FAST FACTS:

Area:                           50,362 sq km

Languages:                 Punjabi, Hindi

Religion:                     Hindus (34.46%), Sikhs (62.95%), others (2.59%)

Literacy rate:              57.14%

Annual Mean Rainfall: 770 mm

Maximum Temperature: 43.33°C

Minimum Temperature: 4.44°C

Per Capita Income: 19,500 (at current prices in 1997-98)

Capital: Chandigarh

Urbanization Ratio: 29.55%

Best Time to Visit: October to March

INTRODUCTION:

Punjab, the land of five rivers and integrated cultural history, is a treasure trove for an avid tourist. For this land of the great gurus not only boasts of ancient monuments but throbs with historical embodiments. It is no secret that whoever comes to this land of yellow fields with blue mountains providing the romantic and picturesque backdrop has never gone back without imbibing the essence of Punjab.

There is no dearth of breathtaking palaces, for Punjab was the seat of royalty, as the imposing Qila Mubarak will tell you. Museums galore and so are the religious   places with the Golden Temple offering peace to the mind and soul of any one visiting. If you are a wild life freak, then   Punjab can take you on a tour of the sanctuaries, which are hot favorites with migratory birds. Since this state borders Pakistan, there are two main posts from which you can peep into the land that was once an integral part of Punjab and experience the feelings of the people separated by a line.   The much truncated India's portion of present Punjab is divided into three natural regions: the Majha, the Doaba and the Malwa

Area of Punjab that is between rivers of Beas and Sutlej is called Doaba, major cities in this part of Punjab are Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Nawan Shahr. Majha is between Beus and Chenab and on both sides of Ravi, this part is called the heart of Punjab and cities include, Lahore, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Sialkote, Kasur, Lyallpur(Faisalabad), Faridkot and Ferozepur. In Majha part of Punjab many new cities were developed by converting the forests into cultivating land and is called Bar, cities include Lyallpur (Faisalabad), Montgomery, etc. Area beyond Chenab river in North and around river Jhelum is called Pothohar, cities include Rawalpindi, Hasan Abdal, etc. Area between Ravi and Chenab river is called Rachna doab cities are Gujrat, Sargodha, etc. Area of Malwa is southern Punjab facing Rajasthan and East of river Beus, cities include Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, Karnal, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Shahabad, and Abohar.

WETLANDS AND WILD LIFE

Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary
 

It is one of the India's most important lakes; in winters (November-onwards) it becomes a welcome home to nearly 350 species of migratory birds, coming from as far as Siberia. It is also one of India's leading in-land sweet water fish market and home of varied wild life.

Kanjli Wetland, Kapurtala

Maharaja of Kapurthala had built a lake after making a barrage on river Kali Bein. Many rivulet discharges into this river and a beautiful lake is still there. On the left side of lake lies a green forest with some wildlife. Maharaja had built a retreat called The Villa on French design on the banks of this lake. The present descendant of Maharaja uses as their residence. The lake is a beautiful home of migratory birds in winters, has been developed as a still more beautiful picnic spot with all the infrastructure facilities. The tourist can go for boating in this lake.

Sutlej Water Body Wetland, Ropar

Zoological Park Chhatbir: 20 km from Chandigarh and 55 km from Patiala spread over 202 Acres of raw scrubland, it houses 52 species of animal and 62species of birds in a simulated natural habitat. It is famous for its Lion Safari and is the biggest park of its type in India. Tiger Safari near Ludhiana and a Deer Park at Neelon on Ludhiana- Chandigarh road are also worth visiting.

GARDENS:

Bansar Garden, Sangrur

Sangrur is situated on Ludhiana-Jakhal Railway line and is well connected by road with Patiala, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Bathinda. The Banasar garden, in addition to its walking trails and plantations is famous for its marble Baradari (building with 12 doors), mini zoo and the old Diwan Khana which is a museum now and which stands out of the middle of a pool. It is decorated with carved marble slabs and four towers. One enters the Baradari through a bridge leading to a marble gate on the western side. Banasar garden is open to public now.

Aam Khas Bagh, Sirhind

Approachable by road both from Patiala and Chandigarh and by rail from Patiala. First built by Akbar, additions were made by Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Originally the garden was spread in an area of a mile and a half and was divided into parts AAM (public) and KHAS (private of the Emperor use). Rare plants of the Mughal period are still extant here.

Originally irrigated by the now dried up, rivulet Sirhind, the garden has a cluster of buildings including a Sard Khana (air-conditioned rooms).

Ram Bagh Garden, Amritsar
The home of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's summer palace, intersected by water channels fitted with fountains and golden fish, rare coniferous trees and herbal plants which do not normally grow in the plains of Punjab, is by far the best garden in Punjab.

Shalimar Garden Kapurthala
A beautifully well-laid compact garden with swimming pool and mausoleums of erstwhile rulers of Kapurthala is filled with piece and is a great spot for spending leisure time.

Bara Dari Garden, Patiala
State guest houses for foreigners and important Indian dignitaries used to be located here during the rule of the Patiala state. Its world famous Cricket Stadium, its fruits trees, specially the mangoes are very delicious. Huge colonial bungalows with large compounds are located all over. Unfortunately heavy traffic is taking a high toll of it.

 VILLAGE TOURISM:

The Citrus County - Kinnow farms Punjab

 They always say that farming brings you closer to nature. We at Citrus County are indeed close to it. The word that immediately springs to mind when describing the citrus county is 'relaxing'.
It is the type of property where you can escape the everyday stress of working life. A simple yet stylish farmhouse surrounded by 150 acres of Citrus Orchard with lush green lawns, flowers smiling through all corners and palms surrounding the property give a sense of what good quality of living is all about.

A walk or jog in the orchard, learning a bit of modern innovative techniques in farming, plucking kinnow and drinking fresh juice are a few options at the orchard. Don't forget the farmhouse two fully furnished deluxe rooms with attached toilets, with an independent access to the pantry and the fire place gives you full privacy as desired. They say when on a holiday food is as important as a holiday. We take care of that as well our cooks are their to take care and will treat you with different kinds of farm fresh food. We offer great dum pukth food and guess what's so special about it is the freshness and the preparation. So give us a chance and stay with us for as long as you want and we shall make it a memorable holiday for you and your family.

The Family History.
We are one of the oldest family in Hoshiarpur, who are into Citrus farming since the past two generations and farm in about 200 acres. Our Kinnow is sold under the brand name of "SUNGLOW". Life here is a bit slow but full of self-contentment. Its a simple life and good one you learn a lot while farming and the best is that one is closer to nature. Kinnow growing is a passion with us and we try to grow the best . Education has been a very important learning of our lives.

Staying at a farm we can't imagine life without dogs and horses so we have a pair of German shepherds named Razia and Sultan and there is a miniature Apso who is called Tiger but he doesn't look like one.

Hoshiarpur- Hoshiarpur is a small and a quiet town in the Doaba region of Punjab. It is right in the heart of Punjab. It is located in the lap of the Shiwalik and is considered the greenest of the districts of the state. Lot of the people of this region are settled abroad. So because of that lot of foreign money comes back to Punjab. Doaba is considered to be the richest and the most developed belt of Punjab. It is also known as the citrus belt of this region .The handicrafts from Hoshiarpur are very popular and are exported to various countries. Astrologers in Hoshiarpur are very famous around the world. T hey are called the Bhrigu Pandits the Bhrigus are from one particular family who predict your future based on the script of Brigu Sanghita.

Places around Hoshiarpur.
Anandpur Sahib about 65 kms from Hoshiarpur. Anandpur Sahib is considered the city of bliss, with a backdrop of Naina Devi hill. Anandpur Sahib has a number of historic Gurudwaras. It was here that the 10th guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singhji gave the new form of baptism and called the Sikhs thus baptized Khalsa. On the day following Holi devotees flock to Anandpur Sahib to participate in Holla Mohalla celebrations re-enacting the past Sikh battles with ancient arms and weapons. Holla mohalla, the most colorful and the only of its type event are a pleasant experience.

Mata Chintpurni and Jwalaji temples- These two historic temples are a stones throw from Hoshiarpur hardly 35kms from here attract a lot of devotees from far away places.

Pong dam situated around 65kms from Hoshiarpur is a paradise for anglers. One can get Mahasher, Shanghara and many more at the dam. Fishing permits are arranged by the citrus county in advance. Pong is home to about 220 species of birds including pintails, mallards. red jungle fowl, and partridges the birds which the British loved hunting. It is also host to migratory birds which come in abundance. Last year there were over a lakh of them at this wetland. water sports is also one of the main activities at the dam one can enroll for a short course which lasts from one week to 15 days.

Amritsar - around 125 kms day trip- Amritsar is known as the Mecca of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple founded by Guru Ramdas the 4th guru of the Sikhs in the year 1579 and completed by the 5th guru Arjun Dev who also enshrined in it the holy book of Sikhs the Guru Granth Sahib. Amritsar is also known for its food and hospitality. The Wagah border, the border with Pakistan is about 30 kms from the holy city and offers a retreat by the soldiers of both India and Pakistan at the same time and is worth seeing as it is open for public.