Punjab, with its fertile farming land, is one of India's most prosperous states. Home to bhangra music and the brotherhood of the Sikh religion, it has a distinctive and lively culture. To get a real taste of Punjab, it's necessary to venture out of the cities to discover the simplicity and charm of rural life. Visit these tourist places in Punjab to experience the best of what the state has to offer.
Amritsar, the spiritual capital of the Sikhs, is a must-visit place due to the exquisite Golden Temple. It attracts pilgrims from all over the world, and looks particularly arresting at night when it’s beautifully lit up with its imposing pure gold dome illuminated. The memorial at Jallianwala Bagh near the Golden Temple is one of India's top historical sites and is also worth seeing, along with the new Partition Museum dedicated to preserving the experiences of those affected by the 1947 Partition of India.
The Wagah Border, between India and Pakistan, is a popular side trip from Amritsar. Everyday of the year, just before sunset, a flag lowering ceremony takes place there as the border is closed for the day. It starts with high patriotic spirits from both sides of the border and lasts for about 45 minutes.
Capital city Chandigarh is a modern-day planned city that's different to any other in India. It lacks chaos and color but has some interesting attractions. The highlight is the extraordinary 25 acre Fantasy Rock Garden, open daily. Artist Nek Chand used all kinds of urban and industrial waste, as well as local stone, to personally create a multitude of quirky sculptures (including more than 2,000 statues) over 20 years. It's junk art at its finest.
Anandpur Sahib, about 2 hours north of Chandigarh near the Himachal Pradesh border, has been an important pilgrimage place for Sikhs for hundreds of years. Known as the "Holy City of Bliss", it was the birth place of the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The historical gurdwaras (temples) are magnificent, along with the surroundings. Anandpur Sahib is flanked by a 17th century fortress, and framed between a towering mountain range and river.
Farming is at the heart of Punjab, and the state has some outstanding boutique farmstays where you can experience rural living (and at the right time of year, even frolic among the yellow mustard fields like in a Bollywood movie). It's possible for guests to participates in farming activities and go for tractor rides. Punjabiyat, about an hour northeast of Amritsar, is a unique tribute to Punjabi culture with four cottages surrounded by fields. Farmer's Villa is conveniently located about 20 minutes north of Amritsar. Citrus County is set on a sprawling kinnow orchard in Hoshiarpur, about 2 hours east of Amritsar and 2 hours northeast of Chandigarh. It has luxury tents for glamping. Kailash Farm is also popular (and less costly) in Hoshiarpur, and is great for families. Prakriti Farm, about an hour from Chandigarh, is another recommended option with luxury tents and huts.