Punjab Tourism Travel Guide

Punjab

Punjab, is situated in the northwestern part of India, is a region of immense historical and cultural significance. Known as the 'Granary of India,' Punjab is bordered by the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as the international border with Pakistan. The state is spread an area of about 50,362 square kilometres and is traversed by the fertile plains of the Punjab region, where five rivers – the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Jhelum and Chenab– flow, giving the state its name (from 'Punj' meaning 'five' and 'ab' meaning 'waters'). The land here is primarily agricultural and is known for its green fields and robust cultivation of wheat, rice, and a variety of crops. Punjab is also famous for its vibrant culture, reflected in its music, dance forms like Bhangra and Giddha, festivals, and highly flavoured cuisine. The state capital is Chandigarh, a well-planned city known for its modern architecture and urban design, while other major cities include Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural centre for the Sikh religion.

Best time to visit Punjab
The best time to visit Punjab is in the winter and during the spring season because the climate throughout the winter season remains cool and pleasant. In the summer season, Punjab experiences a hot and humid climate, therefore, the winter and spring season that is from October to March is the best time to visit Punjab when the weather is pleasant. One more reason to visit in Wintertime is, you can also enjoy in the festivities of Lohri, which is one of the most popular festivals of Punjab.

Places to visit in Punjab
This state is gifted with rich culture, heritage, and history that opens many dimensions for tourists to experience unforgettable moments of life. The endless attractions of Punjab keeps tourists engaged throughout the holiday with entertainment, surprise, and fun. Majestic Golden temple of Amritsar is also one of the most visited sites in Punjab. But Amritsar offers more than that. You can also hold the beauty of many other glorious temples and bustling bazaars. The architectural marvels like Baba Atal Tower with nine octagonal stories stacked 40 meters high is a worthwhile attraction to Amritsar and one of the tallest structures in Amritsar. Head to Chandigarh, also known as The City Beautiful is widely famous for its architecture and urban design of this city that will surprise you at every turn. While exploring this city, you can feel the next level of greenery and nature with pristine gardens, including the Rock Garden, Garden of Fragrance, and Rose Garden. Indulge yourself in the beautiful surroundings with a cool breeze at Sukhna Lake. Enjoy the family-friendly fun in Jalandhar at Pushpa Gujral Science City. If you want some more thrilling fun, visit north Pathankot, which is a gateway to the mountainous areas of Himachal Pradesh. You can weave some joyful memories with several exploration sites and picturesque sightseeing. Visit historical sites like the Jallianwala Bagh and places like Wagah that host the Wagah Border Ceremony. Visit to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museums and wildlife sanctuaries like the Chhatbir Zoo, for enjoying a picnic and holiday making in Punjab with friends and family.

Things to do In Punjab
Many sightseeing and tourist attractions of Punjab enchant you with so many dimensions like Spirituality, culture, history, and heritage. You can explore endless things to do during holiday in Punjab. Enjoy a glass of lassi, the traditional drink of this state, and give your taste buds a treat of delicious cuisine. Enjoy several museums, forts, and palaces of this state and indulge in exciting activities throughout your holiday. Watching a Bhangra dance gives you wow factors and excites you. The folk culture in the countryside is a must thing to explore in this state. 

Visit Golden temple
Spend time at Garden of Silence
Know the History of Sikhism at Virasat-e-Khalsa
Photography at RDB Fort
Interact with local peoples
Fairs and Festivals of Punjab

Punjab is widely famous for its enthusiastic spirit and grand lifestyle. This state is blessed with the best of natural wonders, including fertile land, five rivers, mountains, and enough greenery that make it one of the best places to celebrate festivals in India.Punjab represents opulence, and prosperity in its best wayin the form of celebration. Festivals of Punjab are great to experience with the vibrancy of their culture. There is a list of fairs and festivals that you should check before planning your visit to Punjab.

Lohri – The winter harvest festival
Baisakhi – Harvest festival of Punjab
Basant Panchmi – The onset of Spring
Teeyan –The Arrival of Monsoon
Chappar Mela – Cultural Fair
Hola Mohalla – Get Spiritual Vibes
Karwa Chauth – Celebrate the Marital Bond
Jor Mela – Religious Gathering
Tikka – Celebrating Sibling-hood
Gurupurab – Multicolored Sikh Festival

Accommodation in Punjab
This state is full of all variety accommodation options during your vacation holidays in Punjab. Destination has the finest luxury hotels that offer high-level hospitality.You will also find a variety of budget hotels and resorts in every city that offer excellent services and comfort. IYou can explore the experience some unique way of staying, you can choose some heritage hotels which once served as a palace but have long since been converted as hotels. Staying in heritage hotels allows you to experience the accommodation befitting a Maharaja. Check out the best options for accommodations in Punjab and also there are options of home stay and village tourism

Popular Hotels are 
Hotel Heaven View
Hotel Kabir Residency
Ranjit Svaasa
The Heritage Villa
Homestays Ludhiana
Regenta Central
Golden Tulip

Where to Eat in Punjab?
Tourist can explore a variety of delectable and exotic vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in the cities of this state. Some tasty and  famous food items that you can have are Amritsari Kulcha, Sarso ka Saag and Makki di Roti, Lassi, and Chhole-Bhature. Check out some of the great restaurants and Dhabas that take care of your hunger with tasteful flavor along with a variety of food items.
Crystal Restaurant
Food Library
Bharawan da Dhaba
Kesar Da Dhaba
Kanha Sweets
Sagar Ratna
Mehfil-E-Sham
Pal Restaurant

Shopping in Punjab
Punjab is the largest exporter and manufacturer of Hosiery goods, handloom, and handicrafts. Shopping in Punjab is the best things to do in Punjab, that you should not miss. Popular shopping items in Punjab are Punjabi suits, Kada/Bracelet, Woolen Clothes, Silver and Gold Jewelry, Leather Products, Dry Fruits Jaggery, and woolen textiles, and many more. Check out some places for a great experience of shopping in Punjab.
Pavilion Mall
Katra Jaimal Singh Market
WestEnd Mall
Dhobi Bazaar
India House
Sleek Value Station
Wave Mall
 

Some Useful Points of interest for a Trip to Punjab
Avoid giving eatables to the fishes in the Sarovar (tank) of the Golden Temple.
Explore the traditional Punjabi food.
Enjoy cruising by boat in Sukhna Lake.
For sure consume Guru ka langar (community meals) which is free at the Golden temple and take it as a prasadam served at the Gurudwara.
Due to winters  from the Mid November to mid February in Chandigarh carry woollen clothes .