The land of warriors, rivers, history, culture, and lively lifestyle, Punjab is one of the most beautiful places in the whole subcontinent. Punjab has been termed as “smiling soul of India” due to its vibrant and hospitable people. The Golden Temple, the Wagah border, the Jallianwala Bagh, the Sheesh Mahal are some of the major tourist attractions in Punjab.

The best season to visit Punjab is definitely the winter and the spring season is from October to March. The temperature during the winter season in Punjab remains cool and pleasant and one need to carry woollen clothes as the temperature can fall to 0 degrees Celsius.

One of the most impressive things about Punjabi food is its variety. While meat lovers can never have enough of the evergreen Butter Chicken, Bhuna Gosht, Tandoori Chicken and Amritsari Machchi, vegetarian fare is equally delightful. Sarson ka Saag, Chole Bhature and Dal Makhni are just a handful of vegetarian Punjabi specialities with fans across the globe. A proud member of Punjabi cuisine, Amritsari Kulcha could be described as a local variation of the famous naan.

From Punjabi Jutti to Punjabi Suit, Punjabi Phulkari to Amritsari Pickles, Bangles, Parandhis, Woolen Textiles, and whatnot, there is no dearth of shopping products in this state.

The regional language of Punjab is Punjabi. It is the most widely used language for communication in Punjab. Due to a large tourist influence, people of Punjab also speak other languages like Hindi, and English. Therefore, tourists do not face any problem while communicating with the locals.

1. AMRITSAR
Founded in the fifteenth century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. The heritage city of Amritsar is one of the most spiritually significant and historically rich cities of India. The name of the city has its etymological roots in the Punjabi language and Amritsar comes from Amrit Sarovar, which when literally translated from Punjab means of pool of nectar. One of the largest cities in Punjab, Amritsar is home to India’s most serene and humbling sight, the Harimandar Sahib, famously knows as The Golden Temple, the Place of reverence for pilgrims. Amritsar boasts of various temples and shrines dedicated to Sikh Culture. Besides offering spiritual salvation, the city is also famous for hospitality, tourism, carpets, handloom fabrics and handicrafts. Amritsar does not merely give nourishment to the soul, but also serves mouth-watering delicious authentic Punjabi food steeped in rich tradition.

So come, visit & discover this grand city, with its resplendent places of worship, quirky bazaars, vibrant theatrical practices, fascinating folklore and colourful festivals of Baisakhi and Diwali; all of which make Amritsar a premier destination for tourists.

Places to visit in Amritsar: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Partition Museum, Harike Wetland & Bird Sanctuary, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Guru Ke Mahal, Akal Takht (Throne of the Immortal)

2. GOLDEN TEMPLE

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is a highly revered religious Sikh shrine and symbolizes equality and human brotherhood. The gurudwara epitomizes the distinctive heritage and identity of Sikhs while glorifying their ideals. After its compilation, Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs) was first installed at Sri Harmandir Sahib on 16th August 1604. At this soothing site, everybody can seek religious fulfilment and spiritual solace, irrespective of the cast. Tourist attractions in Golden Temple Complex are Central Sikh Museum, Monument of Victory of Sikhs on Delhi, and Har ki Pauri.

3. WAGAH BORDER

Located at a distance of 22 km from Lahore, Pakistan and 28 km from Amritsar in India, the Wagah Border marks the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship.

4. JALLIANWALA BAGH

Jallianwala Bagh is one of the most important historical places in India. Located in the holy city of Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is just a walking distance from the sacred Harmandir Sahib/ Golden Temple. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on April 13, 1919. In this incident British army opened fire against a large number of unarmed Indians in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, hundreds of people lost their lives and many people were injured in this brutal attack. The ghastly incident still remains in the hearts of millions of Indians even after 100 years of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This massacre was a turning point in Indian history and led to many Satyagrahis movement. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre shook the entire country and many people came out to participate in the freedom fight. While in Amritsar, one should definitely visit the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar so that sacrifices of our freedom fighters are not forgotten, and the history is passed from generation to generation.

5. CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh is a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab, as well as, Haryana. India’s first planned city, Chandigarh is traditionally a Punjabi city at heart with a healthy dose of modernity; Chandigarh’s food and gedi culture (a leisure drive or ride the city) is what the capital is known for! Located at a distance of 265 km from Delhi, Chandigarh is one of the popular weekend road trip destinations and other major cities but also acts as an important staging point when one heads to destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

A favourite activity of the locals at Chandigarh is boating at the beautiful Sukhna Lake. However, the other important attractions in the city are the Rock Garden, the Leisure Valley & Rose Garden. Chandigarh’s Rock Garden is very well known for being entirely designed out of discarded industrial and urban waste, while the Leisure Valley is an 8-kilometre-long well-maintained park that houses Asia’s most extensive rose garden, a very popular draw among tourists and locals alike.

Places to visit in Chandigarh: Sukhna Lake, The Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Elante Mall, Sector 17 Market, Pinjore Gardens, The Government Museum and Art Gallery

6. LUDHIANA

Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, Ludhiana, Punjab’s largest city, is one of the biggest manufacturing hubs in India. Also known as Manchester of India, Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery industries, the ancient ruins of the Lodi dynasty and the war museum. Apart from being an industrial town, Ludhiana draws pilgrims and tourists from worldwide owing to its Gurudwaras, forts and ancient ruins.

Places to visit in Ludhiana: Lodhi Fort, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Rakh Bagh Park, Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon, Rural Olympics at Qila Raipur, Bheer mosque

7. JALANDHAR

The city of Jalandhar is the true personification of the rich heritage and history of Punjab – a culmination of the old and the new. This historic city was a part of the illustrious Indus Valley Civilisation. Present day Jalandhar has grown to be an important commercial and industrial hub and is also known for its delectable Punjabi cuisine. The ancient city of Jalandhar promises to let you experience the best of Punjab, along with a taste of its history and culture.

Places to visit in Jalandhar: Rangla Punjab Haveli, Devi Talab Mandir, Talhan, Science City Kapurthala, Wonderland

8. ANANDPUR SAHIB

Anandpur-Sahib is located in the Rupnagar District of Punjab, close to the Pakistani border. It is one of the holiest places for Sikhs as the Khalsa Panth was founded here. The site where this sacred event took place has been commemorated by the construction of a Gurudwara.

The city of Anandpur Sahib is most famous for its multitude of Gurudwaras that were built to commemorate various Sikh Gurus. There are five forts around the town that testify to the city’s military history. Today, Anandpur Sahib is one of the holiest places in the world for Sikhs, and thousands of visitors come to this city to pray and take blessings from the sacred Gurudwaras of this town. Due to a large number of visitors, the city is very tourist friendly and is well connected to other major cities in the region.

Places to visit in Anandpur Sahib: Virasat-e-Khalsa Sikh museum, Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji, Sarovar Anandpur Sahib, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sikh Museum, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Naina Devi Temple

9. PATIALA

Patiala is one of the most historical districts of Punjab. It was founded by Baba Ala Singh, the founder of Phulkian State of Patiala.The city was originally known as ‘Pati Ala’ which means area under Raja Ala Singh, and later on came to be known as Patiala. Famous as the city of palaces, forts and gardens,the erstwhile princely State of Punjab has lost none of its age-old charm. It still retains its royal traditions seeped in its Rajput, Mughal and Punjabi influence.Art, architecture and anecdotes of Patiala depicts the rich legacy of the Maharajas.The unique Gharana style of music, culinary traditions and fine craftwork of the Patialvi culture is widely admired all over the world. The city has many attractions like Baradari Garden, Kali Devi temple, Baradari Palace and Moti Bagh Palace which now houses the National institute of Sports.Patiala is well known for its handicraft works in Gota, Kinari, Zari and Sitara for manufacture of waist-cords and parandas (hair tying cords).

Places to Visit in Patiala: The Qila Mubarak complex, Kali Devi Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Gurudwara Dukh Niwan Sahib, Moti Bagh, Baradari Gardens, Bahadurgarh Fort, Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary

10. BATHINDA

One of the oldest cities of Punjab, Bathinda, formerly spelt as Bhatinda, is famous as a historical and religious centre dating back to 7000 BC.

However modern Bhatinda came into existence in 965 AD, established by Bala Rao Bhatti – a Bhati Rajput king. This is also the very city where Guru Hargobindji fought against the Mughals in 1634. Later, it followed the culture and systems of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala, but is now its own district.

Similar to the fascinating and significant history that the area has, it offers various attractions to tourists like Quila Mubarak, Bahia Fort, Chetak Park, Zoological Gardens, Dhobhi Bazaar as well as the Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan. This town is a good choice to experience bits of history and feel Punjab.

Places to visit in Bathinda: Qila Mubarak, Rose Garden, Zoological garden, Dhobhi Bazar, Dhobhi Bazar, Chetak Lake, Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Lakhi Jungle

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