States > Punjab
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The land of hospitality and infectious zest for life' as it is called, Punjab, located in the north west of India, is one of the smallest and the most prosperous states of India. The five rivers Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum gave it its name 'punj-ab' or the 'land of five waters.
Punjab is one of India's most beautiful states. The century old Punjabi culture is renowned for its tolerance, progressive and logical approach to life. It's also known for its cuisine, culture and history.
The state is the location of one of the world's first and oldest civilizations - the Indus Valley Civilization. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of the people are the main attractions in this region. Punjab has many things to offer to an enthusiast who wants to explore it. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Punjab has a vast public transportation network, which provides excellent tourist transportation.
This north Indian state is a perfect destination for pilgrimage tour in the country. The world's largest gurudwara - the Golden Temple is here which attracts millions of devotees from across the world to see its inimitable architecture. Apart from gurudwaras, the land is also studded with historical monuments, temples, churches, mosques and a number of other holy shrines that remain unexplored.
Due to its rigorous past, the best part of ancient Punjab is either in its ruins or underground. Evidence of Harappan Culture, Ropar is a good place to visit for people interested in the history and archeological facet of Punjab. At Ropar, called Rup Nagar (the 'town of beauty') in olden times, evidence of Harappan culture of the Indus Valley Civilization and relics of Alexander's Army have been discovered.
The excavations at Dholbaha, the ancient temple town at Hoshiarpur, date back to the Pleistocene period of Stone Age and show evidence of continued development of civilization right until the 7th and 8th century A.D. The museum containing these relics is situated in Hoshiarpur city.
Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala, Mohali, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, its capital, are the important cities of Punjab, the hub of culture and fun and frolic. The most important thing to do when in Amritsar is to grab a bite of Amritsari Naan and papads (a special kind of chapatti). If you are a food freak, then Punjab is the place to be. Your meal would be incomplete without the Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti.
Do taste Lassi, the staple drink of Punjab. Prepared from thick curd, it has both sweet and salty flavors and make sure you have it chilled. Experience the typical Punjabi khatirdari (hospitality) at The Heritage Village located in the outskirts of Jalandhar.
If you are an NRI Punjabi, make sure you carry back the holy water from The Golden Temple that is believed to have healing powers. Also, your visit to the shrine would be incomplete without having Langar (food at the common kitchen).
Your shopping list must include the ethnic Punjabi jutti (shoe), done in fancy mirror work. Check out the latest trends in fashion ware and pick up some ethnic salwaar kameez (ladies wear), lehngas and phulkari (embroidered dupatta for weddings)
In case you get a chance, do attend a Punjabi wedding. It is an occasion where you can get a feel of the traditions, folkdances (bhangra and giddha), music and of course food - that goes without saying!
It will always be a unique travel experience even if you visit during different parts of the year. Like in spring season, trekking through the rural landscape would be a delight. If you happen to visit in winters, don't leave without participating in Lohri celebrations.
Quick facts of Punjab :
Capital: Chandigarh
Area: 50,362 km2
Population: 27,704,236
Area: 50362 square kilometers
Closest airport: Amritsar International Airport, Chandigarh Airport, and Ludhiana Airport
Top Attractions:
1. Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in Amritsar
2. Wagah Border in Amritsar
3. Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar
4. Sheesh Mahal in Patiala
5. Jaliawala Bagh in Amritsar
6. Kila Raipur
7. Patiala
Official languages: Punjabi and Hindi
Punjab is one of India's most beautiful states. The century old Punjabi culture is renowned for its tolerance, progressive and logical approach to life. It's also known for its cuisine, culture and history.
The state is the location of one of the world's first and oldest civilizations - the Indus Valley Civilization. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of the people are the main attractions in this region. Punjab has many things to offer to an enthusiast who wants to explore it. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Punjab has a vast public transportation network, which provides excellent tourist transportation.
This north Indian state is a perfect destination for pilgrimage tour in the country. The world's largest gurudwara - the Golden Temple is here which attracts millions of devotees from across the world to see its inimitable architecture. Apart from gurudwaras, the land is also studded with historical monuments, temples, churches, mosques and a number of other holy shrines that remain unexplored.
Due to its rigorous past, the best part of ancient Punjab is either in its ruins or underground. Evidence of Harappan Culture, Ropar is a good place to visit for people interested in the history and archeological facet of Punjab. At Ropar, called Rup Nagar (the 'town of beauty') in olden times, evidence of Harappan culture of the Indus Valley Civilization and relics of Alexander's Army have been discovered.
The excavations at Dholbaha, the ancient temple town at Hoshiarpur, date back to the Pleistocene period of Stone Age and show evidence of continued development of civilization right until the 7th and 8th century A.D. The museum containing these relics is situated in Hoshiarpur city.
Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala, Mohali, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, its capital, are the important cities of Punjab, the hub of culture and fun and frolic. The most important thing to do when in Amritsar is to grab a bite of Amritsari Naan and papads (a special kind of chapatti). If you are a food freak, then Punjab is the place to be. Your meal would be incomplete without the Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti.
Do taste Lassi, the staple drink of Punjab. Prepared from thick curd, it has both sweet and salty flavors and make sure you have it chilled. Experience the typical Punjabi khatirdari (hospitality) at The Heritage Village located in the outskirts of Jalandhar.
If you are an NRI Punjabi, make sure you carry back the holy water from The Golden Temple that is believed to have healing powers. Also, your visit to the shrine would be incomplete without having Langar (food at the common kitchen).
Your shopping list must include the ethnic Punjabi jutti (shoe), done in fancy mirror work. Check out the latest trends in fashion ware and pick up some ethnic salwaar kameez (ladies wear), lehngas and phulkari (embroidered dupatta for weddings)
In case you get a chance, do attend a Punjabi wedding. It is an occasion where you can get a feel of the traditions, folkdances (bhangra and giddha), music and of course food - that goes without saying!
It will always be a unique travel experience even if you visit during different parts of the year. Like in spring season, trekking through the rural landscape would be a delight. If you happen to visit in winters, don't leave without participating in Lohri celebrations.
Quick facts of Punjab :
Capital: Chandigarh
Area: 50,362 km2
Population: 27,704,236
Area: 50362 square kilometers
Closest airport: Amritsar International Airport, Chandigarh Airport, and Ludhiana Airport
Top Attractions:
1. Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in Amritsar
2. Wagah Border in Amritsar
3. Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar
4. Sheesh Mahal in Patiala
5. Jaliawala Bagh in Amritsar
6. Kila Raipur
7. Patiala
Official languages: Punjabi and Hindi
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