PUNJAB 
The smiling soul of India      

Located in North-West India, with an area of 50362 sq. kms. Punjab for years has remained the most progressive State in India. The recent liberalisation of the Indian economy, has put Punjab predominantly on to the global business mainstream. Heralding this change are more and more entrepreneurs, industrialists, and investors with vision, from across the globe.

Punjab people, numbering 20 million, prosperous and dexterous, pulsating with energy, are progressive and secular. It is these virtues that have made Punjab the largest surplus State in food grains. With 4.2 million hectares of well irrigated and fertile land and having a geographical area of 1.5%, the State produces 22% of the country's wheat, 9% of rice and 24% of cotton. It contributes 60% to 70% of wheat and 40% to 50% of rice to the central pool.

Punjab, with 47000 kilometers of roads, and rail links with every major town and airports in most of the industrial towns has good infrastructure, indeed the best in the country as adjudged by the Centre for Monitoring of Indian Economy (CMIE). An international airport, for cargo and passengers, is operational at Amritsar while telephone and telex facilities with INTERNET are available practically in all towns and large villages. Punjab also accords very high priority to power sector which accounts for about 41% of the total plan of the State. The State Government, has been, as a matter of deliberate policy, investing substantially in the areas of infrastructureand Human Resource Development (HRD) and the results are clearly visible.

Punjab, the land of golden harvests bubbling with cultural activities of old is rapidly growing into an enthralling tourist spot.

Through the centuries Punjab has always been India's northern gateway and has grown to be the country's agricultural nucleus. Punjab has withstood foreign armies way back since the 10th century Muslim conquerous. In the 16th century the Mughals conquered that land, only to be defeated later by the Sikhs. However, after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the British rulers came into power. In 1947, after India won freedom, Punjab shed all shackles of foreign rule and flourished once again as part of Independent India.

Punjab is basically a Sikh populated region. Following the footsteps of Guru Nanak distinguished by the turban, beard and unshorn hair, the Sikhs tried to spread oneness of God irrespective of cast, colour, creed or religion.

The enterprise and industriousness of the people of Punjab have developed this land into the finest granery of the country. A large number of small scale industries also flourish in this land. Punjab Hotel occupancies are almost 90% and the chequered network of food joints are overflowing with clients.

Punjab is known for its warm hospitality. Even stark strangers are received with the most profound courtesy and consideration. Any one is welcome in any home. Travellers who lose their way are looked after as if they were part of the family.

Although the Punjab riots leading to social and political turmoil in the region curtailed the inflow of tourists to this region, an air of normalcy has returned and the vibrant folk art forms alongwith the rich cultural heritage of the people of Punjab is springing forth into the limelight once again, healing all wounds of despair and turbulence. Whether it is for business or for tourist splendour, travellers move in and out with utmost ease and security. Apart from the historical ruins and other well preserved monuments, a number of tourist complexes are coming up.

To put in a nutshel this exuberant and fertile land of five rivers, rich in traditional attractions, archaeological finds, religious shrines dotting the rustic countryside, pictures qua tourist centres, architectural monuments, lively folk practices supplemented with the fun and festivities which include the Bhangra, Kikli and Giddha dances, not to miss the tempting delights of the Punjabi cuisine highlighting the "Makki di Roti with Sarson da sag" : all contribute to the elegance of this Princely State.

The much truncated India's portion of present Punjab is divided into three natural regions : Majha * Doaba *  Malva

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