India Travelogue by Voyages World: Amritsar

The train chugs in slowly into the Amritsar railway station, which was slightly calm as we arrived at midnight. Everybody seems to be ready to help you and auto people ready to accommodate to your hotels or guest house. We also took an auto and reached our hotel for overnight stay.

Morning we skipped our breakfast at hotel and visited a small street side dhabha famously known as

‘Chungi Ki Kulche’ and it could not be better than this; delicious Kulcha’s stuffed with potatoes (Paranthas) with hot Chole (Chickpea curry) and green chilies.

After enjoying our breakfast, we visited Jallianwala Bagh, which is converted into a memorial to commemorate the peaceful freedom protesters who were murdered on April 13, 1919 by General Dyer of British Raj. The place fills you with patriotism for your country and also provides you the details of inhuman behavior of Raj.

Later we walked to Golden Temple, which is the holiest & the most important shrine for Sikhs; who visit it in huge hordes on daily basis. The place provides solace to one’s mind and body, from the first step you take inside after washing your feet. The temple is gold plated and located on an artificial island lake, which is highlighted by hundreds of lights along with the faith of millions of followers from different religions including Sikhs.

The Swarna Mandir also runs community kitchen ‘langar’, where we had our dinner late in the day with other devotees, who were there everywhere; enjoying the meal, serving, cleaning, preparing and maintaining the unbelievable event. It was massive but still was very clean, hygienic and delicious also.

We also visited Wagah Border on second day evening, which is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Amritsar on INDO-PAK border and witness the theatrical ceremony that takes place every evening at sunset, when India and Pakistan bring down their national flags. Locals and tourists visit this place in huge number and cheer their soldiers with open heart and lungs.

We explored the markets and old city of Amritsar which is dotted with many beautiful gurudwaras, old houses and havelis along with shops selling different in its narrow lanes.

We also tried our appetite at few of famous places but liked more of new ones like; Puri Chole of Khanaiya, Lassi of Ahuja and Gopi (with peda) in Old market along with Gulabjamun of Sharma Di Hatti and laddu & Pini of Bansal.