Begin your journey in Amritsar by visiting the most revered shrine of Sikhism, the Golden Temple. Located in the heart of the city, this magnificent temple is surrounded by a serene water body, which adds to its beauty. Spend your time experiencing the spiritual vibes here, watching the eagerness of devotees, and learning about the Sikh culture. Make sure not to miss out on the Langar, a free community kitchen where simple and tasty meals are served to all visitors irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion.
Start your day by experiencing the patriotic fervor at the Wagah Border, the only active border between India and Pakistan. Watch the elaborate closing ceremony, which features soldiers from both sides performing rigorous drills, to lower their respective flags. Then head to Jallianwala Bagh, which is a 5-minute walk from the border, and learn about the tragic incident that happened in 1919, where hundreds of innocent people were massacred by the British Indian Army. Spend some reflective time at the memorial, and admire the bullet holes in the walls that still stand as evidence of the brutal act committed by the British.
Food lovers can't leave Amritsar without indulging in the local gastronomic delights, so make your way to the Amritsar Food Trail. Begin your day by savoring the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Chole at Kulcha Land. Next, visit Kesar Da Dhaba and relish their popular Dal Makhani and Lachcha Paratha. Then head to Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wale, an iconic eatery that has been serving mouth-watering Jalebis for over 100 years. To wrap up your food trail, visit Beera Chicken House to taste their delicious Tandoori Chicken.
Visit the Ram Bagh, a beautiful garden named after Guru Ram Das Ji, the founder of the city. The garden houses a museum, which exhibits an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. Afterward, visit the Durgiana Temple, which is also known as the Silver Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is adorned with intricate silver carvings. End your journey at the temple, taking in the serene ambience and admiring the stunning architecture.
To make the most of your Amritsar trip, add a day trip to the nearby historic city of Tarn Taran Sahib, which is known for its beautiful Gurudwaras and quaint countryside. If you have more time, explore the popular shopping areas in Amritsar like Hall Bazaar, Lawrence Road, and Kapra Bazaar for traditional outfits, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip the Ram Bagh and visit the Partition Museum, which showcases firsthand accounts of the Partition of India in 1947.