Planning a trip to the golden city? You’ll be glad to know that there’s SO much more to the city that you can do, after you've paid homage at The Golden Temple. We give you the best things to make a part of your bucket-list when in the holy city - read on!

1. Street Shopping @ Hall Bazaar

The one stop place for all shoppers, the shopping hub of Amritsar, Hall Bazaar comprises of numerous streets lined with things like clothes, jewellery, books, handicrafts and electronics. One thing you can’t miss buying from Amritsar is the phulkari dupattas and Amritsari juttis.

Location | Hall Bazaar Road

2. Explore The Chand Baori

Chand Baori is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Amritsar. This incredibly built steep well is truly an architectural marvel! It takes the identity of being one of the steepest and most organized wells in India, having over 13 storeys under the ground! We suggest you make it a point to visit and see for yourself.

Location | Param Pujya Mata Lal Devi Ji Mandir, Ramtirth

3. Watch The Whispering Walls Show @ Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort provides you the experience of history, religion and culture, all at one place. Home to many shows and exhibition, the walls here have a story to tell. Whispering Walls or Kanda Boldiya Ne is a light & sound show that has become a huge tourist attraction! For a better experience, we’d recommend going after sunset, the entry ticket post 5 PM is Rs 150 and Rs 25 before.

Location | Old Cantt Rd, Vijay Chowk, Lohgarh Chowk, Gobindgarh Fort

4. Attend The Beating Retreat Ceremony @ Wagah Border

The Beating Retreat Ceremony is held at the Wagah Border every day before sunset. Almost 5,000 people visit the border to witness this ceremony, the highlight of which is the lowering of the flags of both the countries simultaneously, followed by soldiers shaking hands and the national anthem being sung at the end. The infectious enthusiasm and patriotism is something that needs to be witnessed first hand!

Location | Hardo Rattan

5. Enjoy A Splurge @ Trilium Mall

Trilium Mall offers a diverse blend of retail and entertainment arenas that include a food court, multiplex, hypermarket, entertainment centre, wellness centres, a microbrewery and fine dining options. The mall is centrally located in the holy city and is spread over 5.54 acres, making it the largest and finest mall of Punjab!

Location | Plot C-4, Circular Road, Opp. Basant Avenue

6. Pay A Visit To The Central Sikh Museum

Established in 1958 at the Golden Temple, the Central Sikh Museum exhibits paintings of Sikh gurus, saints, warriors and other prominent leaders who have contributed to the enhancement of Sikhism. It also has a rich collection of coins, books, old arms and ancient manuscripts. The museum is open on all days & the entry is free. A visit to Harmandir Sahib is not complete if you do not visit the museum!

Location | Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia

7. Drop By The Harike Wetland

Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland in northern India. The sanctuary plays host to a wide variety of migratory birds who visit the Harike Lake every winter. Some of the birds you can spot at the sanctuary include Sulphur-Bellied Warbler, Yellow-Legged Gull, Brown Shrike and The White-Tailed Stonechat. All shutterbugs must visit the place.

Location | Jakopur Khurd

8. Spend Time At The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

This museum was the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was the first ruler of the Sikh Empire. The museum is build to display the articles that were once related to the renowned maharaja including old paintings, manuscripts, armour as well as coins that are at least a century old. The most inviting parts of the museum are the panorama show and the famous Ram Bagh which encompasses the museum.

Location | Ram Bagh, Lawrence Road

9. Visit The Ramgarhia Bunga

Picture Credits: Lufthansa magazin

At the east end of the Amrit Sarovar (Golden Temple) is the Ramgarhia Bunga, a protective fortress topped by two Islamic-style minarets which was once used for Mughal coronations and was later seized from Delhi by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. There used to be 22 watch towers around the Golden Temple in order to keep a watch on the invaders, but 20 of them were destroyed and only the adjoining Ramgarhia Bunga survived!

Location | Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia

10. Relax And Unwind At The Rose Garden

The perfect place for nature lovers and an ideal picnic spot, the Rose Garden is the perfect place to unwind. The garden is home to various blooming flowers and plants which make it a popular tourist spot. There are also a bunch of swings for kids and beautifully lit fountains. We’re sure you agree that being surrounded by nature always has a way of making one feel better, eh?! Head on over.

Location | G.T. Road Bypass, LIC Housing Boarding Colony, E-Block, Ranjit Avenue

So while chalking out your to-do list for Amritsar, keep these mesmerizing places in mind. Happy tripping!

Amritsar Trailblazer