Amritsar Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
How many days are enough for Amritsar? 2 days is perfect to cover the main sites, though foodies often stay for 3.
What is the best time to visit? October to March. Summer is brutally hot, and monsoon can be very humid.
Is Amritsar safe for solo female travelers? Yes, it is generally considered very safe, especially around the Golden Temple area.
Do I need to book Golden Temple entry? No, entry is free and open to everyone 24/7.
How far is the airport from the city center? About 11-13 km, roughly a 30-45 minute drive.
Is there an Uber/Ola service? Yes, but they can be spotty near the crowded Heritage Street; auto-rickshaws are often faster.
Can I walk to the Golden Temple? If you stay in the “Heritage Street” area, it is a pedestrian-only zone and very walkable.
What is the local currency? Indian Rupee (INR).
Are credit cards widely accepted? In hotels and larger restaurants, yes. For street food and rickshaws, carry cash.
Is there a dress code for the city? Generally modest, but specific rules apply to religious sites.
Do I need a SIM card? Yes, for maps and Uber. You can get one at the airport.
Is the tap water safe? No, always stick to bottled or RO-filtered water.
What language is spoken? Punjabi and Hindi are primary; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Is there a luggage storage facility at the Golden Temple? Yes, there are free “Gathri Ghar” (cloakrooms) for bags.
Can I stay inside the Golden Temple? Yes, in the “Niwas” (pilgrim hostels), though they fill up fast and are basic.
Is there a hop-on-hop-off bus? Yes, it covers the Fort, Wagah Border, and main sites.
What should I wear in winter? It gets very cold (near $5\text{°C}$), so bring heavy woolens for early mornings.
Are there any “dry days” (no alcohol)? Amritsar is a holy city; alcohol is not served near the Golden Temple.
Can I bring my dog? Pets are not allowed inside the Golden Temple complex or most historical sites.
Is the city wheelchair accessible? The Heritage Street and Golden Temple are quite accessible; other parts of the old city are not.
The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
Do I have to cover my head? Yes, everyone must cover their head with a scarf or bandana.
Are hats or caps allowed? No, only cloth head coverings (scarves/rumaals) are permitted.
Where do I get a head covering? There are baskets of free scarves at the entrances.
Can I wear socks inside? No, you must be barefoot.
Is there a place for shoes? Yes, there are free, organized shoe-stalls (Joda Ghar) at every entrance.
What is the “Palki Sahib” ceremony? It’s when the Holy Book is carried in a palanquin; usually happens around 10 PM and 4 AM.
How long is the wait for the main sanctum? It can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the day.
Is photography allowed? You can take photos of the temple from the walkway (Parikrama), but not inside the inner sanctum.
What is Langar? The free community kitchen that serves everyone regardless of religion.
Is the Langar food safe to eat? Yes, it is prepared with high hygiene standards and is very fresh.
Can I volunteer at the Langar? Yes, anyone can help wash dishes or peel vegetables. Just ask.
Should I tip at the Langar? No, but you can leave a donation at the official “Golgak” (donation boxes).
What is the “Amrit Sarovar”? The holy pool surrounding the temple.
Can I swim in the Sarovar? You can take a holy dip in designated areas, but don’t use soap or swim like it’s a pool.
Are there separate bathing areas for women? Yes, there are enclosed “Ghats” for women.
Is it open on public holidays? Yes, it never closes.
When is the best time to see it? At night when it’s lit up, or at 4 AM for the morning ceremony.
Can I carry a bag inside? Small handbags are okay; large backpacks should be left at the cloakroom.
Is smoking allowed? No, tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited near the complex.
How do I get Karah Prasad? You can buy coupons at the counters and collect the halwa-like prasad inside.
Wagah Border Ceremony
How far is Wagah Border? About 30 km from Amritsar.
What time does the ceremony start? Usually around 4:30 PM in winter and 5:30 PM in summer.
What time should I leave Amritsar? Leave by 2:30 PM to get a good seat.
Is there an entry fee? No, entry is free.
Are bags allowed? NO. Only wallets and phones are allowed. Leave everything else in your car/hotel.
How do I get there? Shared jeeps (near the Golden Temple), private taxis, or the HOHO bus.
Is there a VIP section? Yes, but it usually requires prior arrangement or showing a foreign passport.
Is it crowded? Extremely. Expect thousands of people and a stadium-like atmosphere.
Can I cross into Pakistan? Only if you have a valid visa and are doing a formal border crossing.
What is the “Beating Retreat”? It’s the formal closing of the gates and lowering of the flags.
Can I take photos? Yes, photography is allowed.
Is food available there? Yes, there are snack stalls outside the stadium area.
Should I bring water? Yes, but you may be asked to open it at security.
How long does it last? About 45 minutes.
Is it worth the hype? Most travelers say yes for the unique, high-energy patriotic display.
Is there shade? No, the seating is open-air. Wear sunscreen.
Can I go by public bus? There aren’t direct public buses that drop you at the gate; shared taxis are the norm.
Do taxis wait for you? Yes, if you book a round-trip taxi, they will wait to bring you back.
Is the road to Wagah good? Yes, it’s a well-maintained highway.
What happens if it rains? The ceremony may be shortened or canceled if the weather is severe.
Sightseeing & Culture
What is Jallianwala Bagh? A memorial garden for the 1919 massacre; located right next to the Golden Temple.
How much time for Jallianwala Bagh? 30–45 minutes is enough.
What is the Partition Museum? The world’s first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition; highly recommended.
Where is the Partition Museum? Inside the Town Hall building on Heritage Street.
Is there an entry fee for the Partition Museum? Yes, a small fee (approx. 10 INR for Indians, 250 INR for foreigners).
What is Gobindgarh Fort? A historic fort offering light and sound shows and cultural performances.
Is the light and sound show worth it? Yes, “Whispering Walls” is popular for its storytelling.
What is the Durgiana Temple? A Hindu temple that looks similar to the Golden Temple; very peaceful.
What is Ram Tirath? An ancient site believed to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush (sons of Lord Rama).
Can I visit a village near Amritsar? Yes, “Sadda Pind” is a popular cultural village resort for tourists.
Is Pul Kanjari worth visiting? Yes, if you like history; it’s a small site near the border with a legend of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
What is the “Heritage Walk”? A guided tour through the narrow lanes of the old city.
Where can I buy Phulkari? The Katra Jaimal Singh market is the best place for traditional Punjabi embroidery.
What are the best markets for shopping? Katra Jaimal Singh, Hall Bazaar, and Guru Bazaar.
Can I buy Kirpans (ceremonial swords)? Yes, in shops around the Golden Temple, but check airline rules for transport.
Is there a museum inside the Golden Temple? Yes, the Central Sikh Museum (entry is near the main gate).
What is the “Old City” like? Narrow, chaotic, colorful, and full of character.
Are there any parks for a run? Company Bagh (Gandhi Gate) is a large green space popular with locals.
What is the “War Memorial”? A museum near the Wagah Border showcasing India’s military history.
Can I see the border gate during the day? No, you can only access the stadium area during ceremony hours.
Food & Dining
What is a “Kulcha”? A crispy, flaky stuffed bread, specifically the “Amritsari Kulcha.”
Where is the best Kulcha? “Kulcha Land” and “The Pehalwan Kulcha” are legendary.
What is Kesar Da Dhaba? One of the oldest dhabas in the city, famous for Dal Makhani (Dal Fry).
Is the food very spicy? It can be, but Punjabi food is known more for being rich (lots of butter/ghee) than just heat.
What is “Lassi”? A thick yogurt-based drink; Gian Di Lassi is the most famous spot.
Is Amritsar good for non-vegetarians? Yes! Beera Chicken and Makhan Fish are must-visits.
What is “Amritsari Fish”? Deep-fried fish with a spicy gram-flour coating.
Can I get non-veg food near the Golden Temple? No, the area immediately surrounding it is strictly vegetarian.
What is “Ghyu”? It’s the local word for Ghee; expect a lot of it in your meals.
Is street food safe? Generally yes, if you go to busy spots with high turnover.
What is “Ahuja’s Milk”? A shop famous for its thick, saffron-flavored milk.
Where can I get the best Jalebis? “Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala” near the Golden Temple.
What is “Bharaon Da Dhaba”? A famous vegetarian restaurant near the Golden Temple.
Can I get “Butter Chicken” in Amritsar? Yes, but the local “Beera Chicken” (roasted) is more unique to the city.
What is a “Thali”? A platter with a variety of dishes; a great way to try everything at a Dhaba.
Is everything closed on Tuesdays? Some shops in the markets might be, but restaurants and tourist sites stay open.
What is the best breakfast? Poori-Chole or a hot Amritsari Kulcha.
Can I get international food? Yes, there is a McDonald’s and Subway near the Heritage Street (both are vegetarian).
Is tipping expected in restaurants? Small tips ($10\text{–}50$ INR) are appreciated but not mandatory.
What is the one thing I must take home? A box of “Papad” and “Warian” (spicy lentil chunks) from Hall Bazaar.