Punjab Tourism

Punjab, the land of five (Punj) rivers (Aab) was the great land of Vedas, Indus valley civilisation, Taxila University, of milk and honey, arts and artefacts.  Though the centuries, it has borne the brunt of invasions and wars and more recently, the holocaust of India’s partition.  But, the enterprising and industrious people of Punjab bounced back, to become one of the most affluent states of the country and recorded the highest per capita income in India.  The name Punjab has now become synonymous with high spirits, prosperity and passionate involvement with life itself.  Agriculture is the mainstay of Punjab and it is given the highest priority.  The state is often referred as the ‘Food Basket’ or the ‘Granary’ of India.  Punjab is also known as the ‘Land of Industrial Opportunity’, with over 1.97 lakhs of small and medium industries and about 653 large scale industries.  It is the market leader in the manufacture of machine and hand tools; printing and paper cutting machinery; auto parts and electrical switch gear etc.  Punjab provides over 75% of the country’s requirement for bicycles, sewing machines, hosiery and sports goods.  The contribution of powerful Punjabi’s in the fields of sports and defence has also been very significant. The progressive state of Punjab is also a treasure trove for an avid tourist.  The fertile land is dotted with formidable forts, magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens and sacred pilgrim centres.  Its rich culture and zest for life is very well reflected in the rhythm of Bhangra, the with repartees of girls performing the Gidda and in its numerous fairs and festivals.  The mouth watering cuisine of Punjab is as full of zest as its people.  A trip to Punjab is incomplete without an authentic meal of makki-ki-rotti (bread made of maize flour) and sarson-ka-sag (mustard leaves) along with a large glass of lassi (churned yoghurt).