The people of Punjab are noted for their vitality, and the state is renowned for its extensive cultural heritage. Some of the most well-known ancient sites, including temples and Gurudwaras, can be found in the state that is colloquially known as “the country of five rivers.” Punjab has quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in India because to its undulating green fields and the kind demeanour of the local populace. This vibrant state is home to people of a wide variety of religious persuasions and racial backgrounds, all of whom have contributed to the development of its own rites and customs.
Wheat is the most widely produced crop in Punjab, hence the state takes pride in its status as India’s wheat production leader. The state benefits from very rich soil, which accounts for a significant portion of the nation’s total agricultural output. Hosiery and sporting goods are two of the most important industries in the state’s economy. In addition, it is the location of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is considered to be the most sacred building in the Sikh religion. The city that serves as Punjab’s capital is known as Chandigarh. Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, and Bhatinda in addition to Gurdaspur and Bhatinda are some of the other significant cities in the state.
Main Tourist Attractions of Punjab, India
The Museum and Art Gallery
In the city of Chandigarh, two places that are definitely worth checking out are the Museum and the Art Gallery. The museum has a significant collection of contemporary art, as well as sculptures and paintings. The Art Gallery is particularly proud of its collection of Moghul, Kangra, and Rajasthani-style miniature paintings, all of which are of exceptional quality.
Rock Garden
This garden was constructed utilising the recycled waste materials and bringing together the fossils of ancient living forms discovered in the Shivalik hills. It was established by an engineer by the name of Nek Chand and was developed using the aforementioned methods. You can discover here a collection of rock fossils that have been placed in the form of an outdoor sculpture display. Clay monkeys, broken chinaware soldiers, and forms of ladies fashioned out of abandoned glass bangles are some of the sculptures that are now on show. One of the sculptures is a wall built out of discarded fluorescent tubes.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
This garden was established in 1967 and can be found in sector 16, which is located close to the city centre. It has the distinction of being the largest rose garden in Asia. In this garden you will discover hundreds of rose trees, each of which is a unique kind. In addition, there are trees cultivated here that are harvested for their use in the production of herbal remedies. The beauty of the garden is enhanced by the addition of a few rare trees.
Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake was created by damming a stream that flowed through the middle of the city and collected its water. During the winter months, you will be able to see migrating birds coming here from Siberia. The calm and relaxed atmosphere of the neighbourhood is heightened by the presence of the lake promenade. The space that greets visitors as they come in has been designed with the enjoyment of youngsters in mind.
Golden Temple
The most important place of worship for Sikhs is located in Amritsar and is known as the Golden Temple. During the 16th century, Guru Arjun Dev was the one who constructed it. The Harmandir Sahib is the most important structure in the temple. It is located in the middle of a lake and is approached along a winding route that leads to a complex made of marble. The temple is frequented by visitors first thing in the morning. At this particular time of day, the sun’s rays form a glimmer on the golden domes, which are subsequently reflected in the lake’s waters.
Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara
This gurudwara may be found around 75 kilometres to the north of Chandigarh. It is known as Gurudwara Kesgarh Sahib, and it celebrates the beginning of the Khalsa movement, which was started by Guru Gobind Singh around 300 years ago. With its encircling citadels, gates, and walls, the gurudwara has the appearance of a fortified stronghold. The Muslim and Hindu monarchs engaged in fierce conflict at this location for an extended period of time. Hola Mohalla is a festival that is celebrated every year during the month of March, and a huge number of people go here to take part in the festivities.
Takhat Damdama Sahib
This is the holiest shrine in the Sikh faith, and it can be found around 35 km away from Bhatinda. It is known as Talwandi Sabbo because it is the location where the Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest book in the Sikh religion, was composed. Here you will find a wide variety of historical artefacts, including firearms, stamps, swords, portraits, a magic mirror, and a garment worn by Guru Gobind Singh that is smeared with his blood. The Guru Granth Sahib, a sacred Sikh book, may be found here in a miniature version that is practically the size of a matchbox.
Qila Mubarak
In the 9th century, Raja Binepal was the architect and builder of this fort. The fort has been inhabited in the past by a variety of monarchs and invaders, including Mohammed Ghaznii, Mohammed Ghauri, and Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala, amongst others. The 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, made a pilgrimage to this fort in 1705 and bestowed his blessings on the surrounding region, wishing it to flourish.
Moorish Mosque
The Moorish Mosque is an exquisite example of Muslim architecture that serves as a symbol of togetherness as well as the coexistence of many different cultures. The design of the mosque’s floor plan was conceived of by the French architect M. Manteaux, and the Hindu Raja Jagatjit Singh was the one who ultimately put it into practise. The combination of the two resulted in an outstanding classic framework in the Moorish style. The interiors of the mosque enclosure are carpeted with fine Indian marble, and the design of the mosque was modelled by the Qutbya Mosque, which is located in Morocco.
Kanjli Wetland
The placid waters of Bein give way to the turbulent waters of Kanjli Lake. During the winter months, it provides a safe haven for migrating birds who carve out a place for themselves in the peaceful setting provided by the lake. Since 1992, the lake campus has been recognised as having national significance due to the thriving population of biological species that can be found on and around the campus.
