Amritsar holidays

Punjabi cuisine is known for its robust flavours and hearty dishes, often with various breads making an appearance instead of just rice. Whether you’re dining in a local dhaba (café) or a high-end restaurant, here are some of the must-try dishes on holidays to Amritsar:

Some typical dishes

• Butter Chicken: A creamy, tomato-based curry with tender pieces of chicken, this is one of northern India's most beloved dishes.

• Amritsari Fish: Fillets of freshwater fish marinated in a blend of spices and fried in a spicy batter, this is a popular dish in restaurants and street-food diners.

• Paneer Tikka: Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a spiced yoghurt mixture and grilled or roasted in a tandoor. It’s a vegetarian favourite and is often served as a starter or snack.

• Amritsari Kulcha: This is a type of bread baked in a tandoor, typically stuffed with spiced potatoes or paneer. It’s served hot with Chole (chickpea curry) and a side of tangy pickles.

• Chole Bhature: A classic North Indian dish, Chole Bhature consists of spicy chickpeas paired with deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s a must-try for a hearty breakfast or lunch.

• Sarson Ka Saag: A quintessential Punjabi dish that's popular in the winter months. Mustard greens (sarson) and other leaves such as spinach are cooked in butter and spices, and traditionally served with Makki Di Roti (fried cornmeal flatbread).

Sweets and desserts

• Gulab Jamun are deep-fried dough balls made from khoya (reduced milk) and soaked in syrup.

• Jalebi is a deep-fried, spiral-shaped sweet, soaked in sugar syrup.

• Phirni, a creamy rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and topped with nuts, is often served in small clay pots and makes for a delightful end to any meal.

Local drinks

• Lassi: No visit to Amritsar is complete without trying a glass of lassi, a traditional Punjabi yoghurt-based drink. It’s available in both sweet and salty varieties, with the sweet version sometimes topped with a layer of cream and nuts.

• Chai: Enjoy a steaming cup of chai (Indian tea), flavoured with spices like cardamom, ginger and cloves, as the perfect accompaniment to any meal or snack.

Best things to do in Amritsar

The holy city of Amritsar is one of the most popular destinations in the far north of India for Sikh pilgrims and tourists. The main draw is the Golden Temple – one of the country's most captivating sights – but visitors also get drawn in to explore and enjoy the lively old part of the city. Here is what to look forward to during your Amritsar holidays:

Historic monuments

• The Golden Temple: This temple is the crown jewel of Amritsar and one of the most revered spiritual sites for Sikhs. The stunning, gold-covered structure sits in the middle of a large, sacred pool, and is at its best in the morning light. It is also enchanting in the evening, when it’s illuminated and hymns are sung throughout the day and night.

• Partition Museum: Housed in Amritsar’s historic Town Hall, this museum is dedicated to documenting the human impact of the Partition of India in 1947. Through personal stories, photographs and artefacts, it's a moving and educational experience that sheds light on this significant chapter in Indian history.

Day trips in the area

• Wagah Border Ceremony: A trip to Amritsar wouldn’t be complete without witnessing this daily military ritual performed at the border crossing between India and Pakistan. With a highly choreographed display of marching and flag-lowering, it is a unique spectacle of patriotism and friendly rivalry between the two nations, and is held every evening.

• Harike Wetland: For nature lovers, a day trip here is a refreshing break from the city. Located about 60km from Amritsar, this vast wetland is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including pelicans, storks and flamingos. The serene environment is perfect for birdwatching, photography or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

Activities for families in Amritsar

Amritsar is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re travelling with young children or teenagers, there’s lots for everyone to enjoy.

• Ram Bagh Gardens: A visit to the beautifully maintained grounds of the Ram Bagh Palace is perfect for families looking for some outdoor fun. There's ample space for children to run around, play and explore, while parents can relax under the shady trees or take a leisurely stroll. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is also a hit with older children, offering an overview of Punjab’s history.

• Sadda Pind: Located just outside Amritsar, Sadda Pind is a cultural village that provides an immersive and entertaining experience of Punjabi rural life. Families can learn about local culture, enjoy traditional games, watch folk dances, and participate in activities like pottery making and bullock cart rides.

• Gobindgarh Fort: Restored in 2017, this historic fort is an interactive experience that both kids and adults will love. Alongside learning about its place in Punjab's history, live performances showcase the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Free things to do in Amritsar

Amritsar offers free activities and events that allow you to experience the city’s rich history and culture without spending a penny.

• Eat for free at the Golden Temple: Visiting the Golden Temple is free of charge, and you can also enjoy a free meal such as Dal and Chapattis, which is served to many thousands of visitors daily. (Donations are welcomed.)

• Jallianwala Bagh: Entry is free to this peaceful public garden to reflect on its poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence. The site of a massacre in 1919, when hundreds of unarmed civilians were shot by British troops, today it serves as a memorial, with a flame of remembrance and a museum that tells the story of the tragic event.