Punjab is not a very big state. Yet the influence of Punjab on the Indian psyche is unparalleled. Punjabi food has spread across India, and the world. The catchy music of its people has been adopted and codified by the Hindi film industry. Even its sartorial style has become the de facto uniform of India. So what does Punjab have to offer to the tourist? We make an exploratory drive to Patiala to find out if Punjab has been unjustly shunned by the tourists.
The best time to begin your driving holiday is early in the morning before the city awakes and the traffic builds up. From the capital, you need to take the NH1. This highway connects Delhi to the town of Attari on the India-Pakistan border. The road, for the most part, is six-laned but there are many diversions on it due to ongoing work. The road is well surfaced and there are enough fuel stations along the way. Food and loo-breaks too are not a problem with enough facilities along this stretch. In fact, Murthal, about an hour from Delhi, has gained fame for its dhabas serving piping hot parathas. Served with a generous dollop of white butter, it isn’t exactly for those watching their diet, but lip-smacking delicious. Wash it down with a hot cup of tea and it makes for a happy breakfast. While the broad and well-surfaced NH1 tempts you to drive with a heavy foot, be warned. Speed limit on this highway is 90kph and is frequently and strictly enforced by police patrols. So, stick to the speed limit, stay on the right side of the law and stay safe.
A word about driving in Punjab. Carry your GPS or a good map if you are visiting. Most of the road directions and signages are in Gurmukhi only, especially once you venture off the main highways.
For Patiala, you have to turn off NH1 and take NH64 at Rajpura. The distance from Delhi to Patiala is about 160km and should take you about five hours. So, if you leave Delhi early in the morning, you should be there before lunch, perfect for a quick weekend break.
While you are on the road, keep an eye out for people making and selling fresh jaggery made from sugarcane by the roadside. Pick up some, you will not be disappointed.
Rishaad Sam Mehta
