Amritsar Travel Guide

Home to years of historical significance, India’s struggle for independence and a religious centre, Amritsar holds a very special place in India’s psyche. So naturally, this city sees a lot of travellers round the year. Amritsar has a plenty of luxury, midrange and budget hotels for travellers with different spending preference. Luxury hotels in Amritsar includes Taj Swarna, Holiday Inn Amritsar, Hyatt Amritsar, Ramada Amritsar and Radisson Blu Hotel; midrange hotels have options in Clarks Inn Amritsar, Hotel Sarovar Regency, MK Hotel, Hotel CJ International and Humble Hotel Amritsar; whereas for budget hotels one can go for Hotel Sham Villa, Hotel Sita Niwas, Hotel Grand, Hotel City Castle and Hotel Sita Continental.

• 

  Luxury hotels in Amritsar for the pampered souls

• 

  Mid-range hotels in Amritsar that’ll help you save big

• 

  Budget hotels in Amritsar for the cost-effective stay

Amritsar has a prolonged and rich heritage when it comes to food and culinary extensions. The entire city is known for different types of food items and its myriad flavours. There are many restaurants serving authentic local food with utmost culinary expertise that will please your taste buds. But the real fun resides in the street food joints and their colourful dishes and beverages. Home to the famous Amritsari kulcha (a kind of bread), this city is the best place to try traditional Punjabi food. Places like Temptation Restaurant, Kesar Da Dhaba, Grand Trunk, Crystal Restaurant and Collage are testimony to Amritsar's legacy of fine dining and plush setting. On the other hand, street side stalls like Makhan Da Dhaba, Sunder Meat Shop and Giani Tea Stall will give you the taste of raw Amritsari flavours.

• 

  Did you know? There is a restaurant in Amritsar that’s famous for Pakistani food!

  Even though the Golden Temple, Wagah Border and the Jallianwala Bagh are the biggest reasons why people from all parts of the country love travelling to Amritsar, the city’s food scene also happens to be a big pull for a lot of travellers.

• 

  Amritsar street food that will make your mouth water

• 

  Go food-tripping in the fine dining restaurants in Amritsar

The city of Amritsar is known for many reasons and among them, various religious centres and spiritual hubs constitute a very important part of the city’s existence. Among many places to visit in Amritsar, the Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara is almost synonymous to the city. Durgiana Temple is another holy place which is a famous repository of Hindu scriptures. Apart from religious significance, Amritsar is also a premier destination when it comes to India’s struggle for freedom from the British rule. Visit the renowned Jallianwala Bagh, where British officer Reginald Dyer opened fired on a gathering of people celebrating Baishakhi on April 13, 1919. Don’t forget to be a part of the daily closing ceremony at the Wagah Border (India-Pakistan border) where army personnel of both countries conduct an interesting ritual of mutual trust.

• 

  Amritsar beyond the Golden Temple: 8 places you should know

• 

  10 attractions in the holy city of Amritsar

Amritsar will not let you lay lazy as this city is a hub of activities if one knows how to convert sights into actions. Amritsar is a fun place to be if you are someone who loves to explore a new place from a firsthand perspective. The city has many facades and flavours that can be best explored and experience once you hit the roads and narrow alleys. This is a must try thing to do in Amritsar as a city walk will take you a step closer to the lives and matters of the natives. Hanging out with the locals is one thing you must try in Amritsar. You may not be able to speak their language but dressing up in typical Punjabi attire will do great to help you mingle. The traditional Punjabi dresses are a mix of vibrant colours and cheerful designs. Find a place to buy typical Punjabi clothes and learn how to wear them and be one with the locals! Last but not the least, a food trail in Amritsar is also a must do for the foodies.

• 

  Things to do in Amritsar for the restless souls

  There is no dearth of things to do in Amritsar as this city is a hub of activities and expeditions. Go for a spiritual voyage while visiting myriad places of religious significance. The Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple and Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib are some places that will help you find inner peace.

Shopping may not be one of the most popular attributes that we associate with Amritsar often but the city is not totally barren when it comes to souvenir hunt. One of the oldest markets in the city, Hall Bazaar holds a significant place when it comes to shopping in Amritsar. In this place, you will get everything you want, from gadgets to trendy accessories, from daily use products to local handicrafts. Another shopping hub, Guru Bazaar is particularly known for traditional jewelry and ornaments made out of precious and semi-precious stones. Katra Jaimal Singh Market, on the hand is known for a rich collection of pashminas, saris, beaded dresses, wedding suits for men, designer shirts and ties, woodwork jewelry and handicraft items. Located near Guru Bazaar Road and opposite Kali Mata Mandir, Shastri Market is another very popular market area in Amritsar.

• 

  Shopping in Amritsar for the keen souvenir hunters

It is but obvious that when you visit a place you spend all your time exploring the said destination. This however might lead to a kind of monotony that travellers are often apprehensive of. This is applicable to Amritsar as well. Amritsar is in itself an amazing place to indulge in lots of sightseeing and activities. The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border are such landmarks in Indian tourism map that you will feel overwhelmed after a visit to them. But there is always a chance to go for a refreshing weekend break to nearby destinations like Chandigarh, Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Palampur.

• 

  Hill stations near Amritsar for a perfect weekend getaway

  A prominent tourist destination in India, Amritsar is a fine place to embark on a hill station hopping as the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh sits nearby. Hill stations near Amritsar for a short trip include the likes of Shimla, Dharamsala and Palampur.

• 

  Weekend getaways from Amritsar for a refreshing break

• 

  36 hours in Amritsar