Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Delhi - AmritsarOn Arrival at Amritsar airport or railway station, transfers to the hotel.
On reaching the hotel, check in and savour some delicious Punjabi cuisine. Take rest in the afternoon and in the evening, head out and take a trip to Golden Temple (open 03 a.m. – 10 p.m.).
Known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib (the Temple of God), the legendary Golden Temple is considered to be the holiest Gurdwara for Sikhs all over the world. It is also a symbol of human equality and brotherhood. The water tank reveredly called as Amrit Sarovar which is all around the main Gurudwara was excavated by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das, in the year 1577.
Anybody, irrespective of their cast, race or creed can seek religious fulfilment and spiritual solace without any hindrance.
It also represents the distinct identity, heritage and glory of the Sikhs. To pen-down the ideology, philosophy, the outer and inner beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harmandir Sahib is a portentous task. Just be certain to wash your hands and feet before entering the holy complex. Covering the head for both males and females is mandatory.
The Golden Temple is set amidst a pool of holy water. The focus of attention is the tank – the Amrit Sarovar that surrounds the gleaming central shrine. This is where Amritsar gets its name as well. Ringed by a marble walkway, the tank is said to have curative powers, and pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its hallowed waters.If you wish, you can take a dip in the holy water but swimming or use of soaps and shampoos is strictly prohibited.
On this trip to Golden Temple, you can get breath-taking snapshots of the sunrise and sunset. Just remember that photography is allowed only in the outer premises and not inside the Gurdwara.
You will also get a glimpse of the Sikh temple tradition of offering daily Guru-Ka-Langar. It is a free, community meal, a concept that was coined in the 16th century. You will be thrilled to watch the community kitchen feed up to 10,000 people daily. Grab a meal here and learn about this Sikh code of equality and the practice of eating together.
Return to the hotel for dinner and spend the night at the hotel in Amritsar grabbing some good night’s sleep.
Start the second day of your customized package of Golden Temple trip with Amristar sightseeing early with a healthy breakfast.
Then, set out to visit the Wagha Border. It is the border line running along the Grand Trunk Road between Amritsar in India’s Punjab and Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan.
Witness the Beating Retreat ceremony held by the Indian BSF and the Pakistani Rangers.The ceremony commences at 4:15 p.m. in winter and 5:15 p.m. in summer. It lasts for about 45 minutes. You need to arrive at least an hour prior to the beginning of the ceremony as not everyone can get in. No tickets are needed for the event.
This ceremony comprises of the closing of the international gates between both countries and lowering the flags. Every evening, just before the sunset there is a thirty minute display of military showmanship. The ceremony is utterly gripping, one which leaves you full of patriotism and pride.
While returning, drive up to the Shera Wali Gate and then take a rickshaw ride upto the Jallianwala Bagh (open 06.30 a.m. – 07.30 p.m.). It is a public garden which is also home to a memorial that commemorates the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British armies on 13th April, 1961. Today, the place has been converted into a beautiful park and is superintended by the Jallianwala Bagh National memorial trust.
Next, visit the Hall Bazaar. It easily qualifies for being one of the busiest markets in the city of Amritsar. You can purchase electronic items, best quality books, ornaments, handicrafts and ready-made garments. Do not miss the view of its gigantic Mughal style gate studded with a giant clock with the caption "Amritsar - Sifti Da Ghar".
Spend the overnight at the hotel in Amritsar after a delicious meal.
Have a lip smacking breakfast on your last day of this trip to Golden Temple.
Check out from the hotel and meet our tour representative. Transfer to the airport or any other drop point will be arranged from where you begin the journey back to home. Your Golden Temple trip ends here.