I visited Amritsar recently from Delhi. The journey was by 04051 Anand Vihar Jammu special train. The train was the most awful. The toilets were broken and had no water. The coaches were condemned to say, the least.
I had taken previous booking by travelguru.com. at Hotel Grace, Brahm Buta Market. The hotel room was Rs.750/-+ Rs.200/- for extra bed. The room was comfortable and clean. Hot water was available on request. The staff and management was warm, helpful and courteous.
Golden temple was adjacent. The Temple Complex is quite huge, and very beautiful. You have to spare at least 3-4 hours to see the complete complex. The Shabd Kirtan was very sweet and melodious and Khara Prasad was sweet and delicious. The Darbar Saheb was a very serene and tranquil place despite having a huge crowd of pilgrims. Pity I could not try the langar.
Next day I went to Jalianwala Bagh. The place evokes memory of the martyrs against the atrocities. The place is well maintained. We went to Wagah Border. The ceremony was very orderly conducted though it is highly overcrowded and a cacophony of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram resonates. However, it always brings out the patriot in you.
The shopping is a heaven for the womenfolk. The vadis, papads, pickles, patiala dresses are very reasonably priced. Haggle you always.
The food is famous and worth the fame. You will find no bad eating joint in Amritsar. We had lunch at Brother’s Dhaba. The staff was courteous and the service was reasonably prompt and ambiance very comfortable. The price was Rs.350/- for a meal for 2 which is very reasonable.
I wanted to check Durga Mandir and other places as well, but due to some urgent work, had to cut back my stay.
All said and done, I am looking forward to another visit!