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Street Food Haven of India, Amritsar

It doesn’t matter whether America or Amritsar; street food is what people choose in place of restaurants and extravagant cuisines. However, the street food offerings from Amritsar are among the most well-known around the globe.

The city of Amrit Sarovar, Amritsar, is a foodie’s paradise. Maybe it’s because of the fertile soils of Punjab or the process of making food or both, whichever is the reason, it’s hard to deny that the street food you can find in Amritsar surpasses all other food choices.

Book a Car Rental in Amritsar, and enjoy your day trying fantastic food.

The best street food you can try out in Amritsar

● Amritsari Kulcha

It is said that the Kulcha in Amritsar is world-renowned. What makes it so popular is the filling. The melting butter in the kulcha is guaranteed to make your heart melt. This dish comes with chickpeas which are cooked uniquely. The onions soaked into the tamarind sauce will make it more delicious.

Where to eat: All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha, Harbans Lal Kulche Wala, The Kulcha Land, Kesar da Dhaba, Darshan Lal Kulche Wala

Cost: 80-100 rupees per plate

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● Puri Chana

The best Puri Chana can only be found in Amritsar, so trust the foodies. Every foodie should eat it because it is the best street food in Amritsar. The best type of street food available at any time of day is Puri Chana. However, we suggest eating it for breakfast.

Where to eat: Kanha Sweets, Vinod Puri Wala

Cost: 50-80 rupees per plate

● Amritsari Lassi

Amritsari Lassi, whether consumed alone or with your kulcha, will deeply please you. Amritsaris have discovered nirvana in the tall stainless Lassi glass, which is filled with churned yoghurt and has a thick coating of cream on top.

Where to drink: Ahuja Milk Bhandar, Giani Di Lassi, Brothers Amritsari Dhaba, Kanha Sweets, The Kulcha Land, Kesar da Dhaba

Cost: 40 rupees per glass

● Jalebi

You can’t beat the always popular jalebi among all the delicacies. Jalebi is a treat that is widely available in Amritsar and may be found in stores, dhabas, and sweet shops. Additionally, the jalebis are freshly prepared in front of you to enhance their flavour. They have a crispy texture and a strong ghee and syrup flavour.

Where to eat: Sharma Sweet Shop, Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala and Sanjha Chulha Rajasthani Chat Bhandar

Cost: 300-400 per kg

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● Mutton Tikka

Mutton that is tender and melts in your mouth, coated or fried in a hot gravy stew. Perhaps mutton tikka with no sauce added and a bread-like accompaniment that is softer than any other you’ll find in the city. The marinating and slow cooking of the lamb ribs are the secrets to this mutton meal. The dish has rich flavours and tastes thanks to rich spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron.

Where to eat: Adarsh Meat Shop, Prakash da Dhaba, Surjit Food Plaza, Beera Chicken Corner

Cost: 200-350 Rupees

Not to be ignored: Amritsar is renowned for its stunning golden temple, and no “Amritsar cuisine tour” would be complete without mentioning its 24/7 Langar. A simple thali with raita is always available from the Golden Temple’s kitchen, so pop by anytime. Even though it might not be the most delectable food on this list, it unquestionably has the most significant and mystical setting.

Every dish is freshly cooked, made on the spot, clean and hygienic, and simple to digest, whether it be the softness of the kulcha or the richness of its lassi. Amritsar has so much excellent street food that it is no surprise that it is unofficially known as the “Street food haven of India.”

If you’ve not yet visited Amritsar, this is the ideal time to pack your bags and open the app to book Cabs in Amritsar and set off!

The Heavenly Charm of the Golden Temple by Sayani Nath

The Heavenly Charm of the Golden Temple by Sayani Nath

“Heaven is draped in swarna and encircled by amrit sarovar.”

That’s where Swarna mandir (Golden temple) stands- in the midst of amrit sarovar (amrit=divine nectar, sarovar=lake), wrapped in swarna (gold¬).
Legend of the swarna mandir : The legend goes ,emperor Akbar gifted guru Ramdas a piece of land . Guru Ramdas constructed a pool in the gifted land that now stands to be the Golden temple.

Golden temple is perhaps one of the most visited spiritual sites of the world. Wrapped up in gold and marble, golden temple embraces all irrespective of their caste and creed and provides meal free of cost (langar khana).

Must Read: Haridwar: The Doorway to Gods by Sayani Nath

My blissful journey: After taking a dip in the holy amrit sarovar, I covered up my head with a turban and fetched the kadha Prasad. I merged into the crowd humming “waheguru” and after an hour or two, of shouldering each other; we made our way through the magnificent entrance of the gurudwara. People singing soulful ragas, the captivating walls with the finest artworks and engravings of verses from the Granth Sahib, and above all, the majestic roof enveloped in gold – it was all heaven, inside out.

The langar khana : After, being flabbergasted by such a mesmerizing view, we were headed to the langar khana. We were offered plates and utensils for eating. Thousands of people sat down on the ground for the meal whilst a hundred of people were busy making roti, dal and other delicacy. What we learnt was – anyone can give free service of any form in the Golden temple, be it cooking meals, washing utensils or keeping the holy amrit sarovar clean. The meal comprised of pulao, dal, roti, payas, and chawal. Never in my life did I have such a comforting meal. The meal was after all, God’s meal, made by people with the kindest hearts and loving souls.

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Shopping outside the Golden temple : There are loads of shops outside the temple. Visitors can buy amritsari juttis or the beautiful clothing pieces from the clothing stores. You can also enjoy shikanji or thandai kulfi after having the comforting Gurudwara meal.

Must Read: Top 5 Attractions in Bhatinda – Travellers of India

Explore the Gallant History of Indian Soldiers in Amritsar by Sayani Nath

“Do you know why Amritsar is regarded as the Golden city of India?”-I asked. “The holiest shrine of India-The Golden temple is situated here” they replied. “Well, the city is also the standing evidence of the golden history of the Indian soldiers” said our Punjabi friend.

#1. The Jallianwala Bagh: The historic garden is a 4 minute walk from golden temple. The garden is a memorial ground for all the lives lost due to massive shooting under the command of general O’Dyre without any warning beforehand.

The legend goes – A huge number of people went there to protest against the Rowlatt act. The park had one exit and high walls. When gunshots were fired, people failed to escape. A few hundred of them jump into a well to prevent getting shot at. Nearly 120 dead bodies were retracted from the well.

The deceased included people of all ages. Their names are still engraved on a memorial statue at the entrance of the Jallianwala Bagh and the golden temple. The bullet shots are still engraved on the walls.

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Traveller’s advice: Every evening a 28 min light and sound show is held at 7 p.m. to honour the Indians “who never came out”.

#2. The Attari border (the Wagah border): “Ma tujhe salam”- is still at the top of my playlist ever since I visited the Attari aka the Wagah border. It never ceases to fill you with immense patriotism and pride for our India. It’s an army outpost between Amritsar of India and Lahore of Pakistan.
Common misconception: “Are Attari and Wagah same?” No it’s not. Attari is a village at the border of India, situated 30 km from Amritsar. Hence, the Indian name of the border is “Attari”. Wagah, on the contrary, is a village at Lahore in Pakistan. The Pakistani name of the border is “Wagah”. This border in situated on the Radcliffe line separating India and Pakistan.

Must Read: Haridwar: The Doorway to Gods by Sayani Nath

“Beating the retreat ceremony” takes place from 5:15 pm every evening here (5:15 pm at summers and 4:15 pm at winters).
As you enter the large stadium filled with exciting, thunderous echoes, you can see the large pictures of Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian border and
Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the other border. And here goes a bit of history in this regard.

Jinnah wanted a separate country for the Muslims. However, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the partition. He strongly rooted for the fact that the indo-pak partition would affect the diversity of India. As the British left, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two independent countries- India and Pakistan.

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As the sun sets, the crowds assemble around the parade ground. Thereafter, starts the patriotic songs and you find yourself humming with the others- “ye Bharat desh hai mera”, “chahe jitna zor lagalo, sabse age hum hai Hindustani”…. Soldiers from both the side march in the perfect drill to the beats of the drum. After the march, the flags are lowered down. People of both the countries burst into zeal. And hence goes the cry-“Bande-mataram”,“Hindustan zindabad”, “bharat mata ki jai”. People cry at the top of their voice to support and honour their respective countries and the whole environment echoes with the sound of thunderous applause…it’s as if your blood boils with patriotism and national fervor.

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Traveller’s advice: To get the VIP seats at the Attari border, get ahold of the BSF at post no 3 in the morning of your chosen visit day. This post is on the main road to the Attari JCP and border. It’s about 3 Km before the main check posts. In case you fail to do so, you can join the most exciting dance by the Indian women in the parade ground of the Indo-pak border. It can fetch you good VIP seats and an unforgettable memory.

Food junction: The Attari border serves good food to all the visitors. However, the best option is to go for “Shahi quila” – regarded as India’s first and last restaurant. It serves all sorts of food- lassi, pasta, whatever you want to relish.

There are loads of souvenir shops there. You can come back with a souvenir from the place as a mark of the gripping experience.

Must Read: Top 5 Attractions in Bhatinda – Travellers of India

Top 5 Attractions in Bhatinda – Travellers of India

Bhatinda is a city—one of the oldest—in the southern part of Punjab. It is nicknamed the ‘City of Lakes’, because of the artificial lakes present in the city. The town is perfect to get the feel of Punjab. It offers various attractions like Quila Mubarak, Chetak Park, Bahia Fort, Zoological Gardens, Dhobi Bazaar and Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan. There are plenty of hotels in Bhatinda to accommodate tourists.

Below are listed the top 5 attractions, one must explore on their visit to the old Bhatinda:

1. Quila Mubarak: Quila Mubarak in Bhatinda is an ancient monument. The monument is also known as Bhatinda Fort. The bricks of the fort do date back to the Kushana Period when emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India. Raja Dab along with emperor Kanishka is believed to have built the fort. The fort became the place where the first Empress of India, Razia Sultana was defeated and imprisoned. The fort is the top attraction in Bhatinda. It has been in existence from around 90-110 AD in its current place and is the oldest surviving fort in India. Know what more top things to do in India.

2. Bhatinda Lake: The lake is located near the thermal power plant. Bhatinda Lake is a favourite spot to spend the evenings for the city locals. The strolling place near the shores of the lake is excellent for a relaxing evening walk. Various eateries located nearby the lake attract a vast number of people. Boating facilities are available at the lake with Kashmir styled Shikara Boats.

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3. Lakhi Jungle: The jungle is situated 15 km off Bhatinda. This forest shelters an ancient Gurdwara where Shri Guru Nanak Dev delivered Shri Japji Sahibs—one lakh holy sermons. The 10th Sikh Guru—Guru Gobind Singh has marked the sacred place with his visit.

4. Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan: It is one of the most important places of worship in Bhatinda for Muslims. This area of prayer welcomes people from all religions. It is believed that Bhatinda’s Pir Baba is capable of solving any problem. It is located between grain market and Civil Hospital and has a peaceful ambience. The Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan is a beautiful display of the religious diversity in India as the mosque is built alongside a Sikh Gurdwara and a Hindu temple. It shares its walls with the two, too.

5. Bir Talab Zoo: The Bir Talab Zoo is a notable attraction in Bhatinda spread across an area of 161 acres. The entrance has a beautiful garden beyond which there is an enclosure for birds. Established in the year 1978 by the Red Cross Society, the zoo is currently governed by the Forest and Wildlife Protection Department of Punjab. The zoo is home to several rare and endangered species of animals, reptiles and birds. It is famous for its lawns and gardens.

Visit these places and enjoy your stay in the beautiful city of Bhatinda. There are many hotels in Bhatinda that provide top-notch services.

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Who Says September Is Not the Best of Months to Travel?

September is undoubtedly one of the most underrated period of the year if we talk about travelling in India. The winters are not there, the summers are kind of gone, and the monsoon has almost ended. Therefore, people thing that September may not be the best of times to travel. However, we do not realize that as, not a lot of people think it is the best month to travel, therefore, there are all more chances to visit awesome places which are less crowded. Therefore, don’t stop yourself from booking your Mumbai to Goa or your Kolkata to New Delhi flights now!

Here are some of the top places to enjoy in September:

  • Delhi Belhi

September indeed is one of the best months of the year to visit the capital of India. It is far better than the hot summer months of May or June, and not as chilly as December or Jan. Therefore, if you really want to wander in the parks near India Gate or inside the CP circle then book your Mumbai to Delhi or Kolkata to New Delhi flights ticket now! You would be surprised to know that Delhi is a bundle of joy for not just the travelers but also for the foodies and shopaholics. Also, there are many hidden gems of Delhi like Agrasen ki Baoli to experience something new and different here!

Also Read: The “Rajdhaani” of India, Delhi – Travellers of India

  • The Golden Temple

One of the most famous places to see in India are Golden Temple. Therefore, if you haven’t got a chance to experience the holiness of The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, then this is the month to be there!  Amritsar is known for the Golden Temple but that is not it, you will find a host of other interesting places to see here as well. Gurudwara Goindwal, Durgiana Temple, Jallianwala Bagh etc. are some of the other interesting places to see in Amritsar! Also, make sure you treat your taste buds with the authentic Punjabi food in Punjab as well!

  • The mesmeric Daman & Diu

Daman and Diu consists of myriad picturesque delights. This is a place which is blessed with some of the most fantastic places to see, some of the most delightful relics built by the British, Mughals and even the Portuguese. Apart from mesmerizing beaches and coastal areas, there are a plenty of interesting ancient spots to visit in Daman and Diu as well. A traveler can take a stroll near the Diu Fort and Panikotha, and visit the St Paul’s Church while enjoying Daman and Diu.

Listed above are a just a few of the places to enjoy in India during the month of September. However, the soothing hill stations in Uttrakhand and Himachal are always perfect choices for a wonderful vacation. So, plan a trip to any of these places so, prepare a fantastic itinerary, and quickly book either your Bangalore to Amritsar or Kolkata to New Delhi flights soon.