A guide for those visiting Amritsar for 2 days
If you want to learn the intricacies of Sikhism then you have to visit Amritsar at least once in your life. Amritsar is a sacred city. It is also critically acclaimed for its cuisine, heritage and religion. The city holds many old buildings that add a unique flavour to it.
Without further ado, here is a comprehensive 2-day itinerary for anyone planning to take a trip to Amritsar.
Day 1
A visit to the Golden Temple
If you live in India, it is impossible that you have not heard of the Golden Temple. Just like Kedarnath for Hindus, and Mecca for Muslims, Golden Temple holds sacred values for Sikhs. Apart from being a sacred palace, It has the gravity to attract at least one lakh individuals daily, because of its aesthetic and spiritual values, also it has the largest kitchen in the world.
So if you ever get a chance at this place. Start your trip to Amritsar by paying a visit to the holy Golden Temple. It is also known as the Harmandir Sahib. The Golden Temple is an iconic place of interest in Amritsar. It is the most celebrated gurudwaras in the world. The overall ambience of the Golden Temple is known for its serenity. A sense of tranquillity will surely take over your subconscious as you look at the temple surrounded by its holy water body. The exterior of the main temple is adorned with gold foil. The inner walls of the temple are riddled with exquisite glasswork, meenakari work, and semi-precious stones.
What to do here?
- Apart from taking in the awesomeness of the Golden Temple, you can also find time to visit neighbouring temples like the Durgiana Temple.
- You can also feast your eyes on the serenity of a pool that was constructed by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das was the founder of Amritsar.
- If you venture towards the south of the temple, you can lose yourself in the calmness of a manicured garden and gaze at the majestic tower of Baba Atal.
- You can also spend a considerable amount of time at the Central Sikh Museum. It is located on top of the Clock Tower.
- If you are getting hungry then you can sit down with hundreds of visitors and fill yourself up with delicious food served at the Guru Ka Langar. Every day, more than 20,000 people are fed at the langar, free of cost! The langar is located at the eastern entrance of the temple.
- If you are feeling a bit spiritual then you can catch a glimpse of the Granth Sahib that is kept atop the Akal Takht. The Akal Takht is also home to quite a few ancient weapons that were used back in the day by the Sikh warriors.
- Venture deeper, especially in the northwest corner of the temple complex and you will come across the Jubi Tree. It is believed that this tree has special powers. It was planted more than 450 years ago by Baba Buddha – the first high priest of the Golden Temple.
Jallianwala Bagh
The Jallianwala Bagh is known for its memorial structure that has been erected to commemorate more than 2000 Indians who were indiscriminately killed by British soldiers who were commanded by General Michael O’ Dyer.
This horrendous event took place on April 13, 1919. The women, men and children killed in this massacre were all participating in a peaceful meeting when India’s struggle for freedom was at its peak.
What you can do here?
- You can relive the horror of the massacre by glancing at the Martyr’s Gallery present on site.
- You can look at a particular section of a wall within the bagh where bullet marks are still visible. These marks are intentionally preserved along with the memorial well where many women, men and children jumped to save their lives but in vain.
Lunch at Bhrawan da dhaba
Wagah Border
Wagah is an outpost of the Indian army that is smack in the middle of the Indo-Pak border that divides Amritsar and Lahore. It is riddled with numerous buildings, barriers and roads on both sides of the border. Visiting hours for weary travellers are set between 10 in the morning till 4 in the evening, every day of the week.
What you can do here?
- Gaze at the energetic ‘beating retreat’ or the ‘change of guard’ that takes place on both sides’ armed forces every day.
- You can also witness the famous Wagah Border Flag Ceremony. It takes place every winter evening at 4:15 pm and 5:15 pm during the summer season.
Day 2
Sadda Pind
Sadda Pind is a living village museum that allows one to delve deep into the Punjabi culture. This lively village is spread across 12 acres of land and it allows one to have the authentic experience of living, breathing and partaking in everything Punjabi!
It is located a mere 8 KMs away from the Golden Temple and is an ideal destination to spend your day with friends or family.
What you can do here?
- You can enjoy the rustic charm of living Punjabi-style.
- You can document cultural performances such as folk dances like bhangra, gidha, jhumar and kikli.
- You can shop for local handicrafts
- You can listen to old folksongs or lose yourself in the old stories.
- You can sample or learn to cook authentic Punjabi cuisine.
- You can learn to make traditional art.
- You can learn to make phulkari, Punjabi jutti, clay toys, utensils, durries or learn the intricate art of ironwork.
Maharajah Ranjit Singh Panorama
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama is a visual documentation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s life and achievements. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is also known as the lion of Punjab. He is one of the many important historical figures of that era.
The panorama is the brainchild of the top brass at the National Council of Science Museums. It is an autonomous part of India’s Ministry of Culture. The panorama is smack in the middle of the 4.5 acres of the historically significant Rambagh Heritage Garden.
The panorama sits in the middle of a beautifully designed tall cylinder-shaped building. The building itself is surrounded by a manicured green garden and the whole setup is located near the Summer Palace of Maharaja within the Rambagh Heritage Garden.
You can visit the panorama from Tuesday to Friday 10 AM – 5 PM. On weekends, you can visit the panorama from 10 AM to 9 PM. On Mondays, the panorama remains closed to the public.
What you can do here?
- You can spend quite some time gazing at the main attraction which happens to be twelve meters tall and hundred meters long panoramic paintings. The painting depicts six battle expeditions headed by the ‘Lion of Punjab’.
- You can also enjoy a specially designed illumination of the panorama that is backed by realistic sound effects of the battleground playing in the background.
Lunch at Haveli
You might be feeling hungry by now. Why not head over to Haveli? This all-cuisine restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options. Every dish entails large portions and reasonable rates. The service is prompt and it is an amazing place for lunch. It is located at G.T. Road Amritsar – Jalandhar Highway, Amritsar 143149 India.
Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort is a historically significant structure. It also is a live heritage museum.
The fort itself has been built back in the 18 th century! Its dimensions are otherworldly. The fort’s majestic dimensions sing songs of the structure’s glorious history.
Visitors are allowed to venture into the fort/museum every day from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm. A nominal entry fee is applicable for one and all!
What can you do here?
- First off, do not forget the admire the architectural finesse of the fort
- You can entertain yourself by watching folk performances
- You can ride on camels or horses while you are here.
- You can learn pottery.
- You can take some time out and pay a visit to the ‘Pagdi and Sikh Art’ museum.
Ram tirath Ashram
After you are done exploring the fort, set your course for the Ram Tirath Ashram. It is located on the outskirts of Amritsar and it would take a mere thirty minutes by car to reach there.
The ashram dates back to the Ramayana period and tells the tale of Rishi Valmiki’s
‘hermit’ days.
What you can do here?
- It is an ancient site that is riddled with many temples.
- It is also home to an ancient tank.
- It is also home to a hut where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv & Kush.
- One can also pay a visit to Rishi Valmiki’s hut.
- One can also pay a visit to the well with stairs that Mata Sita used daily to take baths.
- If you plan your trip right, you can be on time to enjoy a four-day fair that is held every year in November.
Amritsar is a great destination for those who are obsessed with old edifices. It is also an ideal destination for those who want to learn about a culture through artefacts. Hence, if
you have been planning to take a break from your tedious routines, visit Amritsar as soon as you can!