Amritsar, a lively city in Punjab, India, is bursting with spirituality, history, and culture. While the Golden Temple is its most famous landmark, the city offers so much more—bustling bazaars, historic memorials, and an amazing variety of vegetarian cuisine that thrilled me as a vegetarian traveler.
When I planned my trip to India, Amritsar wasn’t even on my radar. My focus was on Delhi and Dharamshala, but with a few extra days to spare, I started looking for places to explore between Dharamshala and Delhi. Amritsar began to pique my interest, and if nothing else, I figured it was worth visiting the Golden Temple, a site I’d always heard about but never thought I’d see in person. I booked a car through MakeMyTrip for the six-hour drive, and the journey through Punjab’s lush countryside turned out to be just as memorable as the destination.
What I found in Amritsar was a city full of contrasts—calm and chaotic, spiritual and lively. From savoring local flavors to witnessing its history up close, here are 10 must-do experiences to make the most of your visit.
The Golden Temple, officially known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest site in Sikhism and draws millions of visitors every year. Its gold-covered structure sits in the middle of a sacred pool known as a Sarovar.
The golden reflection of Sri Harmandir Sahib on the Sarovar was striking, and the atmosphere felt alive with activity. The heat and crowds were intense (at least during my visit), but the temple’s beauty was worth it.
Wide marble walkways and open courtyards surround the Sarovar, offering plenty of space to take in the views or watch as people move through the complex. We returned a few days later in the evening to see the Palki Sahib Ceremony.
During this nightly ritual, the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) is carried in a golden palanquin from the main temple to its resting place for the night. Seeing the temple illuminated at night was stunning, and the sound of hymns made the moment even more special.
The Golden Temple’s community kitchen, or langar, is a remarkable example of service and unity. It serves over 50,000 free meals daily to people from all walks of life. Walking into the kitchen, I was struck by the scale of the operation. Volunteers worked seamlessly, peeling garlic, rolling dough, and stirring massive cauldrons of dal and vegetables. Watching them work was mesmerizing, and their dedication was truly inspiring.
The naan-making process was just as fascinating. Some volunteers rolled dough by hand with practiced precision, while others used machines that turned out perfect naan into large woven baskets. They were making roti too, flattening dough into thin discs and cooking them on huge griddles until they puffed up just right. Even the dishwashing was impressive, with volunteers working in an assembly line to clean thousands of metal plates and utensils.
In the dining hall, people sat together cross-legged on the floor, sharing the same meal of dal, rice, and naan. The clang of plates and the rhythmic serving of food created an atmosphere of unity and equality.
The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is a must for anyone visiting Amritsar, a place that quietly honors the lives lost in the 1919 massacre. The bullet-riddled walls are a stark reminder of the tragedy, while the calm and peaceful surroundings feel like such a contrast to what happened there.
Seeing the Martyrs’ Well was especially heartbreaking. During the chaos, people jumped in to escape the gunfire, but over 120 bodies were later recovered. Standing there, it was impossible not to think about the fear and desperation they must have felt.
The small museum on-site helps put everything into perspective. It’s filled with photographs, letters, and articles that not only document the massacre but also show how it shaped the independence movement. Personal stories and old photos bring the history to life in a way that feels painfully real.
The Wagah Border Ceremony is a lively combination of patriotism, energy, and showmanship. Held every evening at the India-Pakistan border, about an hour’s drive from Amritsar, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd buzzed with excitement, waving flags and singing along to patriotic songs. Being on the Indian side was such a fun and lively experience—the pride was everywhere. Cheers and chants echoed, and flags waved in unison. I couldn’t resist jumping in too and even grabbed a little flag from one of the vendors walking through the stands.
Before the official ceremony started, the mood was much more relaxed and festive. People were dancing to Bollywood hits, turning the stands into a mini celebration. But as soon as the soldiers stepped onto the stage—or rather, the border—the vibe changed. Their sharp salutes, powerful stomps, and sky-high kicks were packed with precision and intensity. Even with the underlying rivalry, you could sense the mutual respect and shared ritual between the two sides.
Hall Bazaar is a maze of shops brimming with life and color. The aroma of spices—cumin, turmeric, and dried chilies—hit me as soon as I stepped inside, while rows of colorful silk juttis (traditional Punjabi shoes) shimmered in the sunlight. I couldn’t stop admiring the intricate designs and craftsmanship on the shoes, and I still regret not bringing home a pair.
What surprised me most was stumbling upon the Baba Bohar Temple tucked into the market. A massive tree grows right through the small shrine, giving it an almost mystical vibe in the midst of the market’s chaos. This juxtaposition of calm and chaos made Hall Bazaar unforgettable.
This might sound like a quirky addition, but the all-vegetarian McDonald’s in Amritsar is worth visiting just for the fun of it! I tried the McSpice Paneer sandwich—a delicious combination of spiced paneer and fresh veggies—and their McFlavor Fries, which came with a tangy and spicy seasoning. As a vegetarian, it felt like a treat to have so many options, and I couldn’t help but wish McDonald’s back home had such inventive items on their menu.
Just 40 minutes from Amritsar, the village of Gohalwarh was a much-needed break from the city’s energy. Spending time with a local family gave me a glimpse into rural Punjab. They greeted me with warm smiles and chai served in earthen cups. We chatted about farming, festivals, and their day-to-day lives, and they even let me help fry pakoras in their outdoor kitchen
Lunch was a feast of chapatis, Punjabi dal, okra, basmati rice, and curd. The flavors were simple but rich, and everything tasted fresh and wholesome. Before I left, they tied colorful strings around my wrist—a gesture symbolizing friendship that I’ll always remember.
If you want to feel the energy of Amritsar, there’s no better way than hopping on a rickshaw. My ride took me through narrow streets bustling with activity—vendors shouting, shoppers bargaining, and motorbikes whizzing by. The driver maneuvered through it all with ease, and the thrill of weaving through the city left me grinning from ear to ear.
Walking back to my hotel, my guide pointed out a small shop that specialized in computerized stamps. I wouldn’t have thought to stop there, but I ended up ordering a stamp with my TravelsAfoot logo. A few hours later, it was ready—neatly packaged in a small box. It’s now one of my favorite souvenirs, and I love how unique it is compared to anything else I brought back.
Having a local guide in Amritsar made such a difference. Whether it was navigating the chaos of Hall Bazaar, explaining the ceremony at the Wagah Border, or introducing me to new flavors like Kulle ki Chaat (a mix of black chickpeas and sweet semolina paste), their insights added depth to my experience. A good guide doesn’t just show you places—they help you connect with them.
Amritsar is a city full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. Its blend of spirituality, history, culture, and hospitality left a lasting impression on me. Whether you’re visiting the Golden Temple or exploring its lively bazaars, Amritsar offers something unique around every corner.
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