Amritsar, India-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport or take a bus/train to Amritsar
  • Check-in at Hotel Alstonia (or similar) for a comfortable stay
  • Freshen up and start your day with breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, The Great Wall
    • Try their signature dish, Amritsari Lassi

Afternoon

  • Visit Jallianwala Bagh, a historic site where the infamous 1919 massacre took place
  • Explore the adjacent Golden Temple (Gurudwara Darbar Sahib) complex, a sacred Sikh shrine
    • Be sure to remove your shoes and cover your head before entering

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Beera Behari, a popular restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine
    • Try their Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti (Mustard Green Curry and Corn Bread)

Day 2: Golden Temple and Local Markets

Morning

  • Start the day by visiting Golden Temple again, but this time explore the surrounding areas
  • Explore the local markets, such as Hall Bazaar or Sarai Ganj, to buy souvenirs and try street food

Afternoon

  • Visit the Akal Takht Sahib, a historic Sikh temple that houses the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture)
  • Stop by Gobindgarh Fort, a 18th-century fortress turned museum showcasing Amritsar’s rich history

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Punjabi By Nature, a restaurant serving innovative Punjabi cuisine
    • Try their Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan Bread

Day 3: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Sri Ram Das Jee International Airport Museum, showcasing India’s aviation history
  • Explore the Amritsar War Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I

Afternoon

  • Stop by Wagah Border, a historic site where the Indian and Pakistani armies hold a daily flag-lowering ceremony
    • Be sure to arrive early for a good spot

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Kesar da Dhaba, a popular restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine
    • Try their Kadhi Pakora (Fried Cauliflower Fritters) and Lassi

Day 4: Local Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Guru Nanak Dev University Museum, showcasing Sikh history, art, and culture
  • Stop by Sikh Museum, a small museum dedicated to the life of Guru Nanak Sahib (the founder of Sikhism)

Afternoon

  • Experience the local way of life by visiting a traditional Punjabi Kitchen (e.g., The Punjab Kitchen) for a cooking demonstration and lunch
    • Learn about Punjabi cuisine and its significance in Amritsar culture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dhaba Hira Singh, a popular restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine
    • Try their Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti (Mustard Green Curry and Corn Bread)

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs, such as traditional Punjabi handicrafts, at local markets like Hall Bazaar or Sarai Ganj
    • Don’t forget to haggle!

Afternoon

  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport or bus station for your departure
  • Depart Amritsar with unforgettable memories of this sacred city

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Hire a taxi from the airport or a local taxi stand (Rs 150-200)
  • Auto-Rickshaw: Take an auto-rickshaw from the city center (Rs 20-50)
  • Bus: Catch a bus from the city center to your destination (Rs 10-30)

Tips and Other Things:

  • Be prepared for crowds and noise at popular tourist spots
  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting sacred sites like the Golden Temple
  • Try traditional Amritsari cuisine, such as Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti
  • Don’t forget to haggle while shopping in local markets
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for protection from the sun

Places to Visit:

  • Jallianwala Bagh
  • Golden Temple (Gurudwara Darbar Sahib)
  • Akal Takht Sahib
  • Gobindgarh Fort
  • Sri Ram Das Jee International Airport Museum
  • Amritsar War Memorial
  • Wagah Border

Restaurants and Cafes:

  • Beera Behari
  • Punjabi By Nature
  • Kesar da Dhaba
  • Hotel Alstonia (The Great Wall)
  • Dhaba Hira Singh