Discover the rich culture of the Punjab from its famous temples to its iconic food.
Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, home to the magnificent Golden Temple. But it offers much more than just religious sites. The city pulses with Punjabi culture, from its vibrant street food scene to its rural farmlands. Witness the pomp and patriotism at the Wagah border ceremony, explore sobering historical sites, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of Punjab. Amritsar provides a fascinating glimpse into this unique region of India.
Highlights:
- Visit the Golden Temple, extraordinary for many different reasons!
- Visit the site of Jallianwala Bagh.
- Discover the less well-known Hindu Durgiana Temple, which was modelled on the Golden Temple.
- Explore the streets of the old town and discover some of India’s best street food.
- Head out into the countryside for a true, rural Punjabi experience.
Standard Sightseeing:
Half day – Golden Temple + Jallianwala Bagh + Durgiana Temple
Visit the Golden Temple, a hive of activity at any time of day or night with people praying, bathing, gathering in groups, preparing food and serving up to 100,000 meals a day. Yet the atmosphere is calm and the place is remarkably clean.
Jallianwala Bagh is just a short distance from the Golden Temple, the enclosed garden where hundreds of people, attending a peaceful protest, were massacred on the order of General Dyer. Today, the garden stands as a memorial to those who died, an eternal flame continues in their memory and there is an exhibition telling stories of the victims together with a Martyrs Gallery.
Visit the Wagah Border for the Beating Retreat Ceremony with its ceremonial closing of gates and lowering of flags between India and Pakistan. This is quite the spectacle and the displays between the soldiers on either side of the border, of pomp and triumph make a loud and lively show. However, crowd watching is also quite the spectacle, the excitement, joie de vivre and Bollywood dance skills are hardly replicated anywhere!
Palki ceremony at Golden Temple This is the ceremony when the Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib) is put away for the night. A gold and silver gilded palanquin (palki), decorated with silks, is prepared by the devotees to carry the Holy Book from the main shrine to the inner sanctum, accompanied by drums and hymns. The ceremony takes place every evening.
Beyond 24 hours:
Sikh History Museum, Golden Temple Whilst at the temple, take time to visit the Sikh History Museum, with exhibits such as paintings of Sikh gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have contributed to the enhancement of Sikh religion. There is also a collection of coins, old arms and ancient manuscripts and an excellent library. It is a useful visit for those wanting to discover more about Sikhism.
Farm / Rural experience Amritsar is about temples, monuments and ceremonies, but to get a true sense of the Punjabi culture we recommend heading out into the countryside. Punjab is known as the Breadbasket of India, the farming community is vast, tractors ply the fields, music blares out and the fun-loving nature of the Punjabis comes to the fore. Rural India is where the heart of India lies and it is fun to witness this first hand, ride or drive a tractor, visit a countryside gurudwara, and enjoy some local cuisine in a charming rustic resort before heading back to the city.
Street-food Walk Amritsar is well known for its street-food which has an array of local delicacies for you to try, the galli food or the food in the tiny shops in the lanes is often the best as it is made in the most traditional way and also backed by generations of experience and expertise. Golden rules for trying street food are stick to vegetarian and use places that are busy! Your guide will know the best places to take you to.
Partition Museum The latest addition to the sightseeing of Amritsar is the Partition Museum located in the Town Hall which opened in 2017. The museum, as the name suggests, covers in detail the events which occurred as a result of the Partition of India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. It is very well done and has many exhibits as well as videos with interviews with those who were caught up in the riots and chaos which ensued. It is poignant and thought-provoking.
Moti Lal Town Hall Library For book lovers and history enthusiasts, this library is a hidden gem. The old-fashioned card catalog system, still in use, offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s past. Handwritten cards filed in drawers showcase books from pre-independence India and beyond. Even if many books are missing, the catalog itself is a treasure trove of historical interest.
Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara This gurudwara commemorates the heroic last stand of 21 Sikh soldiers who faced an army of 10,000 Afghans in 1897. While not as grand as the Golden Temple, it tells a compelling story of bravery and sacrifice. The site offers a deeper insight into Sikh military history and is located close to the Golden Temple.
Mata Lal Devi Temple One of the most extraordinary temples in India, this Hindu shrine is dedicated to the 20th-century female saint Lal Devi. Known for its believed fertility-giving powers, the temple’s unique and almost psychedelic design makes it a must-visit. The experience includes crawling through caves, entering the mouth of a lion, and emerging from a cow’s bottom – a truly unforgettable adventure.
Expanded Street Food Experience Amritsar’s street food scene deserves thorough exploration. Don’t miss the famous Amritsari Kulcha, best tried at Amritsar Famous Kulcha & Nan. Other recommended stops include Amritsar Paneer Burji & Sandwich and Kesar da Dhaba. A guided food walk can help you navigate the best spots and local specialties.
For more information about activities in each destination or to arrange a training session for your teams, contact: Experiences@indianexperiences.com or whatsapp +447966025330.
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