India, Living Culture, Punjab, Responsible Travel, Weekend Getaways
Comments 31

On the Countryside in Punjab.

Cotton field, Punjab, fruit farm, countryside, offbeat travel

Through the thin white barks of Eucalyptus trees, the first rays of sunrise promise to brighten a chilly morning. I walk through a small clearing in the field, amid dark green shrubs dotted with white, and extend my hand towards what look like snow-flakes, only they don’t melt at my touch. If you haven’t yet guessed, I’m strolling amid cotton fields. The seeds have burst, and the cotton is blooming.

The smell of fresh earth, mixed with oxygen-laden air makes me feel a little high. This must be the aroma of our soil that A.R.Rehman refers to in his music. It’s hard to imagine that just 8 hours ago, I was soiling my lungs with city air. Closer to the farmhouse I’m staying at, the whiff of freshly cooked aloo parathas and homemade butter floats in the air. Everyone who’s ever lived in India has heard of Punjabi hospitality, but to experience it in a pind is not something you can anticipate.

Punjab, countryside, sunrise, cotton farm, fruit farm, offbeat weekend travel

Cotton shrubs, Eucalyptus trees, and a beautiful sunrise.

A hearty meal later, our friend and host at the farmhouse, invites us to walk with him through the fruit farms surrounding the area. These farms date back to the 50s, and land possession has been handed down to each generation since then. The income disparity between farm owners and the women that work in the farms is obvious, but unlike many parts of India, there is a sense of fairness, ownership and loyalty among both. I watch the women from the pind in fascination, as they expertly pluck the cotton from the shrubs and deposit it on a large cloth. This part of Ferozepur is one of the most fertile cotton belts in the country, and thanks to Google, I’m right in the middle of it.

punjab, countryside, offbeat travel, weekend getaways, fruit farm, cotton fields

We walk along the path between tall Eucalyptus trees on either side. Keenus are ripening from green to orange. A man is plucking ripe Guavas and collecting them on the ground. The Brown stems of Basmati Rice are ready to be cut from the fields. Men are sorting small and big Brinjals in baskets. Bitter Gourds are hiding away in their roped enclosures. Singhadas are growing out of mucky green water.

Keenu trees, Punjab, fruit farm, countryside, offbeat travel

Keenu trees. Keenus belong to the orange family, and though some of these look bright orange, they haven't yet ripened. They tasted tangy!

Guavas, Punjab, fruit farm, countryside, offbeat travel

Guava collector. He offered us some, and we gladly tried them. Easily the tastiest, softest & juiciest guavas I've ever had.

Basmati Rice, Punjab, fruit farm, countryside, offbeat travel

Basmati Rice fields.

The closest I’ve been to a fruit farm before this are the mango & leechee trees in the backyard of my house. I wonder if this is the India my grandparents once lived in, and immediately, I long for their slow and rich lives.

31 Comments

  1. Really nice… Truly “India Untravelled”. Might I suggest informing us a little about where you stayed or how to get there? Thanks.

  2. Agree with Debra above….I want to be right there experiencing all of that too! Insert “love/hate relationship with your travel blog” mode. 🙂

    • Aww, I’m sure you’re hatching a trip somewhere awesome in your head 🙂 I’m going to be swapping modes with you soon!

  3. i am reminded of my childhood and that one day which i spent in a pind near amritsar i wish time moves backwards,pind is an awsome place to visitnat

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  12. sarithas says

    Hi..could you tell me the name of the farm? I checked and rechecked you blog for it but couldn’t find it..:(

  13. Your article is good,it is really useful for travellers,each and every pic so beautiful,your very good photographer,thanks for sharing the valuable information.
    We are also provide the online Travel Services over all India so once visit our website https://tripnetra.com and give me your valuable suggestions.

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