Punjab – The Land Of Five Rivers: Places to Visit, Food & More

One of the most beautiful states in India-Punjab is known for its culture, food, greenery and smiling people.

The word Punjab consists of two Persian words Panj (five) and āb (water), hence signifying the land of five rivers – The Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej. Punjab is one of India’s most beautiful states.

Punjab has been known for its sacrifice, tolerance, logical as well as a progressive approach towards life. It is also famous for its cleanliness and its culture, cuisine and history.

Above all, the people of Punjab are known for their hospitality and warmth.

Punjab’s main cities include Jalandhar, Amritsar, Chandigarh (capital), Ludhiana etc and few villages (pinnd in Punjabi) like Moga, Sahnewal, Phillaur, Nakodar etc are also quite popular.

Punjab- The Land Of 5 Rivers: Places to Visit, Traditions and Cultures

Punjab is studded with historical monuments, temples and several holy shrines that are unexplored till date. 

Let’s talk about something Punjab is famous for- FOOD

If you are a food freak, then you don’t wanna miss Punjab.

If you are in Amritsar, not grabbing a bite of mouth-watering and piping hot Amritsari Naan (a kulcha stuffed with different vegetables & available in different sizes and stuffing) would be a sin.

The famous traditional food of Punjab, Makki Di Roti and Sarson Da Saag is also a must. And how can we forget – the staple drink of Punjab – the cold Lassi which will take your heart away.

This heart filling appetizer is prepared with thick curd and is available in both sweet and salty flavours. 

Some Wikipedia facts about Punjab

  • Capital- Chandigarh
  • Area- 50,362 Square Kilometres
  • Population- 27,704,236
  • Airports- Amritsar International Airport, Chandigarh Airport and Ludhiana Airport

HARMANDIR SAHIB (THE GOLDEN TEMPLE) – AMRITSAR

Golden Temple, Punjab
Image Source: britannica.com

The world’s largest and holiest Gurudwara – The Golden Temple is located in the Amritsar, Punjab. Millions of devotees from across the globe come to see it’s imitable architecture every year.

Many take the temple’s holy water back home as it is believed to have healing powers. A visit to the Golden Temple is incomplete without having Langar (free food served to the devotees).

The best part about this langar- It is free of any caste or religion system. Anyone can cook, serve and eat a delicious wholesome meal. 

DEVI TALAB TEMPLE – JALANDHAR

Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar-Punjab
Image Source: templepurohit.com

Devi Talab Mandir or Devi Talab Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Jalandhar. This beautiful Goddess Durga temple is believed to be around 200 years old.

It contains different artefacts designed on the walls and they tell a different story. It was recently renovated and many changes have been made which has made the temple even more eccentric.

WAGAH BORDER (ATTARI BORDER) – AMRITSAR

Wagah Border (Attari Border) – Amritsar
A glimpse of Wagah Border Ceremony

Wagah is a village situated on the Grand Trunk Road between Amritsar, India and Lahore, Pakistan.

The Wagah Border is 27 km from Amritsar and 29 km from Lahore.

It attracts thousands of tourists every day who specially come to witness the Wagah Border ceremony held before the sunset. The ceremony is done to close the border for the night and take off the National Flag.

During this ceremony, the National Anthem is played, patriotic slogans are played and the dance is also performed on Bollywood songs.

Goose Marching is also done wherein the soldiers lift their legs very high. This ceremony continues for 45 minutes.

JALLIANWALA BAGH – AMRITSAR

Jallianwala Bagh- Amritsar, Punjab
Image Source: theasiantoday.com

Who can forget the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre which took place on the auspicious festival of Vaisakhi (April 13, 1919) that claimed thousands of lives? 

Located near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.

This historic garden and ‘memorial of national importance’ is preserved in the memory of the people/soldiers who were wounded and killed in the massacre.

It contains a small museum, a gallery and many memorial structures and sculptures telling the stories of the lost lives.

ROCK GARDEN – CHANDIGARH

Rock Garden- Chandigarh, Punjab
Image Source- holidify.com

Rock Garden is a sculpture garden located in the Chandigarh, Punjab. In 1957, it was founded by Nek Chand Saini, a government servant who started this secretly in his free time.

It is purely made out of home waste and discarded items. 

Located near the Sukhna Lake, you can find sculptures made of waste items such as broken pipes, bottles, ceramic pots, bangles etc in this garden.

SUKHNA LAKE – CHANDIGARH

Sukhna Lake is a reservoir at the foothills (Shivalik) of the Himalayas. It is situated in the beautiful Chandigarh.

It has a membership-based Lake Club with lawns, a gym, indoor games, swimming pool and tennis courts with synthetic and grass courts.

Boating, rowing, sculling, sailing, kayaking, water skiing etc can be enjoyed throughout the year.

This lake was the venue for the Asian Rowing Championships and has the longest channel for rowing and yachting events in Asia.

Apart from these tourist places, many other places like Kila Raipur, Sheesh mahal (Patiala), Nankasaheb Gurudwara (nakodar) etc can be explored.

Do not forget to visit- THE HERITAGE VILLAGE, located on the outskirts of Jalandhar which is known to give you an immense feeling of typical Punjabi Khaatirdari (hospitality).

Punjab- The land of five rivers:Places to Visit, Customs & Traditions

Every trip is incomplete without shopping. Time to talk about it.

When it comes to shopping, there are a lot of traditional things to explore.

Punjabi suit with Patiala Salwar, Punjabi Jutti (shoe), Phulkari Dupatta (embroidered dupatta for weddings) etc can be bought which add immense beauty to a girl’s looks. 

Apart from all this, Punjabi folk dance (Bhangra and Giddha) is quite popular along with the Punjabi food and Punjabi Music.

Punjabis are mainly divided into two communities: Khatris and Jats. A large population still follows the joint family system which has now turned out to be unique.

The feeling of togetherness can be easily felt here as they promise to be with each other in all the ups and downs.

Punjabis are very particular about their traditions and relations. Every festival or ceremony has predefined rituals which are strictly followed.

May it be birth or wedding, hair cutting or a funeral, the adherence to rituals is a must which strengthens a relation and displays a proper social cordiality.

Punjab, the heart of India, is beautiful and worth a visit. Do check our “first-time traveller tips” blog before travelling.

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