The Golden Temple Journey: A Spiritual Walk Through History and Warmth
Amritsar is one of those places that stays with you long after the trip ends.
From the shimmering beauty of Harmandir Sahib to the patriotic beats of Wagah Border and the unforgettable food, every moment in this city carries emotion, culture, and comfort.
I visited Amritsar with the intention of experiencing the Golden Temple, but the trip opened a doorway to history, spirituality, and the kind of hospitality only Punjab can offer.
Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
The heart of Amritsar. Peaceful, glowing, and divine. Visit once in the morning and once at night for two completely different experiences.
Jallianwala Bagh
A heartbreaking reminder of India’s struggle for freedom. The bullet marks, the martyrs’ well, and the silence inside tell the story that words never can.
Wagah Border Ceremony
The energy here is electric. The parade, patriotic songs, cheering crowds, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Reach at least 1.5 hours early for good seating.
Akal Takht Sahib
Spiritual and historically significant. Located inside the Golden Temple complex.
Partition Museum
India’s first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition. Emotional, powerful, and beautifully curated.
Durgiana Temple
A Hindu temple resembling the Golden Temple architecture.
Gobindgarh Fort
Good place for cultural performances, museums, and evening shows.
Local Markets – Hall Bazaar & Katra Jaimal Singh
Famous for juttis, phulkari, dry fruits, and Amritsari suits.
Food Experiences in Amritsar
Amritsar is heaven for food lovers. The flavours here are rich, simple, and soulful — nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just pure Punjabi comfort that melts your heart. Every lane smells of ghee, tandoor, and fresh parathas. If you travel to experience food, Amritsar will spoil you forever.
Must-Try Food Places:
Langar at Golden Temple – A once-in-a-lifetime experience that goes beyond food.
Served by volunteers with immense devotion, the langar includes soft rotis, dal, sabzi, and kheer, all cooked fresh and served hot to thousands every single day. Eating here isn’t just about taste; it’s about humility, gratitude, and oneness.
Kesar Da Dhaba – This is where you taste the real Punjab on a plate.
Their Dal Makhani is slow-cooked overnight until it becomes creamy and smoky. Pair it with lachha parathas dripping with ghee and end your meal with their signature phirni served in traditional clay pots.
It’s legendary for a reason.
Bharawan Da Dhaba – Perfect for pure-veg food lovers.
Their Punjabi thali, stuffed parathas, paneer butter masala, and thick lassi define honest, homestyle flavours. No fancy ambience — only authentic, old-school Punjabi food.
Kulcha Land / All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha – No trip to Amritsar is complete without a buttery, crisp-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside Amritsari Kulcha.
Served with spicy chole, tangy imli chutney, and crunchy onions — this is the city’s signature breakfast. One plate is enough to keep you full for half a day.
Giani Tea Stall – A favourite of locals for its strong, flavourful, Punjab-style cutting chai.
Perfect spot for early morning tea or a quick break while exploring the markets. The aroma of boiling milk tea on coal stoves adds to the charm.
Bheera Chicken House – If you love non-veg, this place is a treasure.
Their tandoori chicken is juicy, perfectly spiced, and roasted to smoky perfection. The flavours are bold, rustic, and truly Punjabi.
Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner – Famous for its iconic Amritsari Fish — crispy outside, soft inside, coated in light besan batter and fried golden.
A must-try for seafood lovers. Their butter chicken and kebabs are also equally popular.
Ahuja Milk Bhandar– This is where you taste the creamiest lassi in Amritsar.
Whether you choose plain, sweet, or kesar lassi, every glass feels like a dessert. Their kesar doodh is thick, fragrant, and full of dry fruits — perfect after a long day of walking around the city.
Hotels in Amritsar
Budget (INR800 – 1,500/night)
1. Hotel Le Golden
A simple, comfortable budget stay just a few steps from the Golden Temple. Perfect for solo travellers and families looking for convenience.
📍 Address: Chowk Phawara, Near Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hotel+Le+Golden,+Amritsar
2. FabHotel Golden Temple Homestay
Clean rooms, homely atmosphere, and walking distance to Jallianwala Bagh and Golden Temple. Great value for money.
📍 Address: Behind Guru Ramdas Sarai, Near Golden Temple, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=FabHotel+Golden+Temple+Homestay,+Amritsar
Mid-Range (INR2,000 – 4,000/night)
1. Hotel Hong Kong Inn
Spacious rooms, friendly staff, and centrally located. Known for comfort and cleanliness — ideal for couples & families.
📍 Address: Queens Road, Near Railway Station, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hotel+Hong+Kong+Inn,+Amritsar
2. Ramada by Wyndham
Modern hotel with excellent amenities, buffet breakfast, and comfortable rooms. Close to major attractions.
📍 Address: Hall Bazaar Road, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ramada+by+Wyndham+Amritsar
3. Bloom Boutique | Golden Temple
Heritage-style boutique hotel with aesthetic interiors and warm hospitality. Very close to Golden Temple — extremely convenient.
📍 Address: Inside Sultanwind Gate, Golden Temple Road, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bloom+Boutique,+Ranjit+Avenue,+Amritsar
Luxury (INR5,000 – 10,000/night)
1. Taj Swarna
Elegant and luxurious stay with premium rooms, great dining options, a pool, and top-class service. Ideal for a relaxing getaway.
📍 Address: Outer Circular Road, Opp. Basant Avenue, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Taj+Swarna,+Amritsar
2. Hyatt Regency, Amritsar
Large rooms, outdoor pool, spa, and excellent hospitality — perfect for families and business travelers.
📍 Address: GT Road, Adjacent to Alpha One City Center, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hyatt+Regency,+Amritsar
3. Courtyard by Marriott
Modern interiors, premium comfort, and signature Marriott service with great in-house dining.
📍 Address: Ranjit Avenue, District Shopping Complex, Amritsar
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Courtyard+by+Marriott,+Amritsar
Stay within walking distance of the Golden Temple for easy morning & night visits, and stress-free commute.
How to Travel to Amritsar
Amritsar is very well connected by air, rail, and road, making it easy to reach from any part of India. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best travel option based on convenience, time, and budget.
By Air — Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)
This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Amritsar.
The airport is located 11 km from the city centre and is well connected to India’s major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata.
From the airport to the city:
- Taxi: 20–30 minutes
- Airport express bus: Available every 30–45 minutes
- Auto-rickshaw: Budget option (fares vary)
Good for:
Travellers on a tight schedule, families, and anyone who wants a comfortable journey.
By Train — Amritsar Junction (ASR)
Amritsar Junction is one of the busiest and oldest railway stations in the country, offering excellent connectivity.
Popular direct trains include:
- Shatabdi Express (Delhi–Amritsar)
- Paschim Express (Mumbai–Amritsar)
- Amritsar Express (Kolkata–Amritsar)
- Golden Temple Mail
- Akal Takht Express
The station is located within the city, making it easy to reach your hotel.
Good for:
Budget travellers, backpackers, and those who enjoy relaxed railway journeys.
By Road — Smooth Highways & Direct Buses
Amritsar has great road connectivity via national highways.
Direct buses available from:
- Delhi (8–9 hours)
- Chandigarh (4–5 hours)
- Jammu (5–6 hours)
- Pathankot (2.5 hours)
- Himachal towns like Dharamshala & McLeodganj (4–5 hours)
Types of buses:
- Volvo AC Sleeper
- Semi-sleeper
- Government buses (Punjab Roadways / HRTC / PRTC)
- Private luxury coaches
Road trips to Amritsar are also smooth, especially via Delhi–Amritsar Highway (NH 44).
Good for:
Solo travelers, bikers, friends groups, and those who enjoy scenic road journeys.
My Amritsar Journey
I reached Amritsar by afternoon, checked in near the Golden Temple, and walked straight to the shrine for my first glimpse.
The moment I stepped through the archway, the sparkling gold reflection on the water and the soft chanting created a peace that slowed everything around me.
The night view was magical — the temple glowing like heaven on earth.
The next morning, I visited Jallianwala Bagh, walked around the old lanes, explored the markets, and ended the day with the powerful Wagah Border Ceremony.
The food throughout the trip was unforgettable — from kulchas loaded with butter to creamy lassi and the warmth of langar.
2-Day Itinerary for Amritsar
A short trip to Amritsar can be beautifully covered in two full days. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you experience the best of spirituality, history, culture, and food — without rushing.
Day 1: Golden Temple, Local Markets & Night Food
✔️ Check-in near the Golden Temple – Choose a hotel within walking distance. It makes temple visits easier and allows you to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the old city.
✔️ Visit Golden Temple (Evening) – Reach before sunset to watch the sky change colours behind the golden structure.
The evening lights slowly bring the temple to life, and the reflection in the Sarovar is magical.
✔️ Langar Experience – Sit in the pangat and enjoy the simple, soulful langar — dal, roti, sabzi, and kheer.
More than food, it’s an experience of equality, devotion, and gratitude.
✔️ Night Photography & Walk Around the Complex – The Golden Temple at night is unforgettable.
Take a slow walk around the parikrama, soak in the chants, sit by the Sarovar, and capture the beauty of the temple glowing against the night sky.
✔️ Dinner at Kesar Da Dhaba – End your day with a rich Punjabi dinner — their Dal Makhani, lachha paratha, and phirni are must-tries.
The lanes around the dhaba are traditional and charming to explore.
Day 2: History, Food & Patriotism
✔️ Early Morning Visit to Golden Temple – The early morning atmosphere is calm, spiritual, and less crowded.
Perfect for sitting quietly, meditating, or simply enjoying the sunrise view over the Sarovar.
✔️ Jallianwala Bagh – Walk through the memorial and reflect on the events of 1919.
The silence, preserved bullet marks, and the martyrs’ well create a powerful emotional experience.
✔️ Partition Museum – Located near the Town Hall, this is one of the most moving museums in India.
Audio stories, personal belongings, letters, and photographs bring the partition stories to life.
✔️ Lunch – Amritsari Kulcha – No trip to Amritsar is complete without a plate of buttery kulchas with chole and tangy chutney.
Head to Kulcha Land or All India Famous Kulcha for the best.
✔️ Wagah Border Ceremony – Leave Amritsar by 2:30–3:00 pm to reach the border on time.
Enjoy the high-energy parade, patriotic music, BSF performances, and cheering crowds. It’s electrifying and emotional.
Tip: Reach early to get good seats.
✔️ Shopping at Hall Bazaar – After returning, explore Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh for:
- Phulkari dupattas
- Punjabi juttis
- Amritsari suits
- Local snacks and dry fruits
✔️ Evening Snacks & Lassi – End your day with a tall glass of creamy lassi from Ahuja Milk Bhandar or Gianis.
Try local snacks like Amritsari fish or tandoori chicken if you’re craving something savoury.
Optional Add-On
✔️ Gobindgarh Fort (Evening Show) – If you have extra time, visit Gobindgarh Fort for cultural performances, 7D shows, local crafts, and traditional food counters.
A great way to experience Punjab’s history and folk culture.
Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Travel (Train/Flight) | 1500 – 7000 |
| Hotel | 1500 – 8000 per night |
| Food | 400 – 1000 per meal |
| Local Transport | 80 – 300 per auto |
| Wagah Border Taxi | 800 – 1200 round trip |
| Shopping | Personal choice |
Total (2 days): INR4,000 – 18,000
(depends on hotel + travel mode)
Travel Tips for Amritsar
- Visit Golden Temple once in daylight and once at night.
- Keep your head covered inside the complex.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you walk barefoot inside.
- Wagah Border gets crowded, reach early.
- Don’t miss the langar, it’s a beautiful experience.
- Markets close early compared to other cities.
- Don’t skip the Partition Museum, it’s emotional and powerful.
Amritsar offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culinary adventures. From the peace of the Golden Temple to the bustling streets filled with mouthwatering aromas, every moment in this city is unforgettable. So, pack your bags and prepare to immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of Punjab!
TRAVEL AND HEAL 