Punjab is the state of the Sikhs. In the streets, you will see many turbands and bearded men in traditional dress. Punjab, and Amritsar in special, has the only open border crossing between India and Pakistan ( Lahore ). Lahore used to be the capital of Punjab until it was allocated to Pakistan . For many travellers, Punjab and Haryana are the states through which to pass when they're leaving Delhi behind and continuing their way to the Himalayan states. The capital city of Chandigarh boasts of several beautiful and well-maintained gardens that are a treat to the eyes. It also acts as a base for further excursions in North India . The other important tourist center is Amritsar that nestles the Golden temple, a holiest pilgrimage for Sikhs. Ludhiana is famous for hosiery and woolen goods that are also exported all over the world. Patiala is famous for its healthy food and loving people. One can also buy wonderful parandaas (hair decoratives), exciting Patiala peg (turban) and jootis (sandals).

The typical Punjabi is an extrovert, a sociable fellow who likes to eat well, dress well. Even if he's in a tight spot he would like to twirl his moustache and say "Chardi kala" ("on the up and up") to those who ask how he's getting on. He learns quickly and assimilates new cultures without difficulty; family honour is sacrosanct to him, but in other matters he tends to be liberal minded. It is a matter of pride to be "up to date". His enterprise and capacity to work hard are legendary and his deepest ambition is to "be his own boss": many an émigré Punjabi have started life in a strange land driving a cab or working in a café and gone on to buy out the owner within a couple of years.

The culture of Punjab is best reflected in its folklore, ballads of love and war, fairs and festivals, dancing, music and literature. Punjab holds numerous religious and seasonal festivals, such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Baisakhi, as well as anniversary celebrations in honour of Gurus and saints. The bhangra, jhumar, and sammi are the popular dance forms. The giddha, a native Punjabi form, is a humorous song-dance performed by women. In addition to Sikh religious music, semiclassical Mughal forms, such as the khayal, thumri, ghazal, and qawwali, continue to be popular. Punjabi literature owes its origin to the mystical and religious writings of the 13th century Muslim sufi (mystic) Shikh Farid and of the 15th-16th century Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, who were the first to use Punjabi extensively as medium of their politically tinged poetic pursuits. Author Bhai Vir Singh and the poets Puran Singh and Dhani Ram Chatrik inaugurated the modern Punjabi literature at the beginning of the 20th century.

Top Destinations In Punjab are:
Amritsar , Chandigarh , Ludhiana , Shadiwal, Pathankot

India Travel Destination Guide

Safety & Security

Rajasthan is a peaceful state and its people are friendly and well meaning. This piece of an advice is meant to caution but you should not be paranoid otherwise you miss knowing about the very vibrant people and culture of Rajasthan. Like anywhere else, reasonable caution is your best weapon

Bargaining in India

Don't worry too much about the first quoted prices. Some guidebooks suggest paying a third of the opening price, but it's a flexible guideline depending on the shop, the goods and the shopkeeper's impression of you. Bargaining is very much a matter of personal style, but should always be lighthearted,

Radhnagar Beach

Radhanagar Beaches in Havelock are pristine, unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and nature lover who want to enjoy his beach holiday at a pristine loc. A 5 hour-long journey by boat from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair brings you to Havelock Island — "The island campers

Contacts for disabled travelers in India

Contacts for disabled travelers Britain and Ireland Can Be Done 7-11 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP ® 020/8907 2400. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Carefree Holidays 64 Florence Rd, Northampton NN1 4NA © 01604/634301. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Holiday Care Service 2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

Indian embassies outside

Indian embassies Australia High Commission; 3-5 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600® 02/6273 3999, © 62731308,® hicanb@ozemail.com.au. Consulates; Level 27,25 Bligh St, Level 27, Sydney, NSW 2000® 02/9223 9500,® 9223 9246,® indianc@enternet.com.au; 15 Munro St, Coburg, Melbourne, Vic 3058® 03/9384 0141, ® 9384 1609. Honorary Consulates; Level 1, Terrace Hotel, 195

Textiles and clothing in India

Silk is usually a good buy in India, provided you make sure it is the real thing (the old test was to see whether it was possible to pull the whole garment straight through a wedding ring; however, some synthetics apparently go through too, so burn a thread and sniff

Land & Topography of Rajasthan

The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur. The Aravalli Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the North West of the

Ramnagar Beach

This beach is situated on Diglipur Island in the Andamans. Ramnagar Beach is a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand. Embark on the daily boat cruise from Mayabunder or twice-weekly from Port Blair to enjoy a holiday at Ramnagar Beach. These unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and

History of Princely State Rajasthan

The history of India dates back almost five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays a crucial and unique role, especially with regard to the development of Indian culture. Its impressive story reaches through a heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert landscape and the purity of its