Located in Punjab, the holy city of Amritsar is just a 7 hour bus ride from Delhi. Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, the holy city is a spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year.
One can easily cover the city’s main attractions in two days. Here is my list of things that one must do once in Amritsar:
- Visit the Golden Temple
View of the Golden Temple, Amritsar during day time
For years, Golden Temple in Amritsar had been on my bucket list. All I wanted to do was witness the beauty of the temple and the fine craftsmanship. It is only when I visited the temple, I realised that it is more than just a beautiful structure.
Built on a level lower than the surrounding land level, the temple teaches a lesson of humility. The four gates welcome people from all four directions irrespective of their caste, religion or gender. It symbolizes equality in true sense.
If you happen to visit the temple then don’t miss the Guru Ka Langar. The community kitchen of the temple feeds around 50,000 devotees every single day.
View of the Golden Temple, Amritsar at night
2. Visit Jallianwala Bagh
We all have read about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in our history textbooks. Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden where on 13th April 1919, men, women and children were mercilessly killed on orders of British officer Dyer. The garden still bears the bullet marks on its walls.
The bullet marks on the walls of Jallianwala Bagh
3.Watch the Beating Retreat Ceremony
A young girl enjoying the Beating Retreat Ceremony at Wagah Border
The Beating Retreat Ceremony takes place every day at Wagah Border. During the ceremony, the flags of India and Pakistan are lowered by their respective security forces at the border in an elaborate fashion.
There is a different kind of energy that one experiences during the ceremony from both the sides. And while you are there, you will find yourself cheering for our soldiers at the top of your voice.
You can take shared public transport or hire your own private vehicle to reach Wagah Border from Amritsar.
4.Visit the Gobindgarh Fort
Laser show at Gobindgarh Fort
The Gobindgarh fort was occupied by the army until the start of this year. This 257 year old historic fort is now open to the public. The fort conducts multiple shows.
Laser show (Whispering walls) in Punjabi and English is conducted in the evenings. The infotainment shows take you back in time and you get to know about the rich history of Punjab and the story of the fort.
A 7 D show, Sher-E-Punjab, is conducted in regular intervals in the evenings. The show depicts the story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The fort also has a shopping zone and swad gali where you can relish some delicious Punjabi food.
5. Indulge in Kulchas, Lassis and Amritsari fish
Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsar has a lot to offer to the foodies. From yummy kulchas to mouth-watering authentic Punjabi dishes in Kesar da dhaba to delicious amritsari fish in Makhan, the place is a heaven for food lovers.
6. Shop till you drop
Amritsar is a shopping paradise. Katra Jaimal Singh Market and Hall Bazaar are famous street shopping areas that sell selling value for money products. Amritsar is famous for juttis, phulkaris, papads, spices and achaars (pickle). Make sure to buy these items before you leave the city.
So that was my list of things that one must do in Amritsar. Do let me know in the comments below if I missed anything.
Till then Keep Travelling!
Tales of an Urban Nomad 