7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Amritsar and Vaishnodevi

Friday, September 22: Arrival in Amritsar

Start your trip in Amritsar by visiting the iconic Golden Temple in the morning. Experience the peaceful ambience and learn about Sikhism. In the afternoon, explore the Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial garden that commemorates the tragic massacre that took place in 1919. In the evening, witness the patriotic Wagah Border Ceremony, a daily military ceremony between India and Pakistan.

• Golden Temple: Free admission, 2-3 hours
• Jallianwala Bagh: Free admission, 1-2 hours
• Wagah Border Ceremony: Free admission, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a famous local restaurant known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine. Enjoy their popular dish, stuffed parathas, and the average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Beera Chicken House, a popular eatery known for its flavorful chicken dishes. Indulge in their speciality, butter chicken, and the average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Brothers Dhaba, a family-friendly restaurant offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Relish their mouthwatering tandoori platter, and the average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Saturday, September 23: Amritsar Sightseeing

Begin the day by visiting the historic Ram Bagh Garden, known for its beautiful lawns and ancient monuments. In the afternoon, explore the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum to learn about the life of the legendary Sikh ruler. End the day with a visit to the Partition Museum, showcasing the stories of the India-Pakistan partition.

• Ram Bagh Garden: Free admission, 1-2 hours
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: INR 10 per person, 2-3 hours
• Partition Museum: INR 10 per person, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Cafe Bharawan: Enjoy a traditional Punjabi breakfast at Cafe Bharawan, known for its delicious parathas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Kesar Da Dhaba: For lunch, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a popular restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine like dal makhani and Amritsari kulcha. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• Beera Chicken Corner: Indulge in mouthwatering Amritsari chicken tikka and tandoori dishes at Beera Chicken Corner for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.

Sunday, September 24: Vaishnodevi

Embark on a spiritual journey to Vaishnodevi, a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Start your trek early in the morning to reach the Bhawan, the main shrine dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains and seek blessings from the goddess. Spend the night at a guesthouse near the shrine.

• Trek to Vaishnodevi: Free, 12-14 hours
• Accommodation near Bhawan: Prices vary, overnight stay

Monday, September 25: Return to Amritsar

After completing the Vaishnodevi trek, return to Amritsar. Relax and rejuvenate at your hotel in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Durgiana Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Temple of Amritsar." Spend the evening exploring the vibrant local markets and indulging in delicious Punjabi cuisine.

• Durgiana Temple: Free admission, 1-2 hours
• Exploring local markets: Prices vary, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, September 26: Amritsar Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Amritsar. Start the day by visiting the Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fort known for its museums and cultural shows. In the afternoon, explore the Khalsa College Museum, showcasing Sikh artifacts and history. End the day with a visit to the Pul Kanjari, an ancient heritage village.

• Gobindgarh Fort: INR 25 per person, 2-3 hours
• Khalsa College Museum: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
• Pul Kanjari: Free admission, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 27: Amritsar Shopping and Relaxation

Spend the day indulging in some shopping and relaxation. Start with a visit to the bustling Hall Bazaar, known for its traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at a local spa. End the day with a peaceful sunset walk at the Ram Tirath Temple.

• Shopping at Hall Bazaar: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic massage: Prices vary, 1-2 hours
• Ram Tirath Temple: Free admission, 1-2 hours

Thursday, September 28: Departure

On your last day, bid farewell to Amritsar. Spend the morning visiting the historical Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib and pay your respects. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Company Bagh, a beautiful garden. Depart from Amritsar with cherished memories of your family-friendly trip.

• Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib: Free admission, 1-2 hours
• Company Bagh: Free admission, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, explore the colorful streets of Amritsar's old city, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar. This bustling market is famous for its traditional street food, including mouth-watering kulchas and lassis. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the historic Khairuddin Mosque, known for its stunning architecture. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with friendly locals.