Punjab Trails…

Travelling to Punjab was due since my first solo trip at Rishikesh where I had met bunch of guys from Punjab and was awestuck by their Punjabiyat. Shortly after release of Udta Punjab I had booked my tickets. The nostalgic feeling of whether to go or not strikes in, when people start giving mixed reactions for a girl to travel to Punjab and that too alone.

While I was researching on travel to Punjab I could gather information only in bits and pieces with no idea of how far or how near the locations are. Being a total control freak this totally shatters my faith in Google.

Tip no. 1 – Always carry a photo identity which has got address like license or passport. All hotels mandatorily need this identity. PAN will not suffice.

Tip no.2 – Punjab has got two major airports. Start your travel from Chandigarh and end at Amritsar or vice versa.

Day 1 – Chandigarh

I always opt for early morning flight, as it gives an entire day without wasting much of travelling time. Opt to stay near Sector 43 or Tribune Chowk due to its connectivity to public transport. If you are a car lover then opt for Sector 17 which is where the most happening locations are – the market, pubs, tourist attractions.

Chandigarh is a planned city and while travelling through the city you will notice how well planned and maintained the city is. People in default mode work to keep the city clean. You will not find people littering around. Which is why all the places in Chandigarh are clean and tidy.

The sight of any road will bring a smile

Rock Garden

Mr. Nek Chand the brain behind this garden, has utilized the remains used while making Chandigarh. The entire garden will leave you awestuck with the epitome of creativity using broken bangles, tiles, pots for making the garden. They even have around 30 swings which will bring back your childhood as you swing to your hearts content.

 

Sukhna Lake

As the name sounds it is indeed a lake which gives you peace and serenity. Though a man made lake the beauty and wonder what a man can achieve will bring a smile on your face.

Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Garden)

Though August is not right time to visit, the Garden is well kept with seasonal plants and greenery all around. Just sit alongside the fountain and watch as the sun sets.

Japenese Garden

As the name sounds, the garden is a themed garden with Japenese culture of meditation and stillness being imbibed while designing the garden. Attended a yoga session being carried out and trust me its so relaxing.

Day 2 (Patiala)

Took an early bus to Patiala which is a good 1.30 hour drive. Patiala though not figures on must see locations. A days travel to Patiala is good enough. Take a cycle rickshaw and strike a deal to take you around Patiala.

Qila Mubarak.

It was the residential palace of Patiala Royal family. Great collection of different type of mirrors and various weapons at its museum is impressible. Beautiful painting of Sikh Rulers including some of British kings and queen still looks fresh. Camera strictly not allowed, though you can click photos from your mobile. I wonder why even mobiles are allowed.

 Sheesh Mahal

Maharaja Narinder Singh built this Mahal. One section of Sheesh Mahal is decorated with colored glass and mirror work and it is also known as ‘Palace of Mirrors’. There is a bridge across the artificial lake in the centre of the palace. This bridge is known as Lakshman Jhoola. You can also see giant statues of the Maharaja and Queen Victoria. Here too camera not allowed though you can click photos with your mobile phone.

Dukh Niwaran Saheb

The story told to me by the darban was that ninth guru of Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur had visited the village to bless the inhabitants who were suffering from mysterious sickness. The water in the pool is called the nectar of life and believed to heal various sickness. It is here that I read Sukh muni Saheb a part of Guru Granth Saheb and was left spellbound with so many references to Ram, Hari and essence of life.

 

You can visit nearby Baradri Garden as you have come all the way to Patiala. Baradri Palace though earlier was open to visitors has now been converted into Hotel.

Day 3 (Naina Devi and Anandpur Saheb)

I opted for a car as these locations are quite far. Best and cheapest mode of travelling is to  take a Bus and go to Bhakra Nangal Dam and then to Naina Devi. Stay there for one night and come down to Anandpur Saheb and visit the Gurudwara and Virasat e khalsa and come back to Chandigarh the same day. But not knowing the distance and location has its own cons.

Naina Devi

It is a Shakthi Peeth and Sidh Peeth. Historical story being when Mata Sati corpse was destroyed by Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, the eyes had fallen here. Hence the name Naina devi. Do ensure that you do not visit the place on Sunday, Monday and during Sawan and navratras. I landed here on a Sunday so it took me around 5.30 hours to get a darshan.

 

 

Anandpur Saheb

Also known as City of Bliss, it is one of the most sacred places for Sikh religion. Guru Kesar Sahib is the main attraction here. If you are Anandpur don’t miss Virasat e khalsa. Your trip to Punjab is incomplete if you have not visited this place. Virasat e khalsa is closed on Monday and on national holidays. It starts at 10 a.m. and shuts at 5.00 p.m. So plan your trip accordingly. I missed it while I visited Anandpur Sahib

 

Day 4 (Pinjore, Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi)

Mansa Devi

Mansa Devi is again a Shakthi Peeth with a portion of forehead of Mata Sati falling here. Again don’t visit during Sawan, Sundays and Saturdays.

 

Chandi Devi

Visiting Chandigarh and not visting the goddess who blessed the city with its name Chandigarh is incomplete. Though not very popular but not paying homage to the temple would not have satiated my curiosity. It is a swyambhu temple and the goddess is known as Chamundeshwari or mahishasur wardini as the goddess had destroyed the demon Mahishasur. The temple falls in the state of Haryana and you don’t have direct bus. So opt for a Rickshaw from Mansa Devi which can take you to the temple.

 

 

Pinjore

Pinjore again falls in Haryana. A beautiful garden built in Mughal style by the Patiala Rulers. Jal Mahal, Rang Mahal and the Mango Gardens are worth the time and travel.

 

I took a bus to Jallandhar so that I can reach by evening and checked in at a hotel. It’s a good 2 hour drive from Chandigarh.

Day 5 (Science City Centre)

Am big fan of science right from schooling days. Became a laywer by fluke!! A must visit to this place for an entire day. Take a package where they show you some great movies about science, creation, climate change etc. They have various sections like aeronautism, simulators which are fun, laser show, bird gallery, Sports science, Dinasour park. There’s so much to learn and imbibe, that I had to rush for the later portion. But do plan a visit to this knowledge bank.

 

Devi Talab Mandir

This temple is again a Shakthi Peeth with Mata Satis Right breast falling here. The temple is in midst of a lake and hence the name devi talab mandir. The temple is best to see in the evening with all the lightings.

 

Day 6 (Bhakra Nangal Dam and Virasat e khalsa)

Bhakra Nangal Dam

Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam across Satluj River in Himachal. Nangal Dam is built downstream of Bhakra Dam. Both the dams together are called Bhakra Nangal Dam. Don’t get confused when the local say Nangal Dam. Take a rickshaw to PRO office of BEAS. Get a white pass made, as it is mandatory for people who get down at the Bhakra Stop to have a white pass.

Though it is recommended to get a red pass made at Chandigarh before visiting Bhakra Dam. Due to tight security even roaming around the dam is not permitted, though you can vist the Nehru Museum to understand the entire history and efforts of the human miracle called the Bhakra Nangal Dam.

If carrying a camera, put it in your bag and seal it. There are three levels of check and every where your bag and belongings get checked.

Virasat e Khalsa

As I had missed visiting this place last time I came to Anandpur. I headed here to be spell bound by the creativity of the khalsa centre which at every inch talks about the rich Punjab Culture and the rise of Khalsa. Ask for audio phone at the entrance with the language of your choice. Else the visit is just like any other art gallery. But to know the importance of every wall that has been designed do opt for the audio phone and spend a leisure 2 hours in the museum.

 

Panch Pyare park

A park dedicated to the first five followers of Guru Gobind Singh together called the Panch Pyare. You can see the fountain and the symbol from Harminder Sahib. It’s a 20 minutes walk from the Gurudwara. Visit during the day or evening it still leaves you enchanted with its simplicity.

Head back to Jallandhar or opt to stay at the Gurudwara of Anandpur sahib, which gives a cheap accommodation and you end up meeting lot of localites who spill out a great learning on Sikhism.

Day 7 (Amritsar)

Took a bus and reached Amritsar which is a 2 hour drive from Jallandhar. Check in at a hotel. If you have reached at around 2 then move straight to Wagah Border or you will miss the parade which starts at 5.30 during summers and 4.30 during winters. You can later visit the Golden temple. I went straight to Wagah Border as I had got late. You can opt for share rickshaws which take take you for Rs. 300.

 

Wagah Border

Theres a pass which is issued and is asked before getting into the seating arrangement. If you do not have a pass you have to wait till the last where once the seats are filled in your are allowed inside. The Flag retreat ceremony is worth the visit with both the Indian side and Pakistani Side showing anger and pride.

 

Golden Temple

Also known as Harminder Sahib was built by the Fifth Guru of Sikhism Guru Arjan who installed Adi Granth. The temple was built as a place of worship for all men and women of all walks of life and religions to come and pray to god equally. The water tank is also called the pool of nectar. The name Amritsar is derived from this water tank.

Though the temple is open 24 hours, the main temple where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept closes at 10.15. I was blessed to witness the ritual where Guru Granth Sahib is taken to resting place. Guru Granth Sahib is again brought back to the temple at 4.30 in the morning which I did make a point to attend.

Day 8

Jallianwala Baugh

A memorial built to honour the martyrs who were killed by General Dyre. It’s a walking distance from Golden Temple.

Durgiana Temple

It’s a famous Krishna temple in Amritsar and also houses various other god idols. Opt for a cycle rickshaw instead of Rickshaw which can take for a cheaper rate to the temple. The temple is built in style of Golden temple.

 

 

 

Farmers Villa

Whats a visit to Punjab if you haven’t seen the lush green fields and done some farming. On my last day at Punjab, opted for a farm stay at Amritsar called the Farmers villa. The villa is located in midst of farm and the owner Mr.Daudwal and his wife are excelled hosts. You can try your hand at tractor, milking the cow and interacting with the villagers who are quite cheerful and happy to host you. Top it up the excellent home cooked food is cherry topping on the cake.

 

 

The land of five rivers Punjab will leave you spell bound. Punjabis are the most welcoming and kind hearted people i have ever met. Drip yourself in the teaching of sikhism or become a glutton with parathas and thick lassis. Get into a cocoon in the village or get out and learn some farming. The land has so much to offer to everyone.

Indeed a Udta Punjab, in the correct sense.