Overview

Start pre-dawn at the Golden Temple to witness serene kirtan and, if timing allows, the Palki Sahib ceremony, then do darshan and a reflective parikrama around the Sarovar. Follow with Langar, an inclusive community meal that runs throughout the day, before strolling pedestrian-only Heritage Street to Jallianwala Bagh for the 1919 memorial. Continue to the Partition Museum (opens 10:00 AM; closed Mondays) for an hour of powerful, well-curated exhibits, then optionally stop at Durgiana Temple before lunch nearby. Mid-afternoon, depart for the Wagah–Attari Border (about 30 km); arrive 60–90 minutes early to clear security and secure seats for the high-energy Beating Retreat flag-lowering ceremony, which starts earlier in winter than summer. Return to Amritsar for dinner and an illuminated Golden Temple visit; the complex is magical at night, and you can stay for the late Palki Sahib return procession if timings align. Keep the morning walkable, use a car for Wagah, dress modestly with head covering at the temple, and plan buffers for crowds on weekends or festival days. This route balances spirituality, history, and culture without rushing.