Amritsar - The holy land of the Sikh
Amritsar is a popular destination not just among Sikh pilgrims but all kinds of travellers, who want to witness Golden Temple for its unique beauty. With gurudwara’s dome gilded in 750 kg of pure gold and the rest of its façade gold foiled to perfection, the glittering mecca is an unforgettable sight both by day and night. However, a host of other exciting activities are also sure to charm any traveller.
Things to do in Amritsar
- Experience a spiritual sojourn at Golden Temple that uplifts your mind, body and soul.
- Visit the historic Wagah Border that divides India and Pakistan.
- Visit various temples, museums and monuments that adorn the city.
Tourist attractions in Amritsar
- Golden Temple - The holiest shrine for the Sikhs is unparalleled in its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere.
- The Wagah Border - The most politically significant border in India, Wagah, divides India and Pakistan. It is heartening to see soldiers from both sides of the border participate jointly in the Beating Retreat Ceremony - an elaborate and fascinating military drill that is held every evening.
- Jallianwala Bagh - A memorial that honours the innocent revellers who were killed by the British forces whilst celebrating Baisakhi, Jallianwalla Bagh is a park and shrine that bears testimony to one of the most horrific incidents that took place during colonial rule in India.
- Partition Museum - The only museum in the world that is dedicated exclusively to the partition of India and Pakistan, Partition Museum tells the intriguing story of the separation between these two countries via newspaper clippings and photographs.
- Various Temples & Forts - Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Baba Atal Towers and Ram Bagh Gardens are sure to make your Amritsar trip a memorable one.
Places to shop in Amritsar
- Hall Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Amritsar. It stocks everything from food to footwear to clothing offering something for everyone.
- Known for authenticity, wide variety and affordable pricing, Guru Bazaar is ideal for jewellery shopping.
- Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar is famous for vibrant clothing items. You will be spoilt for choice if you are interested in Phulkari patterns and designs, which Amritsar is traditionally renowned for.
- Lahori Gate market is famous for Pashmina Shawls, cotton suits and footwear at unbelievable bargains. This is definitely the place for you if you like getting the maximum bang for your buck.
- Shastri Market is great for high-quality clothes, jewellery, and footwear at extremely reasonable prices.
Best time to visit Amritsar
The best time to visit Amritsar is between November and March when the weather is pleasant, dry and cool. However, it is wise to be prepared for extremely cold weather as temperatures can drop to as low as -4 degree Celsius occasionally.
Modes of transport
As Amritsar is not a very big city, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are a practical and economical way of getting around. You could even hire a cab or a private car to explore the city.
A convenient way to get to Golden Temple is by availing the free bus service, courtesy the Golden Temple Trust, from the railway station. Amritsar is well-connected to the rest of India by road, rail and air.
Weather in Amritsar
The weather is cold and pleasant from November to March, which is the winter season. However, winters can be a bit harsh with temperatures prevailing slightly below the freezing point occasionally.
Summers occur from April to June with temperatures soaring to as high as 49 degree Celsius.
July to October is marked by cloudy, pleasant weather accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall.
Airport in Amritsar
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the only airport in Amritsar. The airport was ranked the sixth best regional airport in India and Central Asia in 2019 by Skytrax. It has two terminals, including Terminal 1 for domestic traffic and Terminal 2 for international traffic.
IATA Code: ATQ