Last year an estimated 1.2 million foreign and 4.4 million domestic tourists visited Punjab, one of India’s most prosperous, vibrant and hospitable states 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, Canada and the Far East — has transformed Punjab (pop. 28 million) into a vibrant tourism destination. Large numbers of industrious Punjabis who have made good abroad, are increasingly visiting the land of their fathers and inspiring friends and relations abroad to do the same. Last year an estimated 1.2 million foreign and 4.4 million domestic tourists visited one of India’s most prosperous states measured by per capita income (Rs.1.5 lakh per year). Renowned for yellow mustard fields set against the backdrop of misty blue mountains, this granary state of India which contributes 17.4 and 11.3 percent of India’s wheat and rice production, also offers religious sites steeped in history. Moreover this northern state was for long the seat of royalty, the legacy of which is preserved in its splendid 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 several 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 wide swathes which were once part of India. Chandigarh Punjab and India’s most well-planned state capital has a cosmopolitan character. Designed by renowned French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, it is a splendid mélange of green parks, landscaped gardens, azure lakes, glitzy shopping malls, designer homes and tony eateries. The city’s unique Rock Garden — designed by acclaimed landscape artist Nek Chand — attracts hordes of tourists year round. Lake Sukhna with its numerous entertainment options including 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 also a sight for sore eyes. Built on a sprawling 30-acre plot in the heart of town, it contains a massive greenhouse that boasts of over 1600 different rose species. Chandigarh also buzzes with shopping malls which offer everything from designer clothing to fancy footwear, handbags, handicrafts and consumer durables. The city’s street food covers all types of cuisines — from north Indian to Greek and Japanese — all with a Punjabi flavour. Accommodation: Hotel Sunbeam (Rs.8,084 per night), The Lalit Chandigarh (Rs.8,024), James Hotel (Rs.3,497), Lemon Tree (Rs.4,365), Hotel Emerald (Rs.2,955), Treebo Trip (Rs.1,656), Hotel Mountview (Rs.4,323). Amritsar Amritsar (‘holy pool of nectar’) derives its name from the famous pool which surrounds the Golden Temple. Once pre-eminent city of the Orient during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1770-1839), Amritsar (pop. 2.80 million) has successfully retained its spiritual and historical heritage…
