» Punjab

A hearty and robust attitude to life and work has dulled the pains of Partition. Green fields, fields ripe with corn, tractors busy with work Punjab presents a pretty picture of a prosperous farm life.

The Punjabi's work ethic is indistinguishable from his religion. He brings to his work the passion of a devotee and worships his gurus with the energy he ploughs his fields. The most distinctive Punjabis are the Sikhs with their martial identity.

While in Punjab, head for Amritsar and the Golden Temple, which is the most revered temple for the Sikhs. Other noteworthy stops are the Durhiana Temple, a Hindu shrine with features resembling the Golden Temple's; the Rambagh Gardens, a prince's summer palace now a museum; and Jallianwala Bagh, a national monument honouring the martyrs of India's freedom movement. Patiala has several attractions worth a look. Visit the Moti Bagh Palace with its mirror-studded Shesh Mahal and fine collection of miniature paintings.

History of Punjab
The area entered recorded history with the annexation of Punjab and Sindh to the Persian Empire by Darius I (c. 518 BC). Punjab subsequently came under various Muslim rulers until the victorious entry of the Mughals in 1526. Under the Mughals the province enjoyed peace and prosperity for more than 200 years. Punjab came under British occupation in 1849, after the British victory over the Sikhs. When the Indian subcontinent received its independence in 1947, Punjab was split between Pakistan and India, with the larger western portion becoming part of Pakistan. The present provincial boundaries were established in 1970.

Capital of Punjab
Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and the language spoken is Punjabi. It is a typically north Indian city with an interest in Delhi: every family has one family member either working in the capital or atleast a married daughter staying in Delhi. People in Chandigarh lead disciplined lives. Unlike its more industrial neighbours like Ludhiana, it's a service-oriented culture here. Chandigarh, is on the whole, a clean, educated and corporate place.

» Major Attractions of Punjab

Golden Temple :The Golden Temple is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar, once the dense forest home of Guru Nanak. Famous for its full golden dome, Golden temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs.

The Temple is built on a 67 ft square of marble and is a two storeyed structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold-leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple.

» Places to Stay in Punjab

Punjab's accommodation options include Govt. hotels, private hotels, guest houses, which are located in and around the place and are available at resonable prices.

» Festivals of Punjab

Holla Mohalla during March-April at Anandpur Sahib; Bawan Doadsi is celebrated 18 days after Krishna Janmastami at Patiala, Jor Mela at Sirhind, Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan is organised every year in last week of December at Jalandhar, Baisakhi in April, Lohri another seasonal festival in mid-January. Other feasts to mark anniversaries of the 10 Gurus are also observed.

» Climate of Punjab

Climatically the state has three major seasons. Hot weather ( April to June) when the mercury shoots up to as high as 110 F. Rainy season is from July to September. The average rainfall annual ranges between 96 cms in the sub-mountain region and 58 cms in the plains. Winter months are October to March when the temperature dips to as low as 40F. October to March is the best season to visit.

» How to Get there

Air : Indian Airlines flies regularly to the city from Delhi.

Rail : Punjab is fairly easy to reach from any city in North India by rail.

Road : The city's bus station is a large, crowded, messy and noisy place that serves as a major link for Himachal-bound travellers.