Amritsar Travel Guide
The Holy City of the Sikhs -- the Golden Temple's divine serenity, Wagah Border's patriotic fervour, and Punjab's legendary food culture.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to the Holy City
Welcome to the Holy City
Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural heart of Punjab, is a city that touches the soul. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, Amritsar derives its name from the Amrit Sarovar -- the sacred pool of nectar that surrounds the resplendent Golden Temple, covered in 750 kilograms of pure gold. Sri Harmandir Sahib is more than a place of worship -- it is a beacon of equality, with four entrances symbolizing openness to all castes and creeds. The Langar (community kitchen) serves over 100,000 free meals every day, making it the world's largest free kitchen. Beyond its spiritual significance, Amritsar is a city of profound historical importance. Jallianwala Bagh bears witness to one of colonial India's darkest chapters, while the Wagah Border ceremony celebrates India's sovereignty with daily patriotic fervour. The city is also Punjab's food capital, where Amritsari kulchas, tandoori chicken, and lassi have achieved legendary status. With its warm Punjabi hospitality, vibrant bazaars, and deeply moving spiritual experiences, Amritsar is one of India's most essential destinations.
Best Time to Visit Amritsar
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Amritsar
Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)
The holiest Sikh shrine, covered in 750 kg of gold. Open 24/7 to people of all faiths. The Amrit Sarovar (sacred pool) and Langar (free community kitchen serving 100,000 meals daily).
Jallianwala Bagh
Memorial garden at the site of the 1919 massacre where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians. Bullet marks preserved on walls. Renovated memorial museum.
Wagah Border
India-Pakistan border crossing famous for the daily Beating Retreat ceremony. High-energy patriotic display by BSF and Pakistan Rangers. Arrive 2 hours early.
Partition Museum
India's first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition. Personal stories, artefacts, and multimedia exhibits in the historic Town Hall. Deeply moving experience.
Gobindgarh Fort
18th-century fort restored as a heritage attraction. Light and sound show, live battle reenactments, Sikh artefacts museum, and the 7D theatre experience.
Durgiana Temple
Beautiful Hindu temple modelled after the Golden Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Durga. Silver doors and marble architecture. Known as the Silver Temple.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Museum dedicated to the Lion of Punjab in the summer palace of Ram Bagh gardens. Weapons, paintings, coins, and manuscripts from the Sikh Empire era.
Old City Heritage Walk
Guided walk through the narrow lanes around Golden Temple. Ancient havelis, katras (merchant courtyards), and street food stalls. The real soul of Amritsar.
Amritsar Food Guide
Punjab's food capital -- legendary Punjabi cuisine at its finest
Amritsari Kulcha
Stuffed tandoori bread with spiced potato, paneer, or mixed filling. Served with chole and chutney. Kulcha Land and Bhai Kulwant Singh are legendary.
Golden Temple Langar
World's largest free kitchen serving 100,000+ meals daily. Simple dal, roti, rice, and kheer. A profound spiritual and communal dining experience.
Amritsari Fish
Crispy batter-fried fish marinated in Punjabi spices. Makki di Hatti in Lawrence Road is the most famous. Best with fresh chutney and onion rings.
Lassi & Chole Bhature
Thick creamy lassi in tall steel glasses and puffy bhature with spicy chole. Ahuja Lassi and Kanhiya Lal are iconic for both.
Tandoori Chicken
Amritsar is credited with perfecting tandoori chicken. Beera Chicken House (since 1960) and Surjit Food Plaza serve legendary versions.
Phirni & Jalebi
Creamy rice pudding (phirni) in earthen bowls and hot jalebis for breakfast. Gurdas Ram and Baba Kartar Singh shops near Golden Temple.
Shopping in Amritsar
Phulkari & Punjabi Suits
₹500 - ₹15,000Vibrant Phulkari embroidery on dupattas and suits. Hand-embroidered pieces from Amritsar are the most authentic. Katra Jaimal Singh market is best.
Amritsari Juttis
₹200 - ₹3,000Traditional leather shoes with colourful embroidery. Hall Bazaar has dozens of jutti shops. Both men's and women's styles available.
Dry Fruits & Spices
₹200 - ₹5,000High-quality dried fruits, nuts, and Punjabi spices at wholesale prices. Katra Jaimal Singh and Guru Bazaar are the best markets.
Punjabi Jewellery
₹300 - ₹50,000Traditional Sikh and Punjabi jewellery -- gold plated, kundan, and handmade. Guru Bazaar and Hall Bazaar have trusted jewellers.
Getting Around Amritsar
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹1,800-3,000/day
AC car with driver. Essential for Wagah Border (30 km). Delhi-Amritsar one way from ₹6,000. Call 7668570551.
Auto-rickshaw
₹30-150/trip
Available everywhere. Good for Golden Temple to Hall Bazaar trips. Negotiate fare first.
Cycle Rickshaw
₹20-50/trip
Best for exploring old city lanes near Golden Temple. Eco-friendly and atmospheric.
City Bus
₹10-25/trip
PRTC buses connect major areas. Affordable but limited routes for tourists.
Where to Stay in Amritsar
Golden Temple Area
₹500-3,000/nightMost spiritual and atmospheric. Walking distance to all major attractions. Budget to mid-range stays. Can be noisy during festival season.
Lawrence Road / Mall Road
₹1,500-5,000/nightCommercial area with restaurants and shops. Good mid-range hotels. 10 min from Golden Temple. More modern and spacious.
Ranjit Avenue
₹2,000-8,000/nightModern residential area with new hotels. Clean and quiet. Good restaurants. 15-20 min drive to old city attractions.
Airport Road
₹1,500-6,000/nightConvenient for early flights. New hotels and resorts. Peaceful area. 20-25 min to city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Amritsar?
2 days is ideal. Day 1: Golden Temple (morning & evening), Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, old city walk. Day 2: Wagah Border ceremony (evening), Gobindgarh Fort, Pul Kanjari, shopping. Add a day for Attari border market and nearby Durgiana Temple.
Q2What is the best time to visit Amritsar?
October to March is best (10-25 degrees). November-February is ideal for food and sightseeing. Baisakhi (April 13) is spectacular at the Golden Temple. Summers (May-June) are very hot (40-45 degrees). Diwali and Guru Purab festivals are magnificent.
Q3How do I reach Amritsar from Delhi?
By train: Shatabdi Express (6 hrs), Vande Bharat (5 hrs). By car: 450 km, 7-8 hours via NH44. Our cab costs 6,000-8,000 rupees one way. By flight: 1 hour, multiple daily flights. We offer airport pickup and local sightseeing.
Q4What food is Amritsar famous for?
Amritsar is India's food capital! Amritsari Kulcha (stuffed bread), Langar at Golden Temple (world's largest free kitchen), Amritsari Fish, Lassi, Chole Bhature, Tandoori Chicken, and Phirni. The area around Golden Temple has legendary eateries.
Q5Is the Golden Temple open 24 hours?
Yes! Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is open 24 hours, 365 days a year. The early morning (3 AM - Amrit Vela) and evening prayers are most spiritual. Photography is allowed. Head covering and bare feet required. Free langar (meals) served all day.
Q6What time is the Wagah Border ceremony?
The Beating Retreat ceremony happens daily before sunset (5:30 PM in winter, 6:30 PM in summer). Arrive 2 hours early for good seats. Carry ID proof. No bags larger than a purse allowed. It is a 30 km drive from Amritsar city -- our drivers time it perfectly.
Q7What should I buy in Amritsar?
Phulkari dupattas and suits, Amritsari juttis (leather shoes), dried fruits from Katra Jaimal Singh, Amritsari papad, pickles, and Punjabi jewellery. Hall Bazaar and Lawrence Road are the main shopping streets.
Q8Is Amritsar safe for tourists?
Very safe. Amritsar is one of India's most welcoming cities. The Golden Temple area is heavily secured and clean. Sikh hospitality (seva) is legendary -- visitors of all faiths are warmly welcomed. Standard precautions for any city apply.
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