Today we head out to visit the iconic sites in the city of Amritsar. The definitive top attraction in Amritsar is the Golden Temple, a two-story structure covered in real gold and surrounded by a 5.1-meter-deep manmade lake. But not merely a tourist site, this legendary religious shrine is one of the most sacred places in the world for Sikhs, many of whom make a pilgrimage to the temple at least once in their lifetimes. To enter the Gurdwara complex, where the Golden Temple resides, you'll need to cover your hair, remove your shoes, and step through a small stream of running water to cleanse your feet. Then, you'll walk clockwise on the inlaid marble path that flanks the pool, as worshippers chant and bathe in the water. You can also see a collection of holy Sikh weapons inside the Akal Takhat (a seat of power inside the Golden Temple complex) and learn more about Sikhism in the Golden Temple Interpretation Centre, tucked beneath the clock-tower entrance of the temple. If you've got a sweet tooth, treat yourself to piping-hot jalebi (Indian sweet)) at Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala, a hole-in-the-wall sweets shop just 400 meters away from the Golden Temple.
Tucked behind the Golden Temple, tourists will find another important site in Amritsar: Jallianwala Bagh. The public garden memorializes the estimated 1,500 people who were killed or injured when British soldiers were ordered to fire on peaceful protesters who were demanding the release of imprisoned leaders of the Indian Independence Movement in 1919. You can still see bullet holes in the walls that hundreds of victims hid behind in attempt to dodge the gunfire. The memorial site's Martyrs' Gallery displays the portraits.
More than 250 years old, the Gobindgarh Fort has become one of the most iconic symbols of Punjab. The heritage site hails from a time when the Indian subcontinent was divided into small principalities and ruled by kings. At one point, some 12,000 soldiers manned the fort to protect Amritsar from potential invaders. In modern days, Gobindgarh Fort has transformed into an educational attraction dedicated to the history and culture of Amritsar. The complex contains four museums, including a Warfare Museum showcasing rare weapons, a Turban Museum explaining headgear from the region, and a Sikh Art Museum.
Drive past the iconic Khalsa College on Grand Trunk Road, a historic educational institution and a premier example of 19th-century Indo-Saracenic architecture.
For lunch we recommend you choose from one of the many dhabas to savour authentic Punjabi vegetarian food. Kesar Da Dhaba is one of the best places in town to experience truly divine local dishes. Their preparations of chana, parathas, dal, phirni are sure to make you swoon and remember to order a cool, refreshing lassi a perfect accompaniment to your meal. For those who love chicken Beera Chicken corner is a foodie’s paradise. Many locals and travelers will attest that this is the best Tandoori chicken in India – try it yourself and see if you agree. If Tandoori’s not the flavor you’re after, order a plate of their heavenly butter chicken, paired with a couple buttery slices of naan.
After lunch depending on time in hand you may head over to your hotel for a quick nap. Later we head out again to experience a hair raising and heart thumping ceremony that almost always makes a proud Indian cry remembering the many sacrifices people gave to enable him / her to breath in free India. Before we head to Wagah border, we stop over at Atari railway station. This station serves as a land border and custom check for all guests entering from or exiting to Pakistan The Samjhauta Express (Friendship train) ran twice a week (Wed/Sun) from Lahore to Attari via the Wagah railway station ferrying passengers between India and Pakistan. With no stops en-route this was an end to end journey for those wanting to go meet family and friends across the border. Due to the ongoing unrest between India and Pakistan this only symbol of friendship stands testimony to the ongoing off and on efforts between both countries to make peace.
A 31-kilometer drive west from the city center of Amritsar will take you to the border of Pakistan, where an enthralling border-closing ceremony takes place at sunset each day. Full of pomp and vigour the Beating Retreat Ceremony involves an ostentatious display of guards from the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers saluting each other, lowering and folding their flags, and closing the gates at the border.
The experience gives tourists a chance to see both the countries at close hand. On the Pakistan side, you'll see men and women sitting separately in stadium-style seating, and the vibe is much more subdued. On the Indian side, however, it's a patriotic frenzy. Bollywood music blasts from speakers as women dance in the street, while those in the stands wave Indian flags and shout at their loudest to drown out any shrieks or shouts from the opposite side. While just 45-minutes long, the entire ceremony gives you enough food for thought and a renewed sense of patriotism and pride to be an Indian.
Dinner Recommendation (s): En route back to the hotel stop at the Sarhad restaurant for dinner. Located at the border this restaurant justifies cuisines from both Amritsari and Lahori and is probably the only place where both India and Pakistan blend harmoniously. From the streets of Lahore try the sumptuous kebabs and kadai (frying pan) meats. For vegetarian lovers try our Amritsari delicacies of daals (pulses), kulchas and seasonal vegetables slow cooked in desi ghee (clarified butter). Do not miss the range of beverages imported by Sarhad from across the border, Murree Non Alcoholic Beers, Joshanda Teas, and Quarshi Sharbats. Finally, indulge the sweetness of Amritsar and Lahore with locally made desserts and Pakistani imported Khalifa Khatai.
Overnight at Amritsar. (B)