in India
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a union territory that houses the capitals of both Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh, India’s first planned city, is mostly a Punjabi metropolis with a healthy dose of modernism; the capital is known for its food and gedi culture (a leisure drive or ride across the city). Chandigarh, along with other major cities, is a popular weekend road trip destination located 265 kilometers from Delhi. It also serves as a vital stopover place for those visiting Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Boating on Chandigarh’s beautiful Sukhna Lake is a popular sport for locals. The Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, and Rose Garden are the city’s other prominent attractions. The Rock Garden in Chandigarh is famous for being entirely composed of discarded industrial and municipal waste, whereas Leisure Valley is an 8-kilometer-long, well-kept park with Asia’s largest rose garden, a popular tourist and local attraction.
Another prominent tourist destination in Chandigarh is the Capitol complex, popularly known as the Le Corbusier Centre. People are welcome to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was previously Le Corbusier’s home and has been converted into a museum. The state’s Vidhan Sabha, High Court, and Secretariat are all located at the Capitol.
- Time required to visit the site- 1 to 2 days
- Time required to visit the site- August to March
Amritsar
Punjab’s heroic attitude is exemplified by Amritsar, which is home to the majestic Golden Temple. Amritsar is also known as Ambarsar, the second-largest city in the Indian state of Punjab. In addition to the Golden Temple, Amritsar is known for its delectable street food.
Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural capital of the Sikh religion. The Baisakhi celebration brings out Amritsar’s gorgeous face with its finest food, costumes, and revelry. This place is famous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its proximity to the Wagah Border. From Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple to the tragedy of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Amritsar has seen it all and risen like a phoenix from the ashes. Amritsar is today an affluent city with a thriving economy.
A day in this peaceful city starts with spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The term “pool of ambrosial nectar” was first given to the old lake, then the temple complex, and finally the surrounding city.
Amritsar is well connected to India’s major cities and is one of the country’s most agriculturally productive cities.
- Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit the site- October to March
Patiala
Patiala, Punjab’s fourth-largest city, is situated in the southeast part of the golden country. Patiala is a renowned site for learning about Punjab’s core traditions because of its profound historical and cultural origins. Architectural marvels and cultural heritage surround it. Patiala was once a sovereign state, and as a result, it has a number of architectural marvels combining Mughal and Rajput styles.
The Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music hails from this state. The city’s 5 Ps in popular culture are Patiala Shahi Pag (a type of headdress traditionally worn by Sikhs), Paranda (coloured braids used by ladies in their hair), Patiala Salwar (a type of women’s pants), Patiala Jutti (flat fiber-based footwear), and Patiala Peg (a unique measurement of liquor). If you’re in Patiala, visit the old town to get a sense of the city’s pulse and sample some of the city’s delights.
- Time required to visit the site- 1 day
- Best time to visit the site- October to March
Ludhiana Tourism
On the banks of the Sutlej River, Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest city, is one of India’s most important manufacturing hubs. Ludhiana, dubbed “India’s Manchester,” is notable for its hosiery factories, ancient Lodi dynasty ruins, and a war museum.
The city, which bears the name of the Lodi dynasty, has kept its old world beauty and spirituality while adapting to changing times and customs in the country.
Ludhiana is noted for its Gurudwaras, forts, and ancient ruins, which draw pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Mir Hota was converted to Ludhiana by Lodi lords Yusaf Khan and Nihang Khan. Ludhiana hosts the famous Rural Olympics in Qila Raipur every year in the months of January and February.
- Time required to visit the site- 1 day
- Best time to visit the site- October to June
Jalandhar
Jalandhar is a superb illustration of Punjab’s rich history and tradition, merging the old and the new. This historic city was part of the legendary Indus Valley Civilisation. Jalandhar has grown into a significant corporate and industrial centre, as well as a popular destination for delicious Punjabi cuisine. Jalandhar’s ancient city promises to give you a taste of the best of Punjab, as well as its history and culture.
You may revisit Jalandhar’s rich tradition and culture at the various historic locations. The industrial and commercial development of Jalandhar is as remarkable as its long history. While the city is recognised as India’s sports capital for producing world-class athletes who have represented their country, it is also a significant sporting goods exporter. Jalandhar is also a world leader in the production of leather goods.
When it comes to culture and ethnicity, Jalandhar is recognised for its dance forms and festivals. Bhangra beats are a must-have for any occasion. Jhumar and Giddha are two other dance forms. Despite the fact that Punjabi is the most widely spoken language, Punjabi food has affected the cuisine.
- Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit the site- October to March
Best Hotels in Punjab
- The Cabbana Resort and Spa
- Taj Swarna, Amritsar
- Bindra Paradise
- Nirvana Hotel Banquets Club
- Ranjit Vilas
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Frequently Asked Question
Chudidar and Kurta are the most prevalent garments worn by women. This region is known for its phulkari, a sort of floral work. Dhotis or Kurta Pyjamas are worn by men. Their attire is usually brilliant, gleaming, and dark in colour. Punjabi men are expected to wear a colourful pagdi or turban. Juttis are a type of footwear used by both men and women. Punjabis also wear kadhas, which are religiously significant traditional steel bangles.
When it comes to transportation, Punjab is well-developed. There are contemporary airports around the state, some of which are even international. Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is roughly 11 kilometres from the city. It has connections to all of India's major cities. Another international airport in Punjab is Chandigarh Airport. The Sahnewal airport is located in the district of Ludhiana. Patiala Airport, Bathinda Airport, and Pathankot Airport are the state's other airports. All of them are domestic airports.
Punjab is an Indian state in the north-western section of the country. It is bordered on the west by Pakistan, the north by Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast by Himachal Pradesh, and the south by Haryana and Rajasthan. The state's terrain is separated into two parts: the Shivalik area in the higher part, and the Sutlej-Ghaggar river basin in the lower part. Ludhiana is the state's largest city. Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, and Mohali are the other major cities in Punjab.
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