The history of Sikhism is filled with gallantry and bravery. Amritsar is amongst the most revered sites of the world that holds on the history of this clan. The place derives its name from Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which stands the Golden Temple. This sacred Sikh shrines attracts tourists from all across the globe. Interestingly, Amritsar also has a connection with the various mythical and historical narratives including the epic Ramayana. The fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das founded the city in 1577 that boasts of one of India’s most serene and humbling sights. Frenetic old-city bazaars along with being the haven for Punjabi cuisines, the charm of Amritsar remain un-shattered even with the rapid urbanization of the place.
Explore & Travel amritsar
amritsar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- #BEST TIME TO VISIT
- #CLOTHES
- #DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
- #ELECTRICITY
- #FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
- #FOOD
- #GENERAL
- #GUIDES
- #HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
- #HOTELS
- #INSURANCE
- #LANGUAGE
- #MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
- #MONUMENTS
- #MOVING AROUND
- #NIGHT LIFE
- #PHOTOGRAPHY
- #RELIGIOUS PLACES
- #SAFETY
- #SHOPPING
- #TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
- #THINGS TO DO
- #TIPPING
- #VACCINATIONS
- #VISA
- #WATER AND DRINKS
- #WEATHER
BEST TIME TO VISIT
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Q.Which is the best time to visit Amritsar?A.The best time to visit Amritsar is between November and March.
CLOTHES
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Q.Which type of clothes should we carry while travelling to Amritsar?A.Wear closed shoulder dresses, shorts or dresses above the knees. The climate is warm so get light cotton clothes.
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Q.Suggest the type of clothing one should carry while visiting religious places in Amritsar?A.It is mandatory for both men and women to cover their head while in the Gurdwara, so make sure you carry a scarf.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
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Q.How much baggage is allowed in the domestic flights?A.You can carry 15 kg cabin baggage in Economy Class and are allowed to take carry-on hand baggage of 7 kg. Refer to the airlines’ guideline for more.
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Q.Is it safe to travel by domestic flights and are the airfares expensive?A.Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport follows the necessary safety protocols. The prices are lower during off-seasons and promotional offers are common for special days.
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Q.Are the domestic airlines safe and on time?A.Amritsar being an international transit, the domestic flights are punctual unless there are some severe weather conditions.
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Q.Do the domestic airlines offer meals or snacks?A.Most of the domestic airlines are budget carriers but you will get the option to buy food onboard.
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Q.How early should I reach the airport counter?A.The check-in counters close 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic airlines. To know more, find out from the respective airline.
ELECTRICITY
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Q.Is the electricity 110 v or 220 v and which type of power points/plugs/sockets are used in Amritsar?A.We will advise you to carry a universal travel adapter. Check the label; if it reads "125/250V | 50/60Hz", it can be used all across. Power plugs and sockets are of type C, D and M in India.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
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Q.Which are the main fairs & festivals in Amritsar?A.Lohri, Basant Panchami, Guru Purab, Baisakhi, Ram Tirath Fair are popular celebrations one must not miss.
FOOD
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Q.I have specific dietary requirements. Will you be able to cater to my needs?A.Yes. Please mention your requirements to the representative of India Tours.
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Q.Can we eat raw food fruit or vegetables in the streets of Amritsar?A.Yes. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are available.
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Q.Is the food spicy in Amritsar?A.The typical Punjabi food is spicy but you can get varied options in the restaurants.
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Q.Is vegetarian food or vegan food available in Amritsar?A.Vegetarian or vegan-friendly food is available in Amritsar. You can find top-rated restaurants.
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Q.Is meat or fish available in Amritsar?A.From grills to gravies, you will get plenty of non-veg items.
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Q.Is Kosher food available in Amritsar?A.Yes. You can find kosher food in select places.
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Q.Is Halal food available in Amritsar?A.Yes. The shops and restaurants exclusively mention if they offer Halal food.
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Q.Is non-spicy European food available in Amritsar?A.There are non-spicy European cuisine restaurants that offer both buffet and ala-carte options.
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Q.Are there Pizza Huts/Dominos/Mc Donald in Amritsar?A.There are popular food chains available to cross the city.
GENERAL
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Q.What to pack while travelling in India?A.Amritsar, or if you are travelling to any urban city, you can mostly get the items. In general, get:
• Valid ID
• Quality spinner suitcase, locks and cable
• Comfortable sturdy walking shoes
• Layered clothes (cotton/woollen)
• Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, power bank
• Prescription drugs -
Q.Etiquette for visitors in India I should be aware of.A.Religious Etiquettes: Menstruating women are usually not allowed inside religious places. Covering head is must for Gurudwara or a Mosque. Leather items are not allowed in Jain temples. Don’t photograph cremation ceremonies.
Table Etiquettes: Food is generally eaten with hands. Hindus usually avoid beef. 5%-10% tipping is common in restaurants.
Greeting: Bow head and fold hands to greet elderly people
Business Etiquettes: Business meetings in India are slightly less formal than the occidental. -
Q.Can the physically challenged visit the monuments?A.Physically challenged people are allowed to visit monuments not all places in India or Amritsar is disabled friendly. Some tourist places have wheelchairs, disabled-friendly toilets, Braille signage, tactile floors and more.
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Q.I want to visit the local educational institutions. Is it possible?A.You will require proper permission to visit the private as well as government educational institutions.
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Q.Should we give money to beggars or children on the streets or at the monuments in India?A.It’s not illegal to pay the beggars but it’s best to avoid the panhandlers.
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Q.Top five basic Hindi words I should know while travelling.A.• Hello – Namaste or Pranam
• Thank you – Dhanyavād
• What is your name – Aap ka Naam kya hai
• What’s this – Ye kya hai
• Can you help me – Kya aap meri madad karenge -
Q.What are the major religions in India?A.Being a secular country, you can find Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism most popularly practised.
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Q.What are the styles of toilet like in India?A.Both traditional squatting pan and the western commode are found in India. Also, you will mostly find water instead of toilet paper to wash.
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Q.Is India safe for LGBT travellers?A.Homosexuality has been decriminalised in 2018 and more hotels, cafes and bars are becoming LGBT-friendly. However, tourists are advised to remain alert while being in a socially traditional country like India.
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Q.What are some of the lesser known places of India?A.• Halebid, Karnataka
• Chembra Peak, Kerala
• Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat
• Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
• Meghalaya
In Amritsar, you can go to:
• Gobindgarh Fort
• Various Gurudwaras
• Enjoy the Dhaba Food -
Q.Is India safe as a Family Destination?A.It is a safe place to travel with your family and you can make the arrangements with India Tours.
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Q.What is the pollution condition in Amritsar and other parts of India?A.The city is among the 20 most polluted cities according to the WHO.
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Q.Can I wear shorts and not get eyes on me?A.The city is conservative at its heart and it is wise to wear covered clothes.
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Q.Will I get tourist police if needed?A.Tourists have a dedicated helpline but keep the contact number of the local police station at your disposal.
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Q.Can we see snake charmers, cows, camels, elephants, bears, in the streets in India/ Amritsar?A.Wild animals are not commonly spotted in the urban areas.
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Q.Do Indian roads have stray dogs, cats and other animals?A.Yes. Dogs, cats, cows are most commonly found.
GUIDES
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Q.Can I hire linguistic tour guide in Amritsar?A.Yes. English speaking guides are most common. You can ask for particular lingual guides while booking.
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Q.Can I find women travel guide?A.Yes. Our woman guide will accompany to shopping, eating, exploring and more.
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Q.Can I get audio guides while visiting the Amritsar monuments?A.Our representatives will help you through the city guide. Audio guides are not commonly found.
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND HOSPITALS
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Q.Are there good hospitals in Amritsar?A.Yes. Amritsar offers world class health care options.
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Q.Is Medical Treatment - Dentistry, Cosmetic Surgery, Oncology, Cardiology, MAS-Laparoscopy, Hair Transplant, etc. available in Amritsar?A.Yes. You can find state-of-the-art medical treatment options for all major kinds of diagnostic procedures.
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Q.Are medicines for rabies, fever, migrane, diabetes aspirin, dispirin etc. available across the counter in the pharmacies in Amritsar?A.Mostly yes. However, some vaccines might need prescriptions to get it.
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Q.Are there good Ayurveda Treatment Centers in Amritsar?A.Yes. Let our representatives know if you wish to visit some of the top Ayurveda Treatment Centers.
HOTELS
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Q.What international hotel chains are there in Amritsar?A.You can find the major international hotel chains in Amritsar as it is a popular tourist destination.
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Q.Are the hotels expensive in Amritsar?A.There are varied options for accommodation. https://www.india-tours.com/ can help you get to rooms of your choice.
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Q.What is the average cost for accommodation?A.Ranging from five star hotels to the airbnbs, there are many options. Visit https://www.india-tours.com/ to know more.
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Q.Are there old palace, heritage hotels in Amritsar?A.There are some of the finest heritage hotels in Amritsar providing world-class services.
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Q.Do the hotels have a good hygiene and modern amenities in Amritsar?A.The five star and heritage hotels will provide top-notch hygiene and facilities. Even the mid-budget hotels have basic amenities.
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Q.Are the hotels safe in Amritsar?A.The surveillance camera is there in all five-star hotels. Even the Airbnbs and mid-budget hotels are vigilant about their basic safety.
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Q.Is a lady traveller safe in staying in hotels in Amritsar?A.High-end hotels have exclusive floors and rooms for women along with special in-room facilities.
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Q.Are there handicapped friendly hotels in Amritsar?A.Yes, you can find disabled friendly hotels with all the required facilities. Ask https://www.india-tours.com/ for more.
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Q.Are there handicapped friendly toilets in hotels in Amritsar?A.The hotels that have disabled-friendly facilities are also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for handicapped friendly toilets.
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Q.Can I find western toilets in public places?A.Mostly yes.
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Q.Till what time are the bars and restaurants open in Amritsar?A.Generally, the bars and restaurants are open till 11:30 pm.
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Q.How do we book a hotel or a holiday in Amritsar?A.Meet us with your dates and budget over http://www.indiatours.com/. We will help you arrange customised packages.
INSURANCE
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Q.Do we need medical and travel insurance for travelling to Amritsar?A.It is never worth the risk to travel without travel insurance as it covers everything from lost luggage to medical emergencies.
LANGUAGE
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Q.Do the local people speak English in Amritsar?A.Mostly yes. Keep the Google translator handy for easier communication.
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
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Q.Can I withdraw Sterling Pounds or US Dollars or Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars or Euros from ATM machines?A.Most of the ATMs in the country accept international debit and credit cards but you can only withdraw Indian rupees in 2000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 denominations.
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Q.Which is the best place to exchange Euros, Sterling Pounds, US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars in Amritsar?A.There are many forex offices in the city but you can also ask https://www.india-tours.com/ if you need help.
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Q.Can I exchange Sterling Pounds or US Dollars or Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars or Euros in the banks or hotels in Amritsar?A.Yes, you can exchange foreign currencies. Get proper Id and other required documents.
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Q.Can I use credit cards and is it safe to use the credit cards in hotels, shops and restaurants in Amritsar?A.Usually, it is safe to use the credit cards in the hotels, shops and restaurants but does not disclose the details to anyone.
MONUMENTS
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Q.Which days are the monuments closed and the timings in Amritsar?A.• Golden Temple- Timings: 4:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Jallianwala Bagh- 06:30 am to 07:30 pm
• Akal Takht - 2:30 am to 10:00 pm
• Wagah Border - Winter – 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm / Summer – 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Closed on Mondays
• Sri Ram Tirath Ashram - 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Durgiana Temple - 6:00 am to 10:00 pm -
Q.Are there public conveyances available at the monuments in Amritsar?A.Yes.
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Q.Are there wheel chairs available at the monuments in Amritsar?A.Volunteers at Golden Temple will make your trip to this revered place a seamless experience. However, it is wrong to expect the same in every monument.
MOVING AROUND
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Q.Which is the best way to travel in Amritsar?A.One of the most convenient and pocket-friendly ways of travelling to Amritsar is by road. App-based cabs and private cars are an expensive but comfortable option.
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Q.Is it advisable to rent a self drive car in Amritsar?A.There are reputed car rental services in Amritsar can be used by tourists for road trips.
NIGHT LIFE
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Q.Are there cinemas, classical programs or a night life in Amritsar?A.Yes, you can find night showtimes at theatres. There are bars and clubs in luxury hotels open post-midnight entertaining guests.
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Q.Can we take photographs in the public places of Amritsar?A.Mostly yes. There are clear signs of restriction/prohibition of photography in certain places, which if not obeyed are subjected to a penalty.
RELIGIOUS PLACES
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Q.Which are the Churches, mosques and temples where we can pray in Amritsar?A.There are plenty of places to offer prayers.
• Popular churches - St Pauls Church, Pentacostal Church, Christ Church, House of holy spirit church
• Popular mosques - Khair-ud-Din Masjid
• Popular temples - Durgiana Temple, Mata Lal Devi Temple, ISKCON Temple, Bhayian Da Shiwala Mandir, Sri Ram Tirath Temple -
Q.Is there a dress code to visit religious places in Amritsar?A.When visiting religious sites, always carry a scarf/ to cover up your head. Wear covered clothes at religious sites.
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Q.Are all the religious places open for foreign tourists in Amritsar?A.Mostly all the religious places are open to all nationalities and ethnicities. If there are any specific guidelines, it will be mentioned separately on their website.
SAFETY
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Q.Is it safe for a single woman or a girl or a family to travel to Amritsar?A.For both solo women and family travellers, Amritsar is a safe destination. Keep the local police telephone number handy for safety.
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Q.Should we accept if young boys/men ask for selfie with women traveller?A.It is advisable to avoid snaps with complete strangers. Trust your presence of mind for any tricky situation such as this.
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Q.Is it safer to go out in the night if invited by local people?A.Unless you are completely aware of the place and situation, it is not very safe to go out with unknown people.
SHOPPING
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Q.What can I buy in Amritsar?A.Apparel, Food Items, Jewellery (gold and silver), woollen products such as sweaters, shawls and so forth.
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Q.Is haggling allowed? How do I do it?A.Yes. There are no laid down rules, for bargaining. You can try it on the roadside stalls.
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Q.Are cigarettes or cigars or tobacco easily available in Amritsar?A.Smoking in public places was prohibited all across the nation in 2008. However, you can find shops selling tobacco at almost all grocery and roadside stalls.
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Q.Should we visit tourist shop suggested by driver?A.It is wise to look for other shops before actually buying.
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Q.Do you suggest travellers what to shop in Amritsar?A.If you are not completely aware of the specialities of Amritsar, you can ask for a suggestion from our representatives.
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Q.How genuine are the shops from where we by the product?A.There are chances of getting counterfeit products on the roadside stalls, but the established brick and mortar shops are rarely associated with such shams.
TELEPHONE AND MOBILE/SIM CARDS
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Q.Is it easy to buy a SIM card? Where can I buy a SIM card and are the SIM cards expensive in Amritsar?A.There are many cellular connections available for both prepaid/postpaid plans. Plenty of mobile stores are available in every part of Amritsar.
THINGS TO DO
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Q.Can we visit the local markets in Amritsar?A.Yes. It is always fun to explore the local market in the city.
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Q.Can we attend a culinary class in Amritsar?A.Yes. If your stay time permits, India Tours can help arrange such classes.
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Q.Can we attend Yoga classes or naturopathy/wellness/ayurveda therapies in Amritsar?A.Yoga, naturopathy/wellness/Ayurveda therapies are loved by tourists. You can book a session as per your convenience.
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Q.What are things to do in Amritsar?A.There’s plenty of scope for religious tours, heritage sightseeing, cultural tours, business tourism and even adventure travel. Customise your package tour with https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can we contact NGOs or schools or hospitals or orphanages, old age homes for charity activities?A.Yes. You can take part in charity or aid tourism and voluntourism through https://www.india-tours.com/.
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Q.Can we learn classical Indian Dances in Amritsar?A.Yes. There are dance classes, especially for tourists.
TIPPING
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Q.What amount should we tip the waiter or driver or guide or the airport representative in Amritsar?A.5 – 10% of tipping is common in Amritsar. There are no guidelines on the amount as such.
VACCINATIONS
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Q.What vaccinations are need to travel to Amritsar?A.The common courses or boosters usually advised for visitors travelling to Amritsar includes Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Selective vaccines of Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis is advised for individuals.
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Q.Which vaccinations are not necessary but recommended to travel to Amritsar?A.Oral polio vaccine (OPV), Typhoid vaccine, Varicella vaccine, Yellow fever (YF) vaccine are some of the recommended vaccines.
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Q.Which medicines should we carry when travelling to Amritsar?A.Analgesic tablets, Antihistamine tablets, Cold and flu tablets, Cough Medicine, Motion sickness tablets, Diarrhoea Medicine, Antacid, Antiseptic Solution and Ointment are some of the common tablets you can carry.
VISA
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Q.With the E-Visa can I arrive in Amritsar?A.Yes.
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Q.What is the validity of E-Visa in Amritsar?A.E-Tourist visas and e-Business visas are now valid for one year from the date of grant.
WATER AND DRINKS
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Q.Can we drink bottled water in Amritsar?A.Yes.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tap water in Amritsar?A.Not always. It’s always good to drink water which is specifically marked for drinking.
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Q.Can we get bottled water in Amritsar?A.Yes. You will get various companies’ bottled water.
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Q.Can we brush our teeth with tap water in Amritsar?A.Yes, water is mainly used for all sanitary purposes.
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Q.Can we buy whiskey, vodka, gin, wine, beer in shops or restaurants or bars or hotels?A.Yes. Alcohol is available.
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Q.Is it safe to drink tea and coffee in Amritsar?A.Yes. There are many cafes and restaurants.
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Q.Is it safe to drink milk in Amritsar?A.Yes.
WEATHER
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Q.Which is the best time to travel to Amritsar?A.The best time to visit Amritsar is between November and March.
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Q.Give more information on weather.A.The average annual temperature is 23.3 °C. Winter begins in November and continues until the end of March. Winters can get really cold with average minimum recording close to 5°C. On several occasion, the minimum temperature in the city has settled at freezing point. The average maximum temperature during the summer month can reach 40°C.
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Q.When are the monsoons in Amritsar?A.Moderate rainfall is seen in July, August and September. The rainfall amounts are not very high and the temperatures during these months settle at comfortable levels.
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Q.Does it rain all the time during monsoons in Amritsar?A.There is generally incessant raining for a couple of days in the monsoon season.
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