PUNJAB
'India Begins Here'
CAPITAL - CHANDIGARH
Punjab is a state in northern India. Forming part of the larger Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, the state is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south and southeast, Rajasthan to the southwest, and the Pakistani province of Punjab to the west. The state covers an area of 50,362 square kilometres, 1.53% of India's total geographical area. It is the 20th-largest Indian state by area. With 27,704,236 inhabitants at the 2011 census, Punjab is the 16th-largest state by population, comprising 22 districts. Punjabi is the most widely spoken and official language of the state. The main ethnic group are the Punjabis, with Sikhs (57.7%) forming the demographic majority, followed by Hindus (38.5%). The state capital is Chandigarh, a Union Territory and also the capital of the neighboring state of Haryana.
TOP 6 PLACES TO VISIT
AMRITSAR
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.
ATTARI BORDER
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.
CHANDIGARH
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 Fantasy Rock Garden, open daily.
ANANDPUR SAHIB
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"
RURAL OLYMPICS
Located not far from Ludhiana, the village of Kila Raipur hosts the renowned Rural Olympics every February. This spectacle has earned world-wide recognition.
PATIALA
If you want to explore the royal Punjab of the past, Patiala offers a glorious insight into the history of 18th and 19th century Punjab, particularly the Malwa region.