Day 1 - Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh Visit & Food Exploration
Find yourself a hotel closer to the Golden Temple, because it will keep you close to the city centre and allow you to explore around easily on foot.
One can stay in the City Park Hotel, with a tariff of Rs 3000 per night. The best part of this hotel is that it is just 100 m from Jallianwala Bagh & 500 m from the Golden Temple. Our overall stay here was comfortable.
Explore More Hotels in Amritsar
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) – This is the holiest place for the Sikh community. Lovingly known as the “Darbar Sahib” is adorned with gold work and its beautiful architecture exhibits rare craftsmanship.
Located in the middle of the sacred pool called the “Amrit Sarovar”, it is mandatory to take a dip in it before entering the inner sanctum.
At the Golden Temple, you can partake in the Langar (community kitchen) 24×7. Keep aside 2- 3 hours (more during peak time or on special occasions) for your gurudwara visit.
Sri Harmandir Sahib
Explore the street food near the Golden Temple
- Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala – Famous for its pure desi ghee sweets!
- Rajasthani Chaat Bhandar – Serves top savoury items like Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki, Gol Gappe.
Lunch options near Golden Temple
- Marwari Dhaba – This place is the right choice if you want homely food that is light on the stomach.
- Bharawan da dhaba – An iconic eatery from the pre-Independence era, it is famous for rich Punjabi dishes like Dal Makhani and buttery naans.
Gurdasram Jalebiwala
Jallianwala Bagh – This is a historic landmark, spread over 6-7 acres. However, its brutal past is signified only by the massacre of more than 1500 people on April 13, 1919, a Baisakhi day.
Guru Gobind Garh Fort - This historic military fort located in the city centre was renamed after the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. After being occupied by the Indian Armed Forces for years, it was opened for the public in February 2017. Today it is a major tourist spot. Some of the highlights of this place are –
You need to buy tickets to enjoy all the activities inside the fort.
- Whispering Walls – There is a light & sound show projected onto a 100 ft high Fort Wall.
- Wax Museum – This museum houses wax statues of the renowned warriors of Sikh history.
- A 7-D show showcases the life history of the brave Maharaja Ranjit Singh. You can also relish traditional Punjabi food on the premises.
Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
Overnight Stay at Amritsar
Day 2 - Wagah Border, Temple Visit & Food Exploration
Breakfast Options
- Kanha Sweets – Famous for its Chhole Poori.
- Novelty Sweets – Another shop famous for Chhole Poori.
- Bhai Kulwant Kulchian Wala – The shop, at walking distance from the Golden Temple, is known for its stuffed Kulcha. (You might need to wait for your turn to come).
Breakfast at Novelty
Shri Durgiana Temple – This temple is located about 2 km from the Golden Temple and it has two major attractions –
The statue of Lord Hanuman is in a resting position. There is a tree in the temple premises,
which is believed to be the one to which Luv & Kush had tied Hanuman Ji.
There is also a Sheetala Mata Mandir, a Siddha Peeth, inside the temple, where it is believed that one gets healed of chickenpox due to divine intervention.
Original temple is believed to be built in 16th Century
Mata Lal Devi Mandir – It is also known as “Rani Ka Bagh” or “Vaishno Devi Mandir” among the locals, This temple is located in the Model town locality of Amritsar. It is dedicated to Saint Mata Lal Devi.
The temple is popular among devotees because it is home to miniature forms of different renowned temples of the country like the Vaishno Devi shrine, 12 Jyotirlingas, etc.
Wagah border: – Visiting this border outpost is a lifetime experience. The Retreat Ceremony organized here, between India and Pakistan, lasts about 30 minutes but tourists start assembling for it hours ago. It will take you about an hour to reach the Wagah border from Amritsar.
To reach the Wagah border, you can reach Townhall, about 700 m from Golden Temple. From there you can board a bus after pre-booking your seat or you can also opt for a private taxi or a shared auto-rickshaw. All the rates are for a round trip.
Retreat Ceremony is conducted by BSF on Indian side & Rangers on Pakistan's side
Dinner options
- Balle Balle Dhaba – This Dhaba is en route to Amritsar from Wagah Border. You can relish traditional Punjabi vegetarian food here.
- Kesar Da Dhaba – An iconic eatery, their dal makhani takes 12-14 hours to cook.
- Crystal Restaurant – This is a fine-dining restaurant known to serve delicious fare.
- Charming Chicken – Their speciality is delectable butter chicken but they also serve tasty options in vegetarian food.
Overnight Stay at Amritsar
Day 3 - Local Sightseeing & Food Exploration in Amritsar
Breakfast Options - There is no dearth of delicious breakfast options in the city
All India Famous Kulcha – They serve amazing kulchas, along with tasty chhole & chutney. The outlet is located 4 km away from Amritsar Railway Station.
Giani Tea Stall – Go there for scrumptious kachori breakfast with their famous Special Tea.
Hansraj Choleyan Wala – Mathhi Chole – Located on Majitha Road, 4 km from the railway station, their unique breakfast of deep-fried, rich Mathhi with spicy chhole, is a must-have.
Shri Ram Tirath – This place is believed to be a part of the fabled Valmiki ashram, where Mata Sita spent her years in exile after being banished from Ayodhya.
The twins of Lord Ram and Mata Sita, Luv and Kush, are believed to have studied here under the guidance of Guru Valmiki Ji. Another must-visit place is located 6 km away from the Golden Temple.
Located at 6 km distance from Golden Temple
Punjabi Lassi – You cannot leave Amritsar without enjoying the delicious thick lassi served at several outlets across the city. However, two of the best lassi drinks in Amritsar are served at –
- Ahuja Milk Bhandar – Super delicious Lassi! Their Kesar (saffron) lassi is to die for.
- Giani Lassi – Another good option if you want to enjoy traditional Amritsari Lassi. This place is located just 1.5 km from the Golden Temple.
Return to your base location.