Punjab Tour Packages

The beautiful state of Punjab is located in the northern region of India. It shares its border with the Indian states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The union territory of Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and its neighbouring state of Haryana. Apart from being a gateway to northern India tourism, Punjab is a major vacation and tourist hotspot on its own. Its historical roots and landmarks, beautiful natural landforms, unique regional culture, religious sites, and famous cuisine are just some examples of what this state has to offer in terms of tourism. The authenticity of the region and its welcoming nature make a trip to Punjab even more delightful.

To maximise your vacation fun and ensure that everything remains smooth sailing, you can go with the Punjab tour packages offered by Thomas Cook India. These Punjab tour packages are professionally created so you can relax and enjoy your trip without spending hours on or worrying about travel planning. In addition, there are over 20+ Punjab tour packages with different itineraries and price ranges, so you can have a wider palette of options. While these travel packages take care of accommodations, meals, sightseeing and other tour essentials, you can learn more about the destination from our Punjab tour guide. For more details on popular Punjab holiday packages, regional COVID-19 tourist guidelines, transportation options, etc., go through the following sections of this page.

Table of Content

• Most Popular Punjab Tour Packages
• Punjab COVID-19 travel guidelines
• Best time to visit Punjab
• How to reach Punjab
• Best honeymoon destinations in Punjab
• Best places to visit in Punjab
• Best hill stations in Punjab
• What to Eat in Punjab
• Shopping in Punjab
• Things to do in Punjab
• Adventurous Things to Do in Punjab
• Interesting facts about Punjab
• People also ask about Punjab Tour Packages

Most Popular Punjab Tour Packages

It is crucial that you pick from the best Punjab trip packages for the ultimate holiday experience. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or in search of Punjab tour packages for family, Thomas Cook India has got you covered. Here are some of the most popular Punjab tour packages with price and duration that you can check out:

Punjab COVID-19 Travel Guidelines 

After the lockdown situation, Punjab tourism resumed in full force. Now is a perfect time for a tour of Punjab, as most hotels, markets, transport, and popular sightseeing destinations are operational. However, it is important that you learn and abide by the regional COVID-19 travel rules and regulations during your trip to Punjab. While the majority of the travel restrictions have been lifted, there still remain a few crucial ones that you have to follow. You can learn more about it through our extensive COVID-19 Punjab Travel Guidelines page. Also, you may have to go through mandatory thermal screenings at airports, railway stations, hotel entrances, etc.  

Best time to visit Punjab

Look for Punjab holiday packages in accordance with the best time to visit the destination. Generally, the winter season is considered the best time to visit Punjab. It usually stretches from October or November till March and offers a delightful climate overall. The average daytime temperature usually remains around the mid to low 20s, while the nighttime temperature can drop below the low 10s. The late nights and early mornings are especially chilly, while the daytime is best suitable for exploration and sightseeing. In addition, the major events and festivals during winter in Punjab attract a massive crowd of visitors. Some examples include the Lohri festival, Basant Panchami, Hola Mohalla, etc. As the temperature runs chilly with cold breezes, make sure to pack some warm clothes. Also, book your flight tickets and hotels for the trip in advance due to the peak season traffic. You can get more details on the best Punjab tour packages with price and duration for winter on Thomas Cook India. 

The next major season for Punjab tourism is during the monsoon. It stretches from July to September and helps cool down the region with rain showers following the summer heat. Even though the average temperature range is 25 to 30°C, daytime temperature can run a bit high. The weather remains humid and wet for the most part. Many consider the monsoon the best time to visit Punjab to witness the regional natural glory enhanced by the rain. In addition, shoulder season discounts on Punjab holiday packages, hotels and flights are also quite favoured by travellers during this period. 

Another significant season for Punjab tourism is summer. It stretches from April to June and is an off-season for a tour to Punjab. This is because summer in Punjab is very hot, and the average temperature can range from 29 to 45°C across the region. Alongside the hotness, the high humidity makes exploration and sightseeing difficult for tourists. However, some consider travelling to Punjab during this period for things like the Baisakhi festival, summer outdoor activities and farm stay experiences. In addition, the tourism traffic remains thin during summer, and you may use Punjab as a gateway to your northern India hill station trip. Take a look at our Punjab tour guide on the best time to visit for more details. If you are interested in a farm-stay experience in Punjab during summer, you can find some great deals on Punjab travel packages. You can get more details on summer special Punjab tour packages with price and duration, like this one, on Thomas Cook India. 

How to reach Punjab

As Punjab offers both domestic and international travel connectivity, tourists can easily reach the state. Depending on your trip’s start location in Punjab, travel budget and preferred time, you can choose between air, train or road travel options. Here are the best ways to reach Punjab:

• Reach Punjab by air
• Reach Punjab by rail
• Reach Punjab by road
• Travelling within Punjab

Reach Punjab by air

If your tour budget allows it, travelling to Punjab by air is the best option you can go for. It is the fastest and most comfortable way of reaching Punjab for both domestic and international visitors. The major international airport serving Punjab is located in Amritsar, while the airports in Chandigarh and Ludhiana can be a great choice for domestic travellers. Travellers can easily find daily flights to Punjab from the major cities in India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, etc.  For instance, a direct flight to Punjab from Kolkata can take about 3 hours, making it the best transport option. In addition, international flights from and to Qatar, Singapore, the UK, UAE, etc., are also operated on this route. 

Reach Punjab by rail

The whole region of Punjab is well-connected by an extensive railway network. It helps create a link between major cities in Punjab and other parts of India. The main railway stations of the state are in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Chandigarh and Ferozepur, which are also some of the major starting points of a Punjab trip. Most trains that connect the state with other parts of India pass through Delhi. Some of the main express trains that run from and to Punjab are Amritsar Shatabdi, Golden Temple Mail, Swarna Shatabdi, Shan-e-Punjab, Moga Shatabdi, etc. For instance, individuals travelling from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh can opt for the Punjab Mail train. Travelling to Punjab by train is one of the best economical transport options.

Reach Punjab by road

Individuals, who want a good road trip for their Punjab vacation, can choose to travel by car or bus. Multiple well-managed roadways connect the state with major cities in India, especially those in the northern and eastern regions. For instance, individuals travelling from Hyderabad to Punjab can easily get on the NH 44 in their car and drive to their trip’s starting point. In addition, scheduled interstate buses run to various cities in Punjab from neighbouring states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, etc. You can get more details on the best transportation options from our handy Punjab tour guide.

Travelling within Punjab

In terms of getting around in Punjab, visitors can opt for buses, intercity trains, taxis, rental cars, auto rickshaws and so on.

Best honeymoon destinations in Punjab

Punjab is a good solo or group holiday location and a fantastic honeymoon destination within India. Its varied culture, authentic regional cuisine, bewitching greenery, unique blend of simple and modern lifestyles and historical landmarks are just some of its key attractions for newlyweds. The main honeymoon destinations within Punjab are Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Chandigarh. They are easily accessible within the state and offer a lot of romantic things that couples can do, including spending time by the gardens, doing fun activities at amusement and water parks, going on a street food hunt, and so on. Besides these popular spots, here are some other prominent honeymoon destinations within Punjab that you can consider:

• Pathankot- It is one of Punjab's most famous tourist places. It lies amidst the illustrious foothills of Dalhousie and Kangra, close to the Chakki river bank. Pathankot also works as a major gateway to Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath trips. The vibrant scenic views of nature, waterfalls and serene atmosphere are some of its main couple’s attractions. Some must-visit sites in Pathankot are Mukteshaw temple, Shahpurkandi Fort, Ranjit Sagar Dam and Nurpur Fort.
• Mohali- The planned city of Mohali is another crucial honeymoon destination in Punjab. It is also famous for its rich natural beauty, along with its cricket stadium, hockey stadium and shopping markets. Mohali is a fantastic off-beat spot for newlyweds. Some popular tourist attractions in and near Mohali are Rose Garden, Mataur Lake, Mansa Devi Temple, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It is also one of the most famous places in Punjab for a short trip.
• Kapurthala- Kapurthala is a great honeymoon spot for new couples and a beautiful tourist destination in Punjab. It is a major religious centre for Sikhs and a prominent historical site within Punjab. Its extensive architecture and famous landmarks reek of Indo-Saracen and French styles. Kapurthala is also popularly referred to as the “Paris of Punjab''. Some key couples' attractions in and near this city are Shalimar Gardens, Panch Mandir, Kanjili Wetland, Jagatjit Palace and Jagatjit Club. Kapurthala is also one of Punjab's most popular tourist spots for a week-long vacation. You can find more about honeymoon destinations and packages within India here.

Best places to visit in Punjab

There are lots of popular tourist attractions around the state that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Punjab. Here are some of the best places to visit in Punjab:

• Amritsar
• Ludhiana
• Chandigarh
• Jalandhar
• Patiala
• Bathinda

Amritsar

Amritsar is Punjab’s second-largest city and a massive cultural and religious hub. It is home to Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, which is a very important site of pilgrimage for Sikhs and one of the most important places in Punjab. The rich local culture and atmosphere of the city, paired with beautiful shops and street food, make Amritsar one of the best places to visit in Punjab. Apart from the Golden Temple, some other Amritsar tourist places are the Wagah Border and Jallianwala Bagh.  

Ludhiana

Ludhiana is the largest city and one of the most famous historical places in Punjab. During your visit to this city, you will be able to witness the agricultural side of the state, along with its massively widespread natural beauty. In addition, Ludhiana is also a major tourist location within Punjab for its cultural and historical side, depicted by tons of famous landmarks. One can also find an array of shopping areas, restaurants, sports stadiums and much more within the bounds of this city. The Phillaur Fort in Ludhiana is one of the most important historical monuments of Punjab. Some other must-visit places in the city are Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Museum of Rural Life, etc. 

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is the joint capital of Haryana and Punjab. It is a major destination that you shouldn’t miss out on during your tour of Punjab. It is one of the most beautiful planned cities in India, known for its brilliant architecture, natural beauty and well-connected roads. Chandigarh is also one of the cleanest cities in India, popularly called by its nickname “The City Beautiful”. It is home to famous sites like the Rock Garden, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Pinjore Garden, Skuhna Lake and International Dolls Museum, which are popular tourist attractions in Punjab. 

Jalandhar

Next on the list of the most beautiful places to go to in Punjab is the city of Jalandhar. It is one of the oldest cities in the northern part of the state and a major hub for culture and history. It is home to many important religious sites, tourist landmarks and famous monuments of Punjab, making it ideal for a short trip. Some of the best places to see in Jalandhar are Niku Park, Wonderland, Pushpa Gujral Science City, Shaheed-e-Azam Museum, and Devi Talab Mandir. 

Patiala

Apart from being one of the largest cities, Patiala is one of the best tourist places in Punjab. The city is surrounded by vibrant natural beauty and blessed with remarkable architectural work of different styles from various periods of history. The Bahadurgarh Fort in Patiala is one of the most crucial historical monuments of Punjab. Some other prominent sites within Patiala for tourists are Kali Mata Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Bagh Palace, etc. It is also a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and regional craftworks. 

Bathinda

The city of Bathinda is very amusing and considered one of the best places in Punjab for tourists. It is one of the oldest cities in the state, with a rich history and tons of famous tourist landmarks. With its regional and cultural beauty, sightseeing opportunities and great availability of accommodations, Bathinda is a must-visit off-beat site in Punjab. Some of the crucial places in and near Bathinda are Rose Garden, Qila Mubarak, Lakhi Jungle, Bahia Fort, etc. 

Best hill stations in Punjab

The incredible holiday destination of Punjab works as a fabulous gateway to many popular hill stations in India due to its geographical location. Tourists commonly include Punjab as the starting point of their hill station trip to northern India. Here are the best hill stations near Punjab that you can visit:

• Morni Hills- It is a very famous tourist site in the Panchkula district of Haryana. It is about 50 kilometres by road from Mohali and makes for a great hillside holiday escape near Punjab. It is blessed with vibrant greenery, scenic landscapes, and a soothing atmosphere. Its key tourist attractions include Morni Fort, Thakurdwara Temple, Tikkar Taal, outdoor adventure activities, and so on. It is one of the best places to visit near Punjab. 
• Parwanoo hill- This is another prominent hill station located near Punjab, just 91 kilometres from Patiala. Tourists can find a perfect mixture of hillside ambience and the sparkles of busy city life. It is a popular spot for hiking, trekking, and cable car rides, while its apple gardens draw tourists from everywhere. Some popular places to visit in Parwanoo include Timber Trail, Gorkha Fort, Kali Mata Temple, etc. You can add Parwanoo hill to your Punjab tour itinerary. 
• Shimla- It is one of the most popular tourist places near Punjab, just 120 kilometres from Mohali. Apart from its divine natural beauty, Shimla is home to many popular tourist sites of interest, including The Ridge, Mall Road, Green Valley, Kufri, Jakhu Temple, etc. Its availability of skiing, ice skating, ropeway rides, and toy train rides also make it a popular hill station in the northern region of India. You can easily get Punjab trip packages that include Shimla and other popular nearby hill stations.   
• Others- Some other popular hill stations near Punjab are Barog, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, etc. If you are going on a family vacation, you can find Punjab family tour packages that include nearby hill stations like Dharamshala and Shimla.

What to eat in Punjab?

The local cuisine and street food shops are some of the major attractions in Punjab for foodies. So, during your vacation, make sure to try these food items in Punjab:

• Butter chicken- It is a renowned dish in Punjabi cuisine that you must try during your visit. Butter chicken is a gravy-rich delicious dish made with chicken, yoghurt, Kashmiri Lal mirch and a variety of other spices and ingredients. This delicacy is best served alongside Rumali Roti or Naan bread. 
• Lassi- This delicious drink is the pride of the region, beloved by every Indian. Lassi is a flavourful, yoghurt-based, creamy sugary drink, often accompanied by fruits and other toppings. It is best served chilly and helps soothe your body with its refreshing taste during the summer heat.
• Dal Makhani- You may have tried various types of dal, but nothing beats Punjab’s Dal Makhani in taste. It is made with a blend of kidney beans and black lentils and has a thick creamy texture. It is best served alongside Naan bread or Tandoori roti.  
• Paratha- is considered one of Punjab’s staple food items. It is a flatbread made with a mixture of atta (whole wheat flour), ghee (or oil), water, and salt. It has many popular variants, including “aloo paratha”, which has a stuffing made of potato mix. It is best served with pickles, ghee, or curd on the side.   
• Paneer tikka- This vegetarian dish is popular among all food lovers around the nation. It is made with soft Indian cottage cheese, marinated in various spices, and then chargrilled slowly. Its mouth-watering taste makes it one of the must-try foods in Punjab. 

Shopping in Punjab

While browsing through Punjab packages for holidays, make sure to learn about the must-buy gifts and souvenirs. Here are some examples:

• Punjabi Jutti- Punjabi Jutti is a very popular traditional footwear in Punjab. They are beautifully designed and available under a wide colour palette. Punjabi Jutti is available for both men and women and is sold all over Punjab. They are one of the most famous things in Punjab that you can buy for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. Find the best Punjab tour packages for families at Thomas Cook India.
• Bracelet/Kada- Punjabi Kada is very important to the Sikh religion and regional culture. These Kadas are said to be a symbol of courtesy and concealment and represent a link to the almighty. It is a fantastic spiritual gift for your loved ones, and you can find them at shops near Gurudwaras across Punjab.
• Jaggery and dry fruits- Punjab is well-known for its fruits and sweet dishes. For a perfect gift to friends and family members, you can shop for jaggery and dry fruits in Punjab. They are not only delicious but also quite nutritious.
• Traditional women's wear- Punjab is a hub for traditional women’s wear shopping. Some popular items include the Phulkari, Patiala Salwar, Punjabi Ghagra, and Parandi. So ladies, make sure to shop your heart out and add these traditional women’s wear to your wardrobe. 

Some ideal shopping areas in Punjab are Rainak Bazar in Jalandhar, Akalgarh Market in Ludhiana, Phase 5 market in Mohali, Lahori Gate Market in Amritsar, etc. 

Things to do in Punjab

If you are wondering what to do during your tour to Punjab, here are some great options you can consider:

• Witness Punjab’s Rural Olympics at Kila Raipur- Located near Ludhiana, Kila Raipur hosts a unique rural sports festival that is famous across India. It is popularly referred to as the “Rural Olympics of Punjab” and features exciting events like bull-cart race, tug of war, kabaddi and so on. It usually takes place during February at a 4-year interval and is a must-watch thing for your Punjab tour. Make sure to add a stay at Kila Raipur to your Punjab tour itinerary.
• Take a holy dip in the Golden Temple- While in Amritsar, make sure to visit and spend some time amidst the divine atmosphere within the Golden Temple. You can also take a holy dip in the Amrit Sarovar, which is believed to cleanse your soul of bad karma.
• Visit the Attari-Wagah Border- Make sure to witness the famous Attari-Wagah border ceremony at the border, just 30 kilometres from Amritsar. It is a lowering of flags ceremony practiced by the security forces of India and Pakistan since 1959. It takes place every day, just before sunset, and attracts a huge crowd. 
• Explore the major cities on foot- The major cities of Punjab have a lot to offer in terms of unique architectural styles, local shops, delicacies, traditions, culture, and so on. During your vacation, make sure to explore the cities on foot to get the best travel experience.

Adventurous Things to do in Punjab

There are many adventure places in Punjab that you can check out. Here are some adventurous things to do in Punjab: 

• Wildlife Safari- You can go on a thrilling safari ride to witness wildlife and nature running on its beautiful course. A major example includes going on a Ludhiana Zoo Tiger Safari ride.
• Bird watching- Another popular adventure activity that you can do in Punjab is go bird watching. One prominent location is the Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary, which spreads over three districts, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, and Amritsar. 
• Water and other outdoor activities- If you are visiting Punjab for a vacation, especially during the summer, make sure to avail yourself of the various water and outdoor activities. For this, you can visit the amusement and adventure parks across the major cities of Punjab. Some examples include slide pool, ziplining, rappelling, boating, bamboo bridge crossing, etc.

Interesting facts about Punjab

While you are looking at Punjab trip packages and choosing the best time for your visit, make sure to learn more about the destination also. Here are some interesting facts about Punjab that you should know about:

• The name “Punjab” is a combination of two Persian words, “Panj” and “aab”, relating to “the land of five rivers.” Sutlej, Chenab, Beas, Jhelum and Ravi are the five main rivers flowing through the region.
• Punjab is the birthplace of the religion of Sikhism, where Guru Nanak laid its foundation back in around 1500 CE.   
• Punjab is the 19th-largest state in terms of total area and the 16th-largest state in terms of the total population in India. 
• The Golden Temple in Punjab’s Amritsar is considered the most important and holiest site of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. Ranjit Singh donated the gold above the Gurudwara. 
• Punjab is the birthplace of several famous folk dances in India, like Bhangra, Dhamaal, Gatka, Jhumar, and Jugni.
• Punjab’s capital city, Chandigarh, is also the joint capital of Haryana. 
• Punjab and Haryana share a common High Court called the “High Court of Punjab and Haryana.”