This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Amritsar.
Amritsar, Punjab, India, is located just twenty-eight kilometers from the Pakistani border. Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the city's most popular tourist attraction. As it's the holiest gurudwara (religious complex) of Sikh religion, thousands of Sikh pilgrims come to see Golden Temple every day. The easiest way to get to Amritsar is to take a flight from Delhi; there are trains operating from Delhi to Amritsar throughout the day. You can easily reserve a seat in one of the air-conditioned sleeper trains at night -- the journey is comfortable and saves you time and money spent on accommodation.
Basic Amritsar, Punjab, India hostel accommodations (only available to foreigners) are available near the Golden Temple. If you want to stay a bit far away from the Golden Temple, there are now many backpack hostels in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Getting around Amritsar is pretty easy, due to city's autorickshaws system; make sure to agree on a price before you hop on. If you are visiting the Golden Temple directly from the train station, there are free shuttle buses to take you there.
For a truly unique experience, when you are visiting the Golden Temple, don't leave without having a meal at the Langer. It's the largest community kitchen in the world, open twenty-four hours every day, and feeds upwards of one hundred thousand people a day. Every evening before the dusk falls, you can visit the Wagah Border Ceremony, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. The ceremony is highly choreographed, melodramatic, and a fascinating experience. Other than soaking up the beauty in these cultural activities, you can taste the mouthwatering Punjabi cuisine in Amritsar. Allow yourself a few days to fully immerse in the wonderful atmosphere in this northwestern Indian state.
Written by local enthusiast for Amritsar hostels
Zin
