India, Part 2: Coming Home to Punjab
Missed Part 1?
Read it here →In Part 1, I shared the eight weeks I spent travelling India with my parents: Bollywood Mumbai, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Jaipur's palaces and that unforgettable first glimpse of the Golden Temple from the sky.
I left India that time knowing I would come back. What I didn't know was that India would become part of my family.
A love story that led back to India
Years later, I met my husband in the UK. He is originally from Punjab and came to Britain to study and build his future. We married in 2018, and suddenly India wasn't just a country I loved to visit. It was part of my family story.
Since then, I have returned to India every year. But one visit was very different from all the others.
Three months in a Punjabi village
During one trip, I spent three whole months living in Punjab, staying near a village outside Jalandhar. This was the real India that so many visitors never get to see.
Picture endless green fields stretching to the horizon, exactly like the landscapes you see in Bollywood films. As I walked through the villages, people would stop me and invite me into their homes for tea. Punjabi isn't my first language, but it never mattered. The warmth and kindness of the people made communication easy.
Living alongside local families taught me more than any guidebook ever could. I saw how communities come together, how family is at the heart of everything, how food is prepared with love, and how a guest is treated like family from the moment they walk through the door.
Chandigarh: the planned city
Chandigarh is unlike anywhere else in India: green, spacious and beautifully planned. I loved:
- The Rock Garden: a magical sculpture garden made entirely from recycled materials
- Sukhna Lake: perfect for an evening stroll or a boat ride
- The Rose Garden: one of the largest in Asia, and beautiful in bloom
- The Capitol Complex: a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by the architect Le Corbusier
- Sector 17 Market: the city's lively shopping heart
What I ate
- Chole Bhature
- Amritsari Kulcha
- A Punjabi thali
- Traditional lassi, thick, creamy and served in a tall glass
Jalandhar and around
Jalandhar was my base, and I came to know it well:
- Devi Talab Mandir: a beautiful, peaceful Hindu temple with a sacred tank
- Pushpa Gujral Science City: a huge science park nearby, brilliant for families
- The local bazaars: full of colour, fabrics, sweets and everyday life
Punjabi favourites to try
- Butter Chicken
- Tandoori Chicken
- Punjabi kebabs
- Jalebi with rabri: hot, syrupy jalebi with thick, sweet milk. Heaven!
One experience I will always remember was visiting the historic Gurdwara Ber Baba Budha Sahib, associated with Baba Budha Ji, one of the most respected figures in Sikh history. The peaceful atmosphere and the sense of history there left a lasting impression on me.
Experience the real Punjab. Most tours of India never leave the Golden Triangle. I can take you beyond it, with time in the Punjabi countryside, authentic home-cooked food, and the gurdwaras, markets and villages that show you the true heart of North India.
Amritsar, again
Of course, I went back to Amritsar. The Golden Temple was every bit as beautiful as I remembered, and it remains one of the most moving and inspiring places I have ever been.
This time I explored even more:
- The Golden Temple: sharing langar here is still one of my most cherished travel experiences
- Jallianwala Bagh: a powerful memorial to one of the darkest days in India's history
- The Partition Museum: a deeply moving museum telling the human stories of the 1947 Partition
- Hall Bazaar: the busy, historic shopping street near the temple
- Wagah Border: the Beating Retreat Ceremony at sunset, every bit as electric the second time
What makes India so special
India is incredibly diverse. Beyond the famous monuments, it's the people, the traditions, the hospitality and the everyday moments that stay with you long after you leave: the cup of chai in a stranger's home, the family meal you're invited to, the smile from someone you will never see again.
I still visit India every year, and I keep exploring new places across Europe and Dubai too. Every trip helps me plan more authentic, carefully thought-out journeys for my clients. When I recommend a destination, a hotel, an experience or a restaurant, it comes from real travel and a genuine love of helping others discover the world.
Recreate My Journey: Amritsar, Punjab & Chandigarh
You don't need three months to feel the magic of Punjab. Here is how I would plan a 9-day journey, at a relaxed pace:
Every journey I plan includes:
- Handpicked hotels, from heritage stays to luxury hotels
- A private chauffeur throughout
- Trusted local guides
- Authentic food experiences, from street food to home-cooked meals
- Support from me before, during and after your trip
Want more? Combine Punjab with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur for the ultimate North India journey (see my route in Part 1).
Tell me your dates, and I'll design your Punjab. Whether it's a spiritual journey to the Golden Temple, a family visit, or your first taste of North India, I'll create a tailor-made plan and a clear, itemised quote, with no obligation.
Ayesha's tips for Punjab
- Say yes to the chai. Punjabi hospitality is legendary. If you're invited in for tea, it's a genuine welcome.
- Gurdwara etiquette: cover your head, remove your shoes, wash your feet and dress modestly. Everyone is welcome, whatever their faith.
- Wagah Border: arrive early for a good seat, and check the ceremony time, which changes with the seasons.
- Bring an appetite. Punjabi portions are generous and it's polite to accept seconds!
- Water: stick to bottled mineral water.
- Winter fog: in December and January, morning fog can delay flights and trains, so build a little flexibility into your plans.
Why book with Lifevista Travels?
At Lifevista Travels, I believe travel should be personal, meaningful and unforgettable. My aim is to help you experience a destination not just as a tourist, but as a guest welcomed into the heart of its culture.
- Personally researched destinations
- Real travel experience across India, Europe and Dubai
- Authentic cultural recommendations
- Luxury and boutique travel expertise
- Family-friendly, tailor-made itineraries
- Honest advice from someone who loves to travel and explore
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Punjab?
October to March is the most comfortable time, with pleasant days and cool evenings. Late January to March is especially lovely, when the fields are green and golden with mustard flowers. April to June is very hot.
How long do I need?
A week to ten days is perfect for Amritsar, the countryside and Chandigarh. Add another week if you'd like to combine it with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Can I visit the Golden Temple and gurdwaras if I'm not Sikh?
Yes. Everyone is welcome. Just follow the simple etiquette: cover your head, remove your shoes and dress modestly.
Can you arrange a village or home-cooked food experience?
Yes. Authentic, local experiences are what I love to include, and I tailor them to you.
Is Punjab good for families?
Very. Punjabi culture is all about family, and places like Science City and Sukhna Lake are great with children.
Ready to discover the real India?
From the golden glow of Amritsar to cups of chai in a Punjabi village, I'd love to plan a journey that lets you experience India as a welcomed guest, not just a tourist.
Tell me your dates and ideas, and I'll come back to you within 24 hours with a tailor-made plan.
