The city was still asleep when we slipped out of our hotel in Chandigarh, the streets quiet, wrapped in the last moments of night. Our friends pulled up to pick us up, and though our eyes were heavy with sleep, excitement buzzed in the air. We were heading to Amritsar—the city of the Golden Temple.

As we hit the road, the world around us slowly came to life. Fields stretched endlessly on either side, scattered villages stirring awake with the first light of the day. At some point, hunger kicked in, and we made the perfect Punjabi road trip stop—a roadside dhaba. Fresh, hot parathas landed on our plates, served with a generous dollop of butter, the kind of simple but unforgettable meal that makes you appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

Back on the road, Punjab unfolded in front of us like a moving painting—massive, vibrantly decorated trucks rumbled past, each one a masterpiece of color and artistry. And then, just when we thought we’d seen it all, we spotted something that left us speechless—a motorbike pulling a horse by a rope. No big deal, just another day on an Indian highway! This country never stops surprising you.

First Impressions of Amritsar: Chaos and Spirituality Collide

By midday, we rolled into Amritsar, and the energy hit us instantly. The streets were alive—honking rickshaws weaving through traffic, street vendors calling out, the air thick with the aroma of sizzling samosas and chai. It was chaotic, loud, and absolutely mesmerizing.

We left our car at our friend’s family home and hopped into an auto-rickshaw—for the first time ever. If there’s a true initiation into Indian city life, this was it. The wind whipped past us as we squeezed into the tiny backseat, holding on as our driver expertly dodged cars, pedestrians, cows—somehow making sense of the madness in a way we couldn’t.

As we got closer to the Golden Temple, the cityscape shifted. The streets narrowed, the noise softened, and suddenly, we were surrounded by history. Beautiful facades, old-world charm, and multiple colors lined our path. We stepped out of the rickshaw and began walking, taking it all in—the movement, the architecture, the quiet anticipation of reaching something sacred.

Zuleide (@zagnol_photos) taking some photos of the beautiful street and buildings ahead.

Stepping into the Sacred

From a distance, we finally saw it—the entrance to the Golden Temple. A grand gateway stood before us, framing something we knew would be extraordinary. Even from afar, we could feel the pull of this sacred place, drawing people from all walks of life toward its heart.

The entrance of the temple is just around the corner.

Before stepping inside, we followed tradition. Shoes off. Heads covered. Barefoot on the cool stone floor. It was a simple ritual, but one that made the moment feel even more significant—a small act of respect before entering a place that meant so much to so many.

And then, we stepped in.

Before us, the Golden Temple stood in the center of the Amrit Sarovar, glowing like something out of a dream. Its gold-plated façade shimmered under the daylight, casting rippling reflections onto the sacred pool that surrounded it. The air was taken by devotion—pilgrims bowing in prayer, families walking in quiet reverence. Despite the crowds, there was a deep, unspoken stillness in the air, as if the temple itself commanded peace.

At first sight, the Golden Temple is truly impressive.

A Place of Devotion and Connection

As we wandered around the temple, observing every intricate detail, something unexpected but familiar happened—locals started approaching us, asking for photos! By now, we had gotten used to this in India. Being foreigners, we often stood out, and for many, it was just as exciting to meet us as it was for us to be there. Some were shy, some were bold, but all were friendly, eager to capture a moment with us. It was a fun, lighthearted contrast to the deep spiritual energy surrounding us.

But beyond the curiosity and smiles, devotion was everywhere. Some people bathed in the sacred water, their eyes closed in quiet prayer, performing rituals that have been followed for generations. Others sat cross-legged along the edges, lost in deep meditation. The temple wasn’t just a monument—it was alive, filled with the weight of faith and history.

One of the most striking sights was the guards patrolling with long spears in hand. At first, it felt a little intimidating—after all, we weren’t used to seeing armed guards in places of worship. But as we learned more about the temple’s past and the need to preserve order, it all made sense. This was more than a religious site—it was a place of deep significance, and with that came the duty to protect it.

The guards are always ready, and they’re very strict about the rules.

The Langar: A Lesson in Generosity

The Golden Temple isn’t just a place of prayer—it’s a place of service. One of its most remarkable traditions is the Langar, a massive community kitchen that feeds thousands of people every single day, completely free of charge. Here, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you believe—if you’re hungry, there’s a meal waiting for you.

We stepped into the Langar hall, where an army of volunteers worked with quiet dedication. Long rows of people sat cross-legged, eating together as equals. It’s hard to describe the feeling of witnessing this level of generosity—in a world where so much revolves around money, here was a place that simply gave. No expectations, no conditions, just pure kindness.

We didn’t sit for the full Langar meal but tried some local food nearby. Even in a place built on selflessness, the food carried the same warmth and care. It was a humbling reminder that sometimes, the simplest acts—sharing a meal, offering a helping hand—are the most powerful. We decided not to take photos out of respect.

Beyond the Temple: Amritsar’s History and Streets

After spending a good amount of time at the temple, we decided to explore the streets of Amritsar, weaving through the busy alleys and its tiny shops and roadside stalls. Every corner had a story—shopkeepers arranging colorful spices, street vendors pouring steaming cups of chai, the air rich with the scent of fresh jalebis and sizzling samosas. Amritsar isn’t just about its grand landmarks—it’s alive in these everyday moments.

At one of the stalls, our friend introduced us to a local milk-based drink. I hesitated at first—street food always comes with a bit of risk—but after some convincing, I took a sip. And I’m so glad I did. It delicious—one of those unexpected little delights that make a trip memorable.

First I was afraid, and then I was… delicious!

From there, our journey took a more somber turn as we visited Jallianwala Bagh, the site of one of India’s darkest historical events. In 1919, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering here, killing hundreds of unarmed civilians. Walking through the memorial was a stark contrast to the warmth of the Golden Temple—it was quiet, heavy, a place that made you pause and reflect. The bullet-riddled walls, the well where people jumped in desperation, the eternal flame of remembrance—it was a sobering reminder of resilience, struggle, and the price of freedom.

Final Meal and Reflections

Before heading back to Chandigarh, we stopped at a local restaurant for one last meal. The flavors of Punjab are unforgettable—rich, spicy, and comforting.

Our final auto-rickshaw ride back to our friend’s family home was just as exciting as the first—India’s roads will always be an adventure.

As we drove back to Chandigarh in the evening, exhaustion set in, but so did a deep sense of gratitude. We had come to India for a wedding, to explore new places, and to experience a culture so different from our own. But more than that, we had come to understand people—their faith, their kindness, their way of life.

Yes, India is chaotic. But it’s also warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its traditions. This journey left us sure of one thing: we will return to India.

Stay tuned!