Things to do in

Punjab, India

Explore the magnificent sights in Amritsar under the guidance of an expert local guide. From your hotel, head first to the famous Golden Temple, one of the most vital structures and key landmarks in the city. After you offer prayers at the Golden Temple, you'll visit the Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) and witness how food is made for thousands of pilgrims who arrive daily at this sacred location. This is followed by a trip to Jallianwala Bagh where the infamous massacre took place under the troops of the British Indian Army. Afterwards, visit the only Museum dedicated to the horrific Partition of India in 1947. You will explore the different exhibitions, with both video and photographic displays providing you with the stories behind the events. Expressive paintings depicting these harrowing times are also on display in the museum. Finally, head out to the Wagah Border and visit the historic Grand Trunk Road, the only link between India and Pakistan in 1999. During the ceremony, you will watch the soldiers of India and Pakistan put on a show of sorts, with the lowering of both flags and a handshake between two nations. At the end of the ceremony, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

Explore the historical Amritsar on this private guided tour. Admire the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, and visit the Wagah Border, marking the dividing line between Pakistan and India. Start your trip with a pickup from your accommodation in Amritsar to begin your adventure. Relax and enjoy the ride as you drive to explore. First, you will explore the famous Golden Temple, considered the spiritual center of the Sikh religion. Admire this 16th-century temple which represents the brotherhood of human beings and equality, built by Guru Arjun. Wander inside the Golden Temple, where you will meet a Sikh community kitchen, the world's largest, and see them hard at work. Next, Go head to the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, a holy place in Amritsar with a deep historical connection to India. Walk through the lush gardens and listen as your guide tells you the tragic story of the 1919 massacre, in which around 1,000 civilians died. Feeling hungry? No worries, you will stop for a lunch break. Walk around and grab a bite to eat or enjoy your packed lunch if you have brought one. Continue your tour to the famous Wagah Border, where you will see the lowering of the Indian and Pakistan flags and changing of guards; this ceremony takes place every day. End the day on a high as you get a lift back to your accommodation in Amritsar.

In the morning you will be picked up from your respective hotel in Amritsar town and you will be leaving to visit the holy Golden Temple of Amritsar which is also known as Gurudwara Sri Harmandir Sahib. This is one of the top Sikh religious places in India visited by millions of tourists every year. Inside the campus you will also visit world largest kitchen which feeds nearly one lakh people everyday freely. Your next visit will be of Jallianwala Bagh which is historic garden and memorial of national importance. Afterwards enjoy your lunch and savor the world famous Punjabi cuisines available in the streets of Amritsar city. Amritsar is also famed all over the world for its shopping experiences so after lunch you will walk around the streets and enjoy shopping. Your evening is pre-decided to explore the beating retreat ceremony performed every evening at Indo-Pak border. The performances of Indian army will make you exciting and people enjoy dancing on the beats of patriotic songs. After the ceremony you will head back to your hotel in Amritsar and your tour ends here.

At 3:00 PM, your driver and guide will pick up you from your hotel and proceed to Wagah Border for the evening of the Indo-Pak parade ceremony, also called Beating the Retreat. Watch ceremony from the VIP or foreigner gallery. Wagah Border Post is about 29 kilometers from Amritsar on the Grand Trunk, and it has become famous for the ceremonial closing of gates and lowering of flags of India and Pakistan. Watch BSF and Pakistani Rangers march towards the gates from their respective sides. After the gate is thrown open, the soldiers salute each other and start lowering the flags. The flags are carefully folded and carried back. The ceremony reaches a crescendo with the soldiers return to the border line for the final handshake. Once done, no glance is exchanged and the gates are slammed close. Blowing of the trumpet marks the end of the ceremony. The flag down ceremony often starts before sunset time (around 4:30 PM in winter and 5:30 PM in summer).  After the ceremony, your driver will take you to Sadda Pind, a Punjabi village resort located around 24 kilometers from Wagah Border. Experience authentic Punjabi life. Watch a Gatka performance (a traditional Sikh martial art), a rope dancer, a magician, a traditional puppet show and lassi being churned. Enjoy fun games and a horse ride, see mud houses, browse handmade items, cool down with misting technology and more.  For dinner, indulge in delicious Punjabi foods, like kadhi chawal (a popular rice-based dish), makki di roti (traditional flatbread), Amritsari naan, pindi chole (a chickpea dish), kulfi (a frozen dairy dessert), rabri (a condensed-milk-based dessert) and more. Afterwards, your driver will drop you back to your hotel around 9:00 PM.

You will be taken from your accommodation in Amritsar town in the morning and transported to the revered Golden Temple of Amritsar, often referred to as Gurudwara Sri Harmandir Sahib. Millions of people visit here, one of the most popular Sikh holy sites in India, each year. You may also tour the largest kitchen in the world, which serves free meals to about a lakh people every day inside the campus. The next place you will see is Jallianwala Bagh, a nationally significant historic garden and memorial. After that, have lunch and indulge in the world-famous Punjabi food that the streets of Amritsar have to offer. You will stroll around the streets and enjoy shopping after lunch, since Amritsar is renowned throughout the world for its shopping opportunities. It has been prearranged for your evening to attend the beating retreat ceremony, which takes place at the Indo-Pakistani border every evening. The Indian Army's performances are sure to excite you, and people love to dance to the rhythms of nationalistic music. Your journey comes to a conclusion here as you return to your Amritsar hotel after the ceremony.

Our Guided tour of the Golden Temple will help you to experience the richness of Sikh history and culture. Amritsar is the spiritual centre for the Sikh religion and is famous for the beautiful Golden Temple. The Golden Temple, Sri Harimandir Sahib, is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs but also a sign of human brotherhood and uniformity. Visit Langar (the world’s Largest Community kitchen), where 50,000 to 150,000 people daily have free food. Experience the live Operations (exclusive access to the backstage of the World’s Largest Community kitchen). Golden Temple is one of the most peaceful and joyous places worldwide. Gurbani, with Music around the temple complex, will fill your heart and soul with joy and happiness. Also step into history at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. This solemn memorial garden bears witness to the tragic 1919 massacre, a poignant reminder of India's struggle for freedom. Note: Wear clothes covering knees and shoulders to enter the Golden Temple complex.

The Wagah Border Retreat Tour with Dinner is a unique and vibrant experience that takes you to one of the most iconic border crossings in the world. Located on the India-Pakistan border, the Wagah Border is known for its elaborate and patriotic border ceremony that takes place every evening. The tour begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Amritsar, India. As you make your way to the Wagah Border, your knowledgeable guide will provide you with interesting insights into the history and significance of the border crossing. Upon arrival, you'll join the enthusiastic crowd at the border stadium, where the ceremony is held. Experience the electrifying atmosphere as you witness the highly choreographed parade conducted by the border security forces of both nations. The ceremony showcases the impressive marching, flag-lowering, and folding drills, accompanied by patriotic songs and enthusiastic cheering from the spectators. After the ceremony, you'll be treated to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional Punjabi cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty portions. Feast on mouthwatering dishes such as tandoori Roti, Butter Paneer, naan bread, and various vegetarian options. The restaurant provides a warm and welcoming ambiance, allowing you to relax and savor the delicious flavors of Punjab. Throughout the tour, your guide will be available to answer any questions you may have and provide further insights into the significance of the Wagah Border and its historical context. They will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. As the evening draws to a close, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Amritsar, reflecting on the incredible sights, sounds, and flavors you experienced during the Wagah Border Retreat Tour with Dinner. Please note that the tour duration may vary, typically lasting around 6-8 hours. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you may need to walk short distances during the tour. Additionally, remember to carry your identification documents, as the Wagah Border is a high-security area.

In the morning we receive you in a private luxury car from your respective hotel/ railway station. Afterwards your tour starts by visiting the Harmandir sahib temple known as the Golden Temple. Here you can watch live the rituals and traditions of Sikh religion. Then visit the famous Jallianwala Bagh known for biggest massacre happens during British region in India. Also visit the Durgiana Goddess Temple which looks similar as the Golden Temple. Now move to visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh museum which is also called the summer palace of the firs king of Sikhs. It is the place where you can watch the treasures of Sikh religion during 18th & 19th century. In the evening you will be moving to watch the special wagah border ceremony at Amritsar border. The performance here by the Indian army will mesmerize you. At the end of your tour we will drop you back to your hotel.

Begin your one-day tour of Amritsar with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib. This sacred Sikh gurdwara attracts millions of visitors annually and is renowned for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The Golden Temple, with its golden facade and intricate marble work, is a symbol of Sikh spirituality and egalitarianism. Built in the 16th century by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, the temple holds immense historical and religious significance in Sikhism. One of the most remarkable features of the Golden Temple is the Langar Hall, where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of their background, religion, or social status. This tradition of community service, known as Seva, is a cornerstone of Sikhism, emphasizing humility, equality, and selfless service. Volunteers prepare and serve simple yet nourishing meals, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie among all who partake. In the afternoon, your itinerary leads you to Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden that serves as a solemn memorial to a significant and tragic event in India's struggle for independence. On April 13, 1919, British troops, under the command of General Dyer, opened fire on a peaceful gathering of men, women, and children, resulting in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This brutal act claimed hundreds of innocent lives and became a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement, galvanizing leaders and citizens alike to intensify their efforts against colonial rule. After absorbing the poignant history of Jallianwala Bagh, head towards the Wagah Border, the boundary that demarcates India and Pakistan. The Wagah Border Ceremony is a daily military practice that showcases a highly choreographed display of military camaraderie and rivalry. Soldiers from both nations engage in an elaborate, synchronized parade, which includes high-kicking, theatrical gestures, and the lowering of the respective national flags. This ceremony symbolizes the complex relationship between the two countries, blending elements of competition and unity. To get the best experience at the Wagah Border Ceremony, it is advisable to arrive early as seats fill up quickly. The ceremony typically begins in the late afternoon, but arriving at least an hour in advance ensures a good vantage point. The atmosphere is electric, with patriotic fervor palpable among the crowd. Expect a display of disciplined precision and spirited nationalism that will leave you in awe. End your day indulging in traditional Punjabi cuisine.

Witness the daily flag-raising and lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan border. Watch in astonishment as tall troops in enormous turbans march in unison and slam gates with accuracy. Experience the beating retreat, a one-of-a-kind tradition that brings people from both sides of the border together to create an exhilarating spirit of patriotism. At 4:30 PM, your tour leader will pick you up from your accommodation, providing a comfortable and hassle-free ride to the India-Pakistan border. As you arrive, be charmed by the daily flag-raising and lowering ceremony, which is a breathtaking spectacle rich in grandeur and tradition. Watch in astonishment as tall troops in enormous turbans march in unison and slam gates with accuracy. This ceremony, known as the beating retreat, is a one-of-a-kind tradition that brings people from both sides of the border together to create an exhilarating spirit of patriotism. Don't pass up this chance to see a piece of history and culture up close. Following the ceremony, you will be transported back to your hotel, where you will arrive at 7:30 PM.