ruchimohindru9@gmail.com A religious trip to Amritsar is a heartwarming experience, especially with a visit to the very famous Golden Temple, the holy place of Sikhism. The temple’s calm, peaceful and free from worry ambience, the practice of singing sacred songs, and the divine Langar (community meal) create an unforgettable spiritual journey. Apart from its religious significance, Amritsar is also a food lover’s paradise.
The city is famous for its Amritsari Kulcha, a crispy and finger licking stuffed bread served with spicy choley and tamarind chutney, and the legendary Lassi with malai and rabdi on the top, a rich and creamy drink made with yogurt which can be both sweet or salty . Visitors must also try Makki di Roti with Sarson da Saag, a traditional Punjabi dish served in winters.
The dynamic and lively streets around the temple are filled with variety of food stalls serving mouth-watering delicacies like Pinni, Jalebi, and matthi kulcha, making the trip both a spiritual and culinary delight.
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Places to explore in AMRITSAR
Amritsar is a city that magnificiently blends spirituality, history, knowledge, lifestyle, socitey, way of life and vibrant culture. Here are some must-visit places to explore in AMRITSAR:
- Golden Temple – The heart of Amritsar, this Holy Sikh shrine is known for its astonishing golden structure made with pure gold, calm and Sarovar (holy pool), and the divine Langar (community kitchen).
- Jallianwala Bagh – A historic place that pays tribute to the victims of the tragic 1919 massacre and is located near the Golden Temple.
- Wagah Border –It is located between the India(Amritsar) and Pakistan(Lahore) border and is known for its “Beating Retreat Ceremony“.The soldiers perform elaborate marching and flag lowering with loud cheering noise at the India-Pakistan border.
- Partition Museum – It is a public museum located at the town hall which documents the struggles and stories of people affected by the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.
- Gobindgarh Fort – A historic military fort which once was a home to Kohinoor Diamond and its currently under Indian Army but was opened for the public in the year 2017.
- Durgiana Temple – It is a Hindu temple which is dedicated to goddess Durga and is also known for its architecture which is similar to the Golden Temple. It is also known as the ‘Silver Temple’. The Amritsar bus stand is nearest to this temple.
- Hall Bazaar – The crowded and vibrant market perfect for shopping Phulkari embroidery, Punjabi juttis, and traditional handicrafts.
- Ram Tirath Temple – An ancient temple associated with Ramayana linked to Hindu mythology and this temple also marks the birthplace of Lord Rama’s sons, Luv and Kush.It is also known as Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan.
- Sadda Pind – A vibrant cultural village showcasing traditional Punjabi food with its flavorful punjabi food, music, and rural life experiences.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – A fascinating museum that showcase the history of sikh empire displaying the arms, armor, paintings, coins, manuscripts, artifacts, weapons, and legacy of the great Sikh ruler.
Popular food spots in Amritsar
Amritsar is a kingdom of heaven for food lovers, offering a variety of rich and flavorful Punjabi delicacies. Here are some famous must-try foods and their spots in Amritsar which one must try and not miss them if visiting to Amritsar.
1. Amritsari Kulcha – All-time favourite crispy and mouth-watering stuffed bread
📍 Kulcha Land – Ranjit Avenue
📍 Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale – Near Golden Temple
2. Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag – Traditional Punjabi meal made with corn flour bread and mustard greens (mostly enjoyed by every Punjabi)
📍 Kesar Da Dhaba – Near Town Hall
📍 Brother’s Dhaba – Near Golden Temple
3. Guru Ka Langar – Free community meal at the Golden Temple(24hrs service)
📍 Golden Temple – Open 24/7, serving simple yet soulful dal, roti, and kheer
4. Lassi – Thick and creamy drink made with yogurt, best enjoyed with white butter(both sweet and salty)
📍 Gian Di Lassi – Opposite Regent Cinema
📍 Ahuja Milk Bhandar – Near Hindu Collegeo
5. Aloo Puri – Fluffy puris served with spicy aloo curry
📍 Kanha Sweets – Lawrence Road
📍 Puri Wala – Near Golden Temple
6. Tandoori Chicken & Fish – Smoky and perfectly spiced grilled chicken and fish
📍 Beera Chicken House – Majitha Road
📍 Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner – Lawrence Road
7. Pinni & Gur Halwa – Traditional Punjabi sweets made with ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits
📍 Bansal Sweets-Lawrence Road
📍 Novelty Sweets – Lawrence Road
8. Jalebi & Gulab Jamun – Crispy, syrupy sweets loved by all
📍 Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala – Near Golden Temple
📍 Brijwasi Sweets – Hall Bazaar
9. Paneer Tikka – Soft, spicy, and grilled to perfection
📍 Crystal Restaurant – Queens Road
📍 Bharawan Da Dhaba – Near Golden Temple
10. Keema Naan & Mutton Curry – For non-veg lovers, a must-try hearty meal
📍 Surjit Food Plaza – Lawrence Road
📍 Adarsh Meat Shop – Ranjit Avenue
A visit to Amritsar is incomplete without visiting to these authentic Punjabi delicacies, best enjoyed in the city’s lively street food joints and legendary dhabas! 🍽️🔥
A 2-day Iternary to visit AMRITSAR
Day 1: Spiritual & Historical Tour
Morning:
☀️ 6:00 AM – Start your day with the Golden Temple. Experience the peaceful early morning prayers and take a walk around the holy Sarovar.
🥣 7:30 AM – Enjoy the Guru Ka Langar, a free community meal at the Golden Temple.
🥤 8:00 AM – Have a glass of refreshing lassi at Gian Di Lassi (near Regent Cinema) or Ahuja Milk Bhandar.
Mid-Morning:
🏛️ 9:00 AM – Visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a historical site commemorating the 1919 massacre.
📜 10:00 AM – Explore the Partition Museum, which showcases stories from the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.
Lunch & Shopping:
🍽️ 12:30 PM – Head to Kesar Da Dhaba or Bharawan Da Dhaba for a traditional Punjabi meal of Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag.
🛍️ 2:00 PM – Shop at Hall Bazaar and Guru Bazaar for Phulkari embroidery, Punjabi juttis, and souvenirs.
Evening:
🏰 4:00 PM – Visit Gobindgarh Fort for historical exhibits and cultural performances.
🇮🇳 5:30 PM – Head to the Wagah Border for the Beating Retreat Ceremony (gates open at 4 PM, so arrive early for a good view).
🍗 8:00 PM – Enjoy dinner at Beera Chicken House or Makhan Fish & Chicken Corner for tandoori chicken and Amritsari fish.
Day 2: Culture, Food & Local Experiences
Morning:
☀️ 7:00 AM – Start with a traditional Amritsari Kulcha & Chole breakfast at Kulcha Land or Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale.
🛕 8:30 AM – Visit Durgiana Temple, known for its silver doors and beautiful architecture.
🕌 9:30 AM – Visit the Ram Tirath Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama’s sons, Luv and Kush.
Mid-Morning:
🏡 11:00 AM – Experience traditional Punjabi village life at Sadda Pind, where you can enjoy cultural performances, rides, and local food experience life of rural areas.
Lunch:
🍛 1:30 PM – Relish Keema Naan & Mutton Curry at Surjit Food Plaza.
🛍️ 3:00 PM – Visit Lawrence Road Market for street shopping and trying local sweets like Pinni & Jalebi.
Evening:
🌅 5:00 PM – Take a relaxing walk around the Golden Temple in the evening for a beautiful sunset view.
🍽️ 7:30 PM – Wrap up your trip with a grand dinner at Crystal Restaurant for a mix of Punjabi and North Indian cuisine.
Optional Add-ons:
- Heritage Walk (early morning guided tour in Old Amritsar)
- Khalsa College (famous for its architecture)
- Pul Kanjari (historic village related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh)
This itinerary ensures you get the best of Amritsar—spirituality, history, culture, and of course, delicious food! 🍽️✨
From spirituality to history and local culture, Amritsar offers a truly enriching experience for every traveller!
