Best time to visit Punjab

Watch the evening lowering of the flags ceremony at the Indo-Pakistani Wagah Border, 30km from Amritsar. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, performing rapid dance-style moves, as they take down their respective national flags. Symbol of brotherhood or reminder of old rivalries? Or a bit of both...?

Explore on two feet. Amble through temples and bazaars, hike into the Himalayan foothills from Shimla or stroll alongside the Ganges in Rishikesh – walking is the best way to appreciate Punjab and its neighbouring states. It’s also a welcome antidote to bumpy bus and jeep rides.

Visit the Golden Temple at night. It’s beautifully lit up and reflected in the sacred pool. Less busy, too.

Come prepared for high altitude. Many trips to Punjab take in the foothills of the Himalayas, where temperatures can drop, particularly in November and March (trips don’t tend to venture here in winter). The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so bring a hat and sunscreen.

Try some Punjabi culinary specialities. Butter chicken was born here, while veggies can tuck into makki di roti, a flat, unleavened Punjabi bread made from maize flour, often served with sarson da saag, a dish made from mustard greens or spinach and spices. Gulab jamuns are sticky, sweet, deep-friend stealth bombs for your waistline and your teeth, but when in Rome...

Ignore the history of this region. Punjab and its surrounding states have a rich cultural, religious and political history – overlook this and you won’t fully appreciate the region. Read about why Tibetans live in exile in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj and get to know the history of Shimla and Amritsar. The Raj-era Brits don’t always come out of it well (the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre is particularly shocking), but the past informs the present in this part of India.

Be culturally blasé. Religion and traditional culture is important in Punjab and around, so dress modestly. Bring clothes that cover the arms and wear shorts and skirts that go below the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Ask for a drink in Rishikesh. This is a sacred town, so no alcohol is permitted.

Expect easy-peasy traveling conditions. Most vacations in the region use a mixture of public buses, private vehicles and trains, with some walking, too. Roads can be bumpy and windy, especially as you head for the Himalayas, and to ensure you see key sights, long train rides are often included to cover more ground. Treat it all as an adventure, with the chance to mingle with local people and see incredible scenery making up for any comfort deficit.

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Punjab travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation – and the space inside your suitcase.


“You’ll need a good level of general fitness. Don’t visit India if all you want to do is change it.” – Olivia Neely

“If going in autumn, from October, or winter note that it can get very cold and the hotels have no heating.” – Bela Gor

“Pack light as you do have to carry your bags around and you WILL shop!!” – Rebecca McConnell

“In March, the temperatures are perfect for walking. Take a kettle and teabags, ask about footwear before you set out on a walk – we often found we were in sandals when trainers would have been more suitable – and make sure you use plenty of insect repellent when visiting the Taj Mahal at dawn.” – Linda Godfrey