Punjab, the land of museums and monuments

The balle-balle land has quite a lot to offer for a travel junkie. From a mix of lip smacking dishes to the best of colorful clothes, dance and music, Punjab is an amalgamation of exquisite places.

» The Golden temple

Located in Amritsar, this Gurudwara of Sikhs is a breathtakingly beautiful place of worship and a symbol of universal brotherhood and peace. Built in 1977, by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ramdas, the Golden temple is a place where all people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and race, seek blessings. You might remember the climax scene of the film 'Rab Ne Banadi Jodi', which captures the beauty of Golden Temple in every frame. The Jalianwala Bagh memorial, Akal Takht, Tara Taran, Wagah Border, Bathinda Fort and the Kaiser Bagh Park are other famous places you can visit in Amritsar.

» Chandigarh

The capital city of both Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is said to be the best planned city in the country and is also called as 'the city beautiful’. Chandigarh is such a place where you can see natural treasures of the land untouched.

The rock garden in Chandigarh, made by self-taught Indian artist Nek Chand is a spot you shouldn’t be missing. Sukhna Lake, Leisure Valley, Shanti Kunj Morni Hills, Chhatbir Zoo, Rose Garden and the International Dolls’ Museum are the other places you must pay a visit if you are going around Chandigarh.

» Jalandhar

Jalandhar is the land of cultural diversity. This place is named after Jalandhara, a demon king, who is referred to in the epic Mahabharatha. The place has some of the most famous sites of historical importance and religious significance. Another legend says that Jalandhar was the capital of the kingdom of Lava (Rama's son). Jalandhar is also believed to have derived its name from the vernacular term `Jalandhar', which means the area inside the water. It is located between two rivers viz., Satluj and Beas. The whole of Punjab and Jalandhar was part of the ancient Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. It is the oldest city in Punjab, and is perhaps the oldest in the country too. The top attractions here include Imam Nasir Masjid, Tulsi Mandir, Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Museum, Wonderland Theme Park, Devi Talab Mandir and Shiv Mandir.

» Ludhiana

The largest city in Punjab, Ludhiana holds a huge share of Punjab's historical monuments and religious centers. Located on the banks of river Sutlej, the land has made significant contributions during freedom fight. Places to visit in Ludhiana include the Lodhi Fort, Rural Heritage Museum

Tiger Zoo, Punjab Agricultural University Museum and the Gurudwara of Charan Kamal Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

» Patiala

The erstwhile princely state of Patiala is also known as the ‘city of newspapers’. The city has some of the best architecture that reflects the glorious past of Rajput, Punjabi and Mughal cultures. Other top attractions in Patiala include the Qila Mubarak Complex, Moti Bagh Palace, Banur and the Kali temple.

» Bhatinda

One among the ancient cities of Punjab, Bhatinda belongs to 3000 BC. Famous for its historical associations, this is the land where Guru Gobind Singh challenged and fought the Mughals. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhatinda include the Bhatinda Fort, Qila Mubarak, Rose Garden, Bhatinda Lake and the Bhatinda Zoological Park.