Weekend Getaways near Jhang

This trip goes down the memory lane to last year of our college(2017) when we decided to visit hometown of one of our best friends (at amritsar). A place dedicated to religious sentiments and a place where the only season who you will find is spring for all the year long. First picture was taken when we were returning from the Wagha Border (India Pakistan Border). On our way back home, we took courage to walk some extra steps (not on the wrong line) to capture the seraphic beauty of this scenery. Other pictures focused on the holy place Golden Temple and the last two are from our way down to Wagha Border.

3)Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner SINCE 1962:This one is undoubtedly best Non –vegetarian restaurant in Amritsar. They are famous because of special ‘Amritsari Fish’ but their chicken dishes are equally amazing. It is one such restaurant that is listed on top of every foodie's wish list list & claimed to be the best chicken/Fish corner in the world by its fans and customers. This place is every bit as good as claimed.

Amritsar, a city having real essence of India. Filled with spirituality, the city provides you with real experience of being in India. Golden Temple, Punjabi food, Bhangra, and so on you will get all in one place. Not only this, visiting Wagha Border will fill you with the feeling of real patriotism.

Wagah Border, Punjab (India – Pakistan)Wagah border is a must visit for anyone who wants to witness Indian soldiers basking in glory and conducting ceremony every day before dusk. In the ceremony, the gates between the two countries open only for few minutes and soldiers from both the countries pay respect to each other. The border is located in the village of Wagah which 36km from the city of Amritsar.

After a month of cajoling, the college authorities finally gave in to our demands of organising a trip to Amritsar. It was our final year in the college, and so, the whole idea of visiting Amritsar with college friends seemed fascinating. We chalked out an interesting itinerary for the trip, got it approved from the authorities and were all geared up to enjoy the trip to the hilt.The most awaited day came and I, along with my friends, was standing at the platform desperately waiting for the train to arrive. The chaotic vicinity of Delhi's Railway station never failed to enthuse me. Scores of people moving back and forth, porters carrying heavy baggage and monkeys, jumping over the railway tracks were hilarious sights to watch. After a few minutes, our train stamped in, creating a lot of noise and Commotion. At its halt, we rushed to enter the compartment and started vouching for opportune seats to sit. Within a few minutes, the train started moving. The excitement in the train gradually built up. The journey was a joyous one as everyone was busy singing songs, dancing and gorging on home cooked delicacies. Eight hours elapsed and we reached Amritsar-the city synonymous with patriotism and spirituality. The narrow lanes of the city reminded me of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. We stepped out of the railway station and hopped in the buses to reach our hotels. We were asked to freshen up before visiting the pious Golden Temple. Traditional attire was preferable there and so we all were ready in our suits with dupattas tied on our head. Our bus stopped a kilometre away from the temple. We had to cover the distance on foot. There was a guide along with us who briefed us about the ins and outs of the temple.

On our Day 1 , I had planned to start my sightseeing with a Museum that is dedicated to the biggest & mightiest kings of Punjab, King Ranjit Singh.1) Ranjit Singh Museum

Day 4 - Reach AmritsarHence, next day morning we checked out of the hotel and decided to head towards Amritsar.There are few buses which directly go to Amritsar one was in morning around 6.30-7.00 am and another one at 9.40 am. We could not reach for the direct bus on time and hence the other option available to us was to travel to Pathankot from Dalhousie to Amritsar (If Pathankot buses are unavailable take a bus from Dalhousie to Banikhet to Pathankot to Amritsar or private cabs)We booked a cab from Dalhousie to Pathankot and from there we took a bus to AmritsarPAJABA NU SAVAGATA - WELCOME TO PUNJAB folks!!Once you step on the land of Punjab, particularly Amritsar you will get a feeling that you have entered a flashback zone in Modern India (stepped into 1947 Punjab)Amritsar is a holy city in the state of Punjab because of its beautiful and unique Gurudwara - Golden temple. It is the spiritual and cultural centre for Sikh religion. As much as Amritsar is well known for Golden Temple, you will be amazed by the variety of food dishes in each lane specially near Golden Temple

Getting to know from the locals and my hotel reception, i followed their advise and went to LADDI KULCHA shop (a small kulcha shop) for having a brunch before leaving for home. And i must say it was the tastiest kulcha that i had ever had .It was time , so i before checking out from the room , i went to the GOLDEN TEMPLE once again and checked out and headed straight to the bus stand for getting the bus back to JAMMU.OVERALL TRIP COST: RS 2500-2800TRAVEL COST: RS 800-900( total to Amritsar and back home , inside amritsar,wagah etc )MEALS COST: RS 500(6 FULL MEALS+ SNACKS +TEA ETC)SIGHTSEEING COST: RS 350-500ACCOMODATION COST: RS 1100

It took me about 5 hours to get there bcz there were multiple stops and toll booths in the way.Finally there (AMRITSAR), bus stand is not far away from town hall area(where GOLDEN temple, jallianwala bagh is)Tip: if u dont have much baggage, just walk to the Golden temple(10 mins) if u cannot or dont want to walk , take an e-rickshaw(pay Rs30 maximum).I reached my stay place at 5:30 pm (one can also stay at room at golden temple, but don't know about availability and price). Checked in and freshened up , moved out to have my lunch cum dinner(bcz i didn't have lunch while travel). BHARAWAN DA DHABHA(restaurant , near town hall on the way to GOLDEN TEMPLE COMPLEX) was my first spot to visit for food. ordered a THALI and the taste+quantity+service was superb for RS. 160. I kept golden temple on my list at the bottom for day 1(bcz the night view is BREATHE TAKING) ,i went to the GOBINDGARH FORT(by e - rickshaw RS 40 )to see the 2 museums ,7D show based on MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH , WHISPERING WALLS light and sound show , walk around the fort ,live cultural performance ) all for a ticket of RS 250-300 per person. and i will never ever forget that amazing evening.

'Langar' @ Amritsar Golden temple - Its not a place , its an experience - Everyone