Amritsar: An experience of its kind!
Amritsar= amrit + sar= a pool of nectar.
This holy city in Punjab, India was one of the 2 places I chose to visit for my first real holiday in the post-pandemic world (if that’s even a thing since the virus is still prevalent amongst us and in fact, there has been a spike in India recently, as I write this article).
It was almost as if there had been an inner calling for a long while to visit the city, and more specifically, the Golden Temple.
I kept getting this recurrent vision of passing Harmandir Sahib while traveling to a destination from Delhi via Shatabdi Express and catching a glimpse of it from the window as a child. Come to think of it, perhaps this didn’t exactly ever happen as the route to the aforementioned destination is possibly quite different. But in my head, I also kept imagining my mom and some other ladies on the train talking about the temple and how we’d never been there in spite of it being so close to Delhi (this part could have actually happened). Anyway, so it was just at the back of my head that this needs to be done.
Come to think of it now, is this what people refer to as a divine calling?
Therefore, it was a complete no-brainer for me when discussions about planning a holiday back home started taking place.
Places to visit
As an Indian, the Jallianwalah Bagh Massacre needs no introduction. Needless to say, this is a must-visit destination with a lot of historical (and emotional) significance. There are also light shows in the evening, one in Hindi and one in Punjabi, I believe. Both can be understood easily even if you don’t speak Punjabi. Definitely recommend.
2. Hall Bazaar
A nice market to stroll around for street food or some traditional wear. I didn’t really have any plans to shop but I did end up buying a traditional Phulkari dupatta even though I stay overseas. While I am yet to find an occasion to wear it, I am so glad about my purchase!
You can even get an entire suit stitched in under an hour there. If I was living in India, I would have definitely gotten myself some Jootis as well.
All in all, even if you just want to have a look around, it is going to be worth dedicating some time to… simply because of the architecture and traditional feel of the area.
2. Partition Museum
I’m someone who likes to visit museums. I loved history as a subject back in school too. Especially, the freedom struggle. So, visiting the Partition Museum was an even more enlightening yet gut-wrenching experience. Everyone needs to know more about their history- there is no other way. And you do realize, how much we don’t know.
3. Wagah Border
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Another one of its kind experience, and a bucket list event to be witnessed when visiting the city!
It would be a personal choice to visit the temple during the day/night. I personally visited at night and definitely it was less busy and offered very peaceful, calming views of the entire complex.
I also finally had my first langar experience here. And, I am so glad that I did. Humbling.
Tip: Everyone must cover their head (hair) inside the temple so either carry something with you or buy something from the Hall Market beforehand.
Food and Drinks
- Gian Di Lassi
There is one original shop, and as you can imagine there are many copycats. So, make sure that you head to the original one. You get several types of lassis there including Peda Lassi. And you can get it in a variety of sizes in terms of quantity. I had both the Sweet Lassi (non-peda) as well as some Rabri. Absolutely delicious!
2. Brother’s Dhaba
Just beside the Hall Bazaar, you can get just about any Amritsari delicacy from Amritsari Kulchas to a variety of Thalis and more there.
3. Makkhan Fish
I don’t think we went to the original shop for this one. However, I did try it at the restaurant we did go to and I wasn’t too impressed. So, I would urge you to go and sample it at the real place!
Don’t forget to check out my linked Instagram pictures and captions for more information!
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