Going to Punjab? Don’t Miss These Beautiful Places

Punjab has been home to humans since time immemorial. Its fertile lands have always ensured that civilizations would thrive here, a fertility ensured by five rivers that give Punjab its other name ‘the Land of Five Rivers’. Today this thriving humanity can be seen in Punjab’s music, culture, festivals, food and much more.

The people here don’t really need a reason to celebrate. Every day is a celebration. The place is a mix of diverse peoples and religions and this diversity manifests itself in a riot of color and life seldom found anywhere else in the country. The Punjabis are larger than life and proud to be so. They live life to the fullest, enjoy the beauty in everything around them and try to incorporate that beauty into some very noteworthy sites.

Let's takes a look at some of the most beautiful tourist places in Punjab:

The Golden Temple

Also known as Sri Harimandir Sahib and located in Amritsar, this holiest of gurudwaras, has to be on your itinerary if you’re visiting Punjab. The temple is open to anyone, irrespective of caste, creed or nationality. At the same time, it is one of the proudest monuments of Sikhism. Construction was started on the temple in 1570 A.D. and completed in 1577 A.D. Pilgrims come from all over the world to pay their respects here. If you want to see a truly spectacular sight, visit the temple at night when the gold dome has been lit up. I promise you that you won’t forget the sight for the rest of your life.

Akal Takht

Akal Takht is a Sikh temple with a scenic beauty which grabs the attention of every devotee who visits the Golden Temple. It was built in the premises of the Golden Temple by Guru Hargobind Sahib. It was revered as a place where justice was offered and temporal issues were resolved. For this reason, it is also considered as most revered seat of Khalsa. The term Akal Takht refers to the throne of the infinite and symbolizes the political sovereignty of the Sikhs.

Jallianwala Bagh

From the spiritual and divine to the historical and tragic – if the Golden Temple embodies the beginnings of the Sikh religion, Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar embodies the atrocities these Patriots faced. On April 13, 1919, a huge crowd of protesters and Baisakhi pilgrims gathered here to protest against the British Raj non-violently. There were plenty of women and children in the crowd, which was anywhere between 22000 and 25000 people. The infamous Colonel Dyer had his troops block the narrow entrances and open fire on these people who had absolutely nowhere to go without any warning. Over 1000 people were killed and another 1500 injured. The event was a landmark in the Indian struggle for independence. Today, a public garden and memorial stand here to remind everyone of the act of savagery perpetrated by the British Empire.

Durgiana Temple

A majestic and highly revered Hindu Temple located in Amritsar, Durgiana is just one and a half kilometers from the famous Golden Temple. In fact, it’s built look like a copy of the Golden temple and attracts a large number of visitors with it marvelous view. It was built in 1908 by Harsai Mal Kapoor main temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Other Hindu deities worshiped in this temple are Mata Sheetla, Lord Hanuman and Lakshmi Narayan. It’s certainly a picturesque view which makes one enthralled with its overall beauty.

Tarn Taran

Tarn Taran is a popular Sikh pilgrimage site located at 22 km's from the Golden Temple in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. Constructed by the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev, the Sarovar (pond) located in this Gurudwara is the biggest among all the Sikh Shrines. Tarn Taran attracts a large number of devotees and is famous as one of the most popular Sikh pilgrimage sites in India. The day of Amavasya (New Moon Day) is considered to be a special day when the site is thronged by visitors in huge numbers.

Wagah Border

Wagah Border, the line of division between India and Pakistan attracts a large number of visitors on a daily basis. In fact, it’s one of the favorite places of all the tourists who visit Amritsar. The only road border crossing between India and Pakistan, it is only around 30 km from the Golden Temple. Beating Retreat and Change of Guard ceremonies grab the attention of all and are highly valued. Tourists watch

Do you have any other beautiful sights you came across in Punjab? Do let us know in the comments section.