Top things to do in Amritsar which only locals would tell you:

• Eat the famous Kulchas: The hot Kulchas are served with chole and special chutney at this little corner called “Monu Kulcha Hut”. This place is not easy to find and you will have to travel some extra miles but they are definitely worth trying. It is no surprise that you will see a long queue but the staff is really quick in making these amazing stuffed kulchas. While it is not a fancy place but it will sure leave you wanting for more.

You should also try the Amritsari kulchas at Brothers Dhaba outside the Golden temple which are amazing.

• Buy the famous Amritsar Juttis : The city is well known for its traditional Punjabi Juttis and if you do not want to go far away you can get it from the heritage market(outside golden temple) which is recently renovated. No one can go empty handed from this market. You can buy Phulkari(Flower embroidery shawl), Kada(the steel bangle) or enjoy the street food in this busy street.

If you have time then you should explore the old markets of Amritsar where you can get bangles, Pashmina Shawls, jwellery and handicrafts.

• Visit Wagah Border: Do not miss the famous retreat ceremony(lowering of flags) at Atari Wagah Border. You can sit on the gallery on either side of Indian border and watch the BSF commanders perform on the patriotic songs in the background with the crowd cheering holding Indian flags. You would also see the big border Gate with Pakistanis on the other side doing the same. The energy would inspire many people who think that there is a lot of tension in the neighbouring countries but people singing and dancing on the melodies of the songs make the atmosphere extremely joyful.

• Eat the langar : This free meal is cooked inside Harminder Sahib which serves around 1,00,000 people making fresh food everyday. As you enter the compound you will see hundreds of people sitting in the rows waiting for their food which is served by sevadars(devotees). You can eat as much as you want but do not waste anything. You can also offer selfless service or seva in the biggest community kitchen of the world.

• Visit Golden temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib at night to see the magic happening around you: Look at this stunning structure with domes shining with pure Gold. As you enter the gate you will see the beautiful Amrit sarovar(hence the name of the city Amritsar) where you can take a dip before entering the sacred shrine where Guru Granth Sahib(holy book of Sikhs) is kept. It is always crowded with 1,00,000 visitors visting every day from all over the world yet you will find it peaceful and clean.

• Visit the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial : It was built to remember the massacre which happened on April 13, 1919 when British forces had opened fire on unarmed Indians killing hundreds of people. Today, it is converted into a garden area with Martyr well and bullet marks still reminding of the bloodshed which happened years ago.

• Visit Amritsar Haveli to experience the rich heritage and culture of Punjab: It is a traditional theme village with lot of things to keep everyone entertained with local street food stalls, restaurant serving punjabi cuisine, magic show, pottery art, village street and various Instagram-worthy corners for the selfie kings/queens😊