TOUR OVERVIEW
Amritsar, one of the largest cities in the state of Punjab, has many tales to tell. Not surprising, considering the fact that the destination has witnessed some major events in history. Tourism has long remained a major pillar of the economy here. Amritsar is also a thriving hub of carpet and fabric production, farm produce and handicrafts. So, souvenir hunters can look forward to some awesome collectibles! Quite a few freedom fighters and other eminent personalities have been born here.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Amritsar – home of the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine and one of India’s most serene and humbling sights

DAY BY DAY – DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ARRIVE AMRITSAR

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel in Amritsar.

Amritsar was founded by Guru Ram Das, fourth Guru of the Sikh religion. He settled down next to a pool said to have with miraculous healing powers. His son, Guru Arjun Dev, built the temple within the pool, and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered it with pure gold leaf.

Late afternoon visit the border town the Wagah Border which is one of the points of the Indo-Pak border and every evening the ‘lowering of the flags’ or the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony attracts many onlookers. The iron gates are opened and border guards of both the countries lower their respective flags amidst much pomp and show. The atmosphere gets electrified as they try to outdo each other in the drill.

After the ceremony return to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 2 – AMRITSAR
After breakfast, proceed to visit the Golden Temple – the sacred Sikh sanctuary spread out in a vast complex around a huge water tank, in the midst of which stands the marble sanctum where the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth, is reverently placed. The roof of the sanctum is gold-leafed. The community kitchen provides free meals to up to 10,000 pilgrims and visitors in a day. En route to the temple, you walk by the busy bazaars of the city and explore the local market.

Also visit the Jallianwala Bagh is a memorial park and symbolizes one of the most tragic moments in India’s freedom movement.

Later visit Durgiana temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. This is a Hindu Temple which has similar architecture as that of the Golden Temple.

Late evening, proceed to attend ‘Palki sahib ceremony’ (night ceremony) which happens twice a day. The ceremony involves carrying the holy book Guru Granth Sahib to the Sanctum Santorum early in the morning and carrying it back at night. It is a symbolic gesture, conducted with utmost devotion and a visual delight to travelers. The holy singing stopped, some of particular hymns are read by the respected priest, then close the book and after performing the prayer, the book is placed in a golden Palanquin which is carried by all the devotees who lined up to give offerings. It all happens amidst chanting and reciting of hymns.

Overnight at hotel (B)

DAY 3 – AMRITSAR DEPARTURE
Your tour comes to an end this morning.