Punjab

Punjab represents a culture that is as progressive as it is deeply rooted in tradition and a society that is as modern as it is representative of its rich history. Worth a mention is the iconic Golden Temple that is world's one of the most renowned architectural wonders. Also known as Harmandir Sahib, this magnificently beautiful temple has an environment of tranquillity quite unlike the temples you'd ever visit in India. Pilgrims take dips within the Sarovar (the sacred pool water around Golden Temple), as verses in the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism's holy book), are sung within the temple throughout the day. Volunteers prepare free vegetarian meals, better known as langar for pilgrims and the temple feeds as much as 100,000 people each day from the free kitchen. An incredible feat in its own right, but what's even more amazing is that this continues going for 450 years without missing a single day. The moody by-lanes of the

Golden Temple have now been converted into a beautiful heritage corridor with the construction of "The Golden Temple Entrance Plaza" which is not unlike the famous La Grand Place - Brussels' famous square. Packed with history and clean, paved streets flanked by famous eating places, shops, spectacular statues and some of the most famous sites like the Jallianwala Bagh, Town Hall and the entrance to the Golden temple.

It is believed that many thousands of years ago, the zone of Anandpur was inhabited by wild animals as the place where there was nothing but miles and miles of bushes and forests. It is only by the late 15th century that the animals disappeared and people started making homes here. Anandpur town was established by the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in 1665. The efforts of the Guru and his followers helped turn the no-man's land into a place ideal for human habitation. Today, Anandpur Sahib

It is a popular city in Punjab. It is a municipal council in Rupnagar district and known as the holy 'City of Bliss'. It is one of the most central places of religious activity for the Sikhs. Anandpur Sahib is flanked by a 17th century fortress and framed between a towering mountain range and river. It was the place where the Khalsa sect was born under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Gurudwara Sri Sis Ganj, the place where severed head of Guru Teg Bahadur was cremated, and Gurudwara Kesgarh Sahib, where five brave followers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji offered their heads. Visit during Baisaki to catch the carnival like celebrations that take place there. However, the most impressive display of Sikh fearlessness can be seen during Hola Mohalla, held during the Holi festival.