Punjab

Punjab, the chief wheat producing area of the country, and predominantly an agricultural state, is the overland entry point into India. Punjab was the part of India that suffered the most destruction and damage at the time of partition, yet today it is far and away the most affluent state in India, the result of sheer hard work.

Cities - Chandigarh:

Punjab shares its' capital with Haryana. Chandigarh is the only Indian city to have been designed and planned by a single architect - Le Corbusier. The city, surrounded by the Shiwalik Hills that hem the great Himalayas, is a model of wide roads and spacious residential colonies. Visit Sukhna Lake, Pinjore Gardens, the Rose Garden and the Rock Garden, where the city's discarded junk has been recycled into bizarre human and animal sculptures. Chandigarh is a good base to travel northwards to the hill resorts of Shimla Kulu, Manali, Dharmashala and Dalhousie.

Patiala:

The capital of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala, the city is said to have been founded in 1756 by Baba Ala Singh. It has magnificent forts, palaces and gardens. The Quilla Mubarak, the nucleus of Patiala, houses impressive armoury and chandeliers. The Moti Bagh Palace, built in 19th century, is patterned after the famous Shalipaar Gardens of Lahore. It now houses the National Institute of Sports and the Art Gallery. Near Patiala is the Beer Moti Bagh sanctuary where neelgai, black buck and wild boar can be spotted.

Amritsar:

Home of the Sikhs holiest shrine, the beautiful Golden Temple (so called because the dome is covered with gold leaf), Amritsar is the holy city of the Sikhs. The temple houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs.

Ludhiana:

Ludhiana is another prominent industrial city of Punjab known for its hosiery and woollen garments sold in prestigious stores all over the world.

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