Amritsar, India - Travel Guide

Amritsar is a vibrant city steeped in Sikh history and culture, most famous for the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. It offers a unique blend of spiritual tranquility, historical significance, and a rich culinary scene with its famous Punjabi cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$150/day

Known For

Amritsar CityGolden TemplePunjabIndiaJallianwala BaghWagah Border

🇮🇳 Country Information: India

CapitalNew Delhi

CurrencyIndian rupee (₹)

Language Hindi , English, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese

Phone Code+91

Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (5
10% or rounding up), for hotel staff, and drivers (small amounts)
For guides, a tip of 200
500 INR per day is common

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas
There isn't a significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, or homes
Greet elders with respect, often by touching their feet
Eating with your right hand is customary, especially when eating Indian food

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018. While acceptance is growing, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face societal challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age varies by state, generally 18 or 21
Drug laws are very strict, and possession of even small amounts of drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Public display of affection can be frowned upon
Photography near government buildings or military installations may be restricted
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

NoNahi (nah-hee) नहीं

YesHaan (hah-n) हाँ

HelloNamaste (nah-mah-stay) नमस्ते

PleaseKripya (krip-yah) कृपया

Excuse meKshama Kijiye (kshuh-maa key-jee-yeh) क्षमा कीजिए

Thank youDhanyavaad (dhun-yah-vahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Climate Zone: Semi Arid Steppe Hot

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: Jul
Sep

Getting There

Fly directly to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) from major Indian cities and some international hubs
Trains available from across India to Amritsar Junction (approx
6
10 hours from Delhi, $10
30)
Buses connect Amritsar to nearby cities and states (e
g
, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur)

Getting Around

Auto
rickshaws are the most common local transport
Cycle rickshaws for shorter distances
Taxis and app
based services like Uber and Ola are available for convenient travel
Local buses also operate within the city

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (Measles
Mumps
Rubella, Tetanus
Diphtheria
Pertussis, Varicella) should be up to date
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
Consider Rabies vaccination if engaging in outdoor activities
Consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations on traveler's diarrhea medication and probiotics

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available from major Indian providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs generally work well in India

Local Cuisine

Amritsari Kulcha & Chole must_try

A flaky, leavened flatbread typically stuffed with potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer, and baked in a tandoor. It is traditionally served with chana mas

Dal Makhani regional_speciality

A rich and creamy lentil dish made with black lentils and kidney beans, slow-cooked for many hours in 'desi ghee' (clarified butter) and mild spices.

Lassi (Peda Lassi) non_alcoholic_beverage

A thick, creamy yogurt drink, specific to the region, often made with 'peda' (a sweet milk solid confection) to achieve an extra rich consistency. It

Amritsari Fish Fry street_food

Tender pieces of fish (often Sole or Singara) marinated in a mixture of gram flour, spices, and lemon juice, then deep-fried until crispy. Unlike many

Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag seasonal

This is a quintessential Punjabi winter dish, consisting of flatbread made from corn flour (makki di roti) and a vegetable dish made from mustard gree

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Wagah Border Guided Tour tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Booking a guided tour in advance ensures a reserved spot, especially for tours that include the popular Wagah Border ceremony, which can be very crowded.

Accommodation in prime locations (e.g., near Golden Temple or Taj Swarna) Accommodation

Book 3 weeks–2 months in advance

Higher-rated and conveniently located hotels, especially during peak season, tend to fill up, leading to higher prices or limited availability closer to the date.

Fun Facts

1. The Golden Temple, located in Amritsar, is structurally positioned on a level below the ground level, symbolizing the need for humility when approaching the temple of God.
2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the Golden Temple in 24-karat gold in 1830, two centuries after its construction, with subsequent renovations adding up to 500 kg of gold.
3. The Golden Temple organizes the world's largest free community kitchen, known as 'Langar Seva,' serving approximately 100,000 devotees daily, who all sit together regardless of background.
4. The city of Amritsar was previously sometimes known as Rāmdāspur, named after Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, who is credited with founding the city in 1574.

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