Let’s be honest, chances are you’ve come to Amritsar for one thing ahead of anything else – and before you ask, the Golden Temple does not disappoint. Some say it’s even grander than the Taj Mahal, and when you see its shimmering gilded exterior, you might be inclined to agree. But there really is more to a tour of Amritsar than this awe-inspiring temple.
The Palki ceremony, in which the Sikh holy scripture is ‘put to bed’ for the night, is a beautiful thing to experience. And in Amritsar, even the food is a spiritual journey. Join 5,000 pilgrims in the temple langar for a meal you won’t forget in a hurry.
Around the city, auto rickshaws are a great way of reaching those foodie treats tucked away in city’s many nooks and crannies. And what wonderful food it is. If the Golden Temple was enough to nourish your soul, Punjabi cuisine will do the job for your stomach – its rich buttery sauces and basmati rice will have you reaching for yet another lassi.
As well as a centre of Sikh religious life and Punjabi cuisine, Amritsar has been an often tragic focal point of India’s historic struggle as a nation. From the beautiful memorial to the victims of a British massacre at Jallianwala Bagh to the living history on view at Wagah-Attari – where Indian and Pakistani border guards perform elaborate, patriotic routines to cheering crowds – Amritsar is a place with a rich historical tapestry.
