Immerse in the Vibrant City Amritsar 

Amritsar, revered as the "Golden City", is a major spiritual center of Sikhism. The city is located approximately 217 km northwest of Chandigarh and was founded around 1574 AD by the fourth Sikh guru, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji.  It is located near the eastern part of the Pakistan border, which is why many people travel to Amritsar to experience the patriotism at the famous Wagah Border. Rich agricultural land, historic significance, and vibrant cultural tapestry attract several visitors to Amritsar. Besides its significant contribution to the fight to acquire freedom, it is also known for its silk goods, pashmina shawls, and carpets. The narrow lanes of the city and crowded markets will give you an insight into the actual Amritsar. After feeding the soul, you can taste the delicacies of Amritsar and savor the warm hospitality. If you also desire to experience India's rich culture, then embark on the journey to Amritsar. But before diving straight in, explore the information that has been elaborated in this post. 

Mandatory Information about Amritsar 

• Population:  24,90,656.
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Language: Punjabi, Hindi, English.
• Closest Airport: Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ). 

Things to do in Amritsar 

 The moment you step on the land of Amritsar, you will feel a magical sense of devotion spread in the air. The breathtaking views, irresistible gurbani coming straight from a gurudwara, and other poignant destinations reflect the historic indulgence of Amritsar.  To have knowledge about the activities that you should not miss in Amritsar, follow along: 

•  Feel the adrenaline rush by joining the Wagah Border Ceremony: The Wagah Border, located on the Grand Trunk Road, is renowned for its beating retreat ceremony. This includes: dance, patriotic songs, and much more. The best part of being a part of the ceremony is the choreographed parade between the Indian and Pakistani Soldiers. To secure the front seat, arrive early, and don't forget to cheer loudly to encourage the Indian Soldiers. The entry is free of cost, but the seats are limited.
• Visit Gobindgarh Fort for a fleeting visual experience: The fort's history dates back to 1760, when the Bhangi Misl constructed it. The fort is nestled in the heart of Amritsar, spread across 43 acres. The strong walls of the fort tell the story of the bravery of the Sikh Community. Sher-e-Punjab, Toshakhana, and the Bungalow are the places that you can see in the fort.
• Explore the Community Kitchen: The community kitchen at the Golden Temple in Amritsar is renowned as the World's largest community kitchen. Around 100,000 people eat in the langar, and this number may increase during holidays or festivals. The food is vegetarian and freshly prepared, with a strong focus on hygiene. You can also volunteer in the kitchen and serve the people coming to the langar.
• Take a stroll to Hall Bazaar: Visiting Hall Bazaar is a must if you are in Amritsar. It is situated near the Golden Temple, making it accessible to the people. From pulkari dupattas to Punjabi juttis, you can buy the items according to your preference. Handmade bangles and jewelry offering an elegant look that you must own.
• Visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: This spot was the summer palace of the Sikh Empire's first king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which has since been turned into a museum. With an entry fee of 10 INR, you can appear at the museum, which is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Moreover, the museum remains closed on Mondays and any public holidays. 

Main Attractions in Amritsar 

 The vibrant energy of Amritsar is captivating and draws you in, compelling you to become a part of it. The city is equipped with vibrant and electrifying festivals, allowing you to create some of the best moments of your life. Before you leave for Amritsar, you must acknowledge the main attractions in Amritsar that need to be on your bucket list, which  are indicated in the following lines: 

•  Golden Temple: Often called Darbar Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, the place was founded by Guru Ram Das Ji in 1577. However, the temple was completed in 1604 by Guru Arjan Dev.  This is a place to connect with the divine god and get enlightenment. The temple is surrounded by a sarover providing a soothing experience. The temple is open to all throughout the day and night without charge.
• Jallianwala Bagh: Jallianwala Bagh is globally recognized as a place where several Indians lost their lives, including women and children. In the bagh, you can see the bullet marks as a result of the 1919 massacre. The site spans 7 acres, featuring a gallery, memorial structures, and a museum. The gallery comprises several paintings, depicting the incident that happened in the Jallianwala Bagh.
• Gurudwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib: The gurudwara is set in the Thatta village near Amritsar. The place is devoted to one of the Sikh personalities, Baba Budha Ji. It is made up of white marble, displaying a stunning view for the people coming to pray. To bow down to the god, you must appear at the gurudwara from 5 AM to 10 PM, and you do not have to pay any fee.
• Sadda Pind: This village has been transformed into a cultural hub for those who appreciate the simplicity and traditions of Punjab. To welcome you, expert artists will perform folk dances to Punjabi folk songs. This is a one-time life experience that you must not miss. 

Best Time to Explore Amritsar 

Time is a crucial aspect that determines how much you will enjoy a particular place. Additionally, when traveling to a place like Amritsar, which hosts millions of foreign and national visitors, plan your trip during a time that suits you. Here is all you need to know about the best time to travel: 

•  Peak Season: The peak season in Amritsar, characterized by temperatures between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius, occurs from December to February. From wandering the streets of Amritsar to savoring the street food, the cold air draws high traffic. Festivals like Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti make Amritsar special.
• Shoulder Season: From October to March, the temperature ranges between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time if you enjoy exploring places with fewer crowds.  Additionally, you can enjoy the time with your loved ones without worrying about sunstroke.
• Off-Season: From April to September, Amritsar experiences hot and humid weather, making the place budget-friendly. Although the temperature can be observed between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius, in May and June, it might reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. 

Foods to Cherish in Amritsar 

Tasting the local foods of Amritsar will help you strengthen the bonds with the locals. Through various dishes, you will get into the history and evolution of the Punjabi cuisine. Therefore, on your travel in Amritsar, you are suggested to try the culinary dishes mentioned below: 

•  Amritsari chole and kulche
• Makke di roti and sarso da saag 
• Dal makhani 
• Phirni
• Butter chicken
• Amritsari fish fry
• Chicken tikka
• Gajar ka halwa   
• Amrisari soya chaap
• Paya soup
• Lassi
• Kada prasad 

Hotels to Stay in Amritsar 

In Amritsar,  various places are available where you can stay peacefully. This includes dharamshala, resorts, and hotels that you can select as per your preference. Moreover, if you are looking for some of the best hotels to relax in Amritsar, here are a few of them: 

• Hyatt Regency Amritsar Hotel 
• Fortune Inn Heritage Walk Amritsar 
• Taj Swarna 
• Surestay by Best Western Heritage
• Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels 
• Ranjit's Svaasa Amritsar
• The Continental Square
• Hotel Kabir Royal 
• Fortune Ranjit Vihar 

Things to Bear in Mind When Travelling in Amritsar 

  Travel to Amritsar can be daunting if you are unfamiliar with this place. But you can ensure the journey is seamless by considering the things listed in the following steps: 

• Check the locality before stepping out: If you are a solo traveller, you must keep an eye on the destinations where you want to go. Enter the address into your GPS so that reaching the destination will be easy.  Also, you can share your location with your family.
• Wear comfortable clothes: It is essential to wear comfy clothes in Amritsar, as it involves a lot of walking. Wearing body-hugging clothes might feel irritating while exploring the city.
• Carry the cash: To purchase the items that you like, you must bring cash with you, as online payment is not accepted in all shops or street vendors. 
• Arrive early at any destination: Most places run according to their schedule. Therefore, you should prepare for your arrival accordingly. Also, go to see the sights early, and you will not encounter a large crowd. Book a local guide to get a clear idea of what Amritsar is.