Closely associated with the history of Sikhism, Amritsar is a vibrant city famous for its cultural heritage, religion, and cuisine. But more than anything else, it is known for being home to two iconic attractions in the country – the magnificent Golden Temple and the historical site of Jallianwala Bagh. An Amritsar itinerary will offer you ample opportunities to explore the historical and religious attractions dotting the city. You can also get a taste of the Punjabi way of life by gorging on lip-smacking delicacies, dancing to the beats of bhangra, indulging in street shopping, and more.
Looking to experience the best of its attractions, culture, and food? Here’s a comprehensive itinerary outlining places to visit in Amritsar in 2 days.
DAY 1
7.30 am – 9.30 am: Visit the glorious Golden Temple and have a holy meal in breakfast
Visit the glorious Golden Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
We suggest you start your first day in Amritsar by visiting the most iconic attraction in the city – the Golden Temple also known as Harmandir Sahib. One of the most celebrated gurudwaras in the world and the holiest shrine for the Sikhs, the temple stands amidst a tranquil water body, offering a spellbinding sight to visitors. While the sanctum exterior is adorned with gold foil, the inner walls feature exquisite meenakari work, glasswork, and semi-precious stones.
- Timings: 4.00 am to 11.00 pm; every day
What to do
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- Soak in the serenity of the temple
- Listen to soulful melodies and bhajans
- Relish the kada prasad
- Sit near the sacred pond for sometime
After spending some time enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the temple, you can head straight to the langar or the community kitchen where thousands are fed every day. Have a delicious meal here – this is something you can experience only in Amritsar.
9.30 am – 1.00 pm: Explore other attractions around Golden Temple
Other attractions around Golden Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
The area in and around the Golden Temple complex is dotted with many other attractions including historical sites and religious spots. Take a leisurely walk around the temple to explore some of these attractions before you head off to Jallianwala Bagh, another must-visit historical place in Amritsar. An everlasting reminder of one of the most poignant chapters in India’s freedom struggle, Jallianwala Bagh can be easily reached on foot from Harmandir Sahib.
What to see
- Akal Takht
- Dukh Bhanjani Beri
- Beri Baba Budha Ji
- Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai
- Har ki Pauri
- Jallianwala Bagh
When in Amritsar, you must act like a local and tuck in a filling lunch comprising of Punjabi delicacies like freshly prepared kulchas and a large glass of lassi. You will find many restaurants and eateries near the Golden Temple complex where you can suffice your taste buds with an authentic Punjabi fare.
Where to eat
- Kulche Wala
- Kulwant Singh Kulche Wala – Old
- Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale
- Neelam’s
- Kesar Da Dhaba
Got a taste of Punjab’s unique flavor? Now, proceed to the Durgiana Temple, located a short distance away.
- By road: 15 minutes’ drive
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm: Pay your respect at the Durgiana Temple
Durgiana Temple | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Durgiana Temple is one of the top Hindu shrines in Amritsar that offer a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage. Located in the middle of a lake, the temple’s stunning architecture bears a striking resemblance to the Golden Temple. Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, this 16th-century shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga features a pair of intricately carved silver doors.
- Timings: 6.00 am to 10.00 pm
Once you have spent enough time at the temple, it’s time to take a long drive to Wagah Border that marks the boundary line crossing between India and Pakistan.
- By road: 60 minutes’ drive
3.30 pm – 6.30 pm: Watch the Change of Guard ceremony at Wagah Border followed by a quick bite at the famous Sarhad Restaurant
Watch the Change of Guard ceremony at Wagah Border | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Located at the Radcliffe Line, the Wagah Border or Attari-Wagah serves as a border crossing and a transit point between India and Pakistan. The Beating Retreat and Change of Guard ceremony held here every evening offers a visual treat and draws hundreds of visitors. Make sure to reach the border at least an hour before the ceremony to get a seat.
- Ceremony Timings: 15 pm to 5.00 pm (winter); 5.15 pm to 6.00 pm (summer)
- Entry Fee: Free
Once the ceremony is over, drive away your hunger pangs by digging into some authentic dishes from Amritsari and Lahori cuisines at the Sarhad Restaurant, located about 2 km from the border. As we have nothing else planned for the day, you can head back to the city and retire to your hotel room.
7.30 pm onwards: Enjoy your dinner and relax
After the long day, you are longing to stretch your feet and relax in the comfort of your room, aren’t you? You can have your dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Catch a good night’s sleep to re-energize yourself for a fresh round of sightseeing on the following day.
DAY 2
10.00 am – 11.30 am: Visit Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Begin your second day with a visit to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, a top tourist attraction in Amritsar. Housed in one of the summer palaces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this museum offers a glimpse into the life and times of the great ruler through a rich collection of artifacts and archival records from his court.
- Timings: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm (winter); 9.00 am to 6.00 pm (summer); closed on Mondays and Public Holidays
- Entry Fee:₹ 10 per person
Your next stop is the Gobindgarh Fort, where you can experience a rich blend of history, heritage, and fun.
- By road: 15 minutes’ drive
12.00 pm – 2.30 pm: Explore Gobindgarh Fort followed by lunch inside the fort premises
Explore Gobindgarh Fort | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Gobindgarh Fort is not just a historical structure; it also serves as a live heritage museum. Spend some time inside this 18th-century majestic fort to know more about its glorious history and enjoy its many attractions.
- Timings: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee (valid up to 5.00 pm only): ₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 100 for foreigners
What to do
- Admire the architectural beauty of the fort
- Watch folk performances
- Enjoy fun activities like dancing to the beat of dhol, riding on camels and horses, trying your hands at pottery making, dart-aiming, etc.
- Visit Pagdi and Sikh Art Museum
- Learn more about the fort’s history at the War Museum
- Shop for handicrafts at Haat Bazaar
While you are busy enjoying the various attractions and activities inside the fort, take out some time to explore the flavors of Punjab in true dhaba style.
Where to eat
- Ambarsari Zaika Dhaba
- Zaika Gali
After exploring the fort and relishing your lunch, set out for Ram Tirath Ashram located on the city outskirts.
- By road: 30 minutes’ drive
3.00 pm – 4.30 pm: Visit Ram Tirath Ashram, the renowned shrine in Amritsar
Visit Ram Tirath Ashram | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Sri Ram Tirath Ashram is believed to be the spot where sage Valmiki gave shelter to Sita after Lord Ram had abandoned her. Legend has it that she later gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush, at this very place. Also known as Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, the main attraction of the ashram is a stunning gold-plated statue of Valmiki weighing 800 kilograms.
- Timings:00 am to 9.00 pm; every day
Now, it’s time to explore another impressive religious structure of Amritsar, namely Jama Masjid Khairuddin
- By road: 30 minutes’ drive
5.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Take a tour of the iconic Jama Masjid Khairuddin
Iconic Jama Masjid Khairuddin | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Witness the architectural beauty of this grand mosque that has a deep connection to the country’s freedom struggle. Adorned with four minarets and three domes, it is a fine example of the Islamic style of architecture.
- Timings: 00 am to 7.00 pm; every day
Once you are done with exploring the mosque, indulge in some shopping at the nearby Hall Bazaar.
- By walk: 5 minutes
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm: Shop for some local items at Hall Bazar
One of the oldest and liveliest markets in Amritsar, Hall Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise. Among other things, it offers an amazing variety of dress materials and designer dresses with intricate Phulkari work.
- Timings: 00 am to 7.00 pm; every day
Now that you have filled your shopping bags with souvenirs, how about ending your 2-day trip to Amritsar with a lavish dinner at Lawrence Road?
- By road: 10 – 15 minutes’ drive
7.15 pm onwards: Proceed to Lawrence Road for a lip-smacking dinner
Lawrence Road Dinner | 2 Days Itinerary Amritsar
Whether you want to dig into a rich platter of Amritsari tikkas and kulchas or try some desi desserts or just settle down for a cup of coffee and some snacks, you will find several options at Lawrence Road.
- Timings: 00 am to 10.00 pm; every day
Where to eat
- Sanjha Chulha
- Surjit Food Plaza
- Chawlas 2
- Chaupati Restaurant
- Formos
- Taste of Amritsar – Hotel Punnu International
- Metro – Humble Hotels
By now, you must be pretty exhausted. Call it a day, head back to your hotel in Amritsar / airport, and bring down the curtain on your Amritsar trip.
This post was last modified on 07-Aug-2023
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Nice and informative blog.