Are you planning a trip to Punjab? Look no further. Here’s a detailed account of my 9-day Punjab itinerary. Having explored this vibrant state myself, I’ve put together an itinerary that captures the essence of Punjab, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside, rich history, and delectable cuisine.
Check out my experiences in the countryside of Punjab.
We are starting the first day of our 9-day Punjab itinerary at Amritsar. So, make sure that you are in this city on the first day of your Punjab exploration.
My 9-Day Punjab Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Arrival in Amritsar and Amritsar Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Amritsar
Where to Stay in Amritsar?
Amritsar offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences.
- For a luxurious stay, consider the Taj Swarna, known for its opulent rooms and exceptional service.
- Hyatt Regency is another upscale option with modern amenities and a central location.
- Mid-range travellers might enjoy the Ramada by Wyndham, which provides comfort and convenience at a reasonable price.
- Budget-conscious visitors can opt for Backpacker’s Nest, a popular hostel with clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
- For a unique experience, stay at one of the many guesthouses near the Golden Temple, such as Mrs. Bhandari’s Guesthouse, offering a blend of homely comfort and cultural immersion.
Start your journey in Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural centre of Punjab. I arrived early in the morning and checked in at a Guesthouse close to the Golden Temple.
Exploring the Golden Temple
Finish your breakfast before heading to the Golden Temple. It is the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism. The shimmering temple, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar lake, is a sight to behold. I spent time soaking in the tranquil ambience.
Lunch
It was nearly lunchtime when I came out of the temple after darshan. For my lunch, I participated in the community kitchen, where thousands were served free meals daily. I should state that the food tasted great. If you do not want to eat in the community kitchen, you can finish your lunch at one of the restaurants near the temple:
Where to Eat Near the Golden Temple?
Near the Golden Temple, there are several fantastic Amritsar restaurants.
- Kesar Da Dhaba, a historic eatery, is renowned for its Punjabi thali and rich Dal Makhani.
- Bharawan Da Dhaba offers delicious vegetarian dishes like Chole Bhature and Paneer Tikka.
- For a sweet treat, visit Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala, famous for its crispy jalebis.
- Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale serves some of the best Amritsari Kulchas in town.
- For a quick bite, try the street food at various stalls around the temple, offering delights such as Golgappa, Aloo Tikki, and Lassi. These eateries provide an authentic taste of Amritsar’s culinary heritage.
After finishing the lunch, you can get back to your accommodation to take a rest for a few hours.
Evening: Jallianwala Bagh
In the evening, you can go to the Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial of the 1919 massacre. The park is a poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence.
After exploring this place, you can finish your dinner near your accommodation. With this, the first day of our 9-day Punjab itinerary comes to an end.
Never miss out on my posts on 7-day Andaman & Nicobar Islands itinerary and 8-day Rajasthan itinerary.
Day 2: Amritsar Exploration
On the second day of this 9-day Punjab itinerary, I finished my breakfast with the complimentary breakfast that my accommodation offered. Thereafter, I visited the Partition Museum.
Partition Museum
You can gain insights into the traumatic partition of 1947 from the Partition Museum. The museum’s exhibits and personal stories are both moving and educational. I should say that this was an educational exploration for me. After visiting this museum, I was surprised to see that it was already 1 pm. So, my stomach called me to eat something with a growl.
What to Eat in Amritsar?
I should say that Amritsar is a culinary paradise, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes.
- Start with the famous Amritsari Kulcha, a stuffed bread served with chole (chickpeas).
- Enjoy a plate of Chole Bhature, a spicy and flavorful combination.
- Don’t miss the buttery Dal Makhani and creamy Paneer Tikka.
- For non-vegetarians, Tandoori Chicken and Amritsari Fish are must-tries.
- Savor a glass of thick, frothy Lassi to accompany your meals.
- Sweeten your palate with traditional desserts like Jalebi and Phirni.
- Do you love street foods? If so, you can try Golgappa and Aloo Tikki from local vendors.
Each dish offers a unique taste of Amritsar’s rich culinary heritage. I finished my lunch at one of the restaurants near the Partition Museum.
After my lunch, I got back to my accommodation. I took a rest for a few hours. Then, I went to participate in the Wagah Border Ceremony.
Evening: Wagah Border Ceremony
If you explore Punjab in Summer, the time for the Wagah Border Ceremony is at 5.15 pm. If you go in the Winter, the ceremony starts at 4.15 pm. As I went during summer, I had time. So, I planned the visit on the second day of my 9-day Punjab itinerary. But, you should get to the place at least one hour before the ceremony begins. The reason is that not all those visiting get a chance to watch the ceremony.
After the ceremony, I slowly got out and the time was nearly 7 pm. So, I decided to finish my dinner before heading to my accommodation.
You may find my post on 11-day West Bengal itinerary helpful.
Where to Eat Near Wagah Border?
Near the Wagah Border, you can find several notable restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
- Sarhad is a popular choice, located just a few kilometres from the border, known for its delicious North Indian and Pakistani dishes, vibrant ambience, and cultural performances.
- Ziva The Coffee Shop at Hotel Amritsar International offers a relaxed dining experience with a range of continental and Indian dishes.
- Wadi Haveli serves authentic Punjabi cuisine in a traditional setting.
- For a quick bite, Border Dhaba provides hearty, flavourful meals with local flair.
These options ensure a satisfying dining experience before or after the Wagah Border ceremony.
Have a look at my post on 10-day Tamil Nadu itinerary.
Day 3 & 4: Drive to Ludhiana and Ludhiana Exploration
Day 3: Drive to Ludhiana
On the third day of your 9-day Punjab itinerary, make sure to finish your breakfast in or around your accommodation in Amritsar. Thereafter, start by a car to drive to Ludhiana. The city is located at around 141 km from Amritsar. So, it might take around 4 hours’ drive to reach Ludhiana from Amritsar considering that you will have one or two stops en route.
Where to Stay in Ludhiana?
You can find different options for different budgets when it comes to accommodations in Ludhiana. Here are a few choices:
- If you are looking for a luxurious stay, consider the Radisson Blu Hotel MBD, known for its upscale amenities and excellent service.
- Hyatt Regency Ludhiana is another top choice, offering modern comforts and a central location.
- Mid-range travellers can opt for Park Plaza Ludhiana, which provides a balance of comfort and affordability.
- For budget-friendly options, City Heart Sarovar Portico offers clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities.
- Hotel Nirvana is another good option for those seeking a peaceful stay with good facilities.
You can check into one of these accommodations based on your preferences. Indeed, you can book them online the day before you start in Ludhiana from Amritsar. Before you check in possibly complete your lunch so that you can rest for a few hours.
Evening
I reserved the evening for strolling through Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib and a visit to Rakh Bagh Park. I ended the day with a delightful meal of Rajma Chawal. Came back to my accommodation after dinner.
Go through my post on 7-day Lakshadweep itinerary.
Day 4: Ludhiana Exploration
After I finished breakfast in my accommodation, I started my day by visiting the Punjab Agricultural University. You might wonder why visit this place. I am interested in agricultural products. So, I loved this place that showcases the rich agricultural history of the state. So, you can include this place on the 4th day of your 9-day Punjab itinerary.
Afternoon
After the university visit, I finished lunch at a local eatery. I should say that I relished Paneer Tikka and Tandoori Chicken for lunch. After lunch, I visited the Phillaur Fort. If you love historical places, you will love this fort for sure. I should say that it has an excellent architecture.
Evening
I reserved the evening for a stroll through Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib. After this, I ended the day with a delightful meal of Rajma Chawal.
After the dinner, I returned to my accommodation for a restful sleep.
Also, read my post on 9-day Telangana itinerary.
Day 5 & 6 Patiala and Patiala Local Exploration
Day 5: Patiala
On the fifth day of our 9-day Punjab itinerary, we will leave for Patiala from Ludhiana. By road, the distance between these two cities is 93 km. So, without any stoppage, you can reach Patiala within around 2 hours. However, if you start early from Ludhiana, you will have to stop to finish your breakfast en route. Also, you might take two or three stops in the middle. So, it might take around 4 hours to reach Patiala from Ludhiana for leisure travellers like you and me.
Where to Stay in Patiala?
You can find different types of accommodations in Patiala. So, you can choose the one that suits your preferences. Here are some choices:
- For a luxurious experience, consider The Baradari Palace, a heritage hotel offering royal ambience and modern amenities.
- Neemrana’s Baradari Palace is another upscale option, known for its elegant architecture and serene surroundings.
- Mid-range travellers can opt for Clarion Inn Amps, which provides comfortable rooms and good facilities at a reasonable price.
- Hotel Mohan Continental is a budget-friendly choice, offering clean and cosy accommodations.
- Eqbal Inn is another good option, providing a blend of comfort and affordability. These hotels ensure a pleasant and memorable stay in Patiala.
You can choose one of these accommodations to book a room and check in upon reaching Patiala.
Where to Have Your Lunch in Patiala?
Before you check in to your accommodation, you can finish your lunch at one of the best restaurants in Patiala. When your luggage remains in your car, you can choose one of the following restaurants for your lunch at Patiala:
- Garden Resort is a popular choice for its authentic Punjabi cuisine and pleasant ambience.
- Moti Mahal Deluxe is famous for its North Indian dishes, especially Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.
- For traditional flavours, visit New Gopal Sweets, known for its Chole Bhature and sweet treats like Gulab Jamun and Jalebi.
- Chhotiwala Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, perfect for a hearty meal.
- Patiala Peg Bar at the Baradari Palace is ideal for experiencing the famous Patiala Peg along with delicious snacks.
These eateries ensure a satisfying culinary experience in Patiala.
After lunch on the 4th day of your 9-day Punjab itinerary, you can check in to your accommodation to rest for a few hours before you explore Baradari Gardens in the evening:
Baradari Gardens
This is a serene spot for a leisure walk in the evening. After spending time in this garden, you can go to the Heritage Hotel for a hearty dinner.
After dinner, you can get back to your accommodation for a restful sleep.
Also, do not forget to read my post on 8-day Goa itinerary.
Day 6: Local Exploration in Patiala
I finished my breakfast close to my accommodation on this day before I headed to Qila Mubarak Complex on the 6th day of my 9-day Punjab itinerary.
Qila Mubarak Complex
The Qila Mubarak Complex in Patiala is a historic and architectural marvel, showcasing the grandeur of Punjab’s royal heritage. Built-in the 18th century by Maharaja Ala Singh, the fort complex includes the main Qila Mubarak, the Darbar Hall, and the Ran Baas.
The intricate frescoes, grand courtyards, and elegant arches reflect the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the time. The complex also houses a museum displaying a collection of arms, costumes, and artefacts from the royal era. A visit to Qila Mubarak offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and history of Patiala’s erstwhile rulers.
When I got out of this place, it was already afternoon. So, I finished my lunch at a local restaurant near this place before heading to Sheesh Mahal.
Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal, located in Patiala, is an exquisite palace known for its stunning architecture and ornate decorations. Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Narinder Singh, the palace features intricate mirror work, frescoes, and floral designs, earning it the name “Palace of Mirrors.”
The Sheesh Mahal houses a museum that displays a rich collection of art, including miniature paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. The surrounding gardens and the tranquil lake add to its charm, making it a picturesque and serene destination. A visit to Sheesh Mahal offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and artistic heritage of Patiala’s royalty.
After exploring this place, I got back to my accommodation. I finished my dinner in a restaurant close to my accommodation before reaching my accommodation.
Day 7 & 8: Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib
Day 7: Anandpur Sahib
You can reach Chandigarh from Patiala within 3 hours. You can start after you finish your breakfast at Patiala. You will reach around 11.20 am and 12 noon to Chandigarh. Upon arrival, reach your accommodation and freshen up before you leave your accommodation for lunch.
Where to Stay in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:
- For luxury, consider the Taj Chandigarh, known for its upscale amenities and exceptional service.
- JW Marriott Chandigarh is another top choice, offering modern comforts and a central location.
- Mid-range travellers can opt for Lemon Tree Hotel, which provides a blend of comfort and affordability.
- Hotel Shivalikview offers a good balance of amenities and budget-friendly rates. For a more boutique experience, try The Altius Boutique Hotel.
- Budget travellers might prefer Hotel City Plaza 7, which offers clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
You can choose one of these accommodations for a comfortable stay in Chandigarh. Check in to your accommodation and take a rest for a few hours before you leave for lunch.
Where to Eat in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh boasts a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
- Indian Coffee House is a must-visit for its nostalgic ambience and classic South Indian dishes. Pal Dhaba is famous for its authentic Punjabi cuisine, especially Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.
- For fine dining, Virgin Courtyard offers delicious Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
- Backpackers Café is perfect for a hearty breakfast or casual meal.
- Nik Baker’s is renowned for its delectable pastries and desserts.
- Sindhi Sweets offers a variety of traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
- Sector 17 Plaza has numerous food stalls offering a variety of street food.
Rock Garden
After lunch at one of the restaurants above, you can head to Rock Garden. The uniqueness of this garden is that it has been made using urban and industrial waste.
After this exploration, finish your dinner at one of the restaurants near Rock Garden before reaching your accommodation for a restful sleep.
Day 8: Anandpur Sahib
The distance from Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib is around 82 km. So, by road, it will take around 2.5 hours. The other option available for you is to take the Vande Bharat Express which connects these two places. It departs at Chandigarh CDG at 8.45 am and reaches Anandpur Sahib at 9:58. Yes, within 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can reach Anandpur Sahib from Chandigarh. However, you will have to book tickets in advance. If you take the train, you can finish your breakfast on the train itself with a simple tea/coffee and some biscuits.
Where to Stay in Anandpur Sahib?
Anandpur Sahib offers several comfortable accommodations catering to various preferences.
- Hotel White City is a popular choice, providing modern amenities and a convenient location near key attractions.
- For a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Holy City Paradise Inn offers clean and comfortable rooms with essential amenities.
- Anand @ The Satluj provides a serene riverside experience with charming cottages and scenic views.
- Hotel Gobind Regency offers affordable accommodations with good service and proximity to major sites.
- For a more immersive cultural experience, consider staying at a guesthouse or Dharamshala near the Gurdwaras, offering basic amenities and a spiritual ambience.
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib
After you check in to your accommodation, freshen up and start to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. It is one of the five Takhts in Sikhism. I should say that the Gurdwara’s serene environment was truly uplifting.
Afternoon
After a simple yet delicious Langar at the Gurdwara, I visited the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, a modern museum showcasing Sikh history and culture.
After exploring this museum, it was already evening. So, I returned to my accommodation for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 9: Departure
On day 9, I had my flight booked at the Chandigarh Airport at night to reach my hometown. This airport is located around 89 km away from Anandpur Sahib. So, I thought that it would take around 2.5 hours to reach the Airport. So, I started accordingly. So, based on your travel plans from Anandpur Sahib, you can accordingly reach the airport or railway station from this place. If you have sufficient time, you can spend some time exploring the local markets in Anandapur Sahib before checking out of your accommodation.
Conclusion
This 9-day Punjab itinerary is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Punjab. Each day is packed with historical sites, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable trip. Check out my other itinerary posts on Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.