Amritsar India 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Golden Temple and Local Exploration

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib). This iconic gurudwara is a symbol of Sikhism and attracts millions of devotees every year.
    • Take a guided tour around the temple complex, learn about its history, architecture, and significance.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Hall B within the Golden Temple complex. Try their delicious langar (community kitchen) food, which is served free of cost to all visitors.
    • Must-try dishes include sarson ka saag with makki ki roti and lassi.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic site that commemorates the 1919 Amritsar Massacre. This park is now home to several memorials, gardens, and a museum showcasing its history.
    • Take some time to reflect on this pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence.
  • 6:00 PM: Head back to your hotel for some rest or explore the nearby streets of B-block (Bathinda Chowk) for shopping and snacks.
    • Must-visit places include:
      • Lassi Wala - a popular spot for lassi, chaas, and other Punjabi beverages
      • Amritsar Wale Gobhi - a local street food stall serving delicious cauliflower fries

Day 2: Amritsar’s Heritage and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Amritsar Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history, art, and culture. The museum features exhibits on Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islamic heritage.
    • Take time to explore the beautiful gardens within the museum complex.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Kesar Da Dhaba, a popular Punjabi restaurant serving delicious thalis and other local delicacies.
    • Must-try dishes include sarson ka saag with makki ki roti, chole bhature, and kulfi faluda.
  • 2:00 PM: Head to the Ram Bagh Garden, a beautiful Mughal-style garden that was once part of the royal palace. Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
    • Must-visit spots within the garden include:
      • The Tomb of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - a majestic monument honoring the king who ruled Punjab in the 19th century
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Grand Plaza Hotel’s restaurant, which serves international cuisine with a focus on local flavors.
    • Must-try dishes include Amritsar-style pizza, chicken tikka masala, and vegetable biryani

Day 3: Local Markets and Food

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Amritsar Wholesale Market (Attari Market), where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and other local products.
    • Must-visit stalls include those selling:
      • Fresh strawberries
      • Local flowers like roses and jasmine
      • Traditional Punjabi snacks like gurhalwa and kachoris
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, a historic gurudwara that serves delicious langar food.
    • Must-try dishes include sarson ka saag with makki ki roti, lassi, and sweet dishes like jalebi and faluda.
  • 2:00 PM: Head to the Hall Bazaar, a popular local market selling everything from clothes to jewelry.
    • Must-visit stalls include those selling:
      • Traditional Punjabi dresses like salwar kameez and lehenga
      • Local handicrafts like wooden carvings and pottery
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Golden Temple’s langar hall, which serves delicious community kitchen food.

Day 4: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring local markets.
  • Check-out of your hotel by 12:00 PM and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Punjabi is the primary language spoken in Amritsar. Hindi, English, and other languages are also widely spoken.
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Weather: Amritsar experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Transportation:
    • Rickshaws: Available throughout the city
    • Taxis: Available at airports, hotels, and taxi stands
    • Auto-rickshaws: Available for short trips within the city
    • Buses: Government-run buses connect Amritsar to other cities in Punjab and neighboring states
  • Food: Try local Punjabi cuisine like sarson ka saag with makki ki roti, chole bhature, kulfi faluda, and more.
  • Respect local customs:
    • Remove your shoes before entering gurudwaras or temples
    • Avoid taking pictures inside sacred spaces
    • Respect the dress code at cultural sites and events

Accommodation

  • Hotel Grand Plaza: A 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a rooftop pool.
    • Prices start from ₹3,000 per night
  • Hotel The White House: A 3-star hotel with clean rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a small garden area.
    • Prices start from ₹2,500 per night