Behind the Golden City
HIGHLIGHTS
- - Get the story behind one of India’s most intriguing cities and learn the cultural significance of chitta akharas , Qila Ahluwalia, and more
- - Cross the infamous Crawling Street and learn the horrific legend behind the Amritsar Massacre
- - Fill up on Amritsari kucha ( hot potato bread ) paired with a chilled lassi
- - Find out how to tie and wear a Punjabi turban and parandas
- - Visit iconic sites such as the Gurudwara Saraghari and the Golden Temple
DETAILS
Company Name: Urban Adventures
Price per person: USD 69
Duration: 4 hours
Departure Point: Town Hall Amritsar
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Return Point: Golden Temple
Return Time: 12:00 Noon
Type of Tour: Day Tour
Availability ( Days of the Week ) : Daily
The crazy streets of Amritsar are where the history of this iconic city was born. There is a story behind every alley and by-lane we cross and a legend to every monument we visit. Amritsar played a vital role in the freedom movement of India and you’ll learn about it all as you stroll the streets.
You’ll begin your Amritsar tour at the Town Hall and then head back about 400 years as we explore the streets of the historic city. We’ll first move toward the Gurudwara Saraghari, a monument erected to commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi, an iconic battle in Sikh and British military history, and considered one of the world’s most significant battles by war historians.
We’ll then proceed to Qila Ahluwalia and Jalebiwala Chowk, the latter home to some of the most famed jalebi ( sweets ) shops and other eateries in Amritsar — a must for fuelling you up as we keep moving! We’ll wander through the bazaars, bustling with locals and selling a mix of Fulkari textiles, colourful turbans, hair accessories, antiques, and more. Strolling through, we’ll soon reach the chitta akharas, 250-year-old hostels for spiritual seekers and saints.
No doubt hungry from all that walking, you’ll then devour a taste of Punjab, with satiating Amritsari kulcha ( hot potato bread ) and a chilled Punjabi lassi ( sweetened yogurt ) .
Then it’s back to the streets! We’ll pass through Taksal Chowk and reach the infamous “Crawling Street, ” where a 1919 order made by General Dyer ( nicknamed “the Butcher of Amritsar” ) required people to crawl for 150 yards if they wished to cross the main street. The incident, along with the related Amritsar Massacre, laid the foundation for the freedom movement in Punjab and brings us from Amritsar’s past through to modern-day India.
From there, we’ll head to a local turban shop and teach you the tricks and techniques for tying a three-metre turban. Women will be fixed with a beautiful paranda, colourful lengths of thread that are braided into the hair.
We’ll finish up at the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as the Golden Temple, the most sacred place for Sikhs in the world. The Gurudwara, or Gateway to the Guru, sits in a sacred pool of water, which is believed to wash away pain and grant health and happiness forever.
PRICE DETAILS
Price per person: USD 69
ADDITIONAL INFO
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, refreshment as per itinerary, one bottle of water
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, tips and gratuities for the guide.
Dress standard: Please dress conservatively as we will be visiting religious sites and traditional neighbourhoods.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number ( business hours only ) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
CONTACT INFO