Amritsar is a historic city in Punjab, India, famous for the Golden Temple. It blends traditional culture with modern amenities but has some limits in infrastructure compared to big metros. The city offers rich food, busy markets, and spiritual sites.
Local dishes like Amritsari Kulcha and Sarson da Saag are must-tries. Vegetarian and vegan options are excellent. International cuisines appear mostly in hotels and upscale places. Late-night food is available near the Golden Temple.
Nightlife is quiet, focused on family-friendly restaurants and small lounges. Few bars and no major club scene.
Coffee culture is growing, mostly traditional cafes and some modern spots. Specialty coffee is still rare.
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Restaurants: around 5-10%. Taxis and auto-rickshaws: round up or ₹10-20. Hotel staff and porters: small tips of ₹20-₹100.
Buy SIM cards at the airport or authorized stores like Airtel, Jio, and Vi. Airtel and Jio offer best coverage and eSIM options. ID and passport copies plus a photo are needed to activate.
Cleanliness varies; main tourist areas are cleaner than some local neighborhoods. Waste management exists but can be inconsistent.
Some late-night pharmacies and minimarts have extended hours. Night clinics are rare, emergency hospitals open all day. Few food options after hours mainly near the Golden Temple.
Supermarkets like Easyday, Reliance Fresh, and More sell groceries including some international products. Local markets offer fresh produce and spices. Shops open roughly 10 AM to 9 PM and many close on Sundays. Bargaining is normal in local markets.
Cards work well in bigger shops and hotels. Smaller stalls usually take cash. UPI apps like Google Pay and Paytm are widely used here.
ATMs from major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are common. International withdrawal fees vary by bank; check before traveling.
Schools like Spring Dale Senior School and Delhi Public School teach mainly in English and Punjabi. Few international schools; check each school for curriculum and admission details.
Small digital nomad presence. Some cafes have Wi-Fi and a work-friendly vibe but no large communities or co-living spaces.
Parks like Company Bagh and Rose Garden offer green space and walking areas.
Good running routes in parks like Company Bagh and along GT Road, generally safe in populated areas.
Gyms and fitness centers of popular chains and local places are available.
Tennis courts available at some clubs.
Padel is not common in Amritsar.
Yoga studios and wellness centers offer classes and services.
Dojo and gyms teach Karate, Taekwondo, and Boxing. BJJ and Muay Thai gyms are rare but emerging.
No skiing options in Amritsar.
Limited water sports, mainly recreational boating in parks or lakes.
No surfing as Amritsar is landlocked.
No diving or snorkeling, city is inland.
Private hospitals like Fortis Escorts and Amandeep offer good care with some English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and some open 24/7. Emergency numbers are Police 100, Fire 101, Ambulance 102.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.
Good parks and family attractions like the Golden Temple and Wagah Border ceremony. Some kid-friendly cafés and ample baby supplies are available.
Social acceptance is limited and conservative. Legal protections exist, but safe spaces and venues are few.
Pet-friendly places vary. Some accommodations accept pets. Veterinary services exist. Pet parks are limited, and import rules apply.
Power is mostly stable with occasional short outages in summer. Many places have backup generators.
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