Amritsar is a highly revered spiritual destination in India, renowned for its magnificent Golden Temple. In addition to its spiritual significance, the city played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. Located in Punjab in northwestern India, the city boasts several attractions and activities. Moreover, it is just a 6-hour train ride from Delhi, making it an excellent weekend getaway destination for people from Delhi and surrounding areas

Here is a complete guide to Amritsar, where I share the top attractions, budget stay recommendations, food, and other things to help you optimize your time and experience.

Best way to reach Amritsar

swarn-shatabdi-amritsar

We highly recommend taking the Swarn Shatabdi train if traveling from Delhi for a memorable experience. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach and comes with a picturesque countryside view and comfort food that is undoubtedly worth your time.

Alternatively, if you enjoy driving, you can cover the 452 km (approx) distance to Amritsar by car. The roads are reasonably good for a long-distance drive. Moreover, if you plan on starting early morning, take a pit stop at Sonipat for breakfast and enjoy the famous Murthal parathas!

A Sunday Morning Breakfast At Murthal

Perfect time to visit Amritsar

The best time to plan your trip to Amritsar is from October to March. It is perfect for exploring the city without being affected by the scorching heat. However, since it’s the most popular season, you might face a large crowd, long lines, and higher accommodation prices. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes as the nights and mornings are chilly. Avoid the summer months of April to June, as it can get too hot to bear. Trust me, I visited Amritsar in the summers once, and it was a nightmare! If you don’t mind the rains, the monsoon season from July to September can be a good option as you can enjoy the peaceful streets and shorter lines at the attractions. During my second visit to Amritsar in August 2017, we had a great time, got a good deal in our favorite hotel room, and enjoyed the drizzle.

Budget Stay Recommendations

 

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During my visit to Amritsar, I stayed at Hotel Golden Tower (now closed) near Old Bazaar, a budget-friendly and comfortable accommodation option. The main advantage of this hotel was its proximity to Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple, both of which were within walking distance. Moreover, the hotel was just 3 kilometers from the Amritsar railway station, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Here are a few budget hotels and hostels near Old Bazaar:

Madpackers Hostel

A beautiful budget hostel just 12 minutes walk from Golden Temple. It is a fun place to stay, especially if you are traveling solo or with a group of friends. The hostel has ample space to move around, several games for entertainment, and a lovely terrace with a nice view.

goSTOPS Amritsar

goSTOPS is a top-rated hostel offering budget-friendly accommodations for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Conveniently located near popular tourist destinations like the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, goSTOPS Amritsar is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the city without breaking the bank. With its clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a range of amenities, goSTOPS Amritsar ensures that guests have a pleasant and memorable stay in Amritsar.

Stay Shaandaar, a boutique hotel

Stay Shaandar is a boutique hotel in the heart of Amritsar, known for its luxurious amenities and personalized service. The hotel features beautifully designed rooms that combine traditional elements with modern decor, creating a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere. Moreover, the prime location of this hotel made it an ideal choice for travelers, especially backpackers.

FabHotel Prime Empire

FabHotel is a modern hotel with ample amenities and facilities to make your stay comfortable. With its prime location, just a short distance from the city’s top attractions, FabHotel Prime Empire is an excellent choice for leisure and business travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Amritsar.

Top Things to do

Wagah Border

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Wagah Border is one of the main attractions in Amritsar that is a must-visit. It is the boundary between India and Pakistan, located near Atari village, the last village in India. The Wagah Border Ceremony, held every day before sunset, is a major attraction, where soldiers from both countries greet each other in a grand display of patriotism. The ceremony includes a beating retreat and flag-lowering ceremony that attracts thousands of tourists and locals.

Entry Fee: Free

Timing: We recommend you arrive at the Wagah Border by 3 PM to grab a seat, as it tends to get crowded as the day progresses. Plus, the gates close 30 minutes before the event. The ceremony commences just before sunset, and the start time varies depending on the season. During winter, it starts at around 5:30 PM, while during summer, it starts at 6 PM.

Reaching here: You can find plenty of cabs and buses from Amritsar to reach Wagah Border. However, getting return transport is a bit difficult. Therefore, we recommend pre-booking a two-way ride to save yourself from any hassle.

Please note: Also, stay close to your group and keep track of the exact location of your car or ride, as it can be challenging to navigate and locate friends or family due to the weak network towers and crowded conditions.

Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)

golden-temple-night

The Golden Temple is a venerable spiritual destination, a symbol of unity, harmony, and peace. The holy shrine is entirely made of gold and sits in the middle of the Sarovar, a sacred water body. The temple is open 24/7 and attracts thousands of visitors daily. The complex is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, where visitors can immerse themselves in the divine music played around the clock. You can also stop by the Langar hall for a delicious free meal and perform some task (seva) as an offering. 

Entry Fee: Free
Main Shrine Timing: 4 AM to 11 PM
Reaching here: Walk (Heritage Street)
Please note: It is advisable to dress modestly and cover your head throughout your visit to the temple complex.

Jallianwala Bagh

jalianwala-bagh-amritsar

Jallianwala Bagh holds great significance in Indian history. This memorial of national importance was established in 1951 by the Government of India to honor the massacre of peaceful celebrators, including unarmed women and children, by the British occupying forces during the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919. As you visit the place, you can witness the walls marked with bullet holes and the Shaheedi Kuan, the well where thousands lost their lives, a chilling reminder of India’s fight for independence. While you’re here, don’t forget to explore the museum dedicated to the martyrs.

Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Reaching here: 5 minutes walk from the Golden Temple

Durgiana Temple

If you’re looking for more spiritual places in Amritsar, you shouldn’t miss out on Durgiana Temple. A beautiful Hindu temple near the Lohgarh Gate, which looks like a miniature version of the Golden Temple, complete with a central holy lake. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, and the main deities worshipped here are Lord Vishnu (the protector of the world) and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth). 

Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 5 AM to 9 PM
Reaching here: Auto/ Cab

Heritage Street and Old City Bazaar

Heritage Street Amritsar, also known as the Amritsar Heritage Walk, is one of the oldest streets in Amritsar, restored in 2016 to preserve and showcase its rich heritage and history. The street has several shops, food stalls, and traditional architecture reflecting the culture of Amritsar. Apart from the shops and eateries, Heritage street offers a variety of attractions, including the Gobindgarh Fort, the Partition Museum, and the historic Jallianwala Bagh. 

Old City Bazaar (Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar) is a bustling market known for maze-like narrow lanes filled with shops selling everything from traditional clothing and jewelry to local handicrafts and street food. It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and try out delicious street food.

Entry Fee: Free
Heritage Street Timing: 8 AM to 10:30 PM
Reaching here: Auto/ Cab, Explore on foot

Bonus Things to do

heritage-city-amritsar

Heritage Walking tour

walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history. Therefore, we highly recommend going on one to explore the best of Amritsar in just 2 hours. It’s also great for those visiting the city for a day or a few hours.

Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort is an 18th-century historic fort built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, serving as a strategic military fort for his empire. Visitors can explore the museums and exhibitions within the fort complex. Moreover, you can also watch the impressive sound and light shows, showcasing Punjab’s rich history and culture. The fort also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant hub of activities.

Entry Fee: ₹180 (Indian citizen)
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Reaching here: Auto/ Cab

Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

garden of Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

The Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a historical monument reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Sikh empire. This 18th-century palace was the summer residence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a two-story building made of brick and lime and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Visit the museum to learn about Maharaja’s life and achievements and check out his collection of weapons and artifacts. It is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Sikh culture.

Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indian – Adult), ₹20 (Indian – Child)
Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday closed
Reaching here: Auto/ Cab

Mata Lal Devi Mandir

The Mata Lal Devi temple, dedicated to the goddess Lal Devi, is a one-of-a-kind Hindu temple in Amritsar. It is famously known as the “Temple of Miracles” due to the many miraculous events that are said to have taken place within its walls. You can learn more about the life of the goddess Lal Devi through the paintings on the temple walls. One of the unique features is the maze-like structure that leads to the main shrine, which includes waterways, tunnels, stairs, pathways, and even caves.

Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 6 AM to 11 PM
Reaching here: Auto/ Cab

Signature dishes

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Amritsar is a paradise for gastronomes offering a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies, from Amritsari Kulcha to Lassi to Aloo Tikki. No trip to Amritsar is complete without trying the iconic dishes. You can also go on a food walk, a fun way to learn about the local food and discover hidden gems.

Amritsari Chur Chur Naan

A popular food item and a must-try when in Amritsar. Amritsari Chur Chur Naan is a crispy, buttery, and flaky naan cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and then crushed by hand to make it flakier. It is then topped with a generous amount of butter and served with Chole (chickpeas) or Rajma (kidney beans), onions, and pickles. It comes with cilantro chutney and raita, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.

Where: All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha (9 AM to 4 PM), Pehalwan Kulcha (8 AM to 2 PM)

Amritsari Kulcha

Amritsari Kulcha is a famous North Indian street food originating from Amritsar. This Indian flatbread is made using all-purpose flour, mashed potatoes, and various spices. The dough is rolled flat and then stuffed with boiled potatoes, onions, coriander, and other spices. The kulchas are baked in a tandoor oven until they turn crispy and golden brown and are served hot with spicy chickpeas (chole), pickled onions, and chutney.

Where: Amritsari Kulcha Hut (6 AM to 6 PM)

Lassi

Amritsar is known for its distinctive and rich version of lassi. Unlike other Indian variations, the Amritsari lassi is a thick and creamy drink made by blending yogurt, water, and sugar until it develops a frothy texture. The addition of flavors such as cardamom, saffron, and rose water further enriches its taste. This refreshing beverage is typically served in a tall brass glass and garnished with chopped dry fruits. It is a perfect thirst quencher during hot summers and a digestion booster in the colder months.

WhereGian di Lassi (6 AM to 9:30 PM), Ahuja Lassi (7 AM to 10 PM), Prakash Lassi (10 AM to 10 PM)

Other popular food items you can try in Amritsar:

  • Butter Chicken, Shahi Paneer, and Dal Makhani – Mahajan Chicken House (12 to 11 PM)
  • Street foods like Gol Gappe, Chaat, and Aloo Tikki – Mahajan Chat (8 AM to 11 PM)
  • Kulfi Falooda – A One Kulfa (2 to 11 PM)

What to shop

The Old City Bazaar is one of the best places for shopping in Amritsar. This vibrant marketplace has all the things representing the city’s culture and heritage. Plus, it is one of the best spots to buy souvenirs and support local small businesses. Here are some of the must-buy items when shopping in Amritsar:

  • Phulkari Embroidery dupatta and suits – Phulkari is a traditional embroidery art that originated in Punjab. The work is intricate and colorful and goes well with solid color suites.
  • Punjabi Jutti – Traditional footwear of Punjab that is intricately designed and handcrafted by local artisans. Juttis are comfortable and pair well with Phulkari suits.
  • Papad and Wadi – Amritsari papad and wadi are spicy and delicious. The wadi goes well as a curry dish, whereas the papad makes a perfect side dish. Moreover, it’s also a great souvenir to take back home.

I hope this info is super helpful in planning your upcoming adventure to Amritsar. Have a blast, and let us know about your trip in the comments!

Author

Meenakshi is a designer by profession and traveller by heart. Photography is something that she cherishes and goes on a Click! Click! Click! spree wherever she goes.

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