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| Punjab |
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The land of five rivers, Punjab, with its integrated cultural history is a treasure trove for the enthusiastic tourist. Apart from experiencing rustic India and natural exquisiteness, the tourist primarily visits this state in search of culture, civilization, spirituality and epic history. The state is dotted with palaces, historic battlegrounds, shrines and temples. One of the prime destinations for pilgrimage in India, Punjab is visited by thousands of tourists from across the world. Apart from The Golden Temple in Amritsar, the world's largest Gurudwara, there are numerous other temples, shrines and mosques that also attract tourists from all over the country. The state has best known tourist destinations like Jallianwalla Bagh, Bhakra Dam, Nangal and Wagah Border. One of the least known facts about Punjab is that it is the natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. There are a number of wetlands, bird sanctuaries and zoological parks all over Punjab. Taxies as well as buses are widely available in all cities and towns to commute to any tourist destination inside the state.
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| GETTING HERE |
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Punjab has a well-connected air, rail and road network. The Amritsar International Airport is connected to several important cities within and outside the country. There are airports in Ludhiana and Pathankot too. The Chandigarh railway station is about 8 kilometres from the city centre. Indian Railways connects almost all parts of Punjab to other cities in Northern India. However, most of the tourists prefer to take to the road to visit Punjab and its destinations.
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| WHAT TO SEE |
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, is a modern city and one of the first to initiate the concept of proper town planning in India. The city has a vast commercial complex, air conditioned showrooms and sprawling shopping areas. From government emporia, innumerable shops, eateries, coffee houses to bars and pubs, the city offers something to every visitor to the state. Major tourist attractions here are the Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Fun Republic and Kalagram. For golf lovers, there is an 18-hole golf course in Sector 6.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
The most celebrated and visited destination of the state, Golden Temple is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The Holy Scripture of the Sikhs, the Granth Sahib, is installed in the inner sanctum of the holy temple.
Anandpur Sahib
The birthplace of the Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib, is located on the left bank of the Sutlej River, 40 kms from Rupnagar town. The town was founded by Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who purchased the land from the Raja of Bilaspur.
Jallianwallah Bagh, Amritsar
Located at about a quarter mile from the Golden Temple, it is a memorial of India's freedom movement. It commemorates the sacrifice of hundreds of men, women and children who were victims of a ruthless massacre on April 13, 1919.
Chattbir Zoo, Zirakpur
Located at a distance of 20 kms from Chandigarh and 55 kms from Patiala is the Zoological Park, Chhatbir. The park area, spread over 202 acres of raw scrubland by the River Ghaggar, is home to a variety of flora and fauna and is truly worth visiting.
Sainik School, Kapurthala
It is a magnificent piece of architecture that took eight years to complete. This erstwhile palace of Maharaja Jagatjit was designed by the French architect M. Marcel.
Wagah Border
The Indo-Pakistan border located 25 kms from Amritsar draws thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.
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Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
15O kms from Chandigarh, this is a marshy pond with rich aquatic vegetation and wildlife.
Qila Mubarak
Qila Mubarak is the highest and oldest monument in Punjab dating back to 1800 years.
Talwandi Sabo
It is another magnificent Gurudwara of Punjab.
Aam Khas Bag
Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this is one of the most beautiful gardens of Northern Indian that lies amidst very old ruins.
Rauza Sharif
This beautiful and spacious mausoleum is a national historic monument for Sunni Muslims, and is visited annually by thousands of devotees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and India.
Palaces
Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Amritsar and Shish Mahal in Patiala.
Sanghol
This place in Fatehgarh Sahib District has relics of the Harappan culture and the Kushan era.
Bathinda Fort
This schooner shaped fort has been designed specifically to suit the desert environment. Reputed to be about 1800 years old, it is said to have been built by Bhatti Reo.
Shahpur Kandi Fort, Pathankot
A rest-house today, this 16th century fort at the foot of the Himalayas overlooks the River Ravi and provides one with a panoramic view.
Kanjli Wetland, Kapurthala
At a distance of 5 kms from Kapurthala, the lake is not just the beautiful home for migratory birds in winters, but has been developed as a popular picnic spot.
Catholic Cathedral, Jalandhar
This rare and amazing cathedral built by the representatives of His Holiness, the Pope, is one of its kind in the Eastern World.
Bhakra Dam, Nangal
Divided into Nangal Township and Naya Nangal, it gained importance with the construction of the Bhakra Dam on Satluj River.
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