Punjab (India) Voyage Tips and guide

Punjab (Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬ Pañjāb) is a state in Northwestern India, bordering Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir to the northeast and north respectively, and Chandigarh, Haryana and Rajasthan to the southeast, south and southwest respectively.

Map of Punjab (India)

The Indian Punjab is a fairly small state, comparably smaller than the former pre-1966 East Punjab used to be a Region of India because it was separated from West Punjab, which was to become part of Pakistan respectively by the Radcliffe Line after British India was divided in 1947, now with 3 regions and 5 administrative divisions:

1. Faridkot

2. Ferozepur

3. Jalandhar

4. Patiala

5. Ropar

• 30.7333176.779421 Chandigarh — India's first planned city, the joint capital of both Haryana and Punjab.
• 31.6339874.872262 Amritsar — a holy city with the centre of Sikhism, the Golden Temple
• 31.3260275.576183 Jalandhar — an industrial centre
• 31.3875.384 Kapurthala — the former capital city of the Kapurthala State. It has British and French influences from the British Raj.
• 30.908975.8535 Ludhiana — an industrial city, sometimes called the Manchester of India. It is also the most populous.
• 30.9176.26 Machhiwara — a city in the state of Punjab in India. City for those interested in history, culture and religion
• 30.72876.7147 Mohali — a satellite city of Chandigarh with interesting local temples
• 32.2643475.642118 Pathankot — municipal corporation in Punjab. Also, capital of the Pathankot district
• 30.3476.389 Patiala — a city with a rich cultural heritage

• 31.1775.21 Harike Wetland — this has a diversity of wetland animals and plants. It was Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary and is known for its many species of migratory birds. It is habitat for several endangered species such as the Testudines Turtle and Smooth Indian Otter.

Punjab’s history is one of the oldest and most influential in South Asia, shaped by its fertile plains, powerful rivers, and position along major migration and trade routes. The region’s story begins with the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, which flourished around 2500 BCE in sites like Harappa and Rakhigarhi. Although many of these ancient cities lie in present‑day Pakistan, the cultural sphere extended across the wider Punjab region, leaving behind traditions of agriculture, craftsmanship, and settlement patterns that shaped later societies.

In the Vedic period, Punjab was known as Sapta Sindhu, the Land of Seven Rivers, and became a cradle of early Indo‑Aryan culture. The hymns of the Rigveda reference its rivers, battles, and pastoral life, making Punjab central to the formation of early Indian civilisation. Over the centuries, the region saw the rise and fall of numerous kingdoms, including the Gandhara and Kamboja realms, and later became a frontier for empires such as the Mauryas, Kushans, and Guptas. Its location made it a crossroads for traders, scholars, and invaders moving between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

From the medieval period onward, Punjab became a meeting point of cultures. The arrival of Islam through Central Asian dynasties introduced new artistic, architectural, and literary traditions. Cities like Lahore and Amritsar grew into vibrant centres of learning and trade. It was in this environment of cultural exchange that Sikhism emerged in the 15th century under Guru Nanak, who preached equality, compassion, and devotion to one God. Over the next two centuries, the ten Sikh Gurus shaped a distinct religious and social identity, building institutions such as the Golden Temple and compiling the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.

The 18th century saw the rise of the Sikh Misls, confederacies that defended the region during a period of political instability. These eventually unified under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who established the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. His rule brought stability, military strength, and a flourishing of arts and architecture. Lahore became the empire’s capital, and Punjab enjoyed a period of relative prosperity and cultural vibrancy.

After Ranjit Singh’s death, internal conflicts and external pressures weakened the empire, leading to the Anglo‑Sikh Wars and eventual British annexation in 1849. Under British rule, Punjab became a major agricultural and administrative centre. The introduction of canal irrigation transformed the landscape, while cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar grew into hubs of industry, education, and commerce. However, the colonial period also saw rising political tensions, culminating in events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, which became a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.

The Partition of 1947 was one of the most defining and traumatic moments in Punjab’s history. The region was divided between India and Pakistan, triggering one of the largest migrations in human history. Millions of people crossed the new borders, and the violence and displacement left deep scars on both sides. Indian Punjab underwent major demographic and cultural shifts as refugees rebuilt their lives in new towns and cities.

Post‑independence, Punjab experienced rapid agricultural and economic transformation. The Green Revolution of the 1960s turned the state into India’s breadbasket, dramatically increasing wheat and rice production. The state was reorganised in 1966, leading to the creation of modern‑day Punjab with a Sikh‑majority population and Chandigarh as its shared capital with Haryana. From the 1970s to the early 1990s, the state experienced a bloody insurgent movement in which extremist Sikh leaders and militants sought to create a Sikh-majority state, Khalistan. The tensions and violence stemming from the insurgent movement culminated in numerous events such as the assassination of then-prime minister Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots (in which thousands of Sikhs were murdered). This led to a huge exodus of Sikhs to the United Kingdom and Canada, which continue to have the largest Sikh populations outside India today. Although the insurgent movement has since died down, the horrors of what happened during the insurgency are still fresh in people's minds. Despite this, Punjab has continued to grow and become a modern state.

Punjab lies in the northwestern part of India and is defined by its fertile plains, shaped for centuries by the rivers of the Indus basin. The state’s name—derived from the Persian panj ab, meaning “five waters”—refers to the five major rivers that historically flowed through the region: the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum. Today, only the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi flow through Indian Punjab, but the landscape remains one of the most agriculturally productive in the country. Wide fields of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and mustard dominate the scenery, supported by an extensive network of canals and irrigation systems.

The state is largely flat, with gentle undulations and occasional low hills near the Shivalik foothills in the northeast. Major cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala sit within this fertile plain, while Chandigarh—shared with Haryana—lies at the edge of the Himalayas.

Punjab experiences an extreme continental climate, with hot summers, cool winters, and a short but intense monsoon. Summers (April–June) can be very hot, with temperatures often rising above 40°C. The monsoon arrives in July, bringing most of the annual rainfall and turning the fields lush and green. Winters (November–February) are cool to cold, with foggy mornings and temperatures that can drop close to freezing in some areas. The climate, combined with rich alluvial soil, is a major reason for Punjab’s agricultural success.

Official websites:

• Government of Punjab
• Punjab Tourism^{[dead link]}

Punjab is a linguistically vibrant state, and language plays a major role in its cultural identity. The primary language spoken across the state is Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script. It is the everyday language of communication in homes, markets, villages, and cities, and travellers will hear it everywhere—from lively street conversations to folk songs and gurdwara hymns. Punjabi has a warm, expressive tone, and even simple greetings like sat sri akal (a common Sikh greeting) are welcomed with enthusiasm.

Hindi is widely understood and used in administration, media, and inter‑state communication. Most people, especially in urban areas, are bilingual in Punjabi and Hindi, making it easy for travellers from other parts of India to communicate. English is commonly spoken in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, particularly in hotels, restaurants, universities, and among younger people.

In rural areas, you may hear regional dialects such as Malwai, Doabi, and Majhi, each associated with different parts of the state. Majhi, spoken around Amritsar and Gurdaspur, is considered the standard form of Punjabi, while Malwai and Doabi have their own distinct rhythms and vocabulary. These dialects are mutually intelligible and add to the cultural richness of the region.

Sikh religious spaces often use a mix of Punjabi and classical languages like Braj or Sant Bhasha in hymns, but explanations and community interactions are usually in everyday Punjabi. Travellers will find locals friendly and eager to help, and even a few basic phrases—sat sri akal, dhanyavaad (thank you), or haan ji (yes)—go a long way in building rapport.

• Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ ^IATA ) handles flights from major Indian cities as well as international routes from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. It’s the most convenient entry point for travellers visiting Amritsar, the Golden Temple, or destinations in Majha.
• Chandigarh Airport ( IXC ^IATA ) shared with Haryana, is another major hub. It offers frequent domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other metros, along with a few international connections. Chandigarh is a good entry point for travellers heading to Punjab’s southern districts or planning to continue onward to Himachal Pradesh.
• Ludhiana Airport (LUH  ^IATA) and Bathinda Airport (BUP  ^IATA) operate limited domestic services, mainly connecting to Delhi or other regional cities. These smaller airports can be useful for travellers visiting industrial hubs or rural areas but are less reliable for long‑distance travel.

Punjab is very well connected by rail, with frequent services linking it to major cities across India. The state sits on some of the busiest railway corridors in the north, making train travel one of the most convenient ways to arrive.

Amritsar Junction is the largest and most important station, with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and many other cities. Premium services like the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains offer fast, comfortable connections from Delhi, making Amritsar an easy weekend or pilgrimage destination.

Ludhiana Junction is another major hub, especially for travellers heading to central Punjab or the industrial belt. It has excellent connectivity to Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, and eastern India. Jalandhar City, Patiala, Bathinda, and Firozpur also serve as significant regional stations with regular long‑distance and express services.

Chandigarh, though shared with Haryana, is a key entry point for travellers heading to southern Punjab. It offers fast trains from Delhi and good onward connections by road and rail.

Most stations have taxis, auto‑rickshaws, and app‑based rides available outside the terminal. Buses and local trains connect smaller towns and rural areas, making it easy to continue your journey deeper into the state.

Punjab has an extensive and well‑maintained road network, making it easy to enter the state from neighbouring regions. Highways connect Punjab directly to Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan, with frequent bus services and smooth driving routes. The NH44 corridor (Delhi–Ambala–Ludhiana–Jalandhar–Amritsar) is one of India’s busiest and most convenient highways, offering fast access to major cities across the state.

State‑run and private buses operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jammu, and Shimla to destinations like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar. Options range from basic non‑AC buses to Volvo and luxury coaches. Travellers driving their own vehicles will find good road conditions on most major routes, though rural roads can be narrower and slower.

Punjab also borders Pakistan, and the historic Wagah–Attari border near Amritsar is the only road crossing between the two countries. However, the border is closed for regular civilian travel as of April 2026, and no overland entry from Pakistan into India is permitted. Visitors can still attend the famous Wagah Border ceremony, but this does not allow crossing between the countries.

Within India, entering Punjab by road is straightforward, with plenty of rest stops, dhabas, and fuel stations along the way. The state’s flat terrain makes road travel comfortable and efficient for most visitors.

Travelling by car is one of the most convenient ways to get around Punjab. The state has excellent highways and smooth intercity roads, especially along the Delhi–Ambala–Ludhiana–Jalandhar–Amritsar corridor. Driving is generally comfortable thanks to the flat terrain, though traffic can be heavy near major cities. Taxis and app‑based rides (where available) are reliable for both short trips and full‑day hires. Renting a car with a driver is common and often easier than self‑drive, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.

Two‑wheelers are a popular way to explore cities and smaller towns, offering flexibility and ease of movement through traffic. Scooters and motorcycles can be rented in larger cities like Chandigarh and Amritsar. Roads are generally good, but riders should be cautious of unpredictable traffic, tractors, and livestock on rural stretches. Helmets are legally required and strongly recommended for safety.

Auto‑rickshaws are widely available in all cities and towns and are ideal for short distances. They are inexpensive, quick, and easy to hail from the roadside. In larger cities, shared autos follow fixed routes and offer an even cheaper option. Fares are usually negotiated beforehand, as meters are not always used. For travellers, autos are a convenient way to navigate busy markets, old city areas, and short hops between attractions.

Punjab has an extensive bus network connecting almost every town and village. Government‑run Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses operate frequent services, while private operators offer more comfortable options like Volvo and AC coaches on major routes. Buses are affordable and practical for intercity travel, though rural routes may be slower and more crowded. Major bus terminals in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh serve as key hubs for onward travel.

• Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
• Golden Temple, Amritsar.
• The Royal Punjabi Palaces and monuments of Patiala.
• Purana Quilla in Bathinda.
• Wagha Border. Between Amritsar, Punjab, India and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Bhakra Nangal Dam across the Sutlej River. Bilaspur_(Himachal_Pradesh)
• Mehdiana Sahib Gurudwara outside Manuke near Jagraon
• The Gurudwaras and historic monuments at Anandpur Sahib.
• Hussaini Wala Border, Firozpur.
• Chandigarh, the modern city designed by French architect Le Corbusier.
• The Royal Palaces of Faridkot.
• Historic monuments in Fatehgarh Saheb, Chamkaur Saheb and Sirhind, which saw a lot of action during Guru Gobind Singh's time as the 10th Guru of Sikhism.
• Historic monuments in Nabha and Sangrur.
• Ancient Fort at Bathinda, in Bathinda.
• The Gurudwara Bhabour Sahib, a Sikh place of worship, as well as several other holy places and an Ashram are located at Nangal.
• Shahpur Kandi fort and Madhopur headworks near Pathankot.
• Ancient Buddhist and Hindu archeological sites at Sanghol in Fatehgarh Sahib and Dholbaha in Hoshiarpur district respectively.
• Indus Valley civilization site at Ropar
• Gurdwara Nanaksar and Gurdwara Mehdiana Sahib at Jagraon

• Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Angol Sikh War Memorial, Ferozeshah
• Little Villages.
• Govt. Museum Hoshiarpur
• Sports Museum, National Institute of Sports, Patiala
• Sanghol Museum
• Art Gallery at Sheesh Mahal
• Qila Mubarak Patiala, Museum of Armoury & Chaneliers
• Guru Teg Bahadur Museum

Kabaddi is the most iconic sport of Punjab. The state hosts major tournaments, including the famous Kabaddi World Cup (circle style), which draws large crowds and teams from around the world. Matches are fast, physical, and accompanied by energetic commentary and music, making them a memorable experience for visitors.

Wrestling (Kushti) is another deeply rooted tradition. Akharas across the state train young wrestlers in age‑old techniques, often combining physical discipline with a strong sense of community. Local competitions, known as dangals, attract enthusiastic spectators and showcase the region’s strength‑based sporting heritage.

Punjab also has a strong presence in hockey, historically producing many players for India’s national teams. Cities like Jalandhar and Amritsar have well‑known training centres and stadiums. Cricket is widely played as well, with Mohali’s PCA Stadium (near Chandigarh) hosting international matches and IPL games.

Rural sports festivals, such as the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, highlight Punjab’s unique athletic culture. Events include tractor races, tug‑of‑war, horseback stunts, and feats of strength that blend sport with spectacle. These festivals offer travellers a vivid glimpse into the state’s traditions and community spirit.

Punjab’s spiritual heart lies in its gurdwaras, the most famous being the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Visitors can walk the marble parikrama, listen to devotional music, and experience the community‑run langar, one of the world’s largest free kitchens. Other important sites include Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa, and Durgiana Temple, known for its serene lake setting.

The state has a rich military and cultural history. Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar offers live performances, museums, and evening light shows. Qila Mubarak in Patiala showcases royal architecture, while the Partition Museum in Amritsar provides a powerful look at the events of 1947. Jalandhar’s Rangla Punjab Haveli recreates traditional village life with crafts, performances, and food.

Punjab’s villages are the soul of the state. Travellers can stay at farmstays, ride tractors through fields, watch traditional cooking, or join in seasonal activities like wheat harvesting or kite flying. The countryside is especially beautiful during mustard‑flower season, when fields turn bright yellow.

Punjab’s festivals are vibrant and full of energy. Baisakhi, marking the harvest and the founding of the Khalsa, is celebrated with fairs, music, and dance. Lohri brings bonfires and folk songs in winter. The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics near Ludhiana showcase unique events like bullock cart races, horseback stunts, and feats of strength.

Kabaddi matches, wrestling dangals, and hockey games are common across the state. Many villages host local tournaments, and attending one is a great way to experience Punjab’s athletic culture. In Mohali, the PCA Stadium hosts major cricket matches and IPL games.

Markets here are a shopper's haven, but only if you're not afraid to haggle and bump elbows in bazaars. Western-style malls and shopping emporia are creeping in on the outskirts, but there's little Indian about these sanitized shopping experiences, or the goods in them. Until a few years back, all shops closed on Sunday; while rules have been relaxed, many districts are still mostly shuttered.

Shopping in Punjab is a colourful and lively experience, with markets full of traditional crafts, textiles, and everyday items that reflect the state’s vibrant culture. One of the most iconic things to buy is phulkari, the intricate embroidery that has been part of Punjabi heritage for centuries. You’ll find beautifully embroidered dupattas, shawls, and stoles in markets across Amritsar, Patiala, and Jalandhar, ranging from simple everyday pieces to elaborate hand‑stitched designs meant for weddings and festivals. Another popular purchase is Punjabi juttis, the traditional leather shoes decorated with beads, threadwork, and bright colours. These are widely available in Amritsar’s Hall Bazaar and Patiala’s local markets, and they make for comfortable and stylish souvenirs.

Punjab is also known for its distinctive clothing styles, especially Patiala salwar suits, which are comfortable, elegant, and available in a wide range of fabrics and patterns. Many travellers also pick up colourful dupattas, turbans, and ready‑made Punjabi outfits that reflect the region’s bold aesthetic. For something more contemporary, cities like Ludhiana and Chandigarh have large malls and factory outlets selling knitwear, sportswear, and branded clothing, thanks to Punjab’s strong textile industry.

While credit cards are commonly accepted, you can not use them to pay at small street side shops. So you need to keep some cash handy. ATMs are available everywhere, so if you have an Indian bank account or credit card, you don't need to carry too much cash either. If you are a foreigner, it is a good idea to carry some cash to avoid charges while using your credit or debit card.

Keep some money in a different currency as well, You will find in some places giving a US$10 note will change how fast things move.

Foreigners will have to be very careful, as all these stores are road-side stalls. What may seem a good price that the person has quoted to you, it will actually be a rip off. Do not settle for anything more than one-fourth the quoted price. If they refuse a price just walk away, and they will call you back quoting a lower price. Normally, the more you buy, the less you will have to pay for each individual item.

Punjab has a strong work culture shaped by agriculture, industry, and a large global diaspora. The state is one of India’s most prosperous regions, and its economy is driven by farming, manufacturing, textiles, and small‑scale enterprises. Agriculture remains central to rural life, with wheat, rice, and dairy forming the backbone of the economy. Travellers visiting farmstays or rural areas will often see families working together in fields, tending livestock, or managing small agro‑businesses.

Urban Punjab offers a very different work environment. Cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Mohali are major industrial and commercial hubs, known for textiles, sports goods, bicycle manufacturing, and light engineering. Ludhiana, in particular, is famous for its knitwear and garment factories, while Jalandhar is a global centre for sports equipment. Chandigarh and Mohali have growing IT parks, corporate offices, and service‑sector jobs, attracting young professionals from across northern India.

Punjab’s large overseas community also influences local work culture. Many families have relatives in Canada, the UK, or the Middle East, and remittances play a significant role in the state’s economy. This global connection has shaped aspirations, education, and business practices, especially in urban and semi‑urban areas.

For travellers, short‑term work opportunities are limited, but volunteering on farms, participating in cultural programs, or engaging with local NGOs is possible through organised programs. The overall work environment in Punjab is energetic, entrepreneurial, and deeply rooted in community life, reflecting the state’s reputation for hard work and hospitality.

While it is widely popular, there is a misconception in some Western countries that Punjabi cuisine is completely curry-based. One of the main features of Punjabi cuisine is its diverse range of dishes, whose level of spiciness can vary from minimal to very high. Home-cooked and restaurant-made Punjabi cuisine can vary significantly. Restaurant-style cooking uses large amounts of clarified butter, known locally as desi ghee, while home cooking is done with liberal amounts of butter and cream, and concentrates mainly upon masalas (blends of spices). There are also different regional preferences. For example, people in the area of Amritsar prefer stuffed parathas and milk products. The area is well known for the quality of its milk products. There are certain dishes which are exclusive to Punjab, such as mah di dal and saron da saag.

Punjabi cuisine can be non-vegetarian or completely vegetarian. Due to Sikh and Hindu religious beliefs, beef is a banned item, neither consumed nor sold in Punjab.

There are a variety of pulse, bean and/or lentil preparations that one should try. Common preparation generally includes being soaked overnight, or for at least 8 hours, and then gently simmered on the embers of a tandoor along with ginger, garlic and a few other garam masala (whole spices like cardamom, coriander, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, mace, and bay leaf). These are then combined with a tangy masala base which could include tomato or dried mango (aamchur powder) or even pomegranate seeds (anar dana). The typical character of the bean or whole lentil preparation is that the shape of the vegetable remains intact, but the gentlest pressure would make it into a paste. Dollops of cream and butter are sometimes provided for a rich, finishing touch. Garnishing is usually done with shredded coriander leaves and ginger.

Some very popular Punjabi foods should not be missed. These include:

• Samosas - A fried or baked pastry with savory filling.
• Kulcha with Pindi Chhole - A famous breakfast in Punjab, especially in Amritsar. Kulcha is a flatbread baked in tandoor oven and served with chickpeas.
• Murgh Makhani - Butter chicken.
• Chicken tikka
• Shahi paneer - Indian cheese
• Tandoori chicken or fish - Meat, traditionally roasted in a tandoor, that has been covered in a yoghurt and spice marinade.
• Paneer pakora - Indian-style cheese fritters
• Pakoras - Fried snacks that come in a variety of flavors and ingredients.

Punjabi breads are generally flat breads; only a few varieties are raised breads. The breads may be made of different types of flour and can be made in various ways such as being baked in a tandoor, dry baked on a tava, shallow fried, or deep fried.

The tandoor also allows for tasty chicken and meat preparations. Some that you might be familiar with include seekh kebab, tandoori chicken, reshmi tikka and malai tikka.

Sweet desserts are popular. They are given out on birthdays and other special events. Some popular ones include:

• Jalabee - Wheat batter that is shaped into pretzel or circle form, fried and soaked in syrup.
• Gulab jamun - A prepared milk solids dessert, often mixed with spices, rolled into a ball and fried at low heat. Commonly soaked in a sweet syrup with spices and garnished with nuts or fruit.
• Kulfi - A milk dessert similar to ice cream.
• Kheer - Rice pudding flavoured with spices and often also with nuts.

The sheer variety of Punjabi cuisine makes it difficult to create a comprehensive guide. If you see or smell something that seems good, do not hesitate to try it; you are unlikely to be disappointed.

There are fast food restaurants in almost every city. McDonald's, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino's, KFC and many others can be found. There are also many Indian fast food shops catering to Western-style food. However, you won't find any hamburgers, as no restaurant in Punjab serves beef.

Drinks found in Punjab are the same as the ones throughout India, but often have a Punjabi twist to them.

• Chai is an Indian Tea. It is more popular than coffee, and street vendors called "chai wallahs" (sometimes spelled "chaiwalas") are a common sight in many Punjabi neighborhoods.
• Lassi is a traditional North Indian beverage, made by blending yoghurt with water, salt, and spices until frothy. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavored with ground, roasted cumin. The Lassi is sometimes made with a little milk and is topped with a thin layer of malai, a clotted cream, also known as Devonshire cream. Lassis are enjoyed chilled as a hot-weather refreshment. With a little turmeric powder mixed in, it is also used as a folk remedy for gastroenteritis.
• Sharbat is a popular Middle Eastern and South Asian "juice" that is prepared from fruits or flower petals. It is sweet and served chilled. It can be in concentrate form and eaten with a spoon or mixed with water to create a drink. It was popularised by the Mughal rulers, one of whom sent for frequent loads of ice from the Himalayas to get a cool refreshing drink.
• Desi Daroo, also known in different parts of the country under other names. It is made by fermenting the mash of sugar cane pulp in large spherical containers made of terra cotta, and nearly 100% alcohol. However, it is a dangerous drink, mainly because of the risk of alcohol or copper formaldehyde poisoning.
• Coffee, also known as Madras filter coffee or kaapi, is a sweet milky coffee made from dark roasted coffee beans and chicory. The most commonly used coffee beans are peaberry (preferred), Arabica, Malabar and robusta grown in the hills of Kerala (Malabar region), Karnataka (Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru) and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris District).
• There are many types of liquor and beer available at most restaurants. Imported brands are also available in some of the higher-class restaurants but the price is much steeper. There are also some liquors and beers available locally that are of very poor quality. These are usually distinguished by the price: you'll get what you pay for. You can expect to pay up to 3 or 5 times the price of local liquors for IMFL. Usually, only a select few imports are available and Johnnie Walker is usually one of them. If you are taking a gift for people who you know drink and won't be offended, then bringing some kind of Scotch whisky is a good idea.

Power outages and water shortages happen not just every day, but often several times on the same day, with summers especially bad. Better places have water tanks and generators to alleviate the pain, but keep a flashlight handy at night and do your part by not wasting too much water.

• Laundry service is offered in most hotels, even budget accommodations. If you would rather save the money and do it yourself, buckets are found in almost all bathrooms - but perhaps rinse it out well first.
• Exercising outdoors is not recommended due to the high level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. You'll want to look for a hotel with a gym or a pool (many offer day passes). Alternatively, an evening/morning walk can be taken in the parks.

There are many different daily newspapers. The following are in English:

• The Tribune - Punjab's oldest newspaper
• The Indian Express - National daily published in Chandigarh.
• Hindustan Times - National daily published in Chandigarh.
• The Times of India - National daily. Sub-Circulatories: The Times Of Chandigarh, The Economic Times, The Business Times
• The Pioneer- National daily published in Chandigarh.
• Business Line- Business daily newspaper.

	WARNING: Many countries advise against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border. The Wagah-Attari border crossing is closed.
	Government travel advisories Australia Canada New Zealand United Kingdom
	(Information last updated 09 Nov 2025)

Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. Pickpocketing is common in some parts. Put your wallet in your front pocket; don't carry a lot of things at one time; don't carry original copies of passports, visas, etc. Try not to use the ₹1000 and ₹500 notes, especially not in smaller shops. Many shops, except the big retails chains, don't accept credit and debit card so have some cash handy.

To be on the safe side, avoid being in crowded places and getting stuck in protests or rallies. Try to walk in groups especially at night or in isolated areas.

Be wary of the traffic; don't assume; be very careful on the road.

Public displays of affection are not usually tolerated, especially non-straight. Bribing the police is not recommended although is a common practice as power, bureaucracy, and corruption are rooted deep in the overall government structure.

Local politics are complex - very complex. Although the vast majority of people simply want harmony and peace, some Sikh political parties believe that religion and politics should go hand in hand. There's also a small section of people who believe that Punjab should be a fully autonomous area for Sikhs. Be mindful of this all when having a political conversation - You never know who might be listening or eavesdropping.

Approach subjects such as the Punjab Insurgency and the anti-Sikh riots with caution and respect. Although the worst of the insurgency has since gone away, a lot of people lost their loved ones during the anti-Sikh riots and constantly express frustration at the government for failing to prosecute those who were personally involved in the incident.

Jarnail Bhidranwale is a controversial person to discuss. In some circles (particularly among radical Sikh groups), people may be offended by the suggestion that he was a terrorist or a separatist.

Sikh names follow this pattern: given name + religious name + surname. For males, the religious name is "Singh", and for females, the religious name is "Kaur".

• Prefix +91 If you are calling from outside India, each city has a separate 3-4 digit area code. Phone numbers are seven digits long but on occasion you will find a six digit number listed. That is probably an old listing. They made the changeover from six to seven digits a few years back, when they allowed private service providers to offer telephony. Just add a "2" to the old number and it should work just fine, however if that does not work try prefixing "5". All mobile numbers, however are 10 digits long and begin with "9", and should not be dialed with the city prefix. If you don't get through to a mobile number, try adding a "0" or "+91" before you dial it.
• Phone booths can be found all over the State. Though they are coin operated, there is usually someone to run the place. (Typically the phones are attached to a roadside shop) You need to keep putting ₹1 coins into the slot to extend the talk time, so keep a change of ₹1 coins handy with you. The person running the booth will usually have them. If you find a booth marked STD/ISD, you can call internationally or anywhere within the country. Fees will be charged according to the time spent and a meter runs to keep track of your time. You pay when you have finished your call. Often it is difficult to find one that is open early in the morning or late at night.
• Cell phone coverage in the state is excellent. There are many service providers offering a wide variety of prepaid and postpaid plans. Among them are Airtel and Vodafone Essar^{[dead link]}. There are many other companies as well, these are just the main ones used. Majority of the networks are GSM so if you have a cell phone you bring with you, chances are it will run on this network. Some companies like Reliance Mobile^{[dead link]}, TATA Indicom^{[dead link]} offer CDMA networks also, but usually they insist that you but the CDMA handset from them only.
• Cybercafes are located at virtually every street corner and the rates are quite low. Just keep in mind that they have probably not kept pace with advances in hardware or software, so if you find yourself in one of them, don't be surprised if you are stuck with a really small monitor, Windows 98 and IE 5.0. Also data security is an issue. Change your password after you use it at a cybercafe.