Relaxing 4-Day Itinerary in Amritsar and Chandigarh

1. Day 1: Golden Temple
   10 minutes (3.8 km) from Amritsar Junction Railway Station

   Start your trip with a visit to the Golden Temple, the most iconic landmark in Amritsar. The temple is a sanctum for Sikhism and represents the principles of equality, unity, and diversity. You can spend hours admiring the stunning architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning reflections of the temple in the water. Take a walk around the complex to explore the temple and its history at the museum. Do not forget to indulge in the scrumptious free meals, Langar, offered to all visitors.

2. Day 2: Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake
   30 minutes (9.5 km) from Amritsar by flight

   Take a flight to Chandigarh and visit two attractions in one day. Rock Garden is an artistic garden made of recycled objects and displays sculptures, potteries, and bangles. You can find various themes such as dancers, musicians, or animals while wandering through the garden. Then, take a 10-minute walk to the beautiful Sukna Lake, where you can relax by boating, strolling, or bird-watching. Enjoy the stunning views of the Shivalik Hills and vibrant sunsets.

3. Day 3: Rose Garden and Sector 17 Market
   30 minutes (5.5 km) from Sukna Lake

   Take a relaxing morning walk in the Rose Garden, a 30-acre garden with over 17000 plants. The garden features various types of fragrant roses, including those named after famous personalities such as John F Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, and Mother Teresa. Then, head to the Sector 17 Market, the primary shopping hub in Chandigarh. The market has a variety of shops, ranging from designer clothes, handicrafts, footwear, and electronics. You can also take a break at the restaurants or cafes present in the market.

4. Day 4: The Government Museum and Art Gallery
   20 minutes (5.2 km) from Sector 17 Market

   End your trip by exploring the Government Museum and Art Gallery, which has an extensive collection of Gandhara, Pahari, Modern, and Contemporary art. The museum also displays miniature paintings, manuscripts, and antiques. The architecture of the building is impressive and has won multiple awards for its design and features. The museum can be a good learning experience for children as it has various informative exhibitions, displays, and activities.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Golden Temple (2 hours, free)
• Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake (4 hours, Rs. 100/person for Rock Garden and Rs. 200/boat for boating at Sukhna Lake)
• Rose Garden and Sector 17 Market (4 hours, free except for shopping expenses)
• The Government Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, Rs. 20/person for Indian nationals, and Rs. 250/person for foreigners)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 570/person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add the following places to your itinerary:

• Wagah Border (30 minutes from the Golden Temple, witness the highly choreographed flag-lowering ceremony that takes place every day at sunset)
• Le Corbusier Center and Museum (5 minutes from the Sector 17 Market, dedicated to the renowned architect and urban planner, with various exhibitions, lectures, and books)
• ChattBir Zoo (30 minutes from Chandigarh, spread over 202 acres, has over 85 species of wild and birds)

If you have less time, you can skip the Rose Garden or the Sector 17 Market and spend more time at the other places. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, keep yourself hydrated, and carry sunscreen and shades while visiting the places.