Amritsar in one day - A day of spirituality, food and shopping!

Amritsar literally means ‘holy pool of nectar’, a name that fits this holy city founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das. There are very few places in the world where you will find the combination of serenity and noise that exists in this city and gives it a flavor all its own. Amritsar gives you everything from the colors of Baisakhi to the heartbreaking history of our freedom struggle and all that lies in between.

The city lies 233 kilometers away from Chandigarh by road and 248 kilometers if you decide to go by train. If you’re going with family or friends, your best option is to drive down, either in your own car or in a hired cab. The journey takes around four and a half hours. Depending upon what type of vehicle you hire, you’ll find yourself paying anything between Rs. 8 to Rs. 21 per kilometer. Otherwise, you can travel by bus. There are plenty of options ranging from deluxe Volvos – both state transport and private buses – to luxury buses to regular state-run transport buses.

There are quite a few trains that run between the two cities. You can take the Chandigarh-Amritsar SF Express which runs every day. The Intercity Express is also another train you might consider taking. Generally speaking, the train journey lasts anywhere between four to four and a half hours.

Places to Visit in Amritsar

Golden Temple

This famous shrine has become almost synonymous with the city of Amritsar. Did you know that it is only one part of an entire Gurudwara complex which is known as Harmandir Sahib? Arguably one of the most serene and holy places, the Golden Temple is a lovely mingling of Islamic and Hindu architecture. The focus is the Amrit Sarovar, the tank from which the city takes its name and which is said to have healing powers. Pilgrims from all over the world flock here to take a dip in these holy waters. Yes, for those of you who are curious, that is actual gold covering the temple. In fact, the gold on the dome alone weighs 750 kilograms!

Guru-ka-Langar

 This gigantic dining room is situated at the southeast end of the Golden Temple and caters to over 1 lakh pilgrims on a daily basis. You don’t have to pay anything here and all are welcome. You can donate your money or your time by helping with the huge amount of dishes that the place generates; both are appreciated. The meals consist of roti, rajma, and dal and are served by workers in the temple. This might be the most democratic place in the world since there are no seating arrangements and you could find yourself sitting next to a billionaire on one side and a pauper on the other.

Jallianwala Bagh

No visit to Amritsar is complete without a visit to this heartbreaking monument that stands as a testament to India’s struggle to get freedom. The park commemorates the day a British officer ordered his troops to open fire on unarmed men, women, and children and continue firing. According to official estimates, 1500 people died that day although unofficial estimates put the death toll at a much higher number. You can still see the bullet holes in the walls and the well in which many jumped to escape the bullets. An exhibition has been put up to give names, faces and lives to the victims and an eternal flame of remembrance burns to commemorate them.

Ram Bagh

This public park was once part of the palace grounds of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and is just a kilometer away from the train station so you can even walk there if you like. The park is tended to and is covered in greenery. When you get to the middle of the park, you will come across the summer palace of the former kings, a structure that was constructed between 1818 and 1837. While it may not be as elaborate as some of the other Palaces that India is famous for, it is nonetheless a very atmospheric place and well worth a visit.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

The summer palace that lies in the heart of Ram Bagh is now a museum dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh empire. There is plenty of memorabilia related to Ranjit Singh including coins from that era, manuscripts about him, paintings from the period and afterward and so on. Any history buff shouldn’t miss this place and even those on a casual visit are advised to check it out.

Wagah Border

The Grand Trunk Road demarcates the border between India and Pakistan and is the only road going across the border between the two countries. More than 5000 people visit the place every day and all thanks to the Beating Retreat ceremony. This ceremony is conducted by the Border Security Force of India and the Rangers of Pakistan. Both sides ceremonially lower their flags in the evening. Each flag is folded and at the end, each side shakes the others’ hands – perhaps the only time that relations are this cordial between the two countries. There are proper seating arrangements so you can enjoy watching the whole ritual.

Places to Eat in Amritsar

Bharawan ka Dhaba

Looking for all the typical Punjabi delicacies you’ve heard so much about? Then head straight for Bharawan ka Dhaba, where you’re going to find some of the best fare – from stuffed Amritsari kulchas and chole to Makki ki roti and Sarson ka Saag. The Dhaba is pure vegetarian because of how close it is to the Golden Temple. However, even if you’re a non-vegetarian, this is one place you should not miss while you’re on your quest for the perfect food.

Beera Chicken Corner

If you’re looking for a fancy place to eat, Beera isn’t it. But there is a reason this particular place has been featured on the series Highway on My Plate and the ambiance isn’t it. Beera Chicken Corner is famous for its chicken treats, so much so that its limited seating forces many guests to eat in their cars – the hosts are obliging enough to serve them out there. You won’t want to miss the chicken tikka with the keema naan.

Adarsh Meat Shop

It’s not an easy place to find, but the search is definitely worth it. Head for the area near Rose Garden, specifically C-Block Market Complex and ask any of the locals for directions. The place is popular enough that there is a queue. You might find waiting a bit frustrating but the end result is definitely sweet – figuratively speaking. Order the mutton chaap and you will be rewarded for your patience with slow cooked and shallow fried mutton that falls right off the bone and has the sour and spicy flavor that tingles the taste buds.

Ahuja Lassi

Just ask any autowallah and he can take you straight to the premier lassi shop in the city. The lassi is flavored with a closely guarded essence, the identity of which many patrons have tried to guess but none have succeeded. The lassi definitely lives up to the reputation it enjoys in the city and I definitely recommend going there first thing in the morning to have a glance. Trust me, it’s worth waking up early for.

Sharma Sweet Shop

As the name suggests, you’ll find plenty of desi sweets to indulge in here. But the general consensus is – and I tend to agree – that the gigantic jalebis made here are a must-have. The size of the jalebis alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Add to that their crunchiness and the fact that they aren’t really syrupy, which means less of a mess, and these jalebis should definitely be on any foodie’s itinerary.

Places to Shop in Amritsar

Hall Bazaar 

It is only fitting that one of the oldest markets in the city lies on the way to the Golden Temple. This is a great place to head to for patialas, juttis, phulkari and even swords and kirpan. You can also enjoy some awesome Amritsari naan, while you shop for souvenirs.

Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar 

If you’re looking for good quality textile and clothing, head straight to Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar. The place is a riot of color so I hope you’re not looking for something sober and subdued. The finest phulkari designs are available here as is some very fine wool. You will also find some interesting woodwork here if you’re looking for it.

Guru Bazaar

Is jewelry your thing? Guru Bazaar is definitely the place for you to head then. The largest jewellery market in the city, Guru Bazaar is the home of jadau traditional jewelry. You can also find antique chess pieces dating back to the days of the British Raj and even chess pieces carved out of ivory – though I personally have a problem with those. The place is also famous for its sandalwood.

Lohri Gate Market

This bazaar is more like a one-stop shop since it has everything from restaurants to shops to showrooms. The place is named after the famous Lohri gate and you can get some beautiful pashmina shawls here. Designer jootis and pretty cotton suits should round out your shopping itinerary pretty nicely.

Best Time to Visit Amritsar

Like any city in northern India, Amritsar experiences extremes in terms of weather and temperature. If you visit the city between April and June, be prepared for scorching heat and temperatures that can reach 49 degree Celsius. From July to October, the monsoons offer some relief from the heat, although you may find the humidity a bit much. The rains range from moderate to heavy and the weather is generally cloudy and pleasant. November to March is generally agreed upon as the best time to visit the city. Winter sets in and you will experience fairly low temperatures so dress warmly – very warmly.

Do you have any experiences of Amritsar that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section.