Punjab, the birthplace of the Sikh religion and famous for its signature dishes "makki ki roti" and "sarson ka saag," will leave you with a lasting impression of its unrivalled energy. With its enthralling landscape and its engaging culture, Punjab is a treat to the eyes. The name is derived from the Persian word Panj āb, meaning "five rivers," a reference to the five rivers that flow through the region: the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The region is bounded by the Himalayas to the north, the Hindu Kush to the west, the Thar Desert to the south, and the Indus River to the east.
Punjab has a long, rich and fascinating history that can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The region was conquered by Alexander the Great in 326 BC, and subsequently ruled by the Maurya and Gupta empires. The region was later invaded by the Muslim armies of Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD. The region became a part of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. The region was finally annexed by the British East India Company in 1849. The British divided the region into two provinces: East Punjab and West Punjab. The region was eventually divided into the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh in 1966.
Apart from the iconic Golden Temple, Punjab is known for its agriculture, including wheat, rice, and milk production. The region also has a strong industrial base, with textiles, automobiles, and food processing among the leading industries.
From iconic places to the serene natural beauty of the architectural landscape, Punjab has lots to offer. Below are some of the most popular places while you are here in this iconic state.