INDIALINE
Complete India Travel Guide

Punjab Tourism

Enriched with five rivers, Punjab is located in the north west of India and is one of the most prosperous states of the country. Flanked between Jammu & Kashmir in the North, Himachal Pradesh in the East, Haryana in the South and Pakistan in the West, Punjab is primarily an agricultural state enjoying the benefits of fertile soils and abundant waters.

As the history goes, Punjab flourished during the reign of Mughal Emperor Babar and the prosperity continued under Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule from 1780-1838 AD. Punjab very much retains the simplicity and charm of rural life amidst the ever growing prosperity of the urban life. Miles spread yellow mustard flowers causing yellow riot to the eyes and the green blanket of paddy field are the true identity of the state.

Punjab is a land of festival and merriment. The friendly and warm hearted people of Punjab don't let any occasion pass by without celebrating hard. This leads to a vibrant and colourful folk dance and music that binds the people with love and fondness.

Chandigarh - The Capital City

Designed and planned by a single architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The panoramic view of the beautiful Shivalik Hills accompanies you throughout your journey to Chandigarh. The modern city, Chandigarh derives its name from the temple of 'Chandi' and a 'garh' (fort) situated at the slope of the Shivalik Hills. Collecting some 1600 varieties of roses, the Rose Garden and exhibiting the genius work of art out of industrial and urban waste, Rock Garden are the places which need your special attention. But, more than that, the favourite activities of tourists in Chandigarh are boating, water skiing, canoeing and sculling in the beautiful Sukhna Lake.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar

To both the Hindus and Sikhs, Amritsar is synonymous with the holiest shrine of Sikhism, the Golden Temple. As legend goes, the holy city derives its name from a water tank 'Amrit Sarovar' dug up by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ramdas in 1574 AD. The sacred shrine Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib covered with pure golden leaf standing in the centre of the water tank is the ultimate destination of Sikh pilgrims coming from all corners of the world. Tourists coming to India make it a point to visit this pious temple whose graceful golden dazzle can be seen afar alluring the devotees as well.

Jallianwala Bagh, Relive the History

Jallianwala Bagh will never be faded from the memory of Indian freedom movement. The Jallianwala Bagh memorial stands to commemorate the hundreds of men, women and children who sacrificed their lives in front of the firing of the British forces. The bullet marks are visible even today on the boundary walls of the garden. You will have a spine chilling feeling as you touch the infamous well, people jumped into which to save themselves from the firing bullets. Today tourists come and pay their silent tribute to the departed souls in this mourning ground.

Fervour of Punjab Festivals

Punjab is a land of festivals and celebrations. Primarily an agricultural state, Punjab gets soaked with the colour and music of nature with every advent of new season. 'Baisakhi' celebrated at the time of Punjabi new year arrival (mid April), is an outburst of the immense joy and emotions of the fun loving people of Punjab. Lohri celebrated in winters is another exuberant festival that marks the auspicious occasion of harvesting in Punjab.

Dances That Enthrall You

Punjabi folk dance and music represent the true colour and ardor of the common Punjabi people. As people clad with colorful silk lungi, turban and handkerchief turn around with their special folk dance, bhangra to celebrate the success of harvest, you can't control yourself from joining them. This lively dance form has crossed its regional barrier and has been touching the heart of people around the whole world. If Bhangra is the ultimate enjoyment of men then Giddha is the most popular folk dance among the women in Punjab. Jhumar, Dankara, Dhamal and Gatka are some other folk dances that are equally vibrant and lively in exciting people.

By Air

The Raja Sansi International Airport at Amritsar connects Singapore, London, Birmingham, Toronto and major domestic destinations like Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh by Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Deccan and several other airlines. Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Indian Airlines operate regular flights from Chandigarh to New Delhi Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and Mumbai. Pre-paid taxi and luxury buses are available just outside the airport for onward tour.

By Rail

Chandigarh, the terminus of Northern Railway, is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Kalka, Howrah and other major cities with super fast and luxurious trains. Rajdhani Express daily runs from Chandigarh to Delhi. Amritsar is also well connected by rail with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other palces in India.

By Road

Punjab is well connected with the other parts of the country where Chandigarh being the hub of communication with Amritsar- 240 km, Dehradhun- 230 km, Delhi- 248 km, Shimla- 117 km, Kulu- 279 km, Bhakra- 116 km, Kasauli- 77 km, Jammu- 380 km. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), located in Sector-17 has regular bus services to the most major cities of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Delhi.

Local Transport

Most of Punjab's inhabitants use their private vehicle to commute inside the cities. Rickshaw, bus and auto-rickshaws are some of the prime modes of public vehicle in Punjab.