We were among some blessed and lucky people, who happened to visit for a short trip, to one of the happiest places in India, just a while before this pandemic crisis took toll on us and we all got Lockdown in for our own safety.
Me and my family were planning to visit the Golden Temple since quite long and as we checked the train availability, we got the convenient slots within the same weekend.
Actually, I personally was longing for the awesome north Indian food that Amritsar has to offer, including the most important, Langar sewa in Harmandir Sahib.
We boarded the morning train shaan e punjab at 6:40am and reached Amritsar around 2:30pm. Our hotel was already booked nearby to Gurudwara and once you reach Amritsar station there are plentiful commute options that you can take as per your convenience.
Even a bus facility also operates between station to Gurudwara (Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Chowk) at regular intervals and its free of cost. I personally took a cab to reach hotel.
Post checkin and resting in room, we decided to walk our way to Gurudwara around 5pm, as it was just 100m away. You can find tons of reasonably priced Hotels to stay nearby and if you plan well in advance, you can also get the room availability in Gurudwara committee's Sarai (overlooking Gurudwara premises). It can be checked through thier website : https://www.sgpcsarai.com
At first, we explored the streets eateries for having snacks. There are shops that are hundreds of years old and still running to serve variety of options. The best thing about such shops are that they never compromise on the taste and are best buddies of your wallet. To share one such example, we got 2 big kachoris, 2 average size samosas, 3 tea cups and about 20 big chunks of cheese pakoras in mere INR 110/-, that too with unlimited chhole, chutney and all these gets prepared in pure Desi ghee only.
After exploring the market, we entered in Gurudwara and took blessings. On an average, it takes about 1.5 hr to enter inside, as there's always a maintained queue of equally enthusiast pilgrims who visit there from across the world.
Afterwards, we tasted the divine langar prasad in the premises itself. And would say that without a doubt, it's been organized in the best way possible.
Thousands of volunteers and Gurudwara committee members ensures to keep the flow of every single minutest process and are always ready to help you with a smiling face. In fact, i mentioned in the start itself, that according to me its the happiest city, my happy place. Even the hotel owners and staff behaved like my known family members, taking care of our needs and sharing thier valuable suggestions throughout our stay.
Around 11 pm we reached back to hotel and instantly dozzed off because of full day excursion and having sumptuous meal.
On second day, we woke up a bit late as our main purpose behind this trip was almost accomplished, so there was nothing much to do but to eat, laugh and relax.
We walked again to the market and had breakfast in famous restaurant near Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Chowk, i. e., 'Bhravaan Da Dhaba'.
Ginger Tea and aaloo/paneer filled Amritsari Kulche(paranthe) were extraordinarily delightful and gave a perfectly heavy start to our day. Then, we did li'l shopping and walked back to hotel whilst having large glasses of ganna ras.
In market, we got to know through the enquiry canopy, about 2-3 hour tour to Quila Gobindgarh which was nearby and can be added in our list to explore cultural events.
So, we went back to Hotel, planned and then left for Gobindgarh around 4pm.
Its just 4km away from market and would suggest that everyone should visit there. It includes plenty of activities like, Moped ride, camel/horse back ride, Segway walk, leisure games, a 5D show describing short animated story of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and bravery of sikhs. They also host a cultural light and sound show in the evening.
It goes without mentioning that of course they have tons of food options. Remember that you are in Punjab now, food is never away 😋, even a random souvenir shop owner will be willing to offer you food.
On the way back to hotel, we took a detour to visit Bharat mata Mandir as well. Then afterwards, we sat at some random street Dhaba for having north Indian cuisine dinner. Daal Makhani, Shahi Paneer, mixed butter naan and lachhe paranthe were delicious to fill us up with.
As we walked till hotel and reached around 11ish, we were able to digest atleast some part of it and were off to get sound sleep.
Last day was for saying proper goodbye to this awesome place, so we woke up relaxed and left hotel around 11am.
We took a stroll in the market, did shopping, ate chhole bhature, tea and paranthe in breakfast and once again visited Gurudwara. These are the perks which one can enjoy, if hotel is booked at such walkable distance.
Before leaving for train station, we drank the famous Lassi in biggest glass possible and its easily available in any of the eateries around. Would personally request everyone to try one, whenever you happen to visit any of the Punjab states.
Around 3pm, we boarded shan e punjab and reached Delhi in night.
Total Trip costed around 7k,including hotel, food, activities and travel.
Quila's Ticket cost is available at thier website and you can choose the tickets as per your timings and interest. One more such similar place is Sada Pind and it can be explored while visiting Attari Border.
One can also choose to roam around the city using hop in-hop off busses, available at reasonable prices near Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Chowk.
We couldn't visit the Jaliyawalaan bag and Attari Border this time, as the first one was closed due to ongoing renovation work and latter had been closed for visit to avoid huge gatherings.
There are hundreds of reason that Amritsar should be on your bucket list. Most importantly you will literally feel the welcoming air and respectful behavior throughout in the city.
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