Things To Do
in Data

Data, India is a small town in Punjab known for its agricultural heritage and friendly locals. It sits amid green fields and canal corridors, offering a calm base for exploring rural Punjab. The town blends traditional markets, gurudwaras, and daily village life with easy access to nature.

Visitors can experience authentic Punjabi hospitality, cuisine, and timeless village rhythms.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient temples in the historic center, where intricate carvings tell tales of a bygone era. As the sun rises, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling delicious South Indian dosas and idlis. Stroll through the vibrant markets, where the aroma of spices fills the air and colorful textiles catch your eye.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a traditional restaurant, delve deeper into the rich history by visiting the Data Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's past. Spend some time exploring the narrow lanes, discovering local artisans crafting beautiful pottery and textiles. As you wander, take breaks to sip on refreshing coconut water from roadside vendors.

evening
:

As the day winds down, head to the local park for a serene sunset view over the bustling city. Enjoy a dinner of authentic Indian cuisine at a rooftop restaurant, where you can savor biryani while overlooking the illuminated skyline. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the night atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Immersion and Local Cuisine
morning
:

Begin your day with a cooking class at a local home, where you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like sambar and rasam. Engage with the family as they share stories and traditions that shape their culinary practices. Enjoy your homemade breakfast alongside freshly brewed masala chai.

afternoon
:

After cooking, visit a nearby village to experience the daily lives of local artisans, watching them craft intricate handicrafts. Take part in some fun workshops, such as pottery making or weaving, gaining hands-on experience of traditional skills. For lunch, enjoy a picnic featuring local delicacies in a scenic spot surrounded by nature.

evening
:

Return to the city for an evening cultural performance showcasing local dance and music. Dine at a popular eatery known for its street food, trying out chaat and other savory snacks. Wrap up the night with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee or tea in cafe$0.5-2
🚲Local transportation (short ride)$0.5-2
🥟Street food snack$0.5-2
🏨Budget hotel room$12-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm Punjabi culture and hospitality
  • Delicious vegetarian friendly cuisine
  • Walkable town center with easy access to rural experiences
  • Limited nightlife options for some travelers
  • Rural roads and traffic can be busy and noisy
  • Smaller town amenities compared to big cities
  • "Sat Sri Akal" - Hello / Welcome
  • "Tuhada ki haal hai?" - How are you?
  • "Menu dikhado, kirpa karke" - Please show me the menu
  • "Dhanvaad" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Data

Visit one of these nice places.

Gurudwara Data Sahib Complex

Golden hour reflections in the sacred complex with tranquil courtyards and architectural details.

Mustard Fields at Dusk

Vast yellow blooms in spring create dramatic wide angle landscape shots.

Data Bazaar Clock Tower

Colorful market life with bicycles, carts, and classic market architecture.

Canal Bund at Sunset

Calm water and silhouettes of farmers and boats provide serene compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Data

Punjabi cuisine in Data is hearty and dairy rich, with vibrant tandoor flavors and a prevalence of vegetarian options. Expect cumin, garlic, and fresh herbs to define many dishes, and a culture of sharing large, flavorful plates with family and friends.

Data Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti

Creamy mustard greens served with corn flatbread, a winter staple and deeply comforting.

Must-Try!

Amritsari Kulcha with Chole

Stuffed bread baked in a hot tandoor, paired with spicy chickpea curry.

Butter Chicken

Tender chicken in a creamy tomato gravy with a subtle blend of spices.

Lassi

A yogurt based drink, sweet or salted, perfect after spicy meals.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Data Bazaar

The main market street where you can sample chaat, samosas, jalebi, and fresh sweets.

Market Street Chaat Lane

A bustling stretch with fried snacks, tangy chutneys, and friendly stallholders.

Climate Guide

Weather

Punjab has hot summers, a monsoon season, and cool winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor exploration.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Namaste or Sat Sri Akal; remove shoes before entering homes or places of worship.

Dress

Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice general travel safety: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, use licensed taxis, and stay aware of your surroundings after dark in less busy areas. Road safety and pedaling with care on busy streets are important.

Tipping in Data

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tips are appreciated for good service, typically 5-10 percent in restaurants if no service charge is included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; cards at hotels; digital wallets and UPI are commonly used for small and large purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot dry days with temperatures often above 35 C. Hydrate, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Monsoon

July to September bring heavy rains and high humidity. Roads can flood, and outdoor plans may shift indoors.

Winter

Cool to chilly air with mornings and evenings in the 5–15 C range. Layering is essential.

Nightlife Guide

Data at Night

Evenings are peaceful and tea house centered. You will find small music performances, bhangra during local events, and lively market nights rather than a typical nightclub scene.

Hiking in Data

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Shivalik foothill trails

Gentle hikes in the foothills offering scenic views and village scenery.

Riverside countryside walk

Flat, easy trails along irrigation canals and rivers suitable for all ages.

Airports

How to reach Data by plane.

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

Major airport about 100-140 km away with domestic and international connections.

Ludhiana Airport (LUH)

Domestic airport serving regional destinations, roughly 70-100 km away.

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar

Major international hub located farther away, commonly used for international travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and fairly walkable with markets, temples, and gurudwaras close to each other. Some streets are narrow and shared with cycles and rickshaws, so watch for traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Punjabi families

Predominant cultural group with strong farming and community traditions.

Rural workers

Agricultural households and seasonal labor living in nearby villages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport in the region with local matches and informal play in villages.

Kabaddi

Traditional Punjabi sport widely played in communities and events.

Transportation

Traffic

Expect mixed traffic with busy main roads during peak hours. Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common in town, and road conditions can vary after rain.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Data.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are vegetarian friendly. Look for dal, paneer, sabzi options and request dairy free substitutions if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in town with clinics and a district hospital. For more advanced care, travel to larger cities such as Chandigarh or Amritsar. Carry basic medications and travel insurance.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide