When in Punjab, you must not miss the opportunity to visit Amritsar in the Northwestern part of the Indian state. As home to the famous Golden Temple, you can bet the sightseeing tours & activities you will experience in this holiday destination would be spiritual and cultural in nature. It's the perfect time to experience something profound in your journey in this part of the world. So how about you choose things to do that are less common and usual?
Amritsar day tour
Why not make the most of your first day in Amritsar by visiting the city’s highlight – the Golden Temple? But mix it up with other tourist attractions for optimum experience. Head out to Sikh, the major cultural and commercial center in Punjab, and enjoy a hearty breakfast of local Punjab flavors, such a Sweet Lassi and Amritsari Kulcha. Sampling local cuisine is one of the things to do every traveler must enjoy. You should too. Afterwards, visit two of the most famous monuments in the city.
Golden temple
As the main attraction of the city, expect the Golden Temple to be crowded with thousands of pilgrims from all over India visiting it day in and day out. Yes, the temple is open almost 24 hours a day, and is worth visiting once during daytime and another during night time. This is because the Golden Temple becomes truly golden when it is fully lit up.
A tour around the temple is an adventure in itself. You need to cover your head while inside, and you must leave your shoes behind and wash your feet before getting in. Walking barefoot would be the order of the day.
Jallianwala bagh
Not far from the temple is the site where the 1919 Amritsar massacre happened. While its history is steeped in violence, it now serves as a reminder that the city has gone a long way from its turbulent past. Bullet holes can still be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings where the memorial was built.
Walking tour behind the golden city
For a culture-centered holiday in Amritsar, join the walking tour behind the Golden City that includes sightseeing tours & activities with the locals. Apart from visiting local attractions, you would also have an opportunity to learn the cultural significance of Qila Ahluwalia, chitta akharas and other places, events and people that helped shaped Punjab. You will also wander through bazaars, back alleys and the infamous Crawling Street, so named because it is where the Indians were told to crawl on their bellies during the Amritsar massacre. This walking tour will take you through 400 years of culture and history.
Witness the beating retreat ceremony
Located on the international highway between India, Amritsar and Lahore, Wagah is the site of the Beating Retreat Ceremony or the lowering of the flags. It can be likened to the UK's Changing of the Guards, although it is more colorful and elaborate. The daily military practice involves rapid dance-like maneuvers performed by soldiers from both sides – India’s Border Security Force and Pakistan’s Pakistan Rangers. Following the parade is the lowering of both nations’ flags.
Amritsar sightseeing tours & activities
Checkout all sightseeing tours & activities in Amritsar here at La Vacanza Travel.