Punjab is a state in North India. It has a long history and boasts rich cultural heritage. Civilization in Punjab is more than 4,000 years old, and archaeological excavations revealed evidences of magnificent early cities. Around the 15th century the Sikh religion was founded in Punjab, and quickly became the dominant religion in the region. Punjab was part of the larger Punjab region, which was split between India and Pakistan at the end of the British rule.

The name Punjab means “land of five waters”, and the five rivers giving it its name make the soil fertile and vegetation lush. The fertile plains of Punjab boasts yellow fields and in the backdrop blue mountains, it also is a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts, providing a habitat for many migrant species. Punjab shares the capital Chandigarh with the Hindu state Haryana, that split off Punjab in 1966

Punjab is home to some popular visitor attractions, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar. It’s shimmering facade reflects in the waters of the holy pool, telling of great splendour. It is the holiest shrine for Sikhs, so you’ll meet many pilgrims here.

Header image taken from Flickr CC, courtesy of Clara Giraud.