Amritsar is a popular travel destination in Northern India attracting tourists from all over the world. Among one of the largest cities of Punjab, Amritsar captures the heart of many with its spirituality, dignified history, cuisine, and narrow marketplaces. So I’m going to present the top things to do and best places to visit in Amritsar and around. Hop on to my Amritsar sightseeing trip –
Amritsar Itinerary – Best Places to visit in Amritsar
Amritsar is an astonishing place that will tickle your senses. The chaos of the old city, the tranquillity in the Golden Temple, the past of the horrific mass murder in the Jalliawallah Bagh and a wonderful ceremony at Indo-Pak border, Amritsar can be overwhelming. So, I have put together this Amritsar itinerary for you to have an amazing sightseeing trip with the best places to visit in Amritsar.
Day 1 – Amritsar Sightseeing
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: The Golden Temple
There are a number of sites to visit in Punjab but *Harmandir Sahib* is one of the best places to visit in Amritsar city. The city is home to the well-known Sikh Shrine “The Golden Temple” or colloquially known as “Sri Harmandir Sahib”. The temple is built from pure gold and exquisite marble work is visible in and around the temple. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a large holy lake containing “Amrit” or the “holy water” fed from the Ravi river.
Palki Sahib Ceremony
The symbolic ceremony – “Palki Sahib Ceremony” – takes place twice a day, when the holy book “Guru Granth Sahib” carried by Palki Sahib (palanquins) is departed to the Akal Takhat Sahib. Then, the devotees and the Gurudwara staff clean the Harmandir Sahib. During this time, the devotees sing the Gurbani Kirtan (devotional tunes). After this purification, rugs are spread back & Peera Sahib(small cot) is kept where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed back early morning. It is a religious ceremony, not to be missed while visiting the Golden Temple and I would highly recommend as one of the best things to do in Amritsar at night.
An Unforgettable Experience
I would like to share one of the most wonderful experiences from my last visit to The Golden Temple:
“I and my cousins decided to visit The Golden Temple at night, around 8:45 PM. As we were staying nearby, we reached the temple around 9:00 PM. The moment we entered the temple, all those who were inside the temple had to sit down by the gurudwara staff for the “Palki Sahib Ceremony“. We sat there for a good fifteen minutes and the experience was unforgettable. The devotees sang devotional and melodious tunes. I closed my eyes trying to make the connection with The Almighty and immediately felt the positive vibes. I sensed I could speak my heart out to God, share my joys and cry out my problems. I bowed down to offer my prayers and departed towards the lake. The tears in my eyes when we exited the temple was a memorable experience which I’ll always cherish.”
For all those planning to visit the temple, I would suggest going in the night (around 8:30 PM in winters and 9:30 PM in summers) so you might also be to attend the ceremony. I am sure you will not regret including the Golden temple in your Amritsar sightseeing trip.
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: Jallianwala Bagh
This is one of the most heart-shattering places to visit in Amritsar associated with the massacre which happened here under the British rule in 1919. It is a memorial set up in 1951 for the innocent & unarmed people who died at the hands of the British Indian army. Shockingly they were not the freedom fighters or protestors, they were peacefully celebrating the Baisakhi festival. Jallianwala Bagh (garden) can be an emotional visit for those who still feel connected to history. To connect with an important landmark in the Indian freedom movement, Jallianwala Bagh should be on your list of best places to visit in Amritsar.
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: Partition Museum
The first partition museum opened in India in the Holy city of Amritsar on 17 Aug 2017. The one and only museum dedicated to the history of Partition between India & Pakistan should be one of the best places to visit in Amritsar. Located in the town hall, the museum brings back so many chilling memories from the era. The entry to the museum is available at as low as 10₹ or 150₹ (2.16$) for foreigners. I’d recommend taking a trip to this museum for going down the memory lane, how India used to be before & during Pakistan. This is a new addition to the Amritsar sightseeing places, and highly recommended.
DAY 2
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: Wagah Border
Amritsar is a magnificent town placed in the near to India-Pakistan border, also known as “Wagga Border”. Sightseeing in Amritsar is not limited to Harmandir Sahib, Wagga border is another major tourist attraction and is one of the must-see places to visit in Amritsar.
The “Beating Retreat” or the “lowering of the flags” ceremony is jointly followed by India & Pakistan and is well-known as a symbol of cooperation between the two nations. Wagah is at Indo-Pak border and located 20 km from Amritsar and a taxi will take about 45 minutes from Amritsar to Wagah Border. While visiting the city, make sure to squeeze the Beating Retreat ceremony in your Amritsar itinerary as this charts my list for Amritsar sightseeing places.
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: War Memorial Amritsar (Or Punjab State War Heroes Amritsar)
Punjab is ubiquitously known as a land of warriors and it has contributed to numerous wars since 300 BCE. Punjab’s government came up with an initiative for setting up a memorial starting from that era. The memorial is located slightly outside of the main town and can be reached through a cab or hop on hop off buses. The total visit to the war memorial won’t take more than 3-4 hours.
The memorial has 8 galleries starting from the origin of Sikhism and up until till Kargil War (wasn’t opened the last time I visited). The galleries are interactive and have real-life-look-alike wax statues. The constant audio in each gallery helps to understand the context of art at display more.
There’s also one arcade just before the entry of the galleries flaunting a 45 meters high sword. Check out my Instagram stories for more pictures from my recent visit to the memorial.
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Best Places to visit in Amritsar: Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is the most fierce ruler from Punjab whose revolt during the British rule is well known. Every other state was under the colonial rule except Punjab and Lahore which he acquired in 1799. The summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is now a heritage museum under Punjab government. With a collection of cherished paintings and numerous armors, the museum is another one best places to visit in Amritsar.
Suggested Read – Top 10 things to do in Chandigarh!
Amritsar Itinerary – Things to do in Amritsar
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Things to do in Amritsar: Try Amritsari Cuisine
The cuisine of the town is popular among the food lovers which will tempt you to return to the city again and again. One of the distinguished dishes is the “Aloo Kulcha” which is a popular Punjabi fat bread prepared using potato stuffing. The dish is usually served with white peas curry (‘chole’) and tamarind water (‘khatta’) and is known for its irresistible flavor. It is said that the authentic Kulchas from Amritsar doesn’t taste the same if cooked anywhere but Amritsar. So I highly recommend having a plate of Kulchas while in the city.
The trip to the Amritsar will be a delight for all the foodies with a variety of delicacies including Kachoris, Naan, Chur Chur Naan, Lassi, Mithais, Chole Bathurey and many more.
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Things to do in Amritsar: Shopping in Amritsar’s old markets
Surrounded by twelve historic gates, the old town of Amritsar holds its grace. While wandering around the city, we encounter brightly lit, crowded and narrow markets. Shopping in Amritsar is surely not be missed. There are various things to buy in Amritsar including numerous fabrics and footwears (‘juttis’) and one can easily locate them in the markets. Fancy some boutiques or known brands head to Lawrence Road – which is a posh market for the locals. You’ll also find a variety of eateries there.
The lanes going towards the Golden Temple is now being restored to give the place a vibe of the city center. The lanes are restored beautifully and are given a more historic architectural theme and a more cultural vibe have also been introduced.
This newly renovated Golden Temple road ends somewhere town hall and going towards Hall Bazaar which locals use extensively for shopping.
Where to Stay in Amritsar
Although there are a number of hotels in Amritsar, yet I would recommend staying near the Golden Temple. A lot of homes are being converted to hotels now, so you’ll easily find any numbers of hotels there. Airbnb has not taken a flight there, so hotels are your best buy. Coming from a family settled in Amritsar, I can recommend Sharma Guest House which is a renowned name near Golden Temple from 45 years.
- Treebo Trip MM Paradise – At the backside of Golden Temple and a Treebo brand makes it a perfect hotel. Golden temple only 4 minutes away, and you’ll be able to experience the hustle bustle of daily life here.
- CSJS Inn By Krishna Group of Hotels – A 4-star hotel minutes away from the Golden Temple and Jallianwalah bagh. Located near Akal Takht, this should be your pick if you’d like to indulge in luxury.
- Ramada Amritsar – One of the best hotels to stay in Amritsar located right in the city.
Suggested Read – Punjab’s Culture in Sculptures!!
Where to Eat
Amritsar is a foodie‘s paradise and every corner of Amritsar city will present you with something unique and a variety of places to eat. A number of renowned brands have come up in Amritsar including Mc Donalds, Burger King, Dominos Pizza, Pizza Hut and many others. All these are located in close proximity to Golden Temple and you wouldn’t have to go searching. But I will recommend trying local restaurants like Bharawan da Dhaba – located right at the beginning of the new Golden Temple road. If one relishes Indian non-vegetarian food, they will have to look a little farther from Golden Temple as there are no non-vegetarian restaurants near the same. I will suggest Kesar Da Dhaba, Punjabi Dhaba near Hall Bazaar and you’ll also find some near the Ramada Hotel.
How to reach Amritsar
Amritsar is well connected through Buses, trains, and flights. Amritsar is 500 km from Delhi and depending on the medium you choose, the time will vary from 3 hours to 10 hours. Traveling in India isn’t easy but with the right medium, the journey can suit your needs.
Road
If going via road, you may either hire a cab from Delhi which will take 8-9 hours. If opting buses, I would vouch for the Volvo buses from Punjab Roadways. Volvos are the most convenient buses available in chair car (with recliner), or sleeper ones. Taking an overnight bus to Amritsar will save your day and they will take right to the Amritsar bus stand in 9-10 hours.
Train
If you love trains travel, I will strongly recommend the premium Shatabdi trains – completely AC with Chair car and First Class options – they are the fastest trains available till Amritsar. Don’t opt for any other trains, they have a reputation for getting late which can ruin your plans.
Air
Amritsar also has an international airport which is well connected through domestic & international airlines. If going via Delhi, the normal airtime will not be more than 30-45 mins which will very useful if you plan to visit Amritsar in a day. Amritsar airport is slightly out of the town, with hotels also available nearby and a taxi will take max 25-30 mins to take you to town.
Fly Low Cost to Save time + Money –
I have recently taken an early morning low-carrier Indigo flight from Delhi to Amritsar, which saved my entire day. Low-cost airlines leave from Terminal 1 of Delhi airport and it’s a misconception that there are no/very few night flights from the 1D terminal, unlike the international T3 terminal. Sought by this misconception, I also reached the domestic airport by midnight which actually surprised me when I found difficult to find a sleeper seat to sleep there. So, you’ll not be alone if you wish to crash into the domestic 1D airport and it’s completely safe. Even the shops at the airport open near 3:30 AM, so you can soothe your shopping buds as well in case you’re unable to sleep.
How to Travel in the Amritsar City
Amritsar is an old town with narrow alleys almost everywhere. So, commuting within the city can be troublesome for some. Ola rather than Uber is a preferred medium if you have to go a longer distance. Trikshaws are the best way to go around the city, and they understand basic Hindi or English. There’s another concept of shared auto-Rikshaws where you’ll share the space with another 5-6 odd people, & so I’ll not recommend if you’re not from India. With the recent changes in the infrastructure there, you can also walk around Golden Temple, Jalliawallah Bagh, or till Hall Bazaar.
“The fascinating culture and zeal of the town will give you a long-remembered holiday experience.”
Have you heard about Amritsar in Punjab? Do share your experience with me!
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– The Wanderer
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Disclaimer – No recommendations provided in the post are sponsored. I’ve provided my genuine suggestions on restaurants and hotels.
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After spending almost a year in India Amritsar is one of my favorite Indian cities. And the Golden temple – one of top 3 temples where I’ve been. Atmosphere there is so, so good.
Nice guide. It’s still on my bucket list. Would love to see the “lowering of the flags” ceremony. Thanks! 🙂
A wonderful place to visit and we will definitely go back when we visit India again (for the 6th or 7th time!).
Love your blog and have saved it for inspiration for future trips and advice through. Following you on twitter as well. Happy travels…. Jamie
Thanks, hope you have an amazing time the next time also 🙂
The food in Amritsar is so Fabulous!!!!! and the image of Aloo Kulcha is making me salivate!!! 😀 Cheers ~ Priyanka @Nerdy Adventuress
Yes, Amritsar is a foodie’s paradise and that too all at real low prices!!
I have never been to Amritsar but from your pictures it looks like a really nice place. All the buildings and architecture just amazed me.
Thank you🙂
Wow, this golden temple is so mesmerising as to match the one in Kyoto, Japan! Love it
Thank you🙂
A lovely, informative post, beautiful pictures as well!
Thank you🙂
The Golden Temple is beautiful and I would love to visit to see the ceremony. I also love Northern Indian food, so adding it to the bucket list too
Glad you liked it🙂
Your post brought my memories alive of my time in Amritsar. Enjoyed lot reading and watching beautiful pics.
Thank you, glad you liked it🙂
I’ve never been to Amritsar but it sounds amazing. Would definitely love to visit the Golden Temple and witness the ceremony 🙂
Thank you🙂
My parents are visiting India in a couple of months and cannot wait to hear about their travels and get my gifts. Your photos are nice.
Ohk hope they have a nice trip!!
Its almost been a decade since I went to Amritsar. Its just gorgeous indeed. Esp to have food at the Golden Temple is just a divine experience. I missed visiting the Wagah Border though.
Wagah border is also an amazing experience!’
Golden temple definitely is a major reason why we would want to visit Amritsar and would definitely not miss the Palki Sahib Ceremony. Though these are the top things to do in the city of Amritsar we would definitely not leave without a visit to the historic Jallianwala Bagh which we believe is a way to pay respect to the ones who lost their lives here.
Thank you🙂
This looks so beautiful. I really need to up my travel game!!
Thank you🙂
It looks like a great and awesome trips. I will definitely put this on my book mark as my future references when I’m traveling in india.
I’ve never been to India but its been on my bucket list for years. I never would have thought to go to Amritsar as I don’t know much about Punjab. But it looks lovely! And the food looks great which is important to me:-)
Thank you🙂
Wow this looks like an amazing trip! I didn’t know much about Amritsar until I read your post.
Glad you liked it
I didn’t know much about Amritsar until I read this post. Thanks for the great information. Especially sharing your experience at The Golden Temple. It sounds like it was very beautiful and moving.
Thank you🙂
Looks like an amazing trip. I’m dying to get to India.
Oh I hope to do visit soon and also like it 🙂
The illuminated night buildings are amazing to look at. The town seems so quaint. The food is really what speaks to me, too!
Thank you🙂
I’ve never heard of this before!! Looks like a destination to add to the list!
Thank you🙂
wow, what an amazing post. thanks for sharing this, i can;t believe this place is made entirely out of gold. it really looks like an enlightening place to connect spiritually
Yes it is!’
Oh! I can so much relate to your post. I have been to each of these places – Golden temple and Wagah border being my favorite. Loved your photographs, they bring all my memories back.
Thank you🙂
Amritsar is always on my wishlist due to Golden Temple. I will make sure to follow ypur tips to attend Palki Ceremony about visiting hours. Wagah border would also be another attraction for me. Amritsari kulcha are my favorite.
Glad you liked it🙂
Your pictures look great, I would love to visit during the ceremony!
Thank you🙂
I have not been to Punjab or any place in India. I would love to though. That golden temple is awesome! Lovely to look at especially at night.
Thank you🙂
I’ve never been to Amritsar or anywhere in Punjab but I would love to go.
Hope to like it!!
i always wanted to travel to india! the culture and the food are so amazing!
Looks like you found some cool corners in this town. I love seeing the hidden things in a new location that aren’t always on the map.
I really need to add this to my travel bucket list. Thanks for the info. 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it’s definitely on my bucket list! Love all of the detailed ideas, I’m so excited to visit one day.
Nice picture. I love the cuisine. Thanks for sharing <3
What beautiful photographs. It all makes me want to see this part of the world. So colorful and interesting.
I have not visited Amritsar or Punjab but looks so mesmerizing. Beautiful pictures I really want to visit India soon. Must start saving a lot. This would be a dream come true.
I have fond memories of Amritsar. The Golden Temple makes you quiet. The last time I was there I sat there in silence for an hour. The Jaiiawala Bagh made me quiet too, for obvious reasons. Wagah Border was fun though!
The Golden Temple looks like a beautiful place to visit! The photos of India are amazing and really speak to me! I can’t wait to visit one day!
What a beautiful place to visit! Maybe some day I’ll be as lucky as you to see this in person…great photos!
Amritsar sure does look like an awesome place to visit.The Golden Temple looks so spectacular. I love how amazing it looks by the water.
India seems so interesting, I need to put it on my bucket list. And that Golden Temple looks really beautiful.
This looks magnificent! What a gorgeous temple!
The Golden Temple sounds amazing. I would definitely want to be there for the ceremony just to witness that beauty.
I’ve never considered India before. Your post makes me want to visit right now. Great post.
The Golden Temple is beautiful. It must have been such an amazing experience to sit in on the ceremony!
The Golden Temple is beautiful. It must have been such an amazing experience to be able to sit in on the ceremony!
Wow, I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks gorgeous! And the food looks delicious. Thank you for sharing a little part of the world I’ve never seen before!
I love my India <3 its having a number of travel destination, festivals, different styles of food and many more..!!! Amritsar is my favourite <3
India is definitely on the bucket list of travel destinations. Seem like it is totally worth it after reading this!
Good job at promoting Amristar. The Golden Temple is really a sight for sore eyes. Additionally the cuisine featuring the popular “Aloo Kulcha” and Punjabi fat bread, along with the crowded markets with unique offerings rightly contributes to make .Amritsar in Northern India an ideal tourist destination.
India has been on my travel bucket list forever! There are so many places I want to see but the food is a big draw for me! I love Indian food 🙂 Great post!
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