Best Things To Do In Amritsar
Amritsar is a city in the North Indian state of Punjab and is a culturally and historically significant city in the region. The city has significant relation with the history of the Sikh religion and has been a part of many crucial incidents which led to the freedom of India. Here’s an in-depth look at the best things to do in Amritsar:
Suggested Tour: Punjab Tour
10 Best things to do in Amritsar
1. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
Harmandir Sahib also called the Golden Temple is among the most recognized symbols of Amritsar and Sikhism’s primary spiritual site. This temple is now an architectural masterpiece that has gotten a golden touch and a beautiful Sarovar or holy pond.
Must-Do: Go to the temple in the morning or at night since the quietness of the temple in the night is so serene. Take part in the Langar, which is the world’s largest kitchen where ever one thousand people are fed pure vegetarian meals daily whether they are Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian or any other caste and creed.
2. Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden and violent tragedy site of Amritsar’s 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre by the British troops.
Must-Do: Then take a walk around the garden, go to the memorial plaque, Martyr’s Well and the traces of bullets on the walls. The museum contained on the territory of the school tells of the sad story through photographs and words of those who survived it.
Suggested Tour: Golden Triangle Tour
3. Wagah Border Ceremony
Wagah Border which is 30 km away from Amritsar is the only border for both the countries India and Pakistan. Military parade is one of the key attractions, including the daily lowering of the national flags by the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers. It is one of the best things to do in Amritsar.
Must-Do: Try to get to the venue before the show starts to be able to choose a better spot. The ceremony is a spectacular event of rhythmic and strictly coordinated military movements, stamping on the ground and relaying of the national flags. It is very electrifying as there are people cheering on and even singing patriotic songs.
4. Partition Museum
The Partition Museum situated in the Town Hall aims at documenting and exhibiting objects and narratives of the Partition of India in 1947. This is the first of its kind and it gives the tourists a feel of one of the greatest eras in the history of South Asia.
Must-Do: Take your time to go through some of the displayed items such as letters, photographs, newspapers, and some audio-video items. Therefore, the museum intends to capture the sufferings, displacement, and strength of the victims of the Partition.
Suggested Tour: Hemkund Sahib Tour
5. Durgiana Temple
The Durgiana Temple also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a Hindu shrine, which is architecturally almost similar to the Golden Temple. Durga temple also known as the Navaratri Temple is meant to worship the goddess Durga.
Must-Do: Move around the temple to look into the carvings and the doors of silver. It is a very quiet place; thus, it can be used for meditation and contemplating the serene environment.
6. Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort was constructed by Gujjar Singh Bhangi in the eighteenth century and was later developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It has now become a culture and history site.
Must-Do: When it comes to exposure, watch the 7D show “Sher-e-Punjab” that is based on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Experience the different types of museums like the Warfare Museum, Sikh Martial Art Museum, and the cultural dances. Do not leave without trying Punjabi food in the eateries, and the crafts market placed in the territory.
Suggested Tour: Panj Takht Sahib Tour
7. Hall Bazaar
Hall Bazaar is one of the largest commercial localities of Amritsar where almost everything required from electronics to clothes, ornaments, and Punjabi delicacies could be found.
Must-Do: Buy Phulkari embroidered dupattas, Juttis – the traditional footwear of Punjab, Amritsari Papad and Warian – spiced lentil crisps. The food lovers can also taste the local spicy street foods like Golgappas, Chole Bhature, and Jalebi from the market.
8. Akal Takht
Akal Takht is known as “Throne of the Timeless One” is one of the Five Takhts of the Sikh religion situated in the complex at Amritsar. This one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1606.
Must-Do: To best appreciate it one needs to visit the place and make sense of the historical and religious qualities of the site. It is the supreme temporal power for the Khalsa which is the corporate body of the Sikhs. Go to the evening prayers, or Kirtans as they create a serenity that is evident in their worship sessions.
Suggested Tour: Punjab Gurudwara Tour
9. Mata Lal Devi Temple
The Mata Lal Devi Temple or locally called the Sheesh Mahal is a Hindu Temple that looks like the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is dedicated to a female saint of the twentieth century, Lal Devi.
Must-Do: Sneak through the corridors and passages of the temple which are very narrow and confusing. This place has an interesting interior filled with mirrors, glass and colorful paintings to make it even more colorful.
10. Amritsari Cuisine
In terms of cuisine, Amritsar has a lot to offer and one can savor the real Punjabi cuisines that are mouth watering and have their own story to tell.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amritsari Kulcha: A baked bread often packed with mashed potatoes and spices and accompanied with chickpea gravies and sour sauces.
Lassi: A rich, smooth drink made with yogurt, that is particularly filling and perfect for hot summer days. The sweet version is especially more preferred and is consumed in high quantities.
Chole Bhature: A spicy chickpea described as chole and fried bread commonly known as bhature which is a heavy dish usually taken in the morning or during the day.
Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti: A type of vegetable prepared in Punjabi style that is taken with a type of bread prepared from corn meal and this is more common in the cold season.
Conclusion
As a city, Amritsar is full of beautiful places ranging from the religious and historical sites, markets, and most importantly, food. There are various best things to do in Amritsar. Whether you are escaping at the Golden Temple, studying about the city’s great importance in history, or tasting the delicious Amritsar food, the city will not let you down and will provide you with an interesting and knowing journey.
