Kutch: a discovery1

Punjab Heritage and tourism Promotion board,

Plot no- 3, sector- 38 a,Chandigarh.

Pin-code: 160036www.punjabtourism.gov.in

email- phtpb123@gmail.com

Punjabpray, eat, stay

© 2013 by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board

All rights reserved. The content and photographs in this volume are intended for personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use, especially commercial use, is forbidden under law without the written permission of the copyright holder. All phone numbers and rates in the book were correct at the time of going to press.

Publisher: Mala Sekhri

Text: Ajay Khullar, Harsimran Shergill

Editor: Ritu Agarwal Rohatgi l Design Team: Syed Salahuddin, Deep Pahwa, Sukumar Das l DTP Design: Arun Marwah l Photo Coordinator: Kanika

Punjabpray, eat, stay

Punjab offers a wholesome experience for the traveller from pilgrimage centres, flavourful food and ample stay options

Punjab offers an opportunity for travellers to stay at a farmhouse and experience the traditional way of life

Punjab is the land of the Sikh Gurus, it is a land of the devout, of the believers, of those with open hearts and open arms

Punjab offers a diverse choice for cuisine and a great shopping experience

introduction

contents

farmstay

pilgrimage

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food & shopping

Punjab, the land of people with golden hearts, lush fields

and free flowing rivers, with its rich history, green surroundings and diverse culture, has everything

to keep tourists from across the world enthralled. This prosperous state is always in a festive mood, as the cheerful Punjabi folk are always happy to take part in any

celebration with great gusto. Punjab is the land of the

great Sikh Gurus and perhaps the most significant must visit while on a pilgrimage to Punjab

is the Golden Temple at Amritsar, where people from all manner of faith are welcomed with open arms. And there is ofcourse the city of Anandpur Sahib and the gurudwaras of Fatehgarh Sahib and many other gurudwaras across the state, which have a strong link with the Sikh Gurus. Hindus have their pilgrimage in Ram Tirth near Amritsar and Muslims hold the Rauza Sharif Dargah in Sirhind in high reverence.

Punjab is also very famous for its cuisine, as the fun loving folk of the state are known to love their food. Amritsar, with its culture of street food is a foodie paradise, as is Ludhiana, Patiala and Jalandhar. Punjab is also not just about its superlative architecture, cultural diversity, and festivals; it’s also about experiencing some of the best cuisine and traditions in the country and a great idea is peeking into the rural life is by living it, and the best way of doing that is to check into many of the farm stays across the state. Punjab has a lot to offer, and the warm hearted people of the state always make it a point to ensure that your trip to Punjab would be nothing less than spectacular! So come and experience the magic of Punjab and you will surely return for more.

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PUNJAB

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Sri Harmandir SahibThe Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib is located within a sacred tank (Sarovar) in the heart of the walled city of Amritsar. Guru Ramdas began the excavation of the sarovar in 1573, called Amritsar or the ‘sacred pool’. Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru built the Harmandir Sahib in the centre of the Sarovar to house the Sri Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.

Good to know: The Baisakhi and Diwali fairs are celebrated here with great fervour and gusto.

Tarn TaranGurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib was established by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, 24 km from Amritsar. It is an impressive gurudwara with a gold plated dome and the largest sarovar (holy pond) of all gurudwaras. Guru Arjan Dev used to run a leper’s home here.

Good to know: Harike Wetland also known as ‘Hari-ke-Pattan’ is the largest wetland in northern India, home to river dolphins.

Fatehgarh Sahib An important pilgrimage for Sikhs,

the Fatehgarh Sahib gurudwara, around 45 km from Chandigarh, was built on the site where more than 300 years ago Guru Gobind Singh’s two sons were bricked alive by the Mughals because they refused to embrace Islam.

Good to know: A three-day annual Shahedi Jor Mela is held in Fatehgarh Sahib in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.

Rauza Sharif DargahThe Dargah of Sheikh Ahmed Farooqi Sirhindi is located close to the Fatehgarh Sahib gurudwara. During the Mughal era in the 16th century, Sheikh Ahmed Farooqi is said to have lived here during the

Sri Harmandir Sahib

tarn taran

THe lanD oF THe guRuSPunjab is a land of the ten Sikh Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh. It is a land of the devout, of the believers, of those with open hearts and open arms.

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times of Akbar and Jahangir from 1563 to 1624. Muslims from across the country hold the Dargah in high reverence.

Good to know: The nearest major railhead from Fatehgarh Sahib is just 3 km away in Sirhind.

Ram TirthRam Tirth, near Amritsar, is a revered site for Hindus. According to holy scriptures, Ram Tirth was once the ashram of saint Balmiki, who is said to have written many holy scriptures here including the Ramayan. This place is also associated with Sita and the birth of Lord Ram’s sons Luv and Kush.

Luv founded Lahore and Kush founded Kasur town.

Good to know: A four-day popular fair is held here in November.

anandpur Sahib The birthplace of the Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib is where in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh baptized the Panj Pyare with amrit (sacred water) and gave them the last name ‘Singh’ which means Lion. Guru Gobind Singh then bowed before the Panj Pyare and asked them to initiate him into the Khalsa brotherhood. It is after this ceremony that the Sikhs adopted the symbols known as Five Ks.

Good to know: A museum of Sikh culture, the Khalsa Heritage Centre, also known as Virasat-e-Khalsa is located at Anandpur Sahib.

Qadian-aqsa Mosque Qadian, best known as the birthplace of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who founded the Ahmadiyya Movement (an Islamic reformist movement) in 1889, still has the look and feel of the original town. It emerged as a centre of religious learning and remained the administrative headquarters of the community’s Caliphate till 1947. The Aqsa Mosque was built in 1876 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s father while the foundation of the Mubarak Masjid, the first ever Ahmadiyya mosque, was laid by the son in 1883. Twenty years later he added the White Minaret, a tower which is today the symbol of the sect that attracts followers

from across the world and has transformed Qadian into a busy pilgrimage site.

Good to know: Visit theKehopur Wetland, a reserve spread over 850 acres of marshy land near Gurdaspur. The wetland attracts thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia during winters.

Batala ChurchBuilt in the colonial style with bricks and timber, this late 19th century chapel is located within the premises of the Union Baring Christian College. It has an elaborate entrance flanked by rooms on either side. Within, the

THe lanD oF THe guRuS

Holla Mohalla festival at Anandpur Saheb

Rauza Sharif dargah

Ram tirth

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most striking feature is the altar with the a backdrop of beautiful stained glass windows.

Good to know: Visit Anarkali ka maqbara and Khundh Sahib Gurudwara.

Damadama Sahib This sacred shrine is located about 35 kilometers from Bathinda. It is here that Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months seeking rest and refuge during his battles with the Mughals and worked on the Adi Granth. The gurudwara also preserves antique objects like swords, portraits, a blood-stained dress of Guru Gobind Singh.

Good to know: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary home to the black buck is a short drive from Bathinda

gurudwara Dukh nivaranThe shrine is located in what

used to be the Lehal village, now a part of Patiala. According to local legend the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur had come to the village to bless the village and eradicate it of a mysterious sickness. The pool here is reputed for its healing qualities.

Good to know: While in Patiala visit the Sheesh Mahal for its exquisite interiors and world’s largest medal gallery and also the famous Qila Mubarak.

Durgiana MandirBuilt in the third decade of the 20th Century, this temple in Amritsar echoes not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden temple. It rises from the midst of a tank and has canopies and the central dome in the style of the Sikh temple. Its foundation stone was laid by one of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures.

Good to know: Check out the various sights in and around Amritsar like Jallianwala Bagh, and the Wagah border nearby for the retreat ceremony.

amritsar Heritage WalkThis 45 minute guided tour showcases the rich architectural and traditional heritage of Amritsar. The tour commences from the historic Town Hall built by the British in 1866 and goes past Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of soldiers of the 36 Sikh Battallion and weaves its way through Qila Ahluwalia and then to Jalebiwala Chowk, Sangalwala and Chitta Akharas and Darshani Deori, marking the spot from where Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Hargobind would gaze at the Golden Temple. You will go past an ancient Banyan

tree revered as Baba Bohar. Then comes the Thakurdwara Mandir, the Chowrasti Atari and Amritsar’s first mint, the Taksal. Finally, you go through an ancient passage flanked by the Churi Bazaar. The journey culminates at the Golden Temple gate.

Panj Sarovar Walk Amritsar is home to over a dozen gurudwaras. Out of these, particular importance is attached to five sarovars (sacred pools). This Panj Sarovar walk aims to introduce the story of these five important sarovars and to also give visitors an insight into

the evolution of Sikhism. The walk begins at Santokhsar Sarovar and moves along passing the Gurdwara Saragarhi and Jallianwala Bagh to Bibeksar Sarovar. Just across the street is the third pit stop, Ramsar Sarovar. From there going on to the sacred Guru Granth Sahib Marg where pilgrims often walk barefoot in honour of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev to reach the fourth stop on this walk, the Kaulsar Sarovar. Finally, the walk leads us to the Sri Harmandir Sahib, passing the langar hall to Ramgarhia Bunga and then to the final and most sacred sarovar, Amrit Sarovar.

THe lanD oF THe guRuSBatala ChurchMuST Do WalkSJalebiwala ChowkBibeksar Sarovar

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of rural Punjab, including visits to a village and exposure to agricultural practices, leisure walks through fields and authentic Punjabi food while also providing the traveller with all creature comforts.

Good to know: Located just 20 km from Chandigarh. For booking contact: Tel: 98140 85872; email: info@visitcasba.com; website: www.visitcasba.com

Jyani Natural Farm Is a property with six rooms designed like a fort. The USP of this farm is the organic food they serve and the range of activities on offer such as swimming, archery, horse riding, bullock cart ride, tractor ride through the fields, fruit plucking, and cooking and juice/jam making sessions.

Good to know: Located in Ferozepur district. For booking contact: Tel: (01638) 233 251, email: admin@jyaninaturalfarm.com; website: jyaninaturalfarm.com

Bharatgarh Fort Bharatgarh Fort, located on a hilltop in the foothills of Shivalik, is the first fort in Punjab state that was opened for home stays.

Bharatgarh Fort has 6 rooms and offers all modern amenities and experiences like walk in the forest, bhangra show, fishing and a day trip to Anandpur Sahib.

Good to know: Located in Ropar district, around 60 km from Chandigarh. For booking contact: Tel: (01881) 277 438; email: deepthefort@yahoo.com; website: www.bharatgarhfort.com

Citrus County

live the Farm liFeImagine waking up to the chirping of birds and walking through mustard fields. Punjab Tourism offers a unique opportunity for travellers to stay at a farmhouse and experience the traditional way of life

Citrus CountyNestled close to the Shivalik Foothills, the Citrus County is a large well appointed villa within Chhauni Farms. A sprawling farm stay, with 3 rooms and tented accommodation, in the middle of 75 acres of kinnow plantations, it offers all the creature comforts as well as a taste of authentic Punjabi way of life.

Good to know: Located 5 km from Hsohiarpur city. For booking contact: Tel: (0) 98150 77880, (0) 98154 77880; email: info@citruscountyfarmstays.com; website: www.citruscountyfarmstay.com

Casba Farm retreat Is a farmhouse situated in the midst of a guava orchard. Casba with 8 rooms, offers an experience

other options: Virsa–the heritage Farm (Dera Bassi)–Tel: (0176) 228 1455Mystic Meadowz (Mohali) Tel: (0) 98885 85927sarn Farm house (Gurdaspur) Tel: (01871) 283022Mand Farm house (Roopnagar) Tel: (0) 94651 67688Green Valley Farm (Nawashahar) Tel: (0)98140 60700, (0) 98552 60700Aura Vaseela (Dera Bassi) Tel: (01762) 287 575 deep roots retreat (Roopnagar) Tel: (0) 98883 86798Gary Farms (Patiala)Tel: (0) 98146 02562Green Acres haveli & retreat (Amritsar) Tel: (0) 97819 83828the kothi Farm (Gurdaspur) Tel: (01874) 243 624Virasat haveli (Amritsar) Tel: (0) 98727 13434

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Amritsar No visit to Amritsar is complete without tickling your taste buds with the inexpensive and famous street food of the city. If you love your food you will never fall short of choice—street side chole kulche, tandoori paranthas, fish preparations, brain curry, tikkas and delicious sweets. It is a good idea to start the gastronomic journey while you are visiting the Golden Temple. Sit in the langar and have some hot and delicious dal, roti and sabzi. Start with a breakfast of paranthas at Kulcha Land in front of MK International Hotel. If you want to try something different go the Kanha Sweets, which is right next the famous Bansal Sweets, for some delectable puri choley for which people begin queuing up from 6 a.m. onwards. At Bansal Sweets make sure you taste their famous daal ki pinni. For lunch you simply have to drop in at Kesar Da Dhaba, which is among the most popular food joints in the city. Start with the signature dal makhani and baigan bharta, palak paneer and end the meal with phirni.

Good to know: Taste the signature Amritsari Fish at the famous Makhan Fish.

JalandharWhen you think of food in Jalandhar the first two things that come to mind are Lovely and Lucky. The story of Lovely Sweets transformation from a humble sweet shop into a wide ranging empire is almost all well known as its delicious sweets specially pinjeeri and also its assortment of namkeens.

Lucky Dhaba on the other hand is situated on the highway and for a long time the menu was limited to dal makhani, palak paneer, aloo mutter, samosas and other snacks –

Food & shopping pArAdiseWhen you come to Punjab, leave behind the fad of calorie counting. Every dish here is part of a saga, and every recipe, a piece of gastronomic history. Punjab also has a great shopping experience to offer the visitor

Haveli dhaba, Jalandhar

dal makhani with thali

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but it is their tea made of special masala mixed with adrak and choti ilaichi which gives Lucky Dhaba its fame. In recent years Haveli, located on the highway, has turned out to be a very popular and successful eatery.

Good to know: At Lovely Sweets try their popular gajar ka halwa, madhu pak, motichoor ladoos and kashmiri barfi.

LudhianaThough you might only have

butter chicken on your mind

when you visit Ludhiana it really has a lot to offer. A must visit in the city is Haqiqat Sweets, which has been around for over 50 years and serves the best puri-channa in town. Another sweet shops that demands your attention is the famous Doda Sweet House, which has been around for more than 100 years. Legend has it that in 1912, Harbans Vig, a nutrition-seeking wrestler hit upon this dish while experimenting in his kitchen. For your evening snack stop by at Punnu Pakora, which sells an assortment of pakoras such as gobi, pyaaz and baigan.

Good to know: Chicken in Ludhiana is synonymous with the famous Chawla Chicken, which has expanded to opening over 80 franchises across the country. Try their signature butter and lemon chicken.

patiala Though Patiala is famous for the peg and juttis, it does offer the connoisseur ample choice in terms of food. Chole bhature is the most popular breakfast in Patiala. Close to Qila Mubarak is the shop owned by Sham Lal that serves the best chole bhature in town. The kulchas in

Patiala are a cross between those of Amritsar and Ludhiana. For sweets the best sweet shop in town is Gopal’s in Fawara Chowk that has been around for over 60 years and has a long list of loyal clients. The famous Jaggi Sweet Shop in Adalat Bazaar specialises in chocolate and mango sweets. In the evening many stalls come up across the city selling fast food and fish.

Good to know: Gopal’s has a number of sweet shops across the city including a very popular multi cuisine restaurant in Leela Bhawan Chowk.

Food & shopping pArAdise

Gajjar ka halwa, Amritsari fish, Butter chicken &

Sarson ka saag with makki di roti

Street food, choley bhature

Punjab has also been a treasure house for handicrafts and textiles and a destination for shopping. The crafts and the bazaars of Punjab are proof of its cultural richness.

Strategically located on the Silk Route, Majha region’s wealth is reflected in its textiles, delicately embroidered shawls, woolen carpets, and zardozi work (embroidery). Amritsar traded silks, shawls and horses from Afghanistan and Central Asia long before shawl and carpet weaving were promoted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The availability of quality wool from the neighbouring hill states lent impetus to this craft. The metal workers of Amritsar are also renowned for their skill. For silversmiths visit the Sarafan Bazaar in Amritsar. Batala is known for its fine cotton

cloth, and sansi, a combination of silk and cotton. The Doaba region has long had a concentration of artisan communities, especially wood workers, shoe makers and tanners while Jalandhar is particularly popular for its singhardaani (container) and peedi (low stool) fashioned out of sheesham and deodar. The nearby town of Kartarpur has a number of cottage industries—carpet weaving, woven textiles, ban rope making, some excellent carpentry and shoe making. With the increased prosperity of Patiala, whole bazaars sprang up where craftsmen made and sold jewellery, zardozi (gold embroidery) fancy drawstrings, gold-embroidered footwear, dyed turbans and dupattas (stoles). Visitors to Patiala must browse the Tripadi wholesale market and Adalat Bazaar. Another sought after produce of Patiala is the tilla jutti, the traditional embroidered footwear of Punjab. Malerkotla, the only Muslim-Pathan principality in Punjab, possesses expert zardozi embroiderers and metal workers. Their juttis are renowned for their fine, dense embroidery motifs that cover the insole as well as the upper.

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shopping spree

17Madhya Pradesh For All Seasons

PeoPleThe people of Punjab are known to be large hearted, welcoming and fun loving. The population is largely made up of Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims.

locAtionOn the West border of Punjab lies Pakistan, and Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Himachal Pradesh on its northeast and Haryana and Rajasthan to its south.

connectivityChandigarh and Amritsar both have airports which are well connected to other cities in India. Punjab is also well linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major rail heads in the state. The state is connected through an extensive network of roads. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk

Road connects the state with other parts of the north.

econoMy: Punjab has a largely agricultural economy and most people are involved either in farming or trade. Punjab was at the forefront of the green revolution and rice, wheat, sugarcane and many other crops are grown in Punjab.

lAnguAges sPoKenPunjabi and Hindi are the main languages spoken in the state.

trAvel tiPs: l If you are travelling in summers (April-June), carry only cotton garments, shorts, light coloured clothing. A trip in winter season (October-February) necessitates woolen clothing as it gets quite cold.l Budget travellers can minimize their expenses by eating as often as possible at the Langar (common kitchen) in a Gurudwara.l When you visit a Gurudwara, leave your footwear out and cover your head with a piece of cloth.l Before shooting pictures of a Gurudwara ensure if photography is not prohibited. Otherwise it may lead to heavy penalties and even confiscation of the camera.www.punjabtourism.gov.in

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