Ram
Tirath takes us back to the times of Ramayana, at Sarai Amanat Khan we
come down to a highway inn of the Mughul times, at Wagha Border we
suddenly land into the present. The pageant of the beating of the retreat
and the change of guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and
Pakistani forces here makes the most charming of the spectacles as a daily
evening drill. Ascertain the timings before you leave to see this
spectacle since these are changed seasonally.
Amritsar
- Dera Baba Nanak -Qadian-Kala naur-Gurdaspur-Pathankot.
At
Dera Baba Nanak the first Prophet of Sikhism, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent
the last days of his life. At the historic Gurdwara built in his
memory holy robes that were presented to him at Mecca are still preserved.
Qadian is the home of the founder of the Ahmedyia Sect of the Muslims. At
Kalanaur,Akbar-the-great was coroneted. Pathankot is India's link city to
the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the best tourist destinations of
Himachal Pradesh.
A
majestic gurudwara with a golden dome and a large holy pool having healing
powers is built at Tarn Taran in the memory of 5th Prophet of
Sikhism, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji.Hari-Ke-Pattan is a wild life sanctuary of
international fame. Goindwal Sahib was the seat of
Sikhism during the life time of the 3rd Prophet of Sikhism Sri
Guru Amar Dass ji. It has a deep well with 84 steps. The faithful say that
if you recite Jap Ji Sahib, a composition of the first Prophet of Sikhism
at each step after a bath you cross the cycle of 84,000 lives and attain
moksh. At Sultanpur lodhi Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji spent 12 years in the
service of Nawab Daulat Khan Lodhi. It was from here in 1500 A.D. that he
had begun his first holy travel towards the east and the south to
preach the Word of God. Kapurthala is renowned for beautiful palaces and
buildings. Kanjli lake receives several species of migratory birds and is
a fulfilling picnic spot.
Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur,
either back to Jalandhar or Ropar-Chandigarh.
Connected
both by rail and road the old town of Hoshiarpur is
famous for its Vedic Research Institute, Bhrigusamhita system of
astrology, manufactures, especially, inlay work and lacquer finish
furniture , musical instruments and an archaeological museum
Patiala-Nabha-Malerkotla
- Ludhiana - Fatehgarh Sahib - Chandigarh.
Patiala
is renowned for its palaces, museums, sports, cuisine,fashionware. Nabha a
smaller State became famous as the venue of the freedom struggle where
Pandit Nehru had come to court arrest. Horlicks, the British firm runs a
flourishing tonic food plant here to enrich beverages. Malerkotla is a
Muslim Pathan state in Punjab . When the Governor of Sirhind had ordered
the entombment of the two younger holy sons of the 10th Sikh
Prophet,Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the ancestor of the Nawab of Malerkotla
had protested. In recognition of this act this state was not molested
during the holocaust of 1947. For embroidery , insignias and handiwork
artifacts Malerkotla is famous in India. Fatehgarh Sahib and Sirhind
nearby have several historical buildings, especially of the Muslim era.
Chandigarh is an ideal starting point for visiting Punjab.
Ludhiana
is Punjab's home of industry and famous Punjab Agriculture University. At
Moga the multinational Nestle Company manufactures a large variety of food
specialties . The border town of Ferozepur is known for its memorials to
the freedom fighters of India. At a nearby town on Ferozepur- Moga road
called Zira a beautiful Jain Swetembar Temple with ancient icons and wall
paintings is located. Bathinda has an 1800 years old fort and a
multinational firm Pepsi has set up plants here to manufacture Agro
products. Malout is an old mandi town,where produce from surrounding areas
is brought for sale. Muktsar is connected with the victory of the Sikh
forces commanded by the 10th Prophet Sri Guru Gobind Singh over the Mughal
forces of the Governor of Sirhind in 1705. Faridkot, the capital of
erstwhile Phulkian state, is famous for its fort and palace having
remarkable paintings, mirror - work and frescoes designed all over their
walls.
Amritsar
- Baba Bakala – Kartarpur - Jalandhar.
At
Baba Bakala the 9th Prophet of Sikhism Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
had revealed himself to Makhan Shah Lobana. Kartarpur was founded by the 5th
Prophet of Sikhism. The authenticated , handwritten copy of Sri Guru
Granth Sahib complied and edited by him and having his seal is located
here. It is also famous for the manufacture quality world-furniture.
Jalandhar is the oldest city of Punjab. Today it is internationally famous
for the manufacture of sports goods and landmarks connected with the Hindu
religion.
Chandigarh
, Ropar (Rup Nagar), Anandpur Sahib, Bhakra - Nangal, Ropar, Chandigarh.
Ropar is famous for its archeological funds. The valley of river Sutlej,
fromKiratpur Sahib to Anandpur Sahib was the seat of Sikhism for almost 80
years and is full of historical gurudwara, Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib being
the most important becauseon the day of Baisakhi in 1699 the 10th
Prophet of Sikhism had consummated the Sikh into the Khalsa -saint
soldier. Within Ropar town there is a wetland thrown up by river Sutlej .
The valley is also full of historical landmarks. At Bhakra we have the
world's highest straight gravity dam.