Amritsar is a city that will captivate you with its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a food lover, Amritsar has something for everyone. In this article, I will share with you some of the best things to do and see in Amritsar, as well as some practical tips for planning your trip.
How to Experience the Golden City of India: A Guide to Amritsar
The Golden Temple: The Heart and Soul of Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most sacred and iconic site of Sikhism. It is a stunning architectural marvel, surrounded by a serene pool of water, and adorned with gold and marble. The temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, who come here to seek blessings, peace, and inspiration.
The Golden Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of service and equality. Inside the temple complex, you will find the langar, a community kitchen that feeds over 100,000 people every day, free of charge. You can also volunteer at the langar, and experience the joy of serving others.
The Golden Temple is open 24 hours a day, but the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temple is illuminated by lights and the atmosphere is more serene. You can also witness the daily ceremonies, such as the opening and closing of the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, and the recitation of hymns and prayers.
To enter the temple, you need to cover your head, remove your shoes, and wash your feet. You can also deposit your belongings at the cloakroom for free. You can explore the temple at your own pace, or join a guided tour for a deeper insight into its history and significance.
Jallianwala Bagh: A Site of Tragedy and Tribute
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that commemorates one of the darkest chapters of India’s freedom struggle. On April 13, 1919, thousands of peaceful protesters gathered here to oppose the oppressive British rule. Without warning, the British troops opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds of men, women, and children.
Today, Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial that honors the martyrs and educates the visitors about the horrific massacre. You can see the bullet marks on the walls, the well where many people jumped to escape the bullets, and the flame of liberty that burns in their memory. You can also visit the museum that displays the photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the incident.
Jallianwala Bagh is open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm, and the entry is free. It is located within walking distance from the Golden Temple, and you can easily combine the two attractions in one day.
Wagah Border: A Display of Patriotism and Peace
Wagah Border is the international border between India and Pakistan, and the venue of a daily ceremony that showcases the rivalry and camaraderie between the two nations. Every evening, before sunset, the soldiers from both sides perform a synchronized drill, followed by the lowering of the flags and the handshake of the officers. The ceremony is accompanied by loud cheers, patriotic songs, and slogans from the spectators, who fill the stands on both sides of the border.
Wagah Border is a unique and exhilarating experience that you should not miss when you are in Amritsar. You can reach the border by taking a taxi, a bus, or a tour from the city. The ceremony starts at 4:15 pm in winter and 5:15 pm in summer, but you need to arrive at least an hour earlier to secure a good seat. You also need to carry your identity proof and go through a security check.
Shopping and Eating: A Treat for Your Senses
Amritsar is a paradise for shoppers and foodies, who can find a variety of items and delicacies to suit their taste and budget. The best place to shop and eat in Amritsar is the old city, where you can explore the bustling bazaars and the narrow lanes, and discover the hidden gems of the city.
Some of the things that you can buy in Amritsar are:
- Phulkari: A traditional embroidery technique that uses colorful threads to create floral patterns on fabrics. You can find phulkari dupattas, suits, sarees, and accessories in the markets near the Golden Temple and Hall Bazaar.
- Juttis: A type of footwear that is made of leather and decorated with embroidery, beads, sequins, and mirrors. You can find juttis in various designs and colors in the shops near the Golden Temple and Guru Bazaar.
- Papad and Wadi: A type of snack that is made of lentils, spices, and herbs, and sun-dried into thin discs or balls. You can find papad and wadi in the shops near the Golden Temple and Ram Bagh.
- Amritsari Kulcha: A type of bread that is stuffed with potatoes, onions, cheese, or other fillings, and baked in a clay oven. You can find Amritsari kulcha in the restaurants and street stalls near the Golden Temple and Lawrence Road.
- Lassi: A refreshing drink that is made of yogurt, water, sugar, and sometimes fruits or nuts. You can find lassi in various flavors and sizes in the shops near the Golden Temple and Hall Bazaar.
How to Plan Your Trip to Amritsar
Amritsar is a city that can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the festivals are in full swing. Some of the festivals that you can enjoy in Amritsar are:
- Baisakhi: A harvest festival that marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year, celebrated in mid-April. You can witness the colorful processions, dances, and fairs in the city, and also visit the Golden Temple, where the Khalsa Panth was founded on this day in 1699.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti: The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, celebrated in late November or early December. You can see the illuminated Golden Temple, the night-long prayers, and the free langar on this day.
- Diwali: The festival of lights that celebrates the victory of good over evil, celebrated in late October or early November. You can see the dazzling fireworks, the decorated Golden Temple, and the special prayers on this day.
Amritsar is well connected with most of the major cities of India by air, rail, and road. You can fly to the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is about 11 km from the city center. You can also take a train to the Amritsar Junction Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the city center. You can also take a bus to the Amritsar Bus Stand, which is about 3 km from the city center.
You can find a range of accommodation options in Amritsar, from budget hotels and hostels to luxury resorts and heritage havelis. You can also stay at the Golden Temple, where you can get a free dormitory bed or a private room for a nominal donation. You can also get free meals at the langar, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
Amritsar is a city that will leave you spellbound with its beauty, history, and culture. It is a city that will make you feel proud, humble, and grateful. It is a city that you will never forget. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Amritsar today, and discover the golden city of India.
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