Suitable for wheel chair users, visually impaired, hearing impaired, amputees, intellectual and cognitive disability and the non-disabled travelers
Overview
Amritsar is a history rich city located in the state of Punjab close to the Indian border with Pakistan. With the revered Golden temple, the historic Jallianwala Bagh, and the heart-touching Wagah border, legendary Punjabi hospitality and soul satiating food, Amritsar as a destination has much to offer. This colourful, bustling city with small winding lanes and large-hearted people will fill your travel diaries with rich memories.
Weather
The summer season from April-June sees the temperatures going up to 45°c during the day. Monsoons begin in July and follow until October. The winter season lasts from November to March which sees cool weather (14°c- 26°c during the day) but chilly nights where temperature can go down to 3-4°c. There is a high temperature and humidity variation between seasons.
Best time to visit
The best months would be November to March but December and January may see very cold nights. October is a good month to visit too as it sees the end of the monsoons and cool weather sets in but with higher humidity. Summer months are best avoided.
Languages
Punjabi is the official language of the state of Punjab and the mostly widely spoken language of Amritsar. Hindi is also widely spoken but it is possible to get by with English.
Food
Amritsar is a food lover’s paradise. The city has itself lent it’s name to many dishes. Some of the must try foods are the Amritsari kulchas, Chole-puri, Makki di roti—sarson da saag, Maa ki dal, Amritsari fish tikka, mutton chaap, lassi and myriad sweets. One experience that should not be missed is the langar, a humbling dining experience at the Golden temple where simple food is served 24 hours a day from the largest community kitchen in the world.
Ideal for
Spiritual tour, cultural immersion, foodie trips, family trips
Duration of stay
3 days
Highlights
- Spend your day at the Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple, a haven of spirituality and peace which is almost synonymous with the city of Amritsar. Surrounded by the healing waters of the shimmering Amrit Sarovar, it attracts pilgrims from around the world
- Visit the Partition Museum that is a trove of numerous narratives of pain, separation and courage from the time of India’s partition
- Visit the museum, gallery and memorials at the Jallianwala Bagh, a garden reverberating with the cries of the 15000 unarmed protesters who were shot at in a brutal massacre by the British during India’s struggle for independence.
- To feel the spirit of patriotism, experience the legendary Beating Retreat Ceremony by Indian and Pakistani soldiers at the Wagah-Attari border between India and Pakistan. Watch the show at the Indian pavilion followed by the opening of the border gates
- Take a walk into Punjab’s glorious past at the 250 years old Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fort and the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- Go on a food trail to sample the most loved foods and sweets of Amritsar
- Spend a night in a Pind (Punjabi village) to experience the soul of Punjab. Enjoy undulating mustard fields, fresh buttermilk, mouthwatering food, local crafts, tractor rides and the trademark hospitality and warmth of rural folks.
Added Escapades
Dharamshala
The residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a centre of Buddhism, yoga and meditation and offers some beautiful short treks as well. Visit a monastery, relish in Tibetan food, visit the local markets, visit a waterfalls or just enjoy the misty mountain air. Adding 3 days to a trip to Amritsar to include Dharamshala can be a perfect week of holidaying.
