WELCOME TO THE HOLY CITY AMRITSAR..!!

MUST VISIT -“GOLDEN TEMPLE” The Golden temple is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sa-cred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. It was planted 450 years ago, by the Golden Temple's first high priest, Ba-ba Buddha. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen is towards the eastern entrance of the temple complex, and it provides free food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, caste or gen-der. Within the sacred precincts of the Golden Temple, a devotee can seek blessing at:

The Akal Takht Har Ki Pauri Dukh Bhanjani Ber (Jujube Tree) Thara Sahib Ber Baba Budha Ji

MUST VISIT -“JALLIANWALA BAGH’’ This is India's bloody past. As you step into the narrow passage leading to the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, the first thing you notice is a stone plaque, which reads, “This is the place where the bullets were fired from.” April 13, 1919 marks a bloody day in the history of Indian independence. Hundreds of innocent Indians, participating in a meeting at the Bagh were killed by British troops as ordered by General Dyer. It is hard to think how, from a lane where even three people can’t walk side-by-side, one man managed to perpetrate a massacre, leaving a reported 379 dead, and over 1,100 injured. Today, an eternal flame burns at the entrance, in honour of the martyrs. Seeing ‘the well’, in which many jumped (to death) to escape the bullets, will send shivers down your spine. The bullet marks have been highlighted on the walls and the well is covered by a steel net. The Bagh never shuts, there’s no entry fee. There is a huge memorial tower; and the Bagh’s museum preserves photos of the incident.

MUST HAVE DELUXE PUNJABI THALI AT -“KESAR DA DHABHA”

Kesar da Dhaba, over a hundred year old establishment in the maze-like markets of old Amritsar is famous for cooking all their food in “desi ghee” (Indian equivalent of butter). Like all things Indian (food), it is rich, tasty and devoid of preservatives.

This single “thali” (meal plate) was more than enough for the two of us. All one should ideally do after eating this is find a beautiful tree, lie down in its shade and dream of the culinary extravaganza you have just experienced.

MUST BUY “PUNJABI JUTTI’’ MUST BUY- “PUNJABI JUTTI”

Punjab is state where traditional Juttis are being manufac-tured in bulk and shopped. While shopping in Punjab, Juttis are must buy. Punjabi Jutti is Punjabi in its origin and worn by men and women in North India. Traditional Jutties look good with all the traditional attires. They are being made from leather and embroidery is being done on them. They can be worn with Patiala and other traditional stuff. Amritsar is one of the great cities to buy these Juttis. Explore local markets to have the best of stuff and do little bargaining too.

MUST HAVE- “AMRITSARI KULCHA” AND “AMRITSARI FISH”

The "Amritsari kulcha" is worth devouring, certainly - it's this plump, yet just that flaky maida roti, soft with potato and onion spiced with pepper, chilly, jeera and anardana on the inside and crunchy with oodles of but-ter on the outside. Eaten only at breakfast or brunch, it is served with gra-vied chole (the small chana) and a chutney of tamarind, jaggery and on-ion, or of tamarind, mint, onion and green chilly.

It's a kulcha that cannot be found anywhere else in the World.

Named after the city where it originated, this easy fried fish dish is a great appetizer or side dish to complement the main course. Amritsari Fish is a popular street food and Restaurant style starter fried Fish. Fish is marinated in spices and then deep fried. The recipe iam sharing today is not a deep fried version, but it is tawa fried (pan fried) and can be prepared in just 15 mins.

MUST VISIT- “WAGAH BORDER ”

Wagah is the only road border crossing between Pakistan and India between Amritsar and Lahore cities. Wagah also termed as "Wagha" in Pakistan. The international border between India and Pakistan is located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar. The ceremonial display of the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard makes it an extraordinary spectacle. The soldiers from both countries demonstrate great enthusiasm and spirit as nationalistic fervor rises amidst roaring applause.