‘Daal Roti Ghar Di, Diwali Amritsar Di‘ – This famous saying is so true. Though I/We all have celebrated Diwali since childhood, visiting the Golden Temple on Diwali night is so special. The lighting, langar, shabad kirtan, and a large number of devotees from many parts of the World – a very special day. The fireworks started at 7:00 pm and finished at 7:30 pm.

This day is also known as ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas‘.

One of the best views is from the terrace of Hotel Sapphire. Upon request, they allowed us.

One should visit at least once Golden Temple, especially on Diwali night.

Free Soft Drinks Distribution on Diwali Day near Golden Temple – This photo was taken near Shri Guru Gobind Singh N.R.I. Yatri Niwas in Amritsar (Punjab).

We booked a prepaid sharing taxi one day in advance via the prepaid booth near the Golden Temple for Rs. 100 per person. The next day was Diwali festival day, we started our journey near the Golden Temple at 2:30 pm and reached the Attari-Wagah Border at 3:45 pm.

Golden Temple to Attari-Wagah Border is 32 Km approx. journey.

Total journey/travel time from Golden Temple to Attari-Wagah Border – 1 hour 15 minutes.

At 3:50 pm, we were in the queue at the Attari-Wagah Border BSF check-post. By 4:15 pm, we were near the stands.

Please note: Gutkha, Bidi, Cigarette, Lighters, or any type of bag are not allowed after the BSF check-post. Only a camera is allowed in hand. We were carrying a camera case. A local person approached us and requested us to deposit the camera case at a makeshift locker under a tree. He provided his mobile number and locker number on a piece of paper. Charges – Rs. 30/-. After the ceremony, we collected the bag.

Attari-Wagah Border Flag Lowering Ceremony started at 4:30 pm, first with visitors’ participation and later by BSF. By 5:30 pm, the ceremony ends. By 6:30 pm, we reached nearby Golden Temple via the same shared taxi.

In words, it is difficult, at least for me, to write the experience. It is a patriotic feeling that can be felt only if you are visiting the Attari-Wagah Border. One should visit at least once.

Patriotic Quote for India (in Hindi) – This photo was taken at Attari/Wagah Border in Punjab.

No one can touch the border of this country, whose eyes are the guardians of the border.

(Distance from Attari/Wagah Border to Lahore in Km)

Attari/Wagah Border to Lahore – 23

It was afternoon hours we were at Golden Temple Road. On the left-hand side, we saw a prepaid taxi booth and thought why not inquire about taxi fares from Amritsar to Attari/Wagah Border, though the wish was to visit the next day, i.e., Diwali festival day?

Rs. 100 per person – prepaid booth counter person said. If you book today, it is Rs. 100 per person to and fro journey, and if you book tomorrow, it will be Rs. 120/-. We booked two seats in advance. Rs. 200/- paid. We were told to visit the next day at 2:00 pm.

The next day at 2:00 pm, we reached the same location and showed the pre-paid receipt. After a few minutes, there were a few more guys. They were also joining for the Attari/Wagah Border visit via the same taxi. In total, there were 10 tourists, if I am correct, and the taxi driver. We had a little walk to reach a taxi stand, and then in the taxi, a jeep. The journey started at 2:30 pm and reached Wagah Border at 3:45 pm approx. 600 meters before Attari/Wagah Border. The taxi was parked by the driver and we walked towards the Attari/Wagah Border. It was a nice 32 km journey as per the display board, but the driver said – a 35 km journey. Very useful prepaid taxi service. After the Attari/Wagah Border Ceremony, we restarted the journey and by 6:30 pm, we were back near the Golden Temple, Amritsar.

The prepaid booth is open for 24 hours – said the counter person.

Then one day I thought to inquire: Is there any bus for the Attari/Wagah Border from Amritsar Bus Stand?

Yes, said the conductor standing at Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Interstate Bus Terminal near Sangam cinema. Fare – Rs. 30/-per person one-way journey.

But I am still not that sure about the bus because I haven’t seen any bus near the Attari/Wagah Border, but still will try a bus journey one day.

It was 8:30 pm, we were passing near Jallianwala Bagh towards the Golden Temple with a thought to have dinner at a restaurant. On the left-hand side of the first floor, I saw a display board stating Gujarati Lodge, Amritsar. I was sure the room rates must be good for budget travel. Gujarati lodges and Marwari Dharamshalas are some of the best for budget/local travelers. I prefer such stays a few times if lodges and Dharamshalas are neat and clean, especially the bathroom/toilet.

I walked inside and via stairs reached the lodge. Upon query, I was told Rs. 435 per night is a non-AC room with a Double Bed and Rs. 975 per night with AC Double Bed. 435 is a budget stay in Amritsar. And then I saw a dining space. I inquired – food?

Yes, said the person sitting at the reception. Unlimited thali for Rs. 90/-. I requested two thalis. The image shown above is a live example of how good it was. Ghee on top of Roti, Bhindi ki Sabzi, Dal, Dahi, and one more vegetable along with Rice and papad, pyaaz (onion), and achar, of course. What else one can dream of? It was a nice unlimited thali and the best – it was straight coming from the kitchen. Hot in short. Fantastic dinner – I whisper.

Timings: 9 am – 9 pm. Open for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Amount paid.

Guru Ramdas Ji, fourth guru of Sikh faith, in the year 1577 AD, founded the city of Amritsar. He encouraged people of all professions to take up residence here. The town expanded further under his son and successor, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who completed the construction of the holy shrine with Harimandar in the middle surrounded by a lined tank now famous as the Golden Temple.
With the installation of the Granth Sahib, on 16 August 1604, in the Harimandar, the shrine surrounded by the sacred pool (known as sarovar), together became the central attraction of the town and a site of pilgrimage for Sikhs from far and near. With the development of Guru Bazaar, the city expanded further. Guru Hargobind Ji, (1595-1644), the Sixth guru of Sikh faith constructed the Akal Takht (Throne Eternal) near the pool and opposite to the Harimandar, where he sat in state, dispensing the secular business of the community.
In the third decade of the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh started the construction of a wall around the city to improve its fortifications as well as to mark his unshared sway over the city, which had come to serve as his second capital. It was completed finally at the cost of over 12 lacs of Rupees and had 12 Gates and bridges leading to the City. The twelve gates (darwazas) are named as follows: Lahori, Khazana, Hakiman, Gilwali, Ramgarhia (now known as Chatiwind), Ahluwalia (now known as Sultanwind), Doburji (now known as Ghee Mandi), Deorhi-i-Kalan (now known as Mahan Singh Gate), Ram Bagh, Shahzada, Darwaza-i-Rangar Nanglian (now known as Bhagtanwala Gate), Darwaza-i-Shahzada (now known as Hathi Gate) and Lohgarh.