Punjabi diaspora transforms cheerful land of five riversLast year an estimated 130,200 foreign and 248,000 domestic tourists touched base with India‚s most prosperous state measured by per capita income and motorcar ownership The great Punjabi diaspora which has scattered the people of this land of five rivers to all parts of the globe ‚ USA, Britain, East Africa and the Far East ‚ has transformed Punjab into a tourism destination. Large numbers of indus-trious Punjabis who have made good abroad, are increasingly visiting the land of their forefathers and inspiring friends and relations abroad to do likewise. Last year an estimated 130,200 foreign and 248,000 domestic tourists touched base with India‚s most prosperous state measured by per capita income (Rs.25,652). Punjab also has the highest per capita ownership of cars in India, including that of the luxury sedan Mercedes Benz! Yellow mustard fields are supplemented by misty blue mountains and religious sites steeped in history. Moreover this northern state (pop. 24.2 million) was for long the seat of royalty, the legacy of which is preserved in its beautifully constructed palaces. There are museums galore here and places of religious interest such as the world-renowned Golden Temple in Amritsar, patinated with 24-carat gold leaf. For lovers of the great outdoors as well as wildlife enthusiasts there are tours of numerous sanctuaries, habitats of rare migratory birds. And because the state borders Pakistan, it offers several posts from which a visitor can take a peep into historical swathes of land which were once part of India.ChandigarhPunjab‚s well-planned capital has a cosmopolitan character. Designed by renowned French architect Le Corbusier, it is a splendid mƒ©lange of green parks, landscaped gardens, azure lakes, glitzy shopping malls, designer homes and tony eateries. The city‚s unique Rock Garden ‚ designed by talented artist Nek Chand ‚ attracts hordes of tourists all year round. Lake Sukhna ‚ with its numerous entertainment possibilities such as rowing and boating ‚ is a favourite rendezvous. It has also been the venue of several national and international rowing championships. Chandigarh‚s Rose Garden ‚ a riot of psychedelic roses from all parts of the world ‚ is a sight for sore eyes. Built on a sprawling 12-acre plot in the heart of town, it also contains a massive greenhouse and is a visitor‚s delight. Chandigarh also buzzes with shopping malls which offer everything from designer clothing to fancy footwear, handbags, handicrafts and consumer durables. Street food in the city can be an epicure‚s delight with all kinds of cuisine ‚ from north Indian to Greek and Japanese.Accommodation. Top-end: Hotel Sunbeam (Rs.1,095-1,495), Hotel Piccadilly (Rs.1,838-2,165), Hotel Mountainview (Rs.1,950-2,450). Mid-range: Hotel Jullundur (Rs.300-550), Hotel Alankar (Rs.500-800), Hotel Amar (Rs.300-600). Budget: Panchayat Bhavan (Rs.200-500), Hotel Divyadeep (Rs.250-500), Satyadeep (Rs.200-300).AmritsarGolden Temple: Punjab‚s most famous landmarkAmritsar or ‚Ëœthe holy pool of nectar‚ derives its name from the famous pool which surrounds the Golden Temple. Once considered an eminent city of the Orient during Maharaja Ranjit Singh‚s reign (1770-1839), Amritsar (pop: 1.2 million) has successfully retained its spiritual…
