7 Things To Do In Amritsar

Hello guys, this is Saloni. This is my first episode of Travel Podcast. Hope you will like it and stay tune for the next episode!

This podcast is all about Amritsar. I am sure you will love the journey!

Amritsar, a city in Punjab, is considered the spiritual and cultural center for Sikhs. Apart from being famous for the Golden Temple and authentic Punjabi cuisines, the city has a lot to offer to its visitors. It does not matter how many times you visit Amritsar, you will be awestruck each time. The raw and rustic feel of the old city, chaotic alleyways, spiritual feel, the dominating aroma from the dhabas, would always leave you stunned. From a painful partition to the food capital of India, Amritsar has many untold stories.

I know, traveling during this pandemic is quite risky but who can stop someone who loves traveling or who is a travel blogger!

Traveling was like a distant dream until 2021arrived. We had already made up our mind that whether the pandemic continues or not, we are traveling this year for sure-Not International but domestic! And we finally made a plan to visit Amritsar, and the trip was amazing

We booked Hotel Ramada which is one of the finest 4-star hotels perfectly located close to Amritsar’s main market and the Golden Temple. The hotel is a perfect blend of luxurious service with great hospitality.

When in Amritsar make the most of your time, the city has a lot to offer!

1. The Golden Temple

People fly from all over the world to see the beautiful temple which sees more than 1,00,000 visitors every day.

The peace and serenity this place offers is amazing. You must visit this temple at night, it’s spectacular. You will fall in love with this place. And you can spend hours and hours sitting on the premises of the temple.

The first view of the majestic temple was just breathtaking. We saw hundreds of pilgrims meditating and praying and some men taking a dip in the holy water. We found the temple premises to be very spiritual, charming, and truly exceptional.

The best time to visit the temple is 4 am and 10 pm, these are the timings when their religious book is taken from or to safe. So, if you are enthusiastic about seeing the procession, do keep these time slots booked for the temple.

Follow these small tips while entering the temple:

• ·Always cover your head with a scarf when entering the temple. If you don’t have a scarf, you can get it from the temple or buy it outside the temple for a minimal price.
• Ladies, remember to dress conservatively. Any revealing dresses are not allowed inside the temple.
• Expect big crowds in the temple, but it’s not as overwhelming as you might be thinking. You can sit and relax inside the temple premises and watch the pilgrims and listen to the holy music.

2. Sadda Pind

Sadda Pind is a cultural Punjabi village that brings you a chance to experience the authentic Punjabi cultures, flavors, and colors of Punjab. The place gives you the chance to enjoy Punjabi Folk Music and Dance, magician show, Sikh Martial Art, and some more adventurous activities.

The place also serves you the authentic taste of Punjab including Makki Di Roti, Sarso Da Saag, Kulfi, Lassi, Jalebi, Rabri, etc. Sadda Pind also provides you with a delicious buffet to satisfy your cravings after a visit to the village.

3. Brothers Dhaba

Brothers Dhaba serves the tastiest Kulchas and Parathas stuffed with herbs, potatoes, vegges that burst in the mouth as tiny explosions of taste. The restaurant serves the best Kulcha Platter ever. Trust me; you would not want to stop eating. A dollop of butter on Amritsari Kulcha makes it more delicious. You should visit Brothers Dhaba for your hunger pangs. 

4. Hall Bazar

Hall Bazar is the busiest and popular shopping center in Amritsar. This is a one-stop shopping destination as the market is packed with a wide range of products, including, clothes, electronics, handicrafts, home décor, etc. People visit this market to buy fine-quality woolen clothing and Phulkari Dupattas. Do not miss out on shopping Phulkari Dupattas as Phulkari is Punjab’s native embroidery art. The designs are beautifully carved on cotton, silk, and georgette fabrics. 

Tip: Do not forget to bargain!

5. Kesar Da Dhaba

Kesar Da Dhaba is one of the oldest and famous dhabas of Amritsar. The navigation to the Dhaba is quite tricky but the expert rickshaw driver can take you on a ride while you can enjoy the old city alleyway. And it’s worth all the effort! Kesar’s special Dal Makhani, cooked overnight and tempered before being served is class-apart. No one knows the secret recipe of the Dal. 

Must-Try: Dal Makhani, Amritsari Kulcha, Palak Paneer

6. Ram Lubhaya Aam Papad

While in Amritsar, you must be just gorging on mouth-watering Kulchas and Parathas, you would need something to digest, right? Do not forget Amritsar is the food capital of India. Amritsar will also take you back to your childhood when Khatta-Meetha taste of Aam Papad was the best thing for you. Yes, Aam Papad!

And it’s just not Aam Papad, it’s Aam Papad chaat which makes the store more popular. The tangy and spicy taste of the chaat stays in your mouth for some time and you can’t just stop eating this chaat. It has a very strong and distinctive flavor of its own.

Do try out Aam Papad Chaat and also the store offers a variety of Aam Papad, Anardana, Imli Candy, etc. 

7. Wagah Border And Jallianwala Bagh

Wagah Border is also known as the “Berlin Wall of Asia” marks the border between Pakistan and India. A retreat ceremony takes place on the border before sunset every day since 1959 and is witnessed by hundreds of people. It’s overwhelming to see the procession.

Jallianwala Bagh has turned into a beautiful public park, As you enter the Bagh, you will notice a memorial tablet that gives an account of the history. As you walk the passage leading to the Jallianwala Bagh, you will notice an inscription on a stone plaque: “People were fired from here: and you can still see the marks of the bullet on the walls of the Bagh. The Bagh is now a memorial for those who sacrificed their lives.

However, we were not lucky enough to wither witness the retreat at the Wagah Border or get overwhelmed seeing the bagh as both the spots have been closed due to the pandemic.

Let’s hope if we can get lucky the next year!

Amritsar has a lot of history and culture attached to outs heritage. Even the web, books, or tour guides might not speak of those unexplored places. It’s you who need to explore the places and get an amazing experience!