Punjab & Haryana

Punjab and Haryana is a land of green lands and historic significance with fascinating tales of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Apart from learning history, you get to explore the birth of agriculture on the lands of Punjab. But there are many other industries here that include the major part of the earning of the state. Haryana also accounts for being the cradle of 5000 year old Indus Valley and Vedic civilization that draws the major crowd of the state every year.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, the total population of Haryana is 21,144,000. In Punjab, 59% of the population comprises of the Sikh faith and 39.357% follow the Hinduism. Punjabi is the official language spoken in Punjab, which is written in the Gurmukhi script. The language is also widely spoken in many parts of Haryana. Besides, the Hindi dialect is also quite in vogue. The bulk of the total population comprises the Sikhs, whose religion forbids them from cutting their hairs.

Geography

Punjab and Haryana is bordered by a number of states lying both in Pakistan and India. Considering both the states separately, Punjab is fringed by the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Chandigarh, whereas Haryana is positioned between 27°37´ to 30°35´ N latitude and between 74°28´ and 77°36´ E longitude. The entire stretch of Punjab is covered by the alluvial plain bounded by mountains to the North. The overall climatic condition of Punjab is very dry, but it is a rich agricultural area due to excellent irrigation facilities. Haryana features the Yamuna-Ghaggar plain, Shivalik Hills to the northeast and the Aravali range in the south.

Climate

Punjab has three main seasons – the summer month, the rainy season and the winter season. Summer starts from the mid of April and the temperature starts soaring from February onwards. The rainy season in Punjab experiences a downpour between 250 mm and 1000 mm. Monsoon is brought by the monsoonal winds. Haryana too shares an equal temperature: the hottest months are between May and June and the coldest months are between December and January. 80% of the total rainfall of the region occurs in the monsoon season. The best time to visit Punjab and Haryana is between October to mid-April.

Flora and fauna

Punjab and Haryana includes national wetlands, wild sanctuaries and cover of deciduous forest and thorny shrubs. The plant kingdom incorporates the Kikar, Pine, Babul, Shisham, Mulberry and Eucalyptus. The animal kingdom includes mongoose, fox, panther, jackal, wild dog, Nilgai and much more

Major Attractions

There are many tourist attractions in Punjab and Haryana. Do not miss the Kurukshetra, which is a long 160-kilometer stretch from Delhi along the National Highway. The place plays the significance of the major mythical battle fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The world´s most renowned temple, the Golden temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab. The other attractions include the Anandpur Sahib, Jallianwallah Bagh, Sheesh Mahal, Wagha Border, Badhkal lake, Panipat, Dumdama Lake, Panchkula and Surajkund.

Tips

- In Punjab and Haryana, both the months of winter and summer are intense and therefore it is advisable to wear cotton during the summer months and woolen clothes during the winter months.
- Always be sure of carrying identity proof and passport. Never make the mistake of giving your original documents to anyone.