Delhi: What to See & Do: Day Trips: Amritsar

Amritsar

From Fiona Caulfield, author of the Love India travel guide series:

Located in the northwest part of India in the state of Punjab, Amritsar is a border town, home to the most famous Sikh temple in the world and is at the center of the Sikh faith.

WHERE TO STAY

Ranjit’s Svaasa Hotel

47A The Mall

91-183-256-6618; 91-183-329-8840

www.svassa.com

Svaasa, opened in 2003, describes itself as a heritage boutique spa resort and it is indeed trying to be all of these things. The 250-year-old ancestral hom is now the main hotel and the main corrider is lined with family photographs.

Stay in the Regal and Classic Rooms on the first floor with a shared terrace or enjoy good views from the top floor in the Rattanchand or Mohandchand Suites, both named after family members. Avoid the Kalyasingh suite that is in the new building. Rooms begin at Rs. 5,000, suites from Rs. 6,500.

BEST EXPERIENCE

The Golden Temple

The most famous Sikh temple in the world is breathtaking. A place of great serenity. Early morning is a lovely time to visit, also wonderful in the evenings at the Night Palki when the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) is put to rest.

The Wagh Border

India and Pakistan perform a daily beating of the retreat, similar to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, but with more patriotic gusto. The elaborately dressed guards goose step to and from the border to perform the flag ceremony. Starts at 5 pm.

WHERE TO SHOP

A stroll around the bazaars in the old walled city is a ‘must-do’. The myriad stalls have all of the Sikh accessories and there are some wonderful turban shops.

Ranuk

Located opposite Gandhi Gate

91-183-254-0999

A good place to pick up local leather footwear, Punjabi Juttis. Open daily 9 am-9 pm.

Essma Woolen Mills

G.t. Rd, Putligargh

91-183-222-6252

On the way to Wagah, pop into Essma for locally made scarves, blankets and some nice tweed. Prices start from Rs. 150.

WHERE TO EAT

Amritsar is famed for hearty treet foods including delicious hoot jalebis and lovely lassi.

Crystal Chowk

91-183-222-555; 91-183-222-6666

This 60-year-old family run restaurant serves delicious Punjabi food in a contemporary and comfortable setting. Alcohol is not available, officially. Open daily 11:30 am to 11:30 pm.

GETTING THERE

Amritsar is a 60 minute flight from Delhi and serviced by many domestic airlines. The comfortable and fast Shatabdi train leaves Delhi at 7 am, arrives at 1 pm and costs Rs. 1000. The train departs Amrtisar at 5 pm and arrives back in Delhi at about 11 pm.

GETTING AROUND

Taxis and cars are abundant on the streets.

Svaasa hotel provides good transportaion and sightseeing services around town. Dharmasala is 3.5 hours away.

For more Day Trips from Delhi, order Love Delhi Travel Guide, available online at Amazon.