Amritsar

Amritsar is known as the cultural and commercial center of the Indian state of Punjab. It is the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the Golden Temple, the religion’s principal worship site, which hosts over 100,000 visitors daily. Amritsar is also known for the brass and copper handicrafts of its Thathera community, its thriving chess set manufacturing industry, as well as its textile industry that produces Pashmina shawls and woolen clothes.

November to March are the best months to visit Amritsar because the weather is relatively pleasant and there is minimal rainfall. Just be aware that temperatures during the winter months of December and January can go as low as 3°C. Amritsar temperature can reach as high as 40°C in June making sightseeing and visits to popular attractions like the Golden Temple a bit more challenging.

The Old City of Amritsar is where all the prominent religious and historical sites are located, including the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh public garden. There are inns near the temple where Sikh pilgrims stay and there are also a handful of Amritsar hotels in the area. North of the city is where the modern neighborhoods of Amritsar can be found and more contemporary accommodations can be booked.