This is a travel journal.
- Recommended for those looking for a niche destination.
- Please read this when you have a little free time.
Amritsar is a town in northwestern India, on the border with Pakistan.
A closing ceremony (flag ceremony) is held every evening at its border “Wagah“.
This is just so much enthusiasm.
Especially the large number of people and the great excitement on the Indian side.
They inspire each other and their own countries, and it’s a festive atmosphere.
India and Pakistan have bad relations, and people say it’s dangerous to go near the border.
But this is not the case here.
I will introduce you to the “Wagah” of this town, and also the “Golden Temple“.
Also, I post a few pictures of the town of Amritsar.
If you want to get the hot energy of India, please visit Amritsar.
目次
Location of Amritsar
Amritsar is located approximately 450 km northwest of the capital Delhi.
It is the largest city in the province of Punjab, with a population of about 1 million.
It takes about an hour to get there from Delhi by plane.
By train, you can get there in 8 hours, so if you have the time, you can use any means you like.
Departure times and boarding gates for flights within India change frequently, so it is best to allow plenty of time.
Moreover, please note that there are many flight cancellations.
Airline tickets can be booked through Goair or Cleartrip.
Also, the area is hot in summer and cold in winter. You need to dress according to the time of year you go.
The security situation may change, The security situation can change, so check the Travel safety information.
The Wagah (India-Pakistan border)
・This is the only border crossing that foreigners can cross from India into Pakistan.
・The gates close at 5:00 p.m. every evening. Before that, a closing ceremony is held, and the visit is free of charge.
・It is recommended to take a cab. (about 1 hour from the city center)
Many people from all over India come to watch this closing ceremony.
There were quite a few foreigners crossing the border before the closing ceremony.
It is somewhat refreshing since Japan does not have such borders.
The auditorium is divided into two areas, one for foreigners and one for Indians,
but, if you want to feel more people’s enthusiasm, go to the seats for Indians.
The receptionist will show you the seats on the foreigner’s side, but you can go either way.
Seats that were rattling a few hours before the closing ceremony are filled with people and full by the time it begins.
When the closing ceremonies began, the crowd went wild, especially on the Indian side!
So much so that the Pakistani side appears quiet.
It is indeed India that this festive atmosphere is there every day.
At the closing ceremony, military personnel from both India and Pakistan will take turns promoting their countries.
Their marching to the drums and snappy performances are a sight to behold.
Due to the spacious venue and the large number of people, it is difficult to see when spectators stand up, but the situation is also shown on a large monitor.
The closing ceremony lasts about an hour and a half.
It will continue until the gates are closed at 5:00 pm.
The event ends with the lowering of the national flag and the closing of the gates.
It is done every day.
Please go and feel it firsthand. You will receive the energy of India.
Map of Wagah (Google Maps)
The Golden Temple
・The temple is free to enter 24 hours a day, free of charge.
・You can also borrow a cloth to wrap around your head for free to enter.
・Sleeping accommodations available in the temple. If you are a seasoned traveler, please try it.
Amritsar is a sacred site for the Sikhism.
There is a very beautiful golden temple here.
The local name is Harmandir Sahib.
At night, the lights make it glow and it’s so beautiful!
You can freely enter the temple 24 hours a day.
At the entrance, you put an orange cloth over your head, deposit your shoes, and enter.
Cloth is given out free of charge at the temple.
As you walk through town before entering the temple, merchants will take the liberty of wrapping themselves around your head and demanding money.
It is not a large amount of money, but it is unnecessary and can be refused.
You walk barefoot inside the temple, but it is beautiful with marble floors.
There is also a place where you can drink water freely, and if you go there, the receptionist will offer it to you.
There is also a cafeteria, which is distributed free of charge.
You are also free to sleep in the temple.
It is cold in the winter, so it would be better to bring a blanket or something if you are going to stay the night.
There were quite a few people sleeping there, but I wonder if they can rent blankets at the site.
Map of the Golden Temple (Google Maps)
The town of Amritsar
As a town with a population of one million, it is bustling with people.
There are several bronze statues of the Maharaja.
The area outside the center of town has a lot of traffic, which is typical of India.
Finally.
India is an exciting country after all.
The country is large, and each area you visit offers a different travel experience.
Amritsar, I personally recommend it over the Taj Mahal.
If you have a chance, please go there.
If you’re going on a tour, it is convenient to use [Klook].
Search for “Amritsar” to see tours.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Klook.com
