Amritsar Holidays

Best known for the Golden Temple, one of the most prominent places of worship for Sikhs in India, Amritsar in Punjab is one of the best places to get glimpses into the Sikh faith, eat mouth-watering food, roam around in streets full up to the brim with people and observe the joie de vivre that this part of India is popular for. Wake up to the melodious sounds of 'Kirtan' (Sikh religious music) at the dawn, and see the sun rising over the beautiful Golden Temple. Eating delicious 'Guru-Ka-Langar' (free meals provided by the temple) sitting on the floor in the big hall here with hundreds of other devotees is one of the highlights for many tourists. You may also choose to visit some of the many other temples, including the Akal Takht, Ram Tirath Temple, Sri Durgiana Temple, Mata Temple etc.

Not very far from the Golden Temple is Jallianwala Bagh, a park of historical importance for Indians. It is here that a British troop shot hundreds of peacefully-protesting Indians in 1919. The place has an eternal flame dedicated to the memory of the deceased and a small room containing images of the martyrs and independence heroes of India. You cannot leave Amritsar without visiting the Wagah Border where the major highlight is a military drill that Indian and neighbouring Pakistani forces perform everyday in the evening. The ceremony is quite popular and is symbolic of the brotherhood between the two nations despite years of animosity.

Half the fun of exploring Amritsar lies in its bustling markets, the most of popular among these being the Kathian Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, Tahali Sahib Bazaar and Shashtri Bazaar. You can shop for blankets, woollen shawls, fancy dupattas, and glittering jutis (a type of footwear) to take back as souvenirs from your trip. While looking for great places to eat in Amritsar, make a note for exploring Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, Makhan Fish, Crystal Restaurant, Kanha Sweets, Brothers' Dhaba and Neelam's among many other places. Read more ...