A state, whose name is synonymous with exuberance, prosperity and an intense passion for life, Punjab or 'Panj Aab' literally meaning five rivers, is, as it were, the very heart of the country. Blessed with extremely fertile soil, Punjab is watered by the rivers Beas, Sutlej, Ravi and Ghaggar. Punjab witnessed heavy destruction and damage during Partition, yet, it is one of the most affluent states in the country, today. The per - capita income of the state is nearly twice the all - India average. The mainstay of Punjab's economy, and the source of its affluence is agriculture. Nearly 84 percent of the total geographical area of the state is under cultivation.

The major city in Punjab is Amritsar, the holy town of the Sikhs. The famous Golden Temple stands at the centre of this city, which is visited by people from all over the world. Other places of tourist interest in Punjab are the Durgiana Mandir and Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Takhat Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, the Bhakra Dam complex and the Sodal temple at Jalandhar.

Punjabi festivals are celebrated with great gusto and abandon. Baisakhi (in April) is the most popular festival of the state. It is of special significance for the Sikhs, for it is on this day in 1689, that Guru Gobind Singh organised the Sikhs into the 'Khalsa'. During Basanth (January/February), Punjabis welcome spring, when the mustard fields turn golden, and winter is practically over. Punjabis in yellow garments, hold huge feasts and kite flying competitions, and take part in community singing and dancing. Holi, Dussehra and Diwali, the common festivals of India, are celebrated in Punjab with great mirth and joy. They also observe the birth anniversaries of the ten gurus, with ardent devotion and enthusiasm.

How To Get There

Air: Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, is well connected by air with New Delhi. Indian Airlines and Vayudoot operate regular flights.

Road: Buses ply quite frequently between Chandigarh and New Delhi ( 250 km ), and the trip takes about five hours.

Rail: The superfast Shatabdi Express runs daily between Chandigarh and New Delhi.

Package Tours

Punjab Tourism Development Corporation organizes a number of attractive package tours of various durations, and from different points, under the categories - general composite, honeymooners, pilgrimage, archaeological and cultural. For further information contact any of the tourist offices below.

Tourist Offices