Amritsar

In the late 16th century, Guru Amar Das, a key figure in Sikh history, chose a small village called Amritsar as the site for a sacred shrine. Today, Amritsar has grown into one of Punjab's largest cities. It sits between Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, and Lahore in Pakistan. Throughout its history, Amritsar has faced colonial rule, religious tensions, and the India-Pakistan partition, remaining resilient through it all.

The Golden Temple

While the Taj Mahal might be India's most renowned attraction, we firmly believe that Amritsar's Golden Temple is a formidable contender. It designates Amritsar as the holiest city for Sikhs, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually. The sight of the illuminated shrine at night, seemingly floating in the sarovar (water tank) that surrounds it, is alone worth the visit.

Inside the shrine, the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scripture) takes center stage, adorned with floral offerings and so much gilding that the room appears to radiate light. As you visit, you'll hear rhythmic chanting as devotees circumambulate the chamber in a clockwise direction (non-Sikhs are also welcome). Every evening, the holy book is paraded before bustling crowds before being gently put to rest in an elaborate ceremony.

The temple is part of a larger complex housing a research institute, library, and a museum dedicated to those lost during Operation Blue Star in 1984. You'll witness pilgrims taking healing baths in the sacred water. There's also a massive kitchen staffed by volunteers (open to anyone willing to assist with chapati making, serving, or cleaning), encouraging all visitors, regardless of their background, to sit together and dine in the communal dining hall."

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Away from the temple

A brief stroll from the temple leads you to Amritsar's old city, a maze of red-walled alleys adorned with Hindu temples and intricately carved wooden doors that open into courtyards adorned with drying laundry. The bustling bazaar showcases rows of vibrant red bangles, rolls of colorful sari fabric, and gleaming displays of metal cookware. Nearby, you can explore Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden with a memorial honoring over 1,000 Punjabis who lost their lives in 1919 during a tragic incident when British soldiers fired upon a nationalist gathering.

Following the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Amritsar found itself just 28 km (17 miles) from the border. The town of Wagah became a crucial border post, and in subsequent years, the daily border closure evolved into an elaborate ceremony. Tiered seating on both sides offers a vantage point to cheer on the guards from both nations as they engage in maneuvers that resemble more of a dance performance than military drills.

After the parade, both countries' flags are meticulously lowered in unison, soldiers exchange brief handshakes, and the iron gates are locked. If you're interested in delving deeper into the history of India and Pakistan's separation, the Partition Museum, established in Amritsar in 2016, features a collection of photographs and interviews with those directly affected.

Amritsar boasts a well-connected airport with flights to Delhi, making it a convenient hub for international travel. It also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the picturesque western foothills of the Himalayas, including destinations like Shimla and Dharamsala."

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The best time to visit Amritsar

The ideal time to visit Amritsar is from October to March when the weather remains pleasantly warm, although temperatures can dip from mid-December to January. Starting in April, temperatures start to rise and can reach up to 40°C (104°F), with monsoon rains typically arriving around July. If you don't mind a bit of humidity, September marks the beginning of cooler temperatures and represents a favorable period for budget-conscious travelers