About Amritsar Travel Guide

Destination Overview – Amritsar, Punjab

Amritsar, located in the northwestern state of Punjab, is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh religion. Home to the world-famous Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), this vibrant city is a blend of faith, history, patriotism, and Punjabi hospitality.

Amritsar draws pilgrims, history buffs, food lovers, and patriotic travelers, offering a deeply emotional and enriching experience.

Top Attractions & Places to Visit

• Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) – Holiest shrine of Sikhism, with serene Sarovar and community langar

• Jallianwala Bagh – Historic memorial park of the 1919 massacre

• Wagah Border – Patriotic Indo-Pak border ceremony with daily flag-lowering parade

• Partition Museum – Insightful exhibitions on India’s partition and refugee stories

• Durgiana Temple – Hindu temple resembling Golden Temple’s architecture

• Gobindgarh Fort – Interactive cultural fort with 7D shows and museums

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – Exhibits of the Lion of Punjab’s life and weapons

• Ram Bagh Gardens – Historic Mughal-style garden with scenic paths

• Hall Bazaar – Famous market for phulkari, juttis, and spices

Best Time to Visit

• October to March – Cool and pleasant weather; ideal for sightseeing and festivals

• April to June – Hot and dry; manageable with early morning visits

• July to September – Monsoon season; occasional rains with lush surroundings

How to Reach

• By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (11 km from city center)

• By Train: Amritsar Junction – well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jammu, and more

• By Road: NH-1 connects Amritsar to major North Indian cities; luxury buses and taxis available

Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers

Golden Temple offers wheelchair access, ramps, and assistance volunteers. Partition Museum and Gobindgarh Fort also have basic facilities for differently-abled travelers. Many mid-range and premium hotels provide accessible rooms.

Things to Do & Experiences

• Attend the early morning or night palki procession at Golden Temple

• Watch the Wagah Border ceremony (around 4:30–5:30 PM daily)

• Eat at the Guru Ka Langar – the world’s largest free kitchen

• Enjoy street food walks around Hall Bazaar and Lawrence Road

• Visit heritage streets of the old city for architectural gems

• See cultural shows at Gobindgarh Fort in the evening

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

• Taj Swarna

• Hyatt Regency Amritsar

• Radisson Blu Hotel

Mid-Range:

• Ramada by Wyndham

• Hotel Ritz Plaza

• Fairfield by Marriott

Budget:

• Hotel City Park

• Hotel Akaal Residency

• Backpacker’s Nest Amritsar

Local Cuisine & Dining

Must Try:

• Amritsari Kulcha with Chole

• Lassi (sweet, thick yogurt drink)

• Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag

• Tandoori Chicken & Fish Amritsari

• Langar Food at Golden Temple

Top Restaurants:

• Kesar Da Dhaba

• Bharawan Da Dhaba

• Kulcha Land

• Crystal Restaurant

• Beera Chicken House

Travel Tips & Safety

• Cover your head and remove shoes while entering Golden Temple

• Avoid carrying leather items inside Sikh shrines

• Wagah ceremony gates close early on holidays – arrive at least 1.5 hrs before

• Respect local traditions and dress modestly

• Watch out for heavy crowds during religious holidays and weekends

Weather & Packing Suggestions

Summer (Apr–Jun): Light cottons, sunglasses, water bottle
Winter (Oct–Feb): Warm jackets and woolens, especially at night
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Umbrella, light waterproof footwear

Currency & Connectivity

• Digital payments (UPI, Paytm) widely accepted

• Plenty of ATMs in main markets and near Golden Temple

• Good mobile and internet coverage across all major networks

Suggested Itinerary

2N/3D Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival → Golden Temple (evening) → Langar → Night Palki Darshan
Day 2: Jallianwala Bagh → Partition Museum → Wagah Border Ceremony → Local Shopping
Day 3: Durgiana Temple → Gobindgarh Fort → Local food walk → Departure

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Phulkari dupattas and suits

• Punjabi juttis (embroidered footwear)

• Dry fruits and Amritsari papad-wadiyan

• Spices and pickles

• Religious souvenirs from Golden Temple complex

Best Markets:

• Hall Bazaar

• Katra Jaimal Singh

• Lahori Gate Market

• Heritage Street near Golden Temple

Cultural & Historical Background

Amritsar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das Ji, the 4th Sikh Guru. It became the epicenter of Sikhism with the construction of the Harmandir Sahib. The city also played a pivotal role during India’s partition and the freedom movement.

Amritsar’s identity is deeply tied to faith, resilience, and Punjabi pride.

Local Transport Options

• Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are widely available

• Cabs, Ola, Uber for local commute

• Battery-operated carts near Golden Temple and Heritage Street

• Bicycle and walking tours for old town exploration

Nearest Railway Station

• Amritsar Junction (ASR) – centrally located and well-connected

• Amritsar Cantonment – for select routes and nearby villages

FAQs About Amritsar Tour

Is 2 days enough for Amritsar?
Yes, 2–3 days is ideal to cover all major attractions comfortably.

Is Amritsar safe for solo travelers?
Very safe, including for solo female travelers. Locals are helpful and respectful.

Best time for Wagah Border ceremony?
Arrive by 3:30 PM to get a good seat; starts around sunset.

Is photography allowed at Golden Temple?
Yes, but not inside the sanctum. Respect restrictions.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

• Avoid littering in the Golden Temple and historical sites

• Support local artisans and eateries instead of chains

• Respect local customs – especially at religious places

• Use shared autos, electric carts, or walking tours when possible