Explore Amritsar

🛕 Amritsar Travel Guide

Known for: Golden Temple, Wagah Border Ceremony, Punjabi hospitality, street food, and Sikh history
Location: Punjab, India — near the India-Pakistan border

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• October to March (Winter):
  ✅ Best season — cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and festivals
  ✅ Experience Lohri (Jan) and Baisakhi (April) celebrations

• April to June (Summer):
  🔥 Hot and dry; early morning and evening visits advised

• July to September (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Humid with moderate rainfall, but fewer crowds

🛣️ How to Get There:

• 🛫 By Air:

  • Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) – ~11 km from city center

  • Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and international destinations (e.g., Dubai, London)

• 🚆 By Train:

  • Amritsar Junction – Well-connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Kolkata

• 🚗 By Road:

  • Excellent highways connect to Delhi (8–9 hrs), Chandigarh (4 hrs), and Wagah Border (45 mins)

  • Government and private buses available

🌟 Top Attractions:

🛕 Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib):

• Holiest Sikh shrine — serene, marble-and-gold structure surrounded by Amrit Sarovar (holy tank)

• Open 24/7; free Langar (community kitchen) serves 50,000+ daily

• Visit early morning or night for peaceful ambience

🇮🇳 Wagah Border Ceremony:

• Held daily before sunset at India–Pakistan border (30 km from city)

• Patriotic, high-energy flag-lowering ceremony with synchronized marching by Indian and Pakistani soldiers

• Arrive early (by 3 PM) for good seating

🏛️ Jallianwala Bagh:

• Historic site of the 1919 British massacre

• Memorial park with preserved bullet marks and eternal flame

🛍️ Hall Bazaar & Old City Markets:

• Traditional bazaars for Phulkari embroidery, Punjabi juttis, woolens, and spices

🕌 Durgiana Temple:

• Hindu temple resembling the Golden Temple’s architecture

• Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Vishnu

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Join the volunteer team at the Golden Temple’s Langar

• Try a heritage walk through Amritsar’s old city lanes

• Visit Partition Museum for powerful insights into 1947 history

• Enjoy Punjabi cultural shows at Sadda Pind or Gobindgarh Fort

• Watch local artisans make Amritsari papad and wadiyan

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

• Taj Swarna Amritsar – Contemporary 5-star hotel

• Hyatt Regency Amritsar – Near Golden Temple

• Welcomhotel by ITC – Comfortable with heritage feel

Mid-range:

• Ramada by Wyndham, Hotel Ritz Plaza, Fairfield by Marriott

Budget:

• Hotel City Park, Hotel Sarovar Regency, Backpacker's Nest Hostel

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Amritsari Kulcha – Stuffed flatbread with butter

• Chole Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti

• Lassi, Jalebi, and Gulab Jamun

Recommended Places to Eat:

• Kesar Da Dhaba – Legendary Punjabi thali & dal makhani

• Bharawan Da Dhaba – Vegetarian North Indian classics

• Brothers Dhaba – Quick, hearty Punjabi food

• Giani Tea Stall – For famous masala chai and butter toast

• Langar at Golden Temple – Don’t miss this humble and sacred meal

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Deeply spiritual and patriotic city — Sikhism’s holiest city

• Rich in Punjabi folk music, dance (Bhangra/Gidda), and festivals

• Known for generosity, valor, and strong community spirit

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 🧢 Cover your head and remove shoes when entering the Golden Temple

• 🥾 Wear comfortable shoes — expect lots of walking

• 📸 Photography restricted in some religious areas

• 🛕 Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothes at religious sites

• 🧴 Winter mornings can be foggy and chilly — pack accordingly

Booking information