Destination: Amritsar

Beautifully representing India’s partition history, northern cultural traditions and delectable cuisines, one should explore Amritsar beyond the ever favourites Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. While conventional itineraries take you on a day trip to all the historic spots, Amritsar’s lively culture hooks you to explore more in the heritage city. It is said that the fourth Guru of the Sikh community, Guru Ram Das, founded the city in the fifteenth century which evolved into the country’s most spiritually important and historically rich city. Amritsar’s name derives from ‘Amrit Sarovar’, which literally translates to ‘pool of nectar’ in Punjabi. Worldly renowned for The Harmandar Sahib or Golden Temple, thousands visit this pilgrimage site to witness the history attached to the place. Many further explore Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border to see the impact of British rule in the country. However the city entices everyone with its hospitality, relishing cuisine and unique handicrafts. Amidst visiting the historic sites it is best to indulge in food that replenishes the soul. The Punjabi cuisine with its sumptuous flavours is bound to leave an impact on you leaving you wanting more. While enjoying the street food you cannot miss on the vibrant local handicrafts. Every street side adds a colorful twist to your journey and you’ll be happily detouring from your itinerary to make one more stop at a local store to buy the traditional cloth or authentic Amritsari footwear. After a troubled past, the city has thrived on its deeply rooted culture offering a cultural experience to its visitors. You may explore attractions like Partition Museum, Tarn Taran, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum,, Akal Takht, Gobindgarh Fort, Durgiana Temple, Attari Border Crossing, Partition Museum, Tarn Taran, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, apart from the well renowned ones. Here is a look at all the major attractions in the city.

Golden Temple

One of India’s most visited spiritual destinations, the Harmandir Sahib or popularly known as the Golden Temple is said to be the holiest shrine in the Sikh community. Thousands from across the world irrespective of their background visit the Golden Temple to experience its spiritual tranquility. The golden dome and its massive architecture speaks of the grandeur of the temple that hosts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The shrine housed in the main temple is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, a water reservoir that adds to the beauty of the place. The museum at the entrance gate signifies the struggle of the Sikh community under the reign of Mughals and Britishers. Another significant aspect of the temple is the Langar (community kitchen) that serves free food to the visitors. The kitchen known for its massive production is said to feed over 50,000 individuals from all over the world on a daily basis. Only a visit to the temple helps one understand the sanctity of the place and why it’s an epitome of peace over the years. All the visitors are also given a Kada Prasad made of purified butter, sugar and wheat which has a unique taste because it is served from a spiritual place. A crown jewel of the North, its tops one of the must see places in India.

Wagah Border

Marking a historic moment in the story of India’s independence, Wagah border instills a new level of patriotism for any traveller. The border that runs along the Grand Trunk Road is the most prominent place from the partition of India and Pakistan. Just 22 kms from Lahore and 28 kms from Amritsar, the border hosts an enchanting Beating Retreat Ceremony every day that is a sight to behold. The zeal and enthusiasm of the visitors invigorates a different kind of patriotism in one and all. As the soldiers retreat the flags for the day, crowds witness the spirit of friendship and patriotism amidst the two countries. The ceremony has been held every day since 1959 by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers. While the total trip to Wagah Border and back takes about 2-3 hours, it is an exciting ceremony to witness.

Jallianwala Bagh

Visiting the Jallianwala Bagh memorial is like seeing a historic moment frozen in time. As many gathered on the festival of Baisakhi in a small enclosed park, General Dyer ordered open fire that killed many civilians just protesting peacefully. Now the place has been turned into a memorial dedicated to the victims of that tragic day in 1919. The saddening incident shocked the country and instilled a new direction to India’s independence struggle. A memorial tablet at the entrances informs about the historical record of the event. Inside there are a number of structures that have stayed intact since the incident. From the walls even highlighting the bullet marks, to the wells where people jumped to protect from the bullets, the memorial is a reminder of a horrific moment. However, The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust that manages the site has transformed it into a beautiful park where people can deepen their knowledge on the incident and pay respect to the lives lost. Just a few minutes away from the Golden Temple, you can easily walk through the markets and reach the site which has no entry fee and is open all days of the week.

Akal Takht

One of the Sikhism’s five takhts, sacred to the seats of Sikh Gurus, is located close to the Golden Temple. The place is a popular destination amidst the Sikh Community as it houses the oldest and most sacred scriptures. You can visit it to know more about the history of the Sikh community.

Partition Museum

Located at the Town Hall, the Partition Museum was established by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), as part of Amritsar’s Heritage Street that runs from the Golden Temple to the Town Hall. With artifacts dating back to 1947, the museum houses a collection of stories, memoirs, art and relics highlighting the period before, during and after India’s partition. Everything from newspaper clippings, photographs, personal objects contributed by people who lived through the partition have been brought together under one roof to take people down memory lane and describe India’s independence story. The museum also pays homage to the victims and survivors of the partition as it was tough for the people for both the countries. The rare objects emphasize on the lives of the people and how vastly they were affected during the partition. All the history lovers will surely enjoy it here as they get to see glimpses of our country’s historic past.

Gobindgarh Fort

The 43 acre fort that dates back to the 18th century has only recently been opened to the public as a live heritage museum. Initially called the Bhangian Da Qila, it was originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and later captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century, then renamed after the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. You can also see glimpses of French architecture as it was inspired by the French Military when the Maharaja renovated it to protect Harmandir Sahib. This historic fort now has a currency museum, an ancient combat museum and a haat bazaar. Sher e Punjab, a 7D performance based on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the area that will transport you to the 19th century and provide an immersive experience of that era. The famous Zamzama Cannons can also be found at the fort. Located in the centre of the city, there are many street food stalls around to relish the authentic food of Punjab.

Cuisine

Delicious food is the soul of this city with every street and corner offering a delectable dish that simply increases your appetite. The variety and richness of Punjabi cuisine in the city have given it the title of the ‘Culinary Capital of India’. Conversations over tea, visiting the Golden Temple and having langar, or even enjoying the street snacks while shopping for souvenirs in the local markets, every activity in Amritsar somehow brings you closer to their food. From Amritsari kulchas, sweet jalebis, enriching lassi, and fish tikkas, every dish strengthens your love for this country and its cuisine.

Shopping
While you explore the history and culinary offerings of the city, do not forget to indulge in some shopping in the vibrant markets of Amritsar. You can buy shawls, rugs, traditional apparel and specially locally handcrafted footwear from here. All the local markets are decently priced and offer good quality of materials. Shopping is not just an activity but a thrilling adventure as colors implode your visual sight. One visit to the Hall Bazaar, the city’s most famous market places will highlight the numerous offerings.Everything from gadgets to modern accessories, phulkari embroidery work, bangles, local handicrafts, traditional clothes, Chinese lamps, and even everyday
necessities can be found here. Majorly known for elaborate and colorful jootis (footwear), you are bound to take more than one home due to its comfort. The small alleys brimming with shoppers, colorful souvenirs and street side food vendors are a sensory delight. You can also visit Lahori Gate Market or Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar to buy Pashmina shawls and cotton suits. The local shops also offer homemade pickles and jams that can become part of your journey further in the country. Another heritage market known for its gold and silver jewellery is Guru Bazaar, located close to the Golden Temple. There are some 2500 shops in this market that are famous for selling not just jewellery but also earthen lamps, diyas and idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. If not buy you can surely visit the market for merely seeing and witnessing the vibrancy of these markets. The Old City Market and Kapda Bazaar also offer unique handicrafts, juttis, ornaments, bangles and traditional wear that also make perfect souvenirs to take back home. They are not only locally made but also represent the vibrant Indian culture and heritage. As you shop in these markets you will find many authentic street food vendors that offer some relishing appetizers to energize your shopping experience.
Best Time to Visit
Being the northern part of India, the weather is pleasant from September to March. These winter months ensure you enjoy all the sightseeing and relish every delicacy along the way. The temperature drops to roughly 5°C in January, while the peak summer months of May and June reach temperatures of up to 40°C. While the monsoon months of July and August are also pleasant, the heavy rainfall makes it difficult to attend the ceremonies at Wagah Border.
How to reach
The city is well connected to all the major destinations domestically and internationally. The popularity of the Golden Temple has ensured that people are smoothly able to move in and out of the city at all times. Sri Guru Ram Das Jee is an international airport well connected to major cities. Premium highways connected to all nearby cities like New Delhi make sure the travel time is faster and convenient. There are also regular trains from all the major cities that bring tourists to Amritsar. There are numerous local bus services, rickshaws and cabs to move in and around the city.

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