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On the border of Pakistan in northwestern India, the state of Punjab gets its name from the Sanskrit term for “five waters,” owing to the five rivers in the pre-Partition region. It has been a stronghold for India's Sikh community for centuries. It’s the site of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest gurudwara, or Sikh temple on earth, and draws in scores of pilgrims from across faiths who come to pay their respects at the sacred spot, among other things to do.
The best time to visit Punjab is between October and March, when the weather is most pleasant. Winters can be cool, so it’s a good idea to pack a jacket if you’re coming between January and February. Temperatures begin to rise dramatically starting in April, peaking in May or June, while the chance of rainfall is at its highest during the monsoon season, which traditionally runs from June and peters out in August or September.
Punjab is well-connected by public transportation, with a solid network of buses and trains connecting towns, villages, and cities. Within cities, rickshaws and taxis are an excellent short-distance bet. Hiring a car with a driver is another popular option for half- and full-day tours and longer adventures. There are four airports in the state, but there are no intrastate flights.
While you may be tempted to eat all of your meals in Amritsar’s Old City, famous for its abundance of street food, it’s worth saving a bit of an appetite for a meal at the Golden Temple’s langar or community dining hall. All are welcome to sit among pilgrims and enjoy a plate of vegetarian Indian fare free of charge. Donations are appreciated, and visitors are invited to volunteer in the langar kitchen.
Local Currency Indian Rupee (₹) | Time Zone IST (UTC +5) | Country Code +91 | Language(s) Gujarati | Attractions 3 | Tours 132 | Reviews 1,164 |
Punjab is perhaps best known as the site of the Golden Temple, considered the holiest gurudwara (Sikh temple) in the world. The state is also known for its cultural traditions, particularly bhangra music and dancing, and its wide variety of rich buttery dishes.
...MoreIf you’re just visiting Amritsar, a full day is enough to see the main attractions, but with two days, you’ll have time to go on a farm tour or spend time shopping. You'll need at least a week to visit other major destinations in the state, including Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh.
...MorePunjab has so many famous foods that choosing just one is tricky. Some of the best-known include chole bhature (chickpeas and deep-fried, puffy bread), chole kulcha (chickpeas served with pillowy bread), aloo paratha (potato-stuffed flatbread), and sarson da saag, a mustard green preparation often served with makki ki roti, a cornmeal flatbread.
...MoreAmritsar is considered the most beautiful city in Punjab, owing mainly to the presence of the gilded Golden Temple, among the prettiest works of architecture in the country. You'll also find some beautiful old architecture in Amritsar's Old City, including the Town Hall building, which houses the Partition Museum.
...MoreThe weather in Punjab is hot and sunny for much of the year, so you're best off wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothes that will keep your skin safe from the sun. In this part of the country, most women wear salwar kameez, tunic-trouser-scarf combos often referred to simply as “Punjabi suits.”
...MoreYes, it is safe to visit Punjab. Punjabi people are known across India for their hospitality and friendliness, and most visitors to the state feel very welcome. Some areas near the border region with Pakistan are best avoided, but that does not apply to Wagah, where the popular border-closing ceremony occurs.
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