Punjab Punjab And Haryana, India Travel Guide
Punjab is served by several airports, with Amritsar for it is the main international gateway. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar offers flights to main Indian cities and select global destinations. Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) serves Chandigarh and surrounding regions. Sahnewal Airport (LUH) in Ludhiana is a smaller domestic airport.
Amritsar (ATQ) and Chandigarh (IXC) airports offer currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, dining, and Wi-Fi. Pre-paid taxi counters and rental car agencies are available for land travel. Consider airfare comparison services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for planning.
The cost of flights is highest during peak travel season (October-March) and around major Indian festivals. Lowest prices are typically found during monsoon and extreme summer months (May-August).
No separate exit fees or taxes are typically charged at Indian airfields; these costs are usually included in your airfare.
Allow ample time: 3 hours for international flights, 2 hours for internal flights. Account for check-in, baggage drop, security, and immigration.
The Wagah Border (Attari-Wagah) is the only operational road border crossing between India and Pakistan in Punjab. It's mainly for specific trade and passenger movement, not general tourism into Pakistan. Most tourists visit to see the daily flag-lowering ceremony.
Punjab is a landlocked state. Sea or travel by river for the act of arriving is not applicable. There are no seaports in the state.
River transportation in Punjab is extremely limited, mostly small boat rides for agricultural or minor recreational purposes. These are not part of any public transportation network.
Leave plenty of time for the airport formalities. For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours prior. Complete check-in procedures, either on the internet or at the airline counter, then drop checked luggage. Proceed through security screening, removing electronics and liquids. For international flights, complete immigration formalities after security.
Major airports like Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar and Chandigarh International Airport provide ATMs, currency exchange services, different food outlets, and shops. Lounges are also available for travelers seeking more comfort.
Major train stations have basic amenities, including food stalls, waiting rooms, and sometimes general stores.
For international flights, complete immigration formalities after security. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
Public transport offers an economical way to experience Punjab. Currently, no operational underground railway exists for public use within Punjab's cities. Chandigarh has plans for a metro system, though it isn't yet functional. No tram services run in Punjab.
Bus routes can be complicated and are often not well-documented with clear maps for tourists. Local inquiry, asking bus conductors or fellow passengers, often provides the best way to determine routes. Major bus stops serve as central hubs of city and inter-city connections. Buses generally operate from early morning (about 6:00 AM) until late evening (usually 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM).
Taxis and ride-ride-sharing apps provide a more comfortable and often quicker alternative to public buses. Licensed taxis are identifiable by colors or branding. Hailing on the street is less common than using apps or pre-paid services. Ola and Uber are widely available in major cities.
Car rental (self-drive) comes with challenges due to chaotic traffic. Hiring a car with a professional driver is the preferred option. Motorcycle and scooter rentals exist but are less common for tourists.
The area around the Golden Temple in Amritsar and Sector 17 Plaza in Chandigarh are pedestrian-friendly. Chandigarh has some dedicated cycle tracks, making it relatively more bicycle-friendly.
Accessibility infrastructure in Punjab is generally very limited. Public transit choices like buses and trains are not wheelchair-friendly. Pavements are often uneven, and obstacles are common. Hiring a private car with a driver that accommodates specific needs has the most practical solution for travelers with mobility challenges. Plan this well in advance.
Some unique or niche transportation possibilities are there for specific purposes. Tour operators offer bus tours for city exploration or specific circuits, like the Wagah Border ceremony. Formal hop-on-hop-off services, common in larger global cities, are not widely available in Punjab. Boat taxis and cable cars are not applicable for public transport in Punjab.
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in India.
Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Helmets are mandatory for two people-wheeler riders.
Expect a high prevalence of two-wheelers, pedestrians, and livestock on roads. Lane discipline is often absent.
