How to Plan Your Full-Day Amritsar City Tour with Wagah Border Ceremony

If you’re planning a trip to Amritsar, Punjab, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see its top attractions and the famous Wagah Border Ceremony. This private full-day tour, which includes meals, air-conditioned transportation, and the services of a personal guide, ensures that you will see the best that Amritsar, India’s northwest state in the capital city of Punjab, has to offer.

Here’s how to plan your full-day Amritsar city tour with Wagah Border Ceremony:

Step 1: Book Your Tour Online

Booking your tour in advance online is a hassle-free way to secure your spot and plan your trip. The tour is offered by a third-party company called Viator, and you can book it using this link: book the tour here.

Step 2: Decide on Your Pickup Point and Start Time

The tour offers pickup services from all hotels within the city of Amritsar. You can choose your preferred pickup point when booking the tour online. There are different tours options, so you can choose the one you prefer and confirm the pickup time offered for your choice when making your reservation.

Step 3: Experience the Top Attractions in Amritsar

Your personal guide will be with you throughout the day, offering insights and commentary on the top attractions in Amritsar. Your first stop will be at the impressive Golden Temple, the most sacred site of the Sikh religion, where you can admire the stunning architecture and witness the traditional practice of Sikh men and women cleaning and bathing in a holy pond.

After the Golden Temple, you will visit the Partition Museum, an informative and realistic museum tracing the history of India’s partition from Pakistan, which occurred in 1947. From here, you will head to the Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fort built in the 18th century that now serves as a cultural and entertainment hub.

Step 4: Enjoy Delicious Punjabi Cuisine

Your tour includes both lunch and dinner, featuring authentic, delicious Punjabi cuisine. This is a fantastic opportunity to try traditional local dishes such as makki di roti (cornbread), sarson ka saag (mustard greens), and lassi (a refreshing yogurt drink).

Step 5: Witness the Famous Wagah Border Ceremony

The tour ends with a breathtaking experience, the famous Wagah Border Ceremony at the Pakistani frontier. At the ceremony, you will observe the daily flag lowering ritual performed by the armies of India and Pakistan. The ceremony showcases the two countries’ patriotism and the sacrifice made during the partition of India and Pakistan.

Step 6: Tips and Additional Information

– The tour includes bottled water, lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and entry tickets to all attractions. Personal expenses and anything not mentioned under the inclusions are excluded from the tour.
– The tour operates every day of the week, except for Monday when the Partition Museum is closed.
– You can choose between different Tour options to start at different times.
– Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are highly recommended.
– Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable moments of the tour.

Conclusion

The Full Day Amritsar City Tour with Wagah Border Ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to experience the top attractions in Amritsar, learn about its rich history, sample delicious Punjabi cuisine, and witness the famous Wagah Border Ceremony. By following these six simple steps, you can plan your trip with ease and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Punjab’s capital city. Book your tour now and create a lifetime of memories in Amritsar.

Insider’s Guide to Amritsar, India

Amritsar, located in the state of Punjab in northern India, is a city rich in culture and history. Known for its vibrant street markets, iconic religious sites, and hearty cuisine, Amritsar is a popular destination among travelers seeking an authentic Indian experience. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to plan a full-day tour of Amritsar, culminating with the spectacular Wagah Border Ceremony.

Morning – Explore the Golden Temple

No visit to Amritsar is complete without a visit to the Golden Temple, otherwise known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. This iconic Sikh temple is a place of worship and pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors each year. The temple is open 24 hours and welcomes visitors of all faiths.

Begin your morning by taking a guided tour of the Golden Temple complex. As you walk through the ornate gates, you’ll be struck by the grandeur of the temple and its surrounding waters. Despite the crowds, the temple has an air of tranquility and serenity.

After your tour, make sure to try the prasad, a sweet, blessed dessert offered to all visitors to the temple. There are also several langar halls where you can take part in a communal meal with other visitors.

Afternoon – Discover the Jallianwala Bagh and Street Markets

After your visit to the Golden Temple, head to the Jallianwala Bagh, a beautiful public garden that serves as a somber reminder of one of India’s darkest moments. In 1919, the British Army fired upon a group of unarmed protesters who had assembled at the garden, killing hundreds of men, women, and children. Today, the garden is a National Monument, featuring a memorial and a museum that documents the history of the tragedy.

After your visit to the Jallianwala Bagh, take some time to explore the nearby street markets. The city is known for its vibrant markets, where vendors sell everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and crafts. Some of the best markets to visit include Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, and Guru Bazaar. Make sure to haggle over prices and try some local street food along the way.

Evening – Watch the Wagah Border Ceremony

The Wagah Border Ceremony is a daily military ceremony that takes place at the border between India and Pakistan, just 30 kilometers from Amritsar. The ceremony is a display of military parades and drills, accompanied by patriotic songs and dances.

To get the best view of the ceremony, arrive at the border well before sunset. The ceremony typically starts around 4:30 pm in winter and 5:30 pm in summer. There are several stands designated for spectators, both Indian and foreign, where you can get an up-close view of the elaborate spectacle.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you have an extra day or two in Amritsar, consider venturing off the beaten path to discover some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Some of our top recommendations include:

– Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – a beautifully restored palace showcasing the life of the Sikh ruler
– Pul Kanjari – a historic village with a remarkable love story attached to it
– Kesar Da Dhaba – a popular dining spot serving traditional Punjabi cuisine

Final Thoughts

A full-day tour of Amritsar culminating with the Wagah Border Ceremony is the perfect way to experience the best of this vibrant and colorful city. From majestic religious sites to bustling street markets and poignant reminders of history, Amritsar offers something for every traveler.