Off the beaten track in Punjab

mangrove

Hey all,

Wondering if anyone has been to place other than Amritsar/ Wagha/ Chandigarh in Punjab? Not much is mentioned about Punjab in guidebooks. I'm finding it difficult to find information that is not about the usual places. Any recommendations?

Cheers!

mangrove

Hrmph Punjab does not seem to be a frequent destination. Not sure if I will get a reply on this one. I'm also guilty of only fitting Amritsar into my itinerary, but it's for the lack of knowing of any other interesting places in this state.

mangrove

Somewhat related...

Since I'm pretty sure no one will respond - I thought I'd go ahead and ask another question I've been wondering about in this thread rather than start a new one.

I've heard that Amritsar is very crowded and hectic. I can't say for myself, I haven't been yet. Any comments on this?

Also, I am trying to figure out whether it is better to stay in the Old City (near the Golden Temple) or away from it. I am considering the Hotel Golden Tower.

At first I was considering the Grand Hotel, but then heard that the building is quite rundown unlike what it seems like on their website.

Thanks!!

Palexurdy

I'm also interested in hearing more about Punjab. The state brings three words to my mind: agriculture; cricket & Sikhism. It seems strange that such a historically significant area would have so few cultural relics besides the Sikh pilgrimage centres, which I don't imagine would be that interesting to outsiders.

Haryana has Kurukshetra, the purported site of the Bhagavad Gita & location (I believe) of India's largest water tank. There are also some ornamental gardens which I forget the name of but have in a brochure somewhere.

From what I remember, mangrove, the city is quite a work-a-day place, but not unfriendly. I also remember that the streets got very dusty when the wind picked up; street vendors pulled tarps over their stalls & I you had to cover your face to protect your orifices.

mangrove

Thanks for your tips and for replying Palexurdy!

shere

Unfortunately Punjab has lost much of its heritage due to idiotic people.

Old Sikh shrines have been replaced with uniform white marble buildings by corrupt kar sewa babas. The Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) has been spoiled by thieves who operate within the complex, the actual Harimandir Sahib is also being destroyed due to the stupidity of a UK Sikh group from Birmingham who used disgraceful techniques when they decided to do the gold plating again. See http://www.punjabheritage.org/ for more info.

Due to state and central government apathy the forts and palaces of the Sikh states are not even worth visiting (that is if you can gain access). I went to one palace in Nabha which has been taken over by squatters. These forts and palaces could have rivalled those in Rajasthan and bought much needed tourist income to Punjab.

Old Mughal era serais like the one used in the Rang De Basanti film are crumbling away.

There are a few forts you could visit such as the Quila Mubarik in Patiala and the older fort in Bhatinda.

You can do the Amritsar, Waga circuit in a day. The closing ceremony at the border is nothing special. Waste of an evening if you ask me.

In Amritsar you could visit Company Bagh (aka Ram Bagh), this is not the Jallianwala Bagh ! It has a nice gatehouse in sandstone material.

SANJAY_DEL

Some basics on Punjab:
http://www.punjabtourism.org/

mangrove

Thanks Shere - very sad indeed! I had no idea.

I don't plan to go to Wagha, I think it's ridiculous. Would rather both sides get along rather than put up such displays.

himadventures

PUNJAB !!

There is lot to see and experience in PUNJAB. Recently I stopped at HARIKE BIRD SANCTUARY- it was worth spending a day there.

LUDHIANA- which is INDIA's MANCHESTER.
JALANDHAR- which is NEW YORK for many.
You name is and PUNJAB have it-only problem is that pro tourism is not developed here. You find expesnive hotels but nowhere to go except CINEMA or BAZAAR/MALLS

If you want to see HISTORY- you have to work hard.

FOR A OFF BEAT EXPERIENCE- ROAM IN VILLAGES BUT VEHICLE WILL BE REQUIRED IN BOTH SEASONS.

1066

Hi we spent 2 / 3 days in Amritsar partly organising trains out of there but mostly enjoying going into the Golden Temple - just wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, seeing it at different times plus the museum (hope you are not squeamish!!). Found it a very friendly and fascinating place, and easy / pleasurable to talk with people there.
We also stayed in town so it was very convenient for us to go to and from the Temple, can't say I would recommend the actual hotel - only the location(LOL).
As to the rest of the Punjab, sorry I can't help much as we also struggled to get good info.

gautam

Lot of politics in punjab

Very good food, stay in a village if u have any connections & enjoy makki ki roti aur sarson ka saag [ mouth watering ]

Jalianwalah bagh [ i liked it, give u immense & sudden rush of patriotism ]

Golden temple [ still a very good place to visit & have food there served by kar sewa people.]

Amritsari Naan [ zzzehar will let u know the place / search for that thread ]

Radha swami dera at beas - entire city built by radha swamis followers.

__________________

"Your thoughts could be your prison"

My pics on flickr

Kerela backwaters - by beach

mangrove

What do you mean about the museum? I am curious now.

1066

he he
There are some fantastically gory pictures depicting various battles, killings and matrydom - for starters there is one of a man being sawn in half! There is more to it than just gory pictures (details, history etc)- but they do stay in the mind! we met one of the artists there and the pride he had in his paintings and the museum as a whole was impressive

Hope you enjoy it!

raaz

I would also re-commend RD dera to any1..although depends on one taste:

Radha swami dera at beas - entire city built by radha swamis followers. (V quiet spiritual Place.)
Amritsar------Jalianwala bagh, apart from Golden Temple.
Jalandhar ------ Haveli restaurant (Punjabi traditional food, a recommended place to visit, although a bit expensive).

In chandigargh -----Rock garden , Sukhna lake.

i have found this link of punjab for tourist listing places to visit:
http://www.maps-india.com/punjab/tourist-attractions/

i like most of the villages in punjab..i was regular visitor till i was 15 yrs ,since i had my grand parents there...but not now .i still miss my 'maki di rotti sarsoo da Saag' And it been almost 8 year now since i have gone to punjab. So not sure of anything new.
hope u will find something good to visit ,according to ur taste.
cheers
raaz

pranavganesh

Gautam can you tell me more about the Radha Swami Dera...this is the first time i have heard about it....

Well I have wondered about travelling to Punjab on a shoestring....living in various Gurudwaras etc...and having a taste of Punjabi hospitality.....

a very good way of finding off beat places of Punjab may be going to links of various districts over here......

http://districts.nic.in/disdetails.asp?sc=pj

for example.....a search on Bhatinda gives the following places....actually this can be done with almost all the districta of India.

Places To Visit

* Historical and some Important Places
o Damdama Sahib
o Maiser Khana
o Zoological Park
o Qila Mubarak
o Rose Garden
o National Fetilizers Ltd.
o Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant & Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant.

Historical and some Important Places

Damdama Sahib

From the historical point of view, the important place in the district is Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib) connected with the history of Sikhs.

Damdama SahibThe village of Talwandi tehsil popularly known as Damdama Sahib situated 18 miles south of Bathinda. It is the venue of colourful Baisakhi fair. After his fierest battle with the Mughals at Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Muktsar, Guru Gobind Singh retired to the jungle of Malwa. He relaxed and took rest (Dam) at Talwandi Sabo and hence its name Damdama Sahib. The Guru stayed here nine months and nine days. He made the place a Centre for spreading his mission and hence its name Guru-ki- Kanshi. He re-dictated Adi-Granth here and called the place as Khalse Da Takhat. A seal was also prepared bearing the "Akal Sahai Guru Gobind Singh ji ki Jagha-Takhat Damdama Sahib ji

This place had been visited earlier by Guru Teg Bahadur, the father of Guru Gobind Singh. Damdama Sahib is also the headquarters of Nihangs. There are ten Gurudwaras and three tanks.

The three tanks are; Nanksar Sarover, Akalsar Saroveer and Gurusar Sarover. The first named tank is associated with Guru Nanak Dev ji who is said to have visited this village in 1510 A.,D. during his second Pad Yatra to Rajputana. The Akalsar Sarover is associated with Guru Gobind Singhji and a sip of water from it is believed to be a safeguard against any disease and scourage. The Gurusar Sarover is said to have been dug up under the orders of Guru Teg Bahadurji.

Maiser Khana

Maiser KhanaThe Maisar Khana mandir 29 km from Bathinda on Bathinda-Mansa Road. According to a legend, the jyoti of Mata Jawala appeared to give darshan to a poor devotee who could not reach durga temple at Jawala Ji.

Every year, Two Melas are held where lacs of devotees come to have Darshan of Jawala ji.

Zoological Park

Zological ParkIt is around 6 km from Bathinda. A Zoological park and Tourist complex for riding children park, Lawns for picnic.

Qila Mubarak

The old awe-inspiring retic of its past splendour is the fort at Bathinda which is biggest than its competitors at Lahore, Phillour and Hanumangarh. It stands as a gigantic sentinel in the heart of the town.

Every year, Sri Guru Gobind Singhji also stayed in this fort. It has long fascinating history behind it.Qila Mubarak

Rose Garden

Rose GardenThe Rose Garden is a 10 acre garden, popular for the large varieties of roses that grow here. Located close to the city, it is a frequented picnic spot.

National Fetilizers Ltd.

National Fertilizer Ltd. is a Urea fertilizers productivity complex with a capacity of 1550 M.T. of Urea per day. It contributed significantly for the development of District Bathinda catering to demands of the people.

Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant & Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant.

National Fetilizer Ltd.Guru Nank Dev Thermal Plant has four units of 210 MW capacity each for power generation . Recently another thermal plant at Lehra Muhabat has also come up to meet the increasing demands of power. This plant has two units of 210 MW capacity for power generation.