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

Getting Around & Visiting Rajasthan

Getting around the state is rarely problematic, though there's no avoiding some tedious long hauls. The state-run bus company, RSTDC, has regular services between cities, but since it hiked its prices by fifty percent in 1997, private operators have become a more popular option, offering cheaper fares and greater comfort.

Cuisine of Rajasthan

Land of Princes, as Rajasthan is called, shows off, many a fine gastronomic both within the palaces and outside. The royal kitchens of Rajasthan, the preparation of food was a very complex matter and was raised to the levels of an art form. Thus the ‘Khansamas’ (the royal cooks) worked

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi Afghanistan 5/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Algeria B-3/61, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-29 Angola C-17, Malcha Marg, New Delhi-21 Argentine B-8/9, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Armenia B, 8/2, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Austria EP-13,Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belgium 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belize B-8/14, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Benin 43-A, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi-20 Bhutan Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Brazil 8, Aurangzeb Road,

Visa Isses in Delhi

Visa extensions and permits For visa renewal and permits for restricted states, go to the Foreigners' Registration office is at Hans Bhavan, Mathura Road, near Tilak Bridge railway station i (Mon-Fri9.30am-1.30pm&2-4pm, with four passport photographs, Be sure to wait in the right queue - to pay either.

Telephone and faxes services in Delhi

Telephones and faxes services are availalbe in all the parts of Delhi. In case cannot find one, then ask the locals for STD/PCO, marked with yellow signs. All the STD Booths has ISD (International Dailing) service. Sporting direct-dialling facilities and LCD displays showing the length and cost of each call.

Bus Service for Getting Around Delhi

Private deluxe buses are faster and more comfortable than state buses, usually depart from near the Ramakrishna Mission at the end of Main Bazaar, Paharganj, but some pick up passengers at hotels. Delhi is at the centre of an extensive bus network covering much of north India's neighbouring states. The

Telephones calls from and in India

Telephones in India Calling from hotels is usually more expensive. Both national and international calls are dialled direct. To call abroad, dial the international access code (00), the code for the country you want - 1 for the USA. Privately run phone services with international direct dialling facilities are very

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

Metalware and jewellery in India

The south is one major area for metalware in India (dancing Shivas, : known as Nataraj, are a favourite here -check out the quality in the palace art gallery ! at Thanjavur), the Himalayas another, Dokra, j a speciality of West Bengal and Orissa, uses this very same lost-wax technique

Mail services in India

Mail services in India are quite reliable. Apart from Government opertaed General Post Offices (GPO's) known as "Daak Ghar" in India, there are many courior option available in India. FedEx, UPS, XPS, DHL and other major players operate from many cities. Many other local courior services operate from all other