Start your trip by arriving in Amritsar and checking into your hotel. Use Kayak to find the best hotel deals in the city. In the morning, head to the iconic Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism. Admire the stunning architecture and take part in the langar, a free community meal. In the afternoon, visit Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden that commemorates the tragic 1919 massacre. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Punjabi dinner at a local restaurant.
Golden Temple: Free entry, spend around 2-3 hours
Jallianwala Bagh: INR 20 per person, spend around 1-2 hours
Traditional Punjabi dinner: INR 500-800 per person
Saturday, December 23: Amritsar Heritage Tour
Start your day with a visit to the Partition Museum, which showcases the history and impact of the partition of India in 1947. Learn about the stories and struggles of those affected by this event. In the afternoon, explore the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of the Sikh ruler. Take a leisurely walk in the well-maintained Ram Bagh garden, also known as the Company Bagh. In the evening, witness the incredible Beating Retreat ceremony at the Wagah Border, a symbolic display of the border closing ceremony between India and Pakistan.
Partition Museum: INR 10 per person, spend around 1-2 hours
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: INR 20 per person, spend around 1-2 hours
Ram Bagh Garden: Free entry, spend around 1-2 hours
Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah Border: Free entry, spend around 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Punjabi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a tasty and authentic lunch, head to Bhrawan Da Dhaba, a renowned eatery famous for its mouthwatering Punjabi thali. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Brothers' Dhaba, a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Sunday, December 24: Amritsar Cuisine and Shopping
Start your day by indulging in a traditional Punjabi breakfast at a local eatery. Then, visit the famous Amritsar street markets, such as Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market, where you can shop for traditional clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the iconic Amritsari kulcha and lassi. In the afternoon, take a trip to the colorful Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fortress that offers cultural shows and exhibitions. End your day with a visit to the Durgiana Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga.
Traditional Punjabi breakfast: INR 200-300 per person
Shopping at Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market: Cost varies based on purchases, spend around 2-3 hours
Gobindgarh Fort: INR 350-500 per person, spend around 2-3 hours
Durgiana Temple: Free entry, spend around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Amritsari Kulcha Wala: This popular breakfast spot offers freshly made Amritsari kulcha, a traditional Punjabi stuffed bread, served with a side of chole (chickpea curry) and topped with butter. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Kesar Da Dhaba: For lunch, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, known for its authentic Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their signature thali, which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes like dal makhani, paneer tikka, and saag. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Bharawan Da Dhaba: For a delicious dinner, visit Bharawan Da Dhaba, a famous dhaba (roadside eatery) in Amritsar. Try their special thali, featuring Punjabi dishes like sarson ka saag, makki ki roti, and rajma. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Amritsar, don't miss visiting the Pul Kanjari, a historical village that was once visited by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is known for its architectural beauty and legends associated with the village. For a unique experience, spend an evening at the Sadda Pind, a cultural village that offers insights into Punjabi traditions, folk music, and dance performances. It is a great place for families to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy traditional Punjabi cuisine.