4 Days Golden Temple Tour

Day 1

Guest will be recieved at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport or Amritsar Railway Station. Check into a luxury hotel for relaxation and acclimatization. Amritsar, a city steeped in history and spirituality. It stands as a prominent cultural and religious hub in the heart of Punjab, as the second largest city of India. Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Check-in to the hotel and rest for a while. Begin your exploration to the iconic Golden Temple, one of the most spiritual places in India, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in all of Sikhism.  Located right in the heart of Amritsar, the stunning golden architecture of the temple and the daily Langar (community kitchen) attract a large number of visitors and devotees each day. 

In the 19th century, the inverted lotus-shaped dome was inlaid with 100 kgs of gold and decorative marble. This took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who was a legendary warrior king fondly remembered by the Sikh community.  The temple is open to devotees of all faiths and serves over 100,000 people free food from all walks of life. Golden Temple is indisputably one of the most exquisite attractions in the world. Remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple compound. You need to cover your head which is a sign of respect in the gurudwara. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the temple, surrounded by the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar). Take a leisurely walk around the complex, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and observing devotees engaged in prayer and meditation. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in the langar, a free community meal served to all visitors regardless of their background.

In the evening proceed to Wagah Border, the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani borders. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. This daily military ceremony marks the closing of the India-Pakistan border and features elaborate drills, patriotic songs, and the lowering of flags by the border security forces of both countries. Experience the electrifying atmosphere as crowds cheer and celebrate the spirit of unity and patriotism. Tour ends and the guest will be driven back to the hotel. 

Day 2

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden that also houses a memorial to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British forces. Spread over 6.5 acres of land, Jallianwala Bagh is associated with one of the saddest days in Indian History when thousands of innocent people were killed on the orders of General Dyer as they gathered for a peaceful celebration of Baisakhi. The place has now been turned into a beautiful park. Explore the garden, which houses a memorial plaque and the Martyrs' Well, where many people jumped to escape the bullets. Gain insights into one of the darkest chapters of India's struggle for independence. After Jallianwala Bagh, visit the Durgiana Temple, also known as the Silver Temple. It bears a stark resemblance to the famous Golden Temple while also carrying the same sense of peace, tranquillity and spirituality. Within this historic temple lies a beautiful Sarovar where one can find idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating. The rare sculpture of the sitting Hanuman, considered one of a kind, is found in the temple premises. One of the main highlights at the temple is the fountain show which takes place in front of the main temple every evening. Take some time to offer prayers and soak in the spiritual ambiance of the temple complex. 

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets of Amritsar, such as Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market. Hall Bazaar is one of the oldest marketplaces in the country. One of the busiest shopping destinations of Amritsar, this historical bazaar is only 1 km from Amritsar railway station and only 1.3 km from the Golden Temple. The many stalls and shops here offer electronics, books, apparel, jewellery and ornaments, handiwork, Chinese lanterns, the world-famous Phulkari embroidery and Amritsari juttis among many other things. The market is also home to some of the best restaurants and food stalls in the city offering mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine. Katra Jaimal Singh Market stands out as one of Amritsar’s best markets. The clothes here range from saris with heavy work, pashmina shawls, and wedding attires for men and women and so on. The best part about this market is the price. Rates are dirt cheap and you can actually purchase a lot spending very less. And for those who still find it expensive, try your hand at bargaining. Indulge in the culinary delights of Amritsar by sampling local street food specialties like Amritsari kulcha, chole bhature, and falooda. In the evening, attend a local cultural show to experience the rich heritage of Punjab. Enjoy lively performances of traditional Punjabi folk music and dance forms like Bhangra and Giddha. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and celebrate the cultural diversity of the region. Tour ends and the guest will be driven back to the hotel. 

Day 3

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Partition Museum. The Partition Museum is a museum housing a collection of stories, memoirs, art and artefacts that hold the memory of the time before, during and after the partition of British India. Explore the museum's exhibits, which document the partition of British India in 1947 and its profound impact on millions of people. Gain insights into the human stories, experiences, and struggles of those affected by one of the largest migrations in history. After the Partition Museum, head to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, served as the summer palace of the first king of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after whom the museum is named. The museum consists of a lot of artefacts and personal items of the Maharaja such as his armor and weaponry. It also displays fantastic paintings, various manuscripts and coins from centuries, long gone. This reflects the secular spirit of the Maharaja and the rich history of the Sikh province. The palace is surrounded by the famous Rambagh Gardens popular for its statue of the legendary king with his horse. Learn about the life and legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary ruler of the Sikh Empire. Explore the museum's collections, which include paintings, artifacts, weapons, and personal belongings of the Maharaja and his court. Spend your evening at leisure, either relaxing at your hotel or exploring more of Amritsar independently.

Day 4

After breakfast, on your final day in Amritsar, check out from your hotel and proceed to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport or Amritsar Railway Station for your onward journey. Bid farewell to the city of Amritsar, carrying with you memories of its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.