
[url=http://www.amritsar.com/airport.shtml]Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport[/url] is about 11km and a 15-20 minutes drive from the city centre. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki], an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: Air India flies to [wiki=59ead8d1e124ccfb79f3ace06f43e703]London[/wiki], [wiki=269cb914b20d49fb2f7cc5b1f602b7aa]Birmingham[/wiki], [wiki=7c885b9c7c703a77befcabeea54944d5]Melbourne[/wiki] and [wiki=1fc91e86962825bb745de53d1657b3e4]Sydney[/wiki] via [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki]. Air Slovakia used to fly to [wiki=3a8f916e8f8560773ac9b8eb6349b1c4]Bergamo[/wiki], [wiki=550d05ab240ec337038af814ff0de287]Barcelona[/wiki] and [wiki=269cb914b20d49fb2f7cc5b1f602b7aa]Birmingham[/wiki] via [wiki=c114af7c3a3c9bbbbe2875e03aa486f7]Bratislava[/wiki] but the flights have been discontinued since the airline ceased operations in 2010. There are also surprising numbers of flights to [wiki=96542eff03d2f151b9db9e87d4c1ed7b]Central Asia[/wiki] (eg. [wiki=f5d993d8e89c037d614ec8dc2559e4b7]Turkmenistan[/wiki], [wiki=7c1a943bf29d2c753fb935e99428482c]Kazakhstan[/wiki]). Qatar Airways now flies to [wiki=5503bcea3b608d5ce322ea8fb7f6806f]Doha[/wiki]. Besides, there are daily connections to [wiki=8ebaad59980c95ade797c903761fa815]Mumbai[/wiki] and [wiki=ed22953f57c4c8db48f7216882e63a7e]Srinagar[/wiki].
According to the airport website, both city buses and car rentals are available.
Even the prepaid taxi can be bargained down with the drivers to ₹300 from an initially ridiculous price of ₹550 a person (Mar 2014) before you pay, but there is a significant dearth of official taxis or even auto-rickshaws, so prepare for a hard time.
Also, be aware that if you are staying near the Golden Temple, there is a zone around it which prohibits motorised vehicles. Though not stringently applied, the streets do get very narrow, and you may have to make the last ten minutes of the trip on foot.
Amritsar (IR station code: ASR) is an important railway station and is well connected to major cities in India through daily trains.
Trains can be booked [url=http://www.irctc.co.in/]online[/url], at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking office in the Golden Temple Complex.
Here are some useful trains to get to Amritsar:
[wiki_table=33e0e008]
It's advisable to book your return train ticket as soon as you arrive in Amritsar, or before if you know the exact date, as trains are often heavily booked.
When you are back to railway station make sure you're dropped on the right side of the station. Suppose you have a train from Platform No 1, then the rickshaw driver has to cross the bridge and come across the other part of station, otherwise they will drop you at their convenient place and you have to cross the footbridge with all your baggage.
Also see [wiki=36ffaf78d22e801250c1a4f831fa7099]Rail travel in India[/wiki]
Long-distance taxis are available from most places. It takes around 6-7 hours from New Delhi via NH-1.
Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a days drive. [wiki=ff853a1840197c8230e94cf5e68180a8]Pathankot[/wiki] is about 2.5 hours away and about 100km away,
Jalandhar is about 80km from here,
Kapurthala (royal city) is about 65km from here and there are daily direct buses to [wiki=44d20cf7ad66cac40bd6fc87d4eab2e2]New Delhi[/wiki], [wiki=efb6244fc60f992347a9c6131204b545]Jammu[/wiki], [wiki=75199b23e965ce309f0874856c36d9d9]Katra[/wiki], [wiki=33d760dd178036b714669c2766cadf1b]Chandigarh[/wiki], [wiki=192ee65d56ede8c976f870fa5b55e38b]Dharamsala[/wiki] (once daily, c. 6 hours), etc.You can find Volvo buses from [wiki=33d760dd178036b714669c2766cadf1b]Chandigarh[/wiki] , [wiki=9baaebe1759ba1a6365a2b0539081516]Delhi[/wiki] and [wiki=75199b23e965ce309f0874856c36d9d9]Katra[/wiki] to [wiki=f9bf130c5961544b411cd94181491aa1]Amritsar[/wiki].
If coming from [wiki=1bbe614b9e21687ebe0393c4113faac1]Wagah[/wiki] at the [wiki=b9698b8546220246fe600a949db326bf]Pakistan[/wiki]i border, take a cycle-rickshaw (₹15, 3km) to the Attari station, where you can catch a local bus to Amritsar (₹20, 25km).
Taxis also use this route and charge around ₹500 for the entire vehicle.
You can easily visit Amritsar by car. There are many car rental companies available.
The [url=http://www.sgpc.net]Golden Temple[/url] is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. The complex is open almost 24 hours (06:00-02:00 the next day) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.
As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandanna's to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir for INR10, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the entrance itself. Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the left of the entrance, wash your feet at the entrance and head in.
* "Ghanta Ghar". This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Wash your feet in the water at the entrance in order to keep the temple clean.
* Amrit Sarovar. The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked off by ropes) are set aside for (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe.
* Harmandir Sahib. This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by traditionally dressed Sikh guards. It's a 2 storey structure where Sikh saints are seated on each floor.
* Akal Takht, directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning "The Timeless", this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht.
* Central Sikh Museum, 2nd floor (entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance). Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks from the gurus. Free.
All Sikhs are expected at some point in their lives to volunteer for a week at the temple, and everyone you see working here is fulfilling that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you feel so inclined - you could enquire by asking the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.
Free accommodation for pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. You should remain quiet and respectful of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction. Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden, not only within the temple complex but anywhere within sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay - watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere. Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Niwas, as opposed to the guards who may ask you for it when checking out.
The temple also offers neat rooms (AC 500Rs, non-AC 200Rs) in a multitude of dedicated houses, but these are, due to alleged "problems" in the past, reserved for Indian citizens only - a plead in the general information office might qualify you for an exception, but do not count on it.
* Its basic, new and clean.
* A popular backpackers choice, with a decent restaurant and friendly owners.
* Good and relatively cheap (Rs 80) food in their restaurant. They also organise shared jeeps to the Atari border crossing for Rs 250 return.
*. (8054004555) (inndiahostel@gmail.com) InnDia Amritsar is a brand new boutique hostel- clean, spacious and cozy, located in the heart of the city, near Ranjit Avenue (the dining hub) as well as Trilium Mall, and the Golden Temple. InnDia has capacity for 26 guests with a total of 5 dorms/rooms, each of them with ensuite bathroom, comfortable beds, lockers, individual lamps and free Internet access and free breakfast! Choose from private rooms and dorm rooms. At InnDia, you can relax or see a movie together in the living room, read a book from the library,enjoy the totally equipped kitchen, or meet interesting and inspiring fellow travellers! InnDia also organises regular food tours, social nights, movie nights etc to keep guests entertained! 500/bed.
*This place offers 4,6, 8 bed rooms at affordable prices. The hostel organizes various tours for guests/non guests.
Mrs. Bhandari's Guest House, [url=http://bhandari_guesthouse.tripod.com/],]No. 10, Cantonment phone="+91 183 2 222390, Rs. 2000-3500, Very neat and clean rooms
* Hotel le golden [url=http://www,hotellegolden.com[/url]]very near to the golden temple having view of golden temple from room & restaurant.Rs.1550. to 5250.
* Hotel 42 Amritsar, The Mall, [url=http://www.hotel42amritsar.com[/url]]Newly Built Luxury Hotel on Mall Road, Amritsar near Golden Temple. For discounts call Sahil 9872292468
* Hotel Sapphire, [url=http://www.hotelsapphire.in[/url]]Hotel near Golden Temple having view of Golden Temple from Hotel Rooms. Rs 1250.
* Hotel CJ International, +91-183-254 3478,09876444000 [url=http://www.cjhotel.net[/url].]A newer hotel just Opp. Golden Temple and with views of the Golden Temple. Rs 1200. Also now they have beautiful splurge higher end rooms beautifully designed & created. Rs. 2000. Wifi enabled lobby & restaurant.
* Hotel Heritage Inn, 0919876631047, [url=http://www.hotelheritageinnamritsar.com[/url].]Next to Golden Temple. Rooms are well furnished and decorated. Rs.1350.
* Royal Castle A nice hotel located in the city about 15 min from the Golden Temple. Though they claim to be a 3 star hotel 2 is more like it. They have decent rooms for around Rs 2,100 a night.
* Hotel City Heart, [url=http://www.hotelcityheartamritsar.com[/url]]Hotel near golden temple and jallian wala bagh. Offers views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 800-1550.
* Hotel Indus, [url=http://www.Hotelindus.com[/url]]Hotel right opposite to Golden Temple. Offers direct views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 1450-1650.
*Hotel Sarovar Plaza, [http://www.hotelsarovarplaza.com[/url], Bazar Maisewan near Golden Temple, phone="0183-2535354-5, Rs. 1000-2850, Very neat and clean rooms, 24hrs room service and panaromic view of Golden Temple.
Hyatt Amritsar, MBM Farms, G.T. Road (adjoins Alpha One City Center), +91 183- 2871234, [url=http://www.amritsar.hyatthotels.hyatt.com].]5 star deluxe hotel with a contemporary design, two restaurants, lounge and spa. Rooms starting at Rs 5000. Nestled in the heart of the city and 10 minutes from the Golden Temple is Hyatt Amritsar, welcoming business and leisure travelers to enjoy luxury 5 star deluxe hotel accommodation coupled with the historical wonders the city has to offer.
* Green Acres Haveli, 5 Minutes from the airport. +91-97819-83828 [url=http://www.GreenAcresHaveli.com/[/url].]Set amongst fruit orchards and lush greenery this diamond category farm-stay lets guests experience rich Punjabi culture and heritage charm. Recently restored, offers all modern conveniences and provides easy access to Amritsar attractions. Room packages range from Rs 3000 to 6000 (inclusive of meals).
* Hotel P.R. Residency, 4 Kms from Railway Station, Ranjit Avenue +91-98141-76567, 2502666. Located in the most posh area, it has undoubtedly the best rooms and view in the town. Along with the most modern equipped suites, it is a great local favourite for dining for its hospitality n memorable stay. Don't forget to try out Golden Fried Chicken and continental cuisine. Rooms starting at 2000 to 4000 for suites.
* Ranjit’s Svaasa, 47-A The Mall (opposite the Ebony Mall, down a little side street) [url=http://www.svaasa.com/ranjit/index.htm[/url].]The only boutique hotel in town, and a comparative oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Ranjit's is set in an old colonial house, and has been nicely refurbished with understated style - the place looks at its best at night. There is also a spa and small restaurant attached. Must be Amritsar's most expensive hotel with rooms starting at around Rs.5,000 per night.
* Grand Legacy, 8 G.T. Road (near railway station), tel. +91-183-5069991, [url=http://www.grandlegacy.net/[/url].] Claims to be Amritsar's best hotel and the public areas look nice enough, but the rooms (and especially the bathrooms) don't quite pull it off. Avoid the restaurant downstairs, or face amoebic dysentery. Single/double from Rs. 2000/3150.
* Ritz Plaza, 45 The Mall, 256 2836, [url=http://www.sarovarparkplaza.com[/url].]A more classy hotel also located in the city with good rooms and service and a swimming pool. Price starts at approx Rs 2,500 a night.
* MK Hotel, Ranjit Ave, 250 7911, [url=http://www.mkhotel.com[/url].]Slightly out of town, but a nicer more upmarket option with great service. Doubles from Rs 3000, suites available.
* Hotel AJ Regency . Small but comfortable air-conditioned rooms. About RS. 700/night.
* Hotel Swarn House . This 3 Star hotel is a heavenly abode for tourists coming in from all walks of life to visit the Golden Temple, which is just a walk away. It offers super deluxe and deluxe rooms to stay. Guests are served a delicious spread, comprising Mughlai, Continental, Chinese, and Italian and Punjabi specialties. Corporate travelers are also offered a spacious banquet space, which is ideal place to conduct weddings, prayer meetings and business conferences.
* Country Inns and Suites By Carlson . Queens Road, Amritsar. Tel no. +91 1835050555.[url=http://www.countryinns.com[/url].]A four star hotel with rates starting INR3000 for double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakfast. 1.5 kms to Golden temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staff.
* Country Inn Hotels & Resorts . Mall Road, Amritsar. Tel no. +91 1835020060.[url=http://www.countryinn.in[/url].]A four star hotel with rates starting INR 3000 for double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakfast. 3.5 kms to Golden temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staff.
* HK Clarks Inn: 14, District Shopping Complex, B-Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar-143001. Tel.no. +91 0183 5011111, [http://www.hkclarksinn.in[/url]. Four star hotel, good food, fine dine restaurant, lounge bar, open air barbecue, swimming pool, good aerated rooms.
There are quite a few good internet surfing facilities in Amritsar.
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* Has several machines and a decent connection.
* Scanner and printer available.
* Scanner and printer available.