Things to do in Punjab
-
A
Brothers’ Dhaba
Amritsar is famous for its dhabas (snack bars) such as Brothers’ Dhaba which has (mainly Indian) meals averaging Rs80, and open early to late. Brothers’ is the current sweetheart, but only by a whisker.
reviewed
-
B
Surjit
Famous tandoori chicken emporium serving hearty Punjabi curries.
reviewed
-
C
Kesar Da Dhaba
Amritsar is famous for its dhabas (snack bars) such asKesar Da Dhaba.
reviewed
-
D
Guru-Ka-Langar
Guru-Ka-Langar is the free (donations appreciated) community dining room, a feature of all Sikh temples as a mark of unity among people of all religions, creeds and nationalities. The huge kitchens (one has a chapati machine) prepare dhal, rice and chapatis for up to 40,000 pilgrims a day. All are welcome to join the masses eating on the floor.
reviewed
-
E
Punjab Dhaba
Amritsar is famous for its dhabas (snack bars) such as Punjab Dhaba) meals average Rs80, and open early to late.
reviewed
-
F
Crystal Restaurant
Rated by many as Amritsar’s classiest restaurant, Crystal boasts all sorts of yummy global favourites, from lasagne to fish curry. Book ahead, especially on weekends. There are two side-by-side ‘Crystals’, apparently due to a family split...we’re equally divided when it comes to judging which is best. Guess you’ll just have to try both!
reviewed
-
G
Makhan
A great place for deep-fried fish or chicken, which you'll see sizzling in a huge wok outside from 17:00 onwards.
reviewed
-
H
Golden Temple
True to Sikhism’s inclusive nature, everyone is welcome at the Sikhs’ holiest shrine. As when at any sacred site, dress and behave respectfully. Everyone must remove their shoes and socks, wash their feet (take your cue from pilgrims), and cover their head; scarves can be borrowed (no charge). Tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Temple officials request tourists not to casually dangle their feet in the (holy) water tank but, rather, to sit cross-legged. Photography is only permitted from the Parkarma, the marble walkway surrounding the pool.
reviewed
-
I
Jallianwala Bagh
Near the Golden Temple, this poignant park commemorates those Indians killed or wounded here by the British authorities in 1919. Some of the bullet marks are still visible, as is the well into which hundreds desperately leapt to avoid the bullets. There’s an eternal (24-hour) flame of remembrance. The park also contains the Martyrs’ Gallery; a sound-and-light show was being planned at the time of research.
reviewed
-
J
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama
Within the grounds of the Ram Bagh park is the impressive Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, dedicated to the ‘Lion of Punjab’ (1780–1839). Upstairs is the larger-than-life panorama, replete with booming sound effects, depicting various battle scenes including the maharaja’s 1818 conquest of the fort at Multan. Kids, especially, will love it. Exhibits downstairs include colour paintings and dioramas.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Yellow Chilli
A stylish chain-restaurant conceived by celebrity chef, Sanjeev Kapoor, locals flock here to tuck into delights like the hariyali machchi (charcoal-grilled, mint- flavoured fish), rogan josh (slow-cooked mutton in yoghurt and fennel gravy) and blackcurrant kulfi (firm-textured ice cream). There’s a good veg buffet (Rs165; lunch only). Dinner reservations wise.
reviewed
-
K
Mata Temple
This labyrinthine Hindu cave temple commemorates the bespectacled 20th-century female saint, Lal Devi. Women wishing to become pregnant come here to pray. The circuitous route to the main shrine passes through ankle-deep waterways, low tunnels, staircases, walkways and caves, the last of which turns out to be the inside of a divine mouth.
reviewed
-
L
Sri Durgiana Temple
Dedicated to the goddess Durga, this 16th-century temple, surrounded by a holy water tank, is a Hindu version of the Golden Temple, sometimes known as the Silver Temple for its carved silver doors. Try to visit when there are soothing bhajans (devotional songs); held daily from around 7.30am to 9.30am and 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
reviewed
-
M
Old City Shopping
As you wander through the narrow alleys of the old city lined with crumbling havelis (traditional ornately decorated residences) and other heritage buildings you'll see stalls selling everything from roasted sweet potatoes to jootis (Punjabi slippers - traditional, often pointy-toed, footwear).
reviewed
-
N
Ram Bagh Museum
This must-see museum is in the summer palace built by the Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839). Under the great one-eyed leader, Punjab colonised much of present-day Kashmir and Pakistan. The weapons, paintings and manuscripts on display bring the man and this golden age of Punjabi history to life.
reviewed
-
Aurah
Above Subway is this chilled-out cafe-style haven, delighting diners with global goodies: glass-noodle salad, lemongrass chicken skewers, risotto, crispy lotus stems, lettuce wraps with sweet chilly dressing, pasta, Caesar salad and, for the mother of all sugar fixes, the ‘chocolate trip’.
reviewed
-
O
Sagar Ratna
An easygoing South Indian veg restaurant with fresh lime sodas that will quench the most savage summer thirst. Excellent southern specialities ( idlis, dosas , uttapams etc) and a sprinkling of North Indian and Chinese dishes.
reviewed
-
Neelam’s
Not far from the Golden Temple, this unassuming eatery is a convenient spot to cool your heels over a banana lassi. The have-a-go-at-anything menu includes pizzas, burgers, soups, dosas, aloo paratha and, for breakfast, honey muesli.
reviewed
-
P
Arshi's Sub-Zero
Sodas, sundaes, shakes and veggie burgers are on the boards in this rainbow-coloured parlour only darkened by the gloomy proprietor. Try before you buy the ice cream - Raj Bhoj is dried fruit and Blind Love is vanilla choc chip.
reviewed
-
Ram Tirath Temple
Around 13km west of Amritsar, it’s in the vicinity of this Hindu temple that Valmiki is believed to have worked on the Ramayana. It’s also said to be the area where Lord Rama’s two sons, Luv and Kush, were born.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Pizza Point
More memorable for being a cool retreat from the congested old city than for its (ordinary) pizzas. Other possibilities include grilled sandwiches, dosas, soups and stuffed paratha with yoghurt and pickle.
reviewed
-
R
Novelty
The exquisite sweets and gateaux served at the outside counter are perennial favourites, while the adjoining Kwality restaurant offers dishes from across the subcontinent, China and the West.
reviewed
-
S
Sikh Museum
In the main entrance clock tower of the Golden temple, the Sikh Museum vividly shows the grisly history of those Sikhs martyred by the Mughals, the British and Mrs Gandhi.
reviewed
-
Astoria Food Pavillion
A pleasant multicuisine restaurant near the MK Hotel cooking up a mishmash of dishes, from chicken patiala and veg biryani to poached fish and spinach cannelloni.
reviewed
-
T
Punjabi Rasoi
A stone’s throw away from the Golden Temple, this unpretentious all-veg restaurant rustles up reasonable Indian, Continental and Chinese fare.
reviewed