Amritsar, India-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Golden City

Morning

  • Arrive at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport (ATQ)
  • Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to your hotel ( approx. ₹200-300)
  • Check-in to your hotel, freshen up and get ready for the day
  • Visit the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism (free entry, but donations welcome)

Afternoon

  • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys of the Golden Temple Complex
  • Visit the Saragarhi Memorial, a historic site commemorating the bravery of 21 Sikh soldiers (free entry)
  • Try some local street food at Kesar Da Dhaba or Bharawan Da Dhaba

Evening

  • Enjoy the evening Palki Sahib Ceremony at the Golden Temple, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried to its resting place (free entry)
  • Have dinner at Brothers’ Amritsari Dhaba, a popular local eatery serving traditional Punjabi cuisine

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel Shiraz Regency or Hotel City Heart, both centrally located and offering comfortable rooms (₹2,000-₹5,000 per night)

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and memorial to the victims of the Amritsar Massacre in 1919 (free entry)
  • Explore the Partition Museum, showcasing the history of India’s partition and its impact on Punjab (₹100 per person)

Afternoon

  • Visit the Durgiana Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga (free entry)
  • Stop by the Amritsar Heritage Walk, a guided tour exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage (₹500-₹1,000 per person)

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Punjabi music and dance at Punjabi Naad, a local cultural center (free entry)
  • Dine at The Grand Trunk Road, serving modern Indian cuisine with a twist

Day 3: Wagah Border and Local Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Wagah-Attari Border, the only open border crossing between India and Pakistan (free entry, but be prepared for security checks)
  • Watch the Flag Lowering Ceremony, a daily ritual where both countries lower their flags simultaneously (free entry)

Afternoon

  • Explore the bustling Hall Bazaar, a local market selling everything from handicrafts to souvenirs
  • Visit the Kapda Market, a wholesale market for fabrics and textiles

Evening

  • Enjoy some street food at Chowk Phuwara, a popular spot for local snacks and drinks
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Ritz Plaza or Hotel Hong Kong Inn, both offering comfortable rooms (₹2,000-₹5,000 per night)

Day 4: Rural Punjab Experience

Morning

  • Take a day trip to the rural village of Attari, located near the Wagah Border
  • Visit a local Punjabi Farmhouse, experiencing rural life and hospitality (₹500-₹1,000 per person)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a traditional Punjabi Lunch at the farmhouse, featuring local delicacies like sarson ka saag and makki di roti
  • Explore the surrounding countryside on a guided Village Walk, interacting with locals and learning about their way of life (₹500-₹1,000 per person)

Evening

  • Return to Amritsar and enjoy dinner at The Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fort turned restaurant serving Punjabi cuisine
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Ritz Plaza or Hotel Hong Kong Inn

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport ( approx. ₹200-300)

Things to Know

  • Amritsar is a sacred city, so dress modestly and remove your shoes when visiting religious sites.
  • Be prepared for crowds and security checks at popular attractions.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak summer months (May-June) when temperatures can soar.

Transportation

  • Auto-rickshaws are widely available, but agree on the fare beforehand.
  • Taxis can be booked through local operators or ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber.
  • Local buses and cycle-rickshaws are also an option for shorter distances.

Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites.
  • Haggling is expected at local markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.

Other Things of Interest

  • Gobindgarh Fort: A historic fort turned museum showcasing the history of Amritsar and Punjab.
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the Sikh Empire’s founder.
  • Amritsar Food Tour: Explore the city’s culinary delights on a guided food tour (₹1,000-₹2,000 per person).