Indian States

Punjab : - Punjab is a land where you find history, natural beauty, religion and legendary hospitality combine into one. The famous Golden Temple is often referred to as the emblem of the state. But there are more to its credit. History still has its strong imprint in the tourist attractions in Punjab. Religion adds another layer of charm to them.

The fertile lands of Punjab can bowl you over with sheer beauty. A long drive along the smooth roadways would offer you vistas of green stretches of mustard fields. With mustard flowers in full bloom, it becomes another breathtaking view.

 

Main Cities /  Towns

Chandigarh ,  the capital city of Punjab

 

Chandigarh is a Union Territory in the Indian Subcontinent. It is a well planned city which lies in the Northern part of India and serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. The city lying in the foothills of the Himalayas was planned by a French architect named Le Corbusier. We  provide you with complete details on all that you want to know about tourist attractions in

In terms of Human Development Index the city ranks first in India. The city has large number of parks which provides ample space in the city to enjoy fresh air. Some of the most prominent parks in the city include the the Leisure Valley, Rajendra park, Zakir Rose Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Botanical Garden, Smriti Upavan, Topiary garden, Terraced Garden and Shanti Kunj. Some other places of interest in and around the city where one can visit include

 

Tourist attraction of Chandigarh

The Capitol Complex :- The capitol complex is the location of the major administrative buildings of the states of Punjab and Haryana. The main buildings located in this complex include the Legislative assembly, the high court, and the secretariat.

Rock Garden :- This garden is an amazing example of the fusion of innovation and artistry. Urban and industrial waste has been utilized to make beautiful sculptures and statues depicting a fantasy world in this garden.

 

Rose Garden :-The rose garden is also known as Zakir Hussain rose garden. It is the largest rose garden in Asia and displays an amazing range of over 1600 rose species. The garden is beautifully designed with lush green lawns and adorned with colorful fountains. An annual rose festival is one of the major tourist attractions in Chandigarh.

 

Other Gardens :- There are many gardens and parks in this green city. These include, the Leisure valley, Rajendra park, Bouganvillea garden, Hibiscus garden and Shanti kunj.

Sukhna Lake :-This man made reservoir offers a wonderful opportunity to soak in the fine ambience of the city. Tourists can enjoy the scenic view of the distant mountains while boating in the traditional boats designed like the shikaras of Kashmir. The lake is also full of swans and other birds. Sunset as seen from the lake is a splendid sight.

Museums:- The Government museum and art gallery - this museum offers a fine collection of sculptures from the Gandhara School belonging to the Buddhist period. There are also fine miniature paintings and prehistoric fossil remains on display.

Museum of Evolution of Life – it exhibits the transition from the prehistoric era through the Indus valley civilization to the modern era.

 

Temple of Goddess Chandi :- The temple of Goddess Chandi (the goddess of Power) adorns the north border of city. It is considered one of the 12 Shakti Peethas for Hindus. The snow-white dome of the Temple is visible from across the lake.

The Open Hand:- One of the most significant tourist attractions in Chandigarh is a giant hand is built of metal sheets to rotate like a weathercock.

 

 

AMRITSAR

 

Amritsar, a popular tourist destination of Punjab, is located in the northwest region of India and well know as the home to the religious building and important pilgrimage to the Sikhs. Amritsar is said as the 'holy pool of nectar' and is the spiritual and sacred place for the Sikh religion. The city was founded by Guru Ram Das Shahib under the instruction of Guru Amar Das Shahib in 1574.

 

Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the best tourist

attractions in Amritsar.

 

Tourist Attraction of Amritsar

 

Golden Temple :- Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe.

 

Jalianwala Bagh :- Sited near the Golden Temple, it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre at the time of the rule of the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919 was set on fire by General Dyer. Till date it serves as one of the greatest

 

Durgiana Mandir :-Located close to the Golden Temple, this temple, modeled in the style of the Golden Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. However, it also offers prayers to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Believed to have been built in the 16th century AD, the temple stands in the center of a lake.

Baba Atal Rai Tower :- Situated not far from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is believed to have been the place where Guru Har Gobind died. Christened after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine-storey building gives you a panoramic view from the top. The first floor of the tower preserves some of the trinkets that bear associations to Guru Nanak’s life and his teachings.

Wagah Border :-Literally defining the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is just 28 km from the main town of Amritsar. The ‘change of guards ceremony’ at sunset draws a good many spectators.

 

LUDHIANA

It’s  famous for its hosiery and woolen goods and products from Ludhiana are exported all over the world. For its production of hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. It also boasts of the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which organizes the Kisan Mela every Year. Nearby is Killa Raipur, which is famous for its Rural Olympics.

 

PATIALA
Patiala is famous for its healthy food, loving people, wonderful parandaas, exciting Patiala peg and jootis. Easily accessible and well maintained, Patiala is a place that would give one the much-needed tranquility far from urban chaos. The Sports School and the Moti Bagh Palace are some of the places that one must visit to get a clear picture of the past of the state.

 

BEAS

The town  famous  for  Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) , it was founded by Baba Jaimal Singh in 1891 at a site on the West bank of the River Beas, in Beas, Punjab Northern India. Today this site is called Dera Baba Jaimal Singh.Sant Seth Shiv Dayal Singh, was the first leader of Radhasoami Community, taught 'Surat Shabd Yoga,' often the teachings are referred to as Sant Mat, the 'Teachings of the Saints'.Today Radha Soami Satsang Beas is succeeded by Babaji Gurinder Singh, who was officially appointed by Maharaj Charan Singh (guru). Radha Soami Beas satsang is a non-profit charitable society and is an autonomous body, which doesn't bear allegiance to any of the other Radhasoami/Sant Mat groups or satsangs

 

Wildlife in Panjab

Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the India's most important lakes ; in winters (November-onwards) it becomes a welcome home to nearly 350 species of migratory birds, coming from as far as Siberia. It is also one of India's leading in-land sweet water fish market and home of varied wild life.

Kanjli Wetland, Kapurtala :- Maharaja of Kapurthala had built a lake after making a barrage on river Kali Bein. Many rivulet discharges into this river and a beautiful lake is still there. On the left side of lake lies a green forest with some wildlife. Maharaja had built a retreat called The Villa on French design on the banks of this lake. The present descendant of Maharaja uses as their residence. The lake is a beautiful home of migratory birds in winters, has been developed as a still more beautiful picnic spot with all the infrastructure facilities. The tourist can go for boating in this lake.

Satluj Water Body Wetland, Ropar
Over 250 species of migratory birds have been spotted here. 30 km of crystal clear water in scenic surroundings makes it a popular spot for angling, kayaking, canoeing, boating and long distance swimming.

Zoological Park Chhatbir
20 km from Chandigarh and 55 km from Patiala spread over 202 Acres of raw scrubland, it houses 52 species of animal and 62species of birds in a simulated natural habitat. It is famous for its Lion Safari and is the biggest park of its type in India. Tiger Safari near Ludhiana and a Deer Park at Neelon on Ludhiana- Chandigarh road are also worth visiting.

Festivals of Panjab

 

Baisakhi :- Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The holy book of the Sikhs, Granth Sahib is taken in a procession, led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The occasion is marked by lot of feasting and merry making . All night revelries termed Baisakhi di Raat (Night of feasting) or Baisakhi da Mela (Baisakhi fairs) are held,

 

Raksha Bandhan :- Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival and also Sikh festival, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shraavana on August.

The festival is marked by the tying of a rakhi, or holy thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her. The brother and sister traditionally feed each other sweets.

Many Rajput Kings sacrificed their lives to protect their spiritual sisters. Humayun the great Mughal Emperor received a Rakhi from the queen Karmavati of Chittor and for that, Humayun carried out his sacred brotherly duty and protected her by opposing his own soldiers.

 

Basant Panchami : - Basant Panchami has a specific meaning, Basant means Spring, whereas Panchami means the fifth day of the spring. It falls on Panchami - on the Waxing Moon. The festival lies in the month of January-February.

The young girls dressed in the diverse shades of yellow magnify the splendor of nature. Kite flying, a popular sport in India, is associated with the Basant Panchami day. It is a day for young crowd - no routine work, no studies, only merry making.

 

Lori :- Lohri is a very popular carnival at Punjab and is celebrate with maximum zeal and enthusiasm in the state. The Lohri Festival signifies the Exodus of Winter. Mainly celebrated to mark the departure of the Winter it is synonymous with the Pongal of Tamil Nadu, Sankranti of UP. Fêted with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm, this festival involves lighting of a bonfire and throwing of grains, sweets, puffed rice and pop-corn into the fire as an offering to the Lord. Aside there is a live Puja performance where six indispensable materials are a must- til, gazak, moongphali, gur, phuliya and popcorn.

 

Maha Shivatri : - Maha Shivratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna(as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar, when Lord Shiv manifested as Shivaling. There are numerous stories extolling the glory of Mahadev (Lord Shiv) in the Puranas. He has been worshipped in Bharat (India) since ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered his meditative-postured murti in Mohenjo-daro. Initially his murti was worshipped. Later this was replaced by the Shivaling,

 

Karva Chuauth :- Karva Chauth is a very significant festival for the women of North Indian. Traditionally the Indian woman was expected to uphold family honour and repute. and in order to do that, she was compared to myriad goddesses and heroines in Hindu mythology whose personal and spiritual achievements thus set the way of life for every Indian woman who, in turn, was expected to emulate them.

 

Diwali :- Diwali (also known as Deepawali), or the festival of lights is perhaps the most popular of all Hindu festivals. Like most festivals, Diwali has its mythological and historical bedrock. Legend has it that Hanuman (the legendary monkey-god and prime devotee of Lord Rama, the god-hero of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana) delivered the much awaited message of Ramas return to Ayodhya (Ramas kingdom) after 14 years in exile. The entire kingdom rejoiced upon hearing the news and Ayodhya was washed, cleansed and dressed up with lights and shimmering earthen lamps to welcome the Lord himself. Diwali is celebrated even today to commemorate this event.

 

Dance Festivals of Panjab

 

Bhangra

The celebration of Harvest and the Baisakhi Festival begans with the dance steps known as Bhangra. This tradition has been followed since 1947 - the year when India became Independent. Its a fusion of dance, music and and the Dhol. The songs sung in it are in the form of couplets called the Bolis. The steps taken in the dance are in rythmn with these bolis. As per the history this dance begun either in the Alexander Regime or in the 14th or 15th century when the farmers used to dance and sing to pass their time at the time of harvest. Thus the story of the Bhangra beguns.

Bhangra songs are mainly about the history of Punjab. As the time passed, bhangra baecame a part of all the major festivals and dances of Punjab. From here came the alterations in the songs and dance of Bhangra. And so Bhangra became a part of Punjabi Culture. Jhumar, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Daankara, Dhamal, Saami, Kikli, and Gatka - all are various forms of Bhangra which developed later on.

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