Amritsar is home to the magnificent Golden Temple and prides itself on its fabulous Punjabi cuisine. A comparatively small Indian city, it has a complex history of descent against British rule and a profoundly important role in Sikh traditions. The Golden Temple alone is worth a trip to Amritsar, though the delicious food found throughout the city is a tasty plus. When not at the Golden Temple, head to Wagah to witness the ceremonial ‘Closing of the Border’ between India and Pakistan that occurs every evening or explore the peaceful gardens scattered around the city. Don’t forget to have a fresh lassi (yoghurt drink), no trip to Punjab is complete without one.
Enjoy a full day of Amritsar sightseeing. Take an early morning walk to the Golden Temple to stroll around the serene environment of the inner corridors as the priest’s chant from the Sikh Holy Book. Go to the langar hall, a massive free community dining room run entirely by volunteers. The Golden Temple langar can serve hot meals to up to 100,000 people a day.
After the Golden Temple, visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the memorial gardens for the 1919 British massacre. Today, it is a peaceful garden open to all for strolling and relaxing. Finally, visit the Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, famous for its textiles and saris. Afternoon trip to the Wagah border to witness the ‘Closing of the Border’. This ceremony takes place every evening and involves a display of pomp and ceremony by the Indian and Pakistani border guards. After the closing ceremony, head back to Amritsar where the rest of the evening at leisure. Enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the many Punjabi restaurants or take an evening stroll around the Golden Temple, which is open 24 hours a day.
