Places to Visit Near Suratgarh

We all have that travel bug inside us and most of the people I have come across, the one thing which is common- “travel more, spend less”. The pleasure of visiting a new place without spending much is second to none. The other thing which is common between my fellow citizens is that they don’t have enough leaves so the weekend breaks becomes the new found best friend.Amritsar can be easily visited on weekends. We (group of 5 friends) travelled to Amritsar from New Delhi. It’s an overnight journey. There are several trains and buses between the Capital city to Golden city. Trains are more convenient, of course for the most obvious reasons. In case you are visiting the city only for a day, make sure you book a train which reaches Amritsar early morning. (as early as possible)We had planned the trip only for a day. We went straight to the Golden temple by taking a shared auto.The auto dropped us right outside the temple and charged us Rs. 35 per person (30 mins from railway station). We walked inside the temple complex with our luggage and went to their bathing area (free of cost). There was separate bathing area for men and women and is clean and well maintained but crowded. Cleanliness is maintained by volunteers.If you are staying overnight in Amritsar, it is highly recommended to stay in hotels which are close to the Golden temple. The range of these hotels varies (from Rs. 500 to 3000) and it’s up to the individual’s choice. But make it a point to get refreshed quickly and leave for the Golden temple.We kept our luggage in the luggage room (free of cost) and footwear in jora ghar (shoe stands) and entered the temple complex. An artificial stream was flowing to wash one’s feet before entering. Make sure to cover your head properly before entering the holy complex. Anyone can take a dip in the holy sarovar but use of soap or shampoo is not allowed. It’s believed that one gets cured of the diseases by taking a bath in the sarovar. As soon as we entered, the grandness of the temple bowled us over. The temple has gold work done on major part of it including the dome. The carving work done on the walls is amazing.The katha and kirtan at the temple was melodious. It took us approx. 3 hours to get the darshan. There are separate queues for women with toddlers. Unlike other temples in India, the volunteers don't pester you to go out once you enter the Sanctum Sanctorum. The kadha Prasad is offered with cupped hands and it is touched with the tip of krippan before it is distributed.It was almost lunch time when we moved out of the temple complex and headed towards the langar hall. We were to astonished to see hundreds of volunteers working there. The food served was fresh and hot, excellent Kheer, and a special mention of the unique way of serving drinking water. Everything was systematic and neat and clean. If you are not having the lunch there, still it’s a must to go and see the Langar area because you will be amazed how common people are providing their services to do activities like cutting vegetables, making rotis, washing used plates. Everything is very systematic. A perfect example of team work. (CEOs/Managers go have a look).We then covered Jallianwala Bagh (India’s bloody past) which is mere 5 mins walk from the Golden temple. In the center there is a memorial tower. It is difficult to think how, from a lane where three people can’t walk side by side, one man managed to perpetrate a massacre. It infuses patriotism in andreminded us of sacrifices made by our ancestors to win Independence. Once we were out of Jallianwala bagh, we found lot of taxi and auto owners asking for Wagah border. They take you on a sharing basis for Rs. 120 per person to and fro. Try to take comfortable seats in auto as its almost an hour drive but the condition of the road is good. (No point of doing advance booking)Make it a point to reach Wagah Border by 2 pm or let’s say as early as possible but be ready to wait for approx. 3-4 hours before the ceremony starts. But it’s still advisable if you want to sit and watch the entire ceremony. The place was excessively crowded plus a big queue for security check. We didn’t carry anything and it was such a relief because nothing (Nothing means nothing- no chips, popcorn, ladies handbag, camera cover, etc. Only water, wallets, sunglasses, cameras are allowed) is allowed inside and then you have to keep your stuff in road side vendor locker for which again you have to stand in queue.We reached in nick of time and occupied seat which gave okay view but we still felt lucky because there was humongous crowd standing and forced to watch the border parade on the big screens installed there instead of live.The retreat ceremony is for 45 minutes which includes the closing of international gates and the lowering of the flag. The atmosphere was simply electric. The crowd modified into a hooting cheerleader. Passion and patriotism was at all-time high. The moment became so live and full of energy. People danced on some of the famous patriotic numbers. Children also get a chance to take the flag and run.The auto dropped us at the same place and we decided to do some shopping. We went to Hall market which lies in the way to the Golden temple. Patiala salwar and jootis were exceptionally beautiful and cheap. We found handicrafts like phulkari and shops of weaponry like swords and krippan and other souvenirs in abundance. Later, we went back to the Golden temple and collected our luggage and had our dinner at one of the local dhabas. (within city limits non-veg food isn’t available). Don’t miss out the famous Amritsari Kulcha and Punjabi lassi (a giant glass with malai on top). We missed on sarson ka saag as its mostly available in winters.

We left Delhi early morning at around 6 and reached Amritsar at about 2 pm.

So it all started 3 years back when I planned a trip to explore the beauty of Amritsar.I was accompanied with one of my friend from South India (Malhar Ashrit) who always wanted to travel to this place, but had a budget constraint.So was that a big deal, NO.I booked the tickets in sleeper class coach of Indian railways for 280 bucks from Delhi to Amritsar. Train departed around 7:30 pm from Nizammudin, Delhi and reached Amritsar around 4 30 Am.There' s always a free bus service available to golden temple from Amritsar railway station. But, you need to stand in a big queue. Since, we wanted to save money, we waited for some 10-15 min for the bus to arrive and got a seat as well. The journey took us around 15 mins to reach Golden Temple (Free of cost service).The Golden temple provides you accommodation at a cheaper cost, but check-in time for it is 12 noon. We did not wanted to waste any time, took a lodge outside the Golden temple area to fresh-up and keeping the luggage, paid 200 bugs.( You can easily get cheap accommodation in-around the place).

4. Experience the Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah BorderPlan a place to visit near Delhi on weekends to the Wagah Border to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony. A local transport service from Amritsar will take you to Attari. Easy connectivity make Wagah Border one of the cheapest places to visit near Delhi. Avoid booking local taxis if you are on a strict budget. Remember to be seated not later than 3pm for the 4pm ceremony. Choose tourist guesthouses for the cheapest deal.

Day 10 Amritsar we took long sleep because we were very tried after the long journey. Than around 10am we had breakfast at Bade Bhai Ka Brothers Dhaba tried the Amritsari Kulcha & Alu Paratha. Than we headed to Golden temple. The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. trust me you will feel that you are in heaven. The visual treat is awaiting for you here, The peaceful atmosphere calm your nerves You may have to park your vehicle around 200m away and walk to the shrine. The path to the shrine is made so good m even the shops are well arranged. The Kitchen at the Golden Temple feeds up to 100,000 people a day for free! It is truly amazing. The night scene completely changes the view into gold with the abundance of Lights. After golden temple we went to visit Jallianwala Bagh Situated close to Golden temple, this is also a must visit attraction for all. Is the site where a large number of innocent, unarmed and peaceful civilians including women and children were brutally murdered. The garden also houses a memorial built in honour of the massacre victims. The portion of the wall with bullet marks along with the well is preserved as a memorial. A light and sound show is hosted here every evening. Later we back to the hotel rest for the 1 hour than we left for wagah Border. The only road border crossing between India and Pakistan, Wagah lies between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan, and is located approximately 29 kilometres away from the city. The illustrious lowering of the flags ceremony takes place here at the Wagah Border; a daily military practice followed by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers, since 1959. (Note Opening Closing Time 4 pm onwards, every evening)

1230 hrs: Have lunch and book two rooms near railway station @ INR 600 per room.

Journey Amritsar to Naggar.We left for Naggar, Himachal Pradesh around 11:00pm from Amritsar (Rs 7000/- for Ertiga 8 seater. There are also Government transport Available but I would suggest you to prefer cab (front seat!), as the journey is a whole different experience in itself.Not forgetting to mention about the Spooky roads which is part of the journey almost throughout, but once you enter the Himalayan Ghats it’s a whole different story that makes the spooky roads a wonderful journey, when you find yourself nested in the beauty of the God gifted nature. The charm of the morning and the bliss of the cool breeze, breathing the freshness is just what one would ever want in life. Timing is all you need, we reached the right place at the right time.

The next day we packed our bags and left for Amritsar, it took us approx. 5 Hours to reach our hotel Hong Kong Inn, again a good hotel with good rooms and cordial staff.The same evening we visited Golden Temple, ah, this site and place I have been longing for, believe you me, its beautiful, in the evening lights the temple shines like the moon on a full moon night. If you be here you have to visit this during the evening and also during the day. You just cant miss it.

When the travel bug bites, you find yourself constantly scrolling up and down on Google Maps figuring out destinations nearby. And on one such day of scrolling, when Shreya (who was on her way to Chandigarh for a wedding) asked me if I wanted to join her on a quick detour to Amritsar, I was more than happy to say yes!

Day 1 & 2( Mumbai to Amritsar- 2 nights in Train via Golden Temple Express)The day we were supposed to start our journey via Golden Temple my son got fever.I was again in a dilemma as my son's health was of utmost priority & was no ways going to compromise on that. I spoke to my husband & he suggested I speak to my family doctor, I spoke & got some SOS Medicine names as a backup. I was still contemplating cancelling my trip but in spite of fever my son showed immense enthusiasm for the trip. He was all ready to start the journey. After a lot of Thought, I decided to go ahead with the plan keeping in mind that the Train will serve as a rest time for him with no fluctuation in climatic conditions. I had decided that i will take a call on proceeding to Dharamshala once we reach Amritsar depending on his health.I was mentally prepared to take a flight back home if he did not recover.I will not deny that I started the journey with a lot on tension but went along with the positivity & faith that all was going to be ok. I kept him hydrated throughout the train journey but I would check his temperature every 4 hours. Whenever I would tell my son that if the fever does not go we will go back home, my son would immediately reply saying “ Mamma I am going to be ok”. He would even eat saying he wants to be strong. I truly wanted to believe in him & was hoping all went well. Luckily, The Morning we reached Amritsar, My son had no fever..Just a bit of Cold. Truly- Hope & Will Power Works wonders...Especially when it comes for a 4 yr old!Day 3- Amritsar to Dharamshala(Dharamkot)