Punjab travel guide: Things to do and see

Punjab is one of the most lively parts of India and has a population that truly believes in living the good life. From music to food and from clothes to cars, everything about the state is loud, proud and rich. There are plenty of interesting facts and things for visitors to do. We pick out some of the highlights in our Punjab travel guide discovering off-beat things to do, farming, cooking, colours, festivals, and great pujabi people

1. Join the celebrations:

Punjabis love to share their joy and celebrate every important moment of life. No wonder, they celebrate festivals with great zest and revelry. One of their most important festivals is Baisakhi. This marks the Punjabi New Year and is celebrated with lots of music, dancing and feasts. It falls on the 13th of April, every year. Another important regional festival is Basant Panchami, which is celebrated in February or March to welcome spring. Kite flying is an integral part of the festival and people are dressed in bright yellow, which signifies joy and a golden harvest.

Baisakhi

2. Eat to your heart’s content: 

Punjab is filled with fertile fields and people here love to eat. Feasts are a big a part of every celebration and the state’s most famous dish is “makke ki roti and sarso ka saag” which is topped off with a giant glass of lassi. In big cities like Chandigarh and Amritsar you can find many international food chains but nothing beats the local cuisine of Punjab. If you are staying with a homestay take a cookery lesson to learn first hand how to make some of the local delicacies.

3. Visit the Golden Temple: 

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of the most famous gurudwaras in the world. The temple is visited by millions of people and people from all backgrounds volunteer to serve guests of the temple as well as the needy. It is one of the most beautiful gurudwaras in India and no trip to Punjab is complete without visiting it.

Golden Temple

4. Jallianwalla bagh: 

Jallianwalla bagh was where the massacre of 13th April 1919 took place. On that day 1000s of peaceful protestors, including women and children, were gunned down by the British army. Remnants of the horrific day are preserved at the protected site.

5. Wagah Border: 

This border separates India from Pakistan and is for the Beating of the Retreat ceremony. The ceremony is a wildly exaggerated show of strength from both sides. The ceremony starts at sunset and the audience participates enthusiastically with music and dance. The Wagah border is located 29 kms from Amritsar and tours combining a trip here with a visit to the Golden Temple can easily be arranged.

Wagah Border

6. Sheesh Mahal: 

Located in Hoshiarpur is the Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace. This palace was built in 1911 and is home to many valuable pieces of art and history. Some of them are depictions of King George V’s coronation ceremony, statues of various deities, and even life-size statues of King George V, Queen Victoria and their courtiers.

7. Fatehgarh Sahib: 

This is a sacred town located about 50 kms from Patiala. There is a famous gurudwara here which honours the victory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur over Sirhind. The town has four memorial gates that stand as tributes to four important people from the Sikh history associated with Sirhind. Other than historical and religious value, the town’s natural beauty attracts visitors from all over.

Fatehgarh Sahib

8. Chandigarh: 

Chandigarh serves as a capital to both Haryana and Punjab. It is a city with a big heart and is constantly buzzing with activity and music. The most popular places to see here are the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. Rock Garden is a 40 acre park which was founded in 1957. It’s famous for sculptures made of recycled material like broken glass, bangles, ceramics and plastic bottles. The garden is located near the Sukhna Lake, which is a manmade Lake. It is a popular place for locals to enjoy a morning or evening walk.

9. Farming: 

Punjab is an agriculturally oriented state. This is particularly true of Punjab’s hinterland where most families own acres of fertile fields and farmhouses. You can stay in a farmhouse-style homestays and participate in daily chores like farming, milking cows and churning the butter and more.

Punjab travel guide:

Punjab-farming

Interesting facts

• Sukhna Lake was such a beloved part of the city that Pierre Jeanneret, who was one of Chandigarh’s planners asked for ashes to be immersed in the lake.
• Chandigarh was india’s first planned city.
• On the festival of Hola Muhalla in 2009, the Sikh community created a world record by achieving highest number blood donations made in a single day.
• Recent archaeological excavations revealed that punjab’s history can be traced as far back as the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Things To Do In Rajasthan’s Sun City - Jodhpur

With its colourful history, imposing fort and sun drenched streets, Jodhpur pulls you in. Once there you find a fascinating city that mesmerises as quickly as a snakecharmer tames his snake.

These are our favourite things to do in Jodhpur. What are yours? Add your memories and recommendations below.

1. Explore Mehrangarh Fort

Give yourself a whole day to wander around what many say is India’s most impressive fort. Looming over Jodhpur and soaked in legend, Mehrangarh is an almost intimidating presence. It was built in the mid 15th century under the orders of clan ruler Rao Jodha who wanted a safer alternative to his ancient base in Mandore. Inside its deep walls are seven ornate palaces and courtyards. The museum here is highly recommended.

Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur 

2. …then see the place that Rao Jodha abandoned

To add some back-story to your fort trip, why not take a journey just five miles north to Mandore. This was the original Rathore (Rajput clan) capital until Rao Jodha moved everyone south. You’ll now find a fort in ruins – but wow, these are some beautiful ruins, and the trip is made worthwhile by the genteel atmosphere of the green surrounds.

Late Shri Sher Singh ji Gehlot Jodhpur

3. Capture the blues

Keen photographers will be inspired by Jodhpur. The strong sunlight and rich palette of colours offer great potential for dazzling images. A trip around the old town is a must. Houses here are mainly painted in shades of blue. Strangely, no-one really knows why. Some say it is a way that members of the Brahmin caste have traditionally distinguished themselves; others say it’s all about protecting buildings from irritating insects. What’s certain is that it creates an impressive visual effect. This is also a great place to be nosey – homeowners often leave their doors open, providing the curious traveller with some sneaky views of Rajasthan family life (though if you are staying in a homestay, you’ll get a brilliant insight anyway).

Blue City - Jodhpur

4. Set out on a desert safari

Jodhpur is the starting point for the well-regarded Bishnoi village safari, an alternative trip through the sands of Rajasthan to the settlements of the Bishnoi community. These are people who treasure nature and live in isolated hut villages. Though founded in the 1400s, their aged principles seem pertinent to modern times: they forbid the destruction of the natural environment, including the felling of trees, and champion good health. Smoking is frowned upon. The journey there takes in wildlife such as black bucks, foxes, partridges and nilgai (known as blue bulls).

Bishnoi House

5. Enjoy a sugary high

Jodhpur is renowned for its sweets. It’s common in this city to begin a meal with a ‘sweetmeat’ dish, a tradition known as ‘mithi manuhar’. And the Jodhpur streets are blessed with countless sweet shops, often packed with sweet-toothed customers. The local speciality foods to ask for are Mave ki Kachori, Besan ki Chaaki and Maakhan Vade. Some dishes even include unusual desert roots that are believed to have medicinal properties.

Jodhpur Mistan Bhandar

6. Browse the buzzing bazaars

Shopping is a favourite pastime for many Jodhpur visitors, mainly because of the sheer quality and range of handicrafts found here. Fabrics, carpets, jewellery, leatherware, art and, famously, antiques are all in abundance. Sardar Market is a whirlwind of trade that centres on the city’s clocktower, but you will no doubt stumble upon smaller bazaars as you walk the streets. Kapra is popular for fabrics

Jodhpur Bazar 

7. Get royally pampered

This one is for homestay guests only. Your homestay host will be able to arrange for Jodhpur’s best beauticians, hairdressers, masseurs and henna artists to call in at your convenience and deliver an indulgent treatment session of your own design. Speak to them about your requirements. Other unique experiences you can get staying in a homestay include bespoke cooking lessons and personal guided tours.

Mehandi Waale haath

8. See the gypsy snake dance

Kalbeliya is an entrancing Rajasthan folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbeliya gypsy community. Where once they were on hand to entertain the Maharajah, now they are commonly found in hotels and at festivities, where they mesmerise to a percussive beat. Known as the ‘snakecharmer tribe’, the story of these proud nomadic people is fascinating and troubled.  Take a chance to see their Flamenco-esque twirls while you are in Jodhpur; in other spots in Rajasthan, including Pushkar, they have been moved on by authorities.

gypsy snake dance 

9. Follow in Lord Mountbatten’s hoof tracks

It’s not something many of us get to see on a regular basis. But as Jodhpur is home to a popular polo ground and gave its name to those infamous riding trousers, what better way to end your trip then with some horseplay? The season has a narrow timeframe, taking place in December only. Your homestay host will be able to advise on attending a match. But if you know how to ride a horse, it’s even possible to take a short course and play the game yourself at most other times of the year.

polo in Jodhpur

Things To Do in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park has long been the favored getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers in India. Here are nine things that attract people to the wild adventure that is Corbett.

1. Jeep safari

Jim Corbett National Park is most famous for its flora and fauna. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital, sambar and even the humble deer. A great way to explore the landscape and see these animals going about their daily life is on a jeep safari. Ask your driver to go off the fixed route and you’ll get some rare insights into the animals’ lives.

Jeep safari in corbett national park

2. On the shoulders of giants

An elephant safari lets you have an adventure within an adventure. The size of the creature deters predators from coming too close for comfort. They maneuver the grasslands with ease and in silence, with only the occasional sound of their trumpet aimed at a bully trying to intimidate the gentle giants.

elephant safari corbett national park

3. Camping in Corbett

There are plenty of resorts in Corbett, but camping is a great experience for those who like to rough it out – though they do have basic amenities.

resorts in corbett national park

4. Click away

Corbett is a favourite of wildlife photographers, who spend days looking for the illusive tiger, often in vain. But the region’s majestic terrain offers great landscape shots as well, like panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas. The lesser discovered Terai region is a great place to capture views that go beyond the frequently seen compositions.

bird watching corbett national park

5. Far away festivals

The resorts and campsites usually offer fantastic packages on festivals. Particularly around New Year and Christmas they offer plenty of holiday packages, complete with champagne, feasts and safaris. The music here isn’t played from giant speakers. Rather, the chirping birds and rustling leaves take on that role. For some, this is a luxurious and intimate way to enjoy the festivities, far from the hustle and bustle of the big, bad, cities.

Festive stay @ Corbett

6. Take the wheel

The rivers in and around Corbett are spectacular places to drive or walk by. If you can get the permission, you can have a cozy little picnic set to the sound of serene water flowing by. The rivers are rich in many forms of minerals and sand. The result of this is a vibrant location with countless hues of gold, brown, and rust.

rivers in and around corbett national park

7. See creatures

To spot Corbett’s exotic marine life you should dedicate a few hours to The Ramganga. This is home to the exotic mahseer fish, the endangered gharials, mugger crocodiles, otters and turtles amongst others.

crocs  corbett national park

8. Bird watching

Many species of rare birds call the Corbett their home. And owing to the Ramganga’s rich marine life, you can spot many birds feasting here. Kingfishers, fish-eagles, storks and many other birds are seen here in large numbers swooping down to grab a bite. In winters, this reservoir is visited by many migratory birds and the bird lovers that follow them. The birds come from as far away as Europe and Central Asia.

kingfisher corbett national park

9. Star gazing

The best part about places away from the big cities and their bright lights is gazing at a sky full of stars. For those who spend all their days in the urban world, this is a rare and welcome sight. You can spend hours spotting the different constellations. Some are visible with remarkable ease and unexpectedly bring out the child in you as you gaze in wonder.

night in corbett national park

Things To Do In Ajmer

Ajmer is not just a tourist destination. It’s an experience that stays with you, long after you leave.

These Ajmer things to do will leave you feeling compelled to return to this hallowed city.

1. Make a wish

There are many things about Ajmer that keeps people coming back. But the premier landmark of the city is the hallowed Dargah Sharif, tomb of Saint Muinnudin Chisti. People of all kinds, from different parts of the world, come together at the Saint’s shrine to offer their respects and ask for his blessings. The shrine is particularly crowded on Fridays and during the annual festival of Urs.

Camel resting during fair

2. See the ‘Kingdom of God’

A lesser-known but absolutely divine contribution to the Ajmer offering is Soni ji ki Nasiyan, also known as Nasiyan ji mandir. This complex houses a mesmerizing gold-plated creation which is an attempt to recreate the “Kingdom of God” conceived in the Jain fables. The intricate work and detailing in this “Golden City” are simply astonishing.

Moinuddin Chishti Dargah

3. Head for the hills

The Taragarh Fort is one of the oldest forts in India and sits atop the Aravali range. The imposing fort offers an enchanting view of the city below and makes for a peaceful sunset point. Besides the landscape, the fort is also an attraction because it homes Miran Saheb ki Dargah, the final resting place of Miran Saheb, drawing followers in large numbers.

Taragarh Fort

4. Laze by the lake

Ajmer’s Anasāgar Lake is a popular spot. The languid lake is frequented in the evenings by locals and visitors alike, who can be seen enjoying an evening stroll and munching on the local street food.

Pushkar lake

5. Push off to Pushkar

Just up the road from Ajmer is the place famous for its annual fair and bohemian spirit, Pushkar. The 11 kms distance can be covered in just 30 minutes by car. One can opt for an overnight stay or just go there for a few hours to visit the Brahma temple, saunter through the streets and feast on mouthwatering vegetarian dishes served in its trendy cafes.

pushkar

6. Rummage in the shops

Although big brand names can be seen sporadically around the city, the real steals are vibrant curios sold on street corners and in makeshift shops. From ornaments for your home to gorgeous costume jewelry, there’s a plethora of inexpensive products, which can be yours without any real bargaining.

bazar in pushkar ajmer

7. Walk the alleys

As you maneuver your way through Ajmer’s bustling and spirited alleys you’ll come across hidden gems that aren’t found in most travel brochures. Between a kulfi-seller’s stall and a bangle-makers shop will be a music school resonating with the sounds of the sitar.

streets of pushkar-ajmer

8. See fine Islamic architecture

As you walk through the alleys next to the Dargah Sharif, you’ll find your way to Dhai din ka Jhopra. It is believed that the monument was originally a Hindu university, which was demolished once the Mughal came to power. And, in just two and a half days (dhai din) it was replaced by the Mughals with the creation that stands here today. The monument is one of the few places in Ajmer, where one can see architecture with Mughal influence.

mughal architecture in ajmer

Practical information

• There is no airport in Ajmer, but it is extremely well-connected by trains and highways to all major cities. The nearest airport is in Jaipur.

With the exception of Tarahgarh Fort, most tourist destinations are located close to one another. Being well-informed about the distances helps when using auto-rickshaws or taxis.

Tourists should avoid visiting the Dargah Sharif on Fridays and Sundays. Beware of pickpockets, touts and con artists. Cover your head before entering the shrine.

If possible, leave your mobile phones and bags in your homestay, because they are not allowed inside many places.

Traveling to Ajmer between late March and July is extremely ill-advised as the summers are harsh and unforgiving.

Ajmer is 138 kms from Jaipur, 392 kms from Delhi and 233 kms from Bikaner.

Udaipur is a 5-hour drive away.