Welcome to the heart of Punjab! Start the trip with a visit to the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, which is considered to be the holiest Gurdwara and the most visited tourist attraction in the city. Witness the Palki Sahib ceremony during the night ceremony which is getting held around 9 PM daily here.
Visit the magnificent Jallianwala Bagh which stands as a symbol of one of the most tragic incidents in Indian history. Here you can witness the bullet marks in the walls and the well where people who were injured jumped to avoid the bullets.
Visit the Wagah Border, located at the India-Pakistan border. You can witness a fascinating Beating retreat ceremony that comes with a parade of national pride and fervor every day at sunset.
Drive or take a train to Chandigarh, which is the first planned City of India. Known for its modern architecture blended with natural scenery, explore the Rock Garden which is a tribute to human innovation and creation.
Visit the Le Corbusier Center, dedicated to the Swiss-French architect who designed the city. Here you can see an exhibition on the life and works of Le Corbusier and enjoy the unique architecture of the center.
Travel to Patiala, known for its vibrant culture, exquisite food, and fine-looking clothes. Visit the Qila Mubarak complex, which has numerous buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal, the Jalau Khana, the Darbar Hall, and the archaeological museum in it.
Visit the Lachman Jhoola, a rope bridge that leads to the temple where Lord Ram and Sita are worshipped. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful, lush greenery and flows over the river that passes through this region.
Head to Ludhiana, an important industrial town of Punjab. Visit the beautiful Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, which is a tribute to the war hero's life and achievements.
Visit the Pavilion Mall, which has many shops, restaurants and also an indoor gaming zone. Take a pause here for a shopping break and have a relaxing moment with a meal.
Head to Bathinda, which is one of the most ancient cities and an important tourist attraction as it has been mentioned in the Mahabharata. Visit the historical forts here, Qila Mubarak and Bahia Fort.
Visit the Bathinda Lake, which is located in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoy the fountains and relax at the cafes nearby.
Travel to Pathankot, situated at the meeting point of the rivers Ravi and Chakki. After checking in to the hotel, visit the Mukteshwar Temple, one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Visit the Ranjit Sagar Dam, which is the highest hydroelectric project in Punjab. Take a walk around the dam and witness the scenic view of hills surrounding the lake.
Return to Amritsar and visit the Ram Bagh Palace, which stands as an epitome of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's architectural style. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local bazaars and shops, where you can find traditional Punjabi clothes and many other handmade products.
End the trip with a visit to the Partition Museum, which provides an insight into the events that took place during the partition of India and Pakistan. It is a must-visit place to get an understanding of this historic moment in time.
Travel by taxi or private car is the most comfortable option for the trip. There are also frequent train and bus services connecting major towns in Punjab, but travel times can be longer.
Estimated travel costs for taxi/private car: INR 35-40 per km
Estimated travel time for train and bus: 1-2 hours between towns
If you have more time, you can explore other famous places in Punjab like the various historical forts and famous food spots of Patiala or visit the famous museums and Gurudwaras in Anandpur Sahib. If you have less time, you can skip the trip to Pathankot and cut a few days in Ludhiana and Patiala.
The nearest airport to start the trip is the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar, which is located about 11 km from the city center.