As out train pulled into the station, there was chaos everywhere. No matter where and at what time you are in India, the railway station is always full of life. It was past 10 pm when we reached Amritsar, our destination for the next few days. Tired by our delayed flight and caught at the last moment train journey we retired to our hotel.

Our cab driver was already waiting for us the next morning. He took us to ‘Bade Bhai ka Brother’s Dhaba’ for a heavy Punjabi breakfast. They served us with the most amazing Kulcha’s you can have. Along with a glass full of Lassi! Highly recommended. [Remember to check the size of the glass before ordering. The quantity served here is different from what you get in other places]

After huffing and puffing our way through breakfast, we were ready for the city. Our first stop was the mesmerizing Golden Temple (Known religiously as Harmandir Sahib) Statistically, the Golden Temple attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal. It is considered to be the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. The temple premise is on of the most beautiful, spiritual and serene places.

The temple shimmers as rays of sun fall upon the gold plating. Our local guide gave a restricted access tour to the temple kitchen where food is cooked by thousands for the poor and hungry. The kitchen and the serving area is spotlessly clean.

We then drove to Jallianwala Bagh. Famous for the 1919 massacre, the place is now turned into a memorial to commemorate the martyrs. There is a light and sound show in the evenings depicting the massacre. It also has a well stored museum of rare artifacts found after the massacre. A detailed history of the massacre and the events that  followed are mentioned. A must visit place for Indians.

Bullet holes still preserved in the wall

-Nupur

*All opinions and pictures are my own. Historical facts are not altered

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