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

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,

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.

Woodwork, ceramics and stonework in India

The old carvings of woods of the houses or the temple, those are refourbis, are usually available for the reasonable prices, survived so sometimes. Furniture is made from heavy wood, in order to carry with you, can be a true affair and is particularly good in the mountain ranges

Time Zone in India

India is all in one time zone: GMT+5hr 30min. This makes it 5hr 30min ahead of London, 1Ohr 30min ahead of New York, 13hr 30min ahead of LA, 4hr 30min behind Sydney and 6hr 30min behind NZ; however, summer time in those places will vary the difference by an hour.

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

Internet access in Delhi

Internet access is as easy as getting a telephone booth in delhi. You can find internet cafes is most of the parts of Delhi. Prices range from a mere Rs10 per hour to around Rs100 per hour but make sure you check your connection by surfing first. Paharganj teems with

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

Electricity in India

Generally 220V 50Hz AC, though direct current supplies also exist, so check before plugging in. Most sockets are triple round-pin (accepting European-size double round-pin plugs). British, Irish and Australasian plugs will need an adaptor, preferably universal; American and Canadian appliances will need a transformer too, unless multi-voltage. Power cuts and

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

Travelling with children in India

The Indian are very tolerant of the children like that you can them nearly everywhere without restriction take, and they help to break always the ice with strangers. Hauptproblem with children particularly small children is their additional hurting barness. Also you perhaps just remind you this diarrhea a