Top Destinations In Punjab

Located on the north-western edge of India, Punjab is one of the prosperous states of the nation, and home to a lively, hospitable and dynamic people.

Deriving its name from five full-bodied rivers–Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab–which flow through its vast plains, Punjab is representative of abundant things.

Punjab is a land of ethnic and religious diversity, having borne and shaped a number of religious movements that include Sikhism, Buddhism and Sufism. The Punjabi language, too, finds its origin in the Indo-European linguistic family that includes Persian and Latin. Naturally replete with fertile soils and rich water sources, it is primarily an agricultural state, and has continually and infinitely contributed towards the food security of the Indian Republic. Punjab’s many festivals–Teej, Lohri, Basant, and Baisakhi, to name some–are celebrations that mirror the farming ethos. Indeed, Bhangra, the traditional dance of Punjab revolves around, and replicates a farmer’s daily life. Historically, Punjab has played host to a number of ethnicities, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Afghans and Mongols, thus bestowed with a rich tangible heritage. Reflecting this history are the countless sites that dot the state: impressive forts & palaces, ancient monuments, architectural marvels and many a battlefield.

Amritsar

A bustling city with an indomitable spirit, Amritsar holds one of the holiest of Sikh ethos at its heart - the Golden Temple. Covered in 400 kg of gold and surrounded by a serene sarovar (pond), one is immediately swamped by the humbling sight of the glistening structure, which is also home to one of the biggest community kitchens (langar) in the country that serves about 20,000 people a day.

Though visitors often make a beeline for the temple, the old-world charm of the city slowly sneaks up on them, making them fall in love with a city that buzzes with spirited and lively nuances. Be it the bullet-ridden walls of Jallianwala Bagh or the energetically charged scene of the Wagah Border, one has to step into the city to feel the passion of thousands of people who laid down their lives for the country. The many Indo-British style buildings that dot the city's landscape stand as a testimony to its rich history and significant contribution to the Indian freedom movement.

Moreover, the city is known for its food pilgrimage that is undertaken in its frenetic and fantastic bazaars that win you over with their diversity and vibrancy. From an array of dishes like butter-drenched paranthas (Indian flatbread), creamy lassi (a drink made of yoghurt), dahi-balla and aloo-tikki (deep-fried savouries), the city's food is rife with flavours and aromas. However, what makes travelling to the city truly unforgettable is the warmth of its people.

Amritsar gets its name from the holy tank called Amrit Sarovar, meaning pool of nectar, which surrounds the Golden Temple. Legend has it that the fourth guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Ram Das, founded the city around 1574 AD. It is said, Guru Amardas, the third Sikh guru, bought a piece of land, amid thick forests, to build a tank. But he died before it could be built. Folklore says Guru Ram Das invited 52 traders from nearby places to settle.

They built 32 shops, which still exist in Amritsar, and are popularly known as Batisi Hatta. The construction for Amrit Sarovar was completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. Interestingly, Amritsar also finds a mention in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, as the place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita's twin sons, Luv and Kush, were born. Amritsar was further developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder and king (1801–39) of the erstwhile kingdom of Punjab.

Pathankot

Lying at the foothills of Kangra and Dalhousie, the small and bustling city of Pathankot is like a delightful appetiser before you set out to explore the exquisite beauty of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Criss-crossed by the Beas and Ravi rivers, the city enjoys a lush green landscape that is dotted with ancient forts and centuries-old temples. From the majestic Shahpur Kandi Fort, built under the patronage of Rajput chief, Jaspal Singh Pathania, to the charming Nurpur Fort, named in honour of Mughal empress Nur Jahan, Pathankot preserves its age-old ties with care. Tourists can soak in the charm of archaeological ruins and pay homage to one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Meera Bai.

Pathankot lies at the confluence of the three states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Its unique position as the last city on the national highway that connects Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, often makes it a rest stop before heading into the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Dalhousie, Chamba, Kangra, Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Jwalaji, Chintpurni and deep into the Himalayas.

According to Sikh history, it is believed that Pathankot was established by the first Sikh Guru – Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In the great epic, Mahabharata, Pathankot is noted as Audumbar and in the ancient book of Ain-i-Akbari, it was noted as ‘Pargana Headquarter’.

Patiala

From a rich history to a profound culture, the city of Patiala, in Punjab, boasts majestic art and architecture. From finest buildings, including the Moti Bagh Palace and the Sheesh Mahal, to the most notable schools of Hindustani classical music, the Patiala gharana that produced the likes of Ustad Ali Bux and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, the city offers much to the quintessential traveller.

For shoppers, Patiala is a right delight and offers jutis (embroidered shoes), parandis (coloured braids) and nallas (silken drawstrings). Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports that was set up within the Moti Bagh Palace after independence is said to be the largest sports institute in Asia.The most ostentatious ruler of the erstwhile princely state, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, is said to be the first Indian to own an aeroplane.