Punjab - The Heartland of Pakistan

Where ancient civilizations meet vibrant modern culture

Welcome to Punjab

The cultural and agricultural heart of Pakistan

Punjab, meaning "Land of Five Rivers," is Pakistan's most populous province and its cultural heartbeat. With a history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Punjab has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. From the ancient ruins of Harappa to the magnificent Mughal architecture in Lahore, Punjab offers a fascinating journey through time.

The province is known for its warm-hearted people, colorful festivals, and rich traditions. Punjabi culture is celebrated through its vibrant music, particularly Bhangra, delicious cuisine, and traditional crafts. The land is predominantly agricultural, with fertile plains producing much of Pakistan's food supply.

Modern Punjab balances its ancient heritage with rapid development, making it a fascinating destination where historical landmarks stand alongside contemporary infrastructure. The provincial capital, Lahore, is often called Pakistan's cultural capital and is renowned for its gardens, monuments, and culinary scene.

Top Tourist Attractions

Discover Punjab's most iconic destinations

🏰

Lahore Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing magnificent Mughal architecture with palaces, gardens, and the famous Sheesh Mahal.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Badshahi Mosque

One of the world's largest mosques, built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, capable of accommodating 100,000 worshippers.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, early morning or evening

🛕

Kartarpur Corridor

A historic religious site connecting Sikh pilgrims from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Punjab.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

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Shalimar Gardens

Mughal-era gardens built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641, featuring beautiful terraces, fountains, and pavilions.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (February-April)

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Katas Raj Temples

Ancient Hindu temple complex dating back to the Mahabharata era, featuring several temples around a sacred pond.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Harappa Archaeological Site

One of the major urban centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 2600 BCE.

Best Time to Visit: November to February

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Jahangir's Tomb

Mausoleum of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir, located in Shahdara Bagh, Lahore.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Wazir Khan Mosque

17th-century mosque famous for its intricate frescoes and detailed tile work, located in Lahore's old city.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

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Rohtas Fort

16th-century fortress built by Sher Shah Suri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Jhelum.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Grand Trunk Road

One of Asia's oldest and longest major roads, connecting Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Hotels & Accommodation

Stay in comfort across Punjab

Luxury Hotels

  • Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore - Five-star luxury in the heart of Lahore
  • Lahore Serena Hotel - Luxury with traditional Pakistani decor
  • Avari Hotel, Lahore - Premium accommodations with excellent service
  • Renaissance Lahore Hotel - Modern luxury with comprehensive amenities

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Nishat Hotel, Lahore - Comfortable stay near historical sites
  • Hospitality Inn, Lahore - Good value with modern facilities
  • Shelton's Rezidor, Lahore - Business-friendly with good amenities
  • Ramada by Wyndham, Lahore - Reliable international chain

Budget & Guest Houses

  • Backpackers' Inn, Lahore - Affordable lodging for travelers
  • Tourist Inn, Lahore - Budget-friendly with basic amenities
  • PTDC Motels - Government-run accommodations in major cities
  • Various Guest Houses - Local options in smaller towns

Transport & Accessibility

How to get to and around Punjab

Reaching Punjab

By Air: Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore is the main gateway, with direct flights from major international destinations. Other airports in Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot also serve domestic routes.

By Train: Pakistan Railways connects Punjab to all major cities. The main railway stations are in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan. Luxury trains like the Shalimar Express offer comfortable travel.

By Road: Excellent road network connects Punjab to other provinces. Modern motorways (M-2, M-3, M-4) provide smooth travel between major cities. Long-distance buses and coaches are available from all major cities.

Getting Around Punjab

Local Transport: Ride-sharing services (Uber, Careem) are widely available in cities. Traditional auto-rickshaws and taxis are also common. Local buses and minibuses connect different areas within cities.

Inter-City Travel: Comfortable air-conditioned buses connect all major cities. Train services are also available between major urban centers. Self-drive car rentals are available in larger cities.

Local Food & Cuisine

Savor the flavors of Punjab

Popular Dishes

  • Butter Chicken - Creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken
  • Sarson ka Saag & Makki ki Roti - Mustard greens with cornbread
  • Chole Bhature - Spicy chickpeas with fried bread
  • Tandoori Chicken - Chicken marinated in spices and cooked in tandoor
  • Lassi - Traditional yogurt-based drink, sweet or salty
  • Amritsari Kulcha - Stuffed bread from Amritsar tradition
  • Paya - Trotters curry, a breakfast delicacy

Famous Food Streets

  • Gawalmandi Food Street, Lahore - Historic food street with traditional restaurants
  • Fort Road Food Street, Lahore - Rooftop dining with view of Badshahi Mosque
  • Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore - Traditional market with street food stalls
  • Basant Bazaar, Lahore - Famous for traditional Punjabi cuisine
  • Raja Bazaar, Rawalpindi - Authentic local food experience

Festivals & Events

Celebrate with Punjab

Cultural Festivals

  • Basant Festival - Spring kite flying festival (February)
  • National Horse & Cattle Show - Cultural show in Lahore (February-March)
  • Chiraghan Festival - Sufi festival at Data Darbar, Lahore
  • Lok Mela - Folk festival showcasing Punjabi culture (October)

Religious Festivals

  • Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha - Major Islamic festivals celebrated with enthusiasm
  • Muharram - Religious observance with processions
  • Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh - Annual Sufi festival in Lahore
  • Baisakhi - Harvest festival celebrated in April

Travel Tips

Make the most of your Punjab visit

Best Travel Seasons

October to March: The ideal time with pleasant weather (10-25°C). Perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

April to June: Hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40°C+. Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.

July to September: Monsoon season with occasional rainfall. Humidity can be high.

Safety Advice

  • Punjab is generally safe for tourists, but take normal precautions
  • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
  • Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially at religious sites
  • Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food

Local Customs & Etiquette

  • Greet with "As-salamu alaykum" (Peace be upon you)
  • Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques
  • Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items
  • Dress modestly, especially women - cover shoulders and knees
  • Ask permission before photographing people

Photography Tips

  • Golden hours (sunrise/sunset) are best for outdoor photography
  • Respect photography restrictions at religious sites
  • Capture the vibrant colors of bazaars and festivals
  • Ask permission before photographing locals
  • Carry extra batteries and memory cards

Map of Punjab

Explore the heartland of Pakistan

Interactive Map Coming Soon

We're working on an interactive map to help you explore Punjab's attractions, hotels, and transportation routes.

In the meantime, you can use popular mapping services to plan your journey through this beautiful province.