5 Experiences To Put On Your Amritsar Bucket List

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The holy city of Amritsar is the culinary and cultural capital of Punjab, and given its proximity to Delhi, should be one of the most obvious destinations to plan your long weekends around. Here are five experiences that are an absolute must for your next trip to the Golden City.

Golden Temple

The holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, the Golden Temple is known for its architectural and spiritual splendor. While this 16th century gold-encrusted building is visually breathtaking, even more beautiful is the aura of devotion, compassion, and peaceful energy inside. It’s a world that is immensely spiritual and serene, and equally impressive is the world’s largest kitchen {langar} housed inside that feeds over 100,000 visitors every day, and is primarily run by volunteers.

Wagah Border

Other than an India-Pakistan cricket match, the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at Wagah Border might be the most patriotic thing you can experience in India. It’s a glorious showcase of the age-old rivalry between two nations, and a strong sense of pride and nationalism fills the air. The crowds sing along to patriotic songs, and dance, followed by a perfectly choreographed face-off of strength and swagger.

This brief moment of unity between the two rivals is so beautiful and special that it can’t be put into words – you just have to see it for yourself!

Dhaba Crawl

Amritsar is a food lover’s paradise, and the best way to get a real taste of Punjab is by eating your way through the twisted lanes of this holy city, sampling the delicious goodness at various hole-in-the-wall dhabas lined across its streets.

Start with a puri chana breakfast at Kanha Sweets, followed by Amritsari kulchas at Kulcha Land and slow-cooked dal fry at the iconic Kesar da Dhaba. If you’re in the mood for meat, head to Surjit Food Plaza for tandoori chicken, and Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner for some good old Amritsari fish. The intense colours, flavours, and smells of the food here will stimulate and, perhaps, overwhelm all your senses.

Mustard Fields

Relive your Bollywood fantasies and experience the real essence of Punjab at farm lodges near Amritsar. This is everything you imagine Punjab to be, and then some. Check out Punjabiyat, an Itmenaan lodge, where you can experience life on a rural farm while enjoying all the modern luxuries. Stay in a traditional mud hut surrounded by sprawling lush farmland, sleep on a roof terrace under the stars, try your hand at driving a tractor, and stroll through picturesque yellow mustard fields that are straight out of a Bollywood setting.

Luxury Havelis

Amritsar has a bunch of luxury lodges and resorts, but our pick is Ranjit’s Svaasa, a heritage boutique spa haveli. This 250-year-old mansion once served as a royal guesthouse, and still echoes the warm hospitality Punjab is so known for. It’s an oasis of calm and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city of Amritsar, and its colonial-era furniture, antiques, art and other adornments provide it with a historical ambience. Practice healthy living during you stay here with early morning yoga on the rooftop, a session at the wellness spa renowned for its ayurvedic and universal therapies, and a meal at the organic cafe in-house.

Contact Offroads India for a curated getaway to explore Amritsar and immerse in the culture, colours, and flavours of Punjab.