Amritsar, a very fascinating city, situated in the northwestern corner of Punjab state, is immersed in culture and tradition. The city is the pilgrim of the Sikh religion and holds a glorious history. It is home to various magnificent sites like the Golden Temple, the Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, and so on.
The maze of narrow lanes, people wearing colorful turbans, beautiful mustard fields, and amazing street food are the charm of this peaceful city amid all the chaos.
If you are planning a trip, this Amritsar Travel Guide will help you explore the things to do in the city to make your itinerary unforgettable.
A Brief Travel Guide to Amritsar
Best Places to Visit
While planning your Amritsar trip, you’ll come across hundreds of touristy locations. Though it’s not possible to visit every place at once, here are the top 5 places that you should not miss in your 2-night and 3-day itinerary to Amritsar.
- Golden Temple
Your Amritsar trip is incomplete without visiting the Golden Temple. It is one of the most famous and important Sikh shrines across the globe. Also known as Darbar Sahib and Harmandir Sahib, this holy Sikh place is located right in the heart of the city. Its stunning golden architecture and the holy pool make you believe in spirituality.
Do not miss the langar which is served in langar halls to more than 1,00,000 people a day. This vegetarian meal is simple and nutritious and is served by 90% volunteer working staff.
Quick Tip: Take off your shoes, wash your feet & hands, and cover your head before entering the temple.
Timings to Visit: 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Jallianwala Bagh
Just a few minutes away from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is another place that you should add to your list. It is a memorial park built to commemorate the innocent people killed on 13 April 1919. Thousands of unarmed Indians were massacred here by the British forces for their peaceful protest. There is still a sense of remorse in the air when you enter this place.
Timings to Visit: 06:30 AM to 07:30 PM
- Wagha Border
The Wagah-Attari border ceremony is something that will give you goosebumps. This flag-lowering ceremony occurs on the border of India and Pakistan every day. Attending this ceremony will make you feel patriotic no matter which country you come from. From the chants of Vande Matram to the parade of The Border Security Force (BSF) officers, this experience is unmissable and unforgettable.
Timings to Visit: 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Also Read: The Remarkable New Delhi Culture and Tradition
- Partition Museum
In contrast to the Wagah-Attari border, the Partition Museum is the place that tells you the real and untold stories behind the India-Pakistan partition.
The British divided the nation into two parts – India & Pakistan and the Partition Museum tells of the sobering reality of millions of migrants. You can find newspaper cuttings, photos, and artifacts belonging to Partition survivors in this museum.
Timings to Visit: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
- Gobindgarh Fort
Located in the center of Amritsar, Gobindgarh Fort echoes and shares the fascinating history of Punjab in the form of live music and a light show. Two shows take place after 7:00 pm in Punjabi and English language. If you enjoy an artistic and musical experience, this place is a must-visit.
Timings to visit: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Don’t Forget to Shop
Aside from the glorious and historical places, Amritsar is also a delightful shopping destination. If you are a shopping person, this place offers innumerous things to buy. From Phulkari dress materials to Punjabi Juttis, shawls, and carpets, everything can be found here.
Shopping in Amritsar is a truly fascinating experience because you get all the things at reasonable prices. Nothing is overpriced here (your bargaining skills will save you a lot).
Best Places for Shopping in Amritsar:
- Lahori Gate Market for cotton suits, dress materials, pashmina shawls, etc.
- Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar for sarees, shawls, footwear, handicrafts, jewelry, etc.
- Hall Bazaar for electronic gadgets, lamps, clothes, juttis, etc.
- Guru Bazaar for gold and silver jewelry, jadau jewelry, etc.
- Kapda Bazaar for clothes, bracelets, bangles, earrings, bindis, etc.
Eat the Best Food
Punjabis are known for their delicious food. From Amritsari kulchas, mouth-watering dal makhni to the soul-pleasing sweetness of jalebis, heavenly lassi, you will get the best street food in Amritsar’s dhabas. The Amritsari meal is so delicious that you do not care about the calories or the little extra fat to enjoy every bite of this hard-to-say-no food.
Famous Places to Eat in Amritsar:
- Golden Temple’s Langar Prasad
- Beera Chicken House
- Ahuja Lassi
- All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha
- Kulcha Land
Final Thoughts
Amritsar is a beautiful city and highly recommended to visit on your India trip. This Amritsar travel guide will make your Amritsar itinerary more interesting and fun. And to make this trip possible, book the cheapest flights to Amritsar at Indianeagle.com.