| Overview: Amritsar welcomes millions of tourists annually with its rich heritage, spiritual significance, and culinary delights. This comprehensive guide covers essential places to visit in Amritsar whilst highlighting how modern payment solutions like credit cards can enhance your travel experience through rewards, cashback, and seamless transactions across the city’s top attractions and markets. |
Why Amritsar Captivates Every Traveller
Amritsar stands as Punjab’s cultural crown jewel, drawing millions who seek spiritual solace, historical insights, and gastronomic adventures. The city’s strategic location near the Pakistan border and its role as Sikhism’s spiritual centre make it a compelling destination for domestic and international visitors alike.
Modern travellers increasingly rely on digital payment solutions when exploring places to visit in Amritsar. Credit cards have become essential travel companions, offering convenience, security, and rewards that traditional cash transactions cannot match. With most establishments now accepting card payments, your journey through this historic city becomes smoother and more rewarding.
The Golden Temple: Spiritual Heart of Sikhism
The Sri Harmandir Sahib, crowned with 750 kg of pure gold, remains the most significant among places to visit in Amritsar. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, this architectural marvel welcomes visitors regardless of faith, embodying the Sikh principles of equality and service.
Langar Experience and Digital Donations
The temple’s community kitchen serves over 100,000 free meals daily, operating on voluntary donations. Many visitors now contribute through digital channels, where credit cards offer secure transaction processing and detailed expense tracking for tax purposes.
Practical Calculation: If you donate ₹1,000 monthly through your credit card, earning 1% cashback, you receive ₹120 annually whilst supporting this noble cause.
| Pro Tip: Use contactless payments at donation counters to avoid handling cash whilst maintaining contribution records for personal budgeting. |
Historical Landmarks That Define Amritsar
The Jallianwala Bagh Memorial and the Partition Museum in Amritsar stand as powerful reminders of India’s struggle and resilience—preserving the collective memory of sacrifice, separation, and the enduring spirit of independence.
Jallianwala Bagh Memorial
This solemn site commemorates the 1919 massacre where British troops killed hundreds of peaceful protestors. The preserved bullet marks and memorial plaques offer profound historical insights. Entry remains free, though the adjacent museum shop accepts card payments for books and memorabilia.
The Partition Museum
Located in the historic Town Hall, this museum houses extensive collections documenting the 1947 Partition. Interactive exhibits and oral histories provide moving testimonials of this defining period in Indian history.
Payment Convenience: Museum tickets, guided tours, and souvenir purchases can be completed using credit cards, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash whilst exploring these sensitive historical sites.
Wagah Border: Where Nations Meet Daily
The daily Beating Retreat Ceremony at the India-Pakistan border attracts thousands of patriotic visitors. This spectacular display of military precision and national pride requires advance planning, especially for premium seating arrangements.
Travel and Accommodation Expenses
| Expense Category | Average Cost | Credit Card Benefit |
| Transport to Border | ₹500-800 | 1-2% cashback |
| Premium Seating | ₹100-200 | Reward points |
| Refreshments | ₹200-400 | Dining cashback |
| Total per person | ₹800-1,400 | Up to ₹28 savings |
Many tour operators now accept online bookings through secure payment gateways, where credit cards provide purchase protection and easy cancellation policies.
Culinary Adventures and Market Exploration
From savouring authentic Punjabi flavours to exploring vibrant bazaars, Amritsar offers a rich mix of food and shopping experiences—made even more rewarding with smart spending and cashback benefits.
Traditional Food Scene
Amritsar’s culinary landscape features iconic dishes like Amritsari kulcha, chole, and thick lassi. The city’s food courts and established restaurants increasingly accept digital payments, making dining experiences more convenient for visitors.
Sample Calculation: A family of four spending ₹2,000 on meals daily could earn ₹200-400 cashback over a weeklong stay, depending on their credit card’s reward structure.
Shopping Districts
Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh offer traditional Punjabi items, including:
- Phulkari embroidered textiles
- Handcrafted juttis (traditional footwear)
- Premium dry fruits and spices
- Religious artefacts and souvenirs
Smart Shopping Strategy
Follow the strategies below for smart shopping:
- Compare prices across multiple vendors
- Use credit cards for purchases above ₹500
- Keep receipts for warranty and returns
- Check reward categories for maximum cashback
Offbeat Attractions Worth Exploring
Some other offbeat destinations worth exploring in Amritsar include:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
This former summer palace showcases Sikh history through rare artefacts, weapons, and manuscripts. The museum’s modest entry fee and gift shop transactions can be completed digitally, supporting the institution’s conservation efforts.
Gurudwara Ber Sahib
Located 20 kilometres from the city centre, this historic gurudwara marks where Guru Nanak Dev met Guru Angad Dev. The peaceful surroundings offer respite from city crowds, whilst nearby dhabas accept card payments for authentic Punjabi meals.
Financial Planning for Your Amritsar Journey
Here’s a budget breakdown of a 3-day trip and a tip on how you can maximise your credit card benefits:
Budget Breakdown for 3-Day Trip
| Category | Budget Range | Payment Method |
| Accommodation | ₹3,000-8,000 | Credit card (hotels) |
| Local transport | ₹1,200-2,000 | Mixed |
| Food and beverages | ₹2,500-4,000 | Credit card preferred |
| Shopping | ₹3,000-10,000 | Credit card recommended |
| Attractions | ₹500-1,500 | Mixed |
Maximising Credit Card Benefits
Using a credit card offering 2% cashback on dining and 1% on other purchases for a ₹15,000 trip:
- Dining expenses (₹4,000 × 2%) = ₹80
- Other expenses (₹11,000 × 1%) = ₹110
- Total cashback earned: ₹190
| Did You Know? Many credit cards offer additional travel insurance coverage when you book transportation and accommodation through them, providing extra security for your Amritsar adventure. |
Making Your Visit Seamless and Rewarding
Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment at the Golden Temple, historical insights at Jallianwala Bagh, or culinary adventures in bustling markets, smart financial planning enhances every aspect of your journey. The combination of traditional experiences and modern payment convenience ensures that places to visit in Amritsar remain accessible and enjoyable for contemporary travellers seeking both cultural immersion and practical efficiency.
Consider downloading the Airtel Thanks app before your trip to access exclusive offers and manage your finances efficiently. The app’s integrated services can help you track expenses, find nearby ATMs, and discover partner merchant discounts throughout your Amritsar exploration.
Smart travel starts here—get your Airtel Axis Bank Rupay Credit Card now and enjoy cashback on UPI spends.
FAQs
1. Which places to visit in Amritsar accept credit card payments?
Most hotels, restaurants, museums, and established shops accept credit cards. Street vendors typically prefer UPI or cash payments.
2. How can credit cards enhance my Amritsar travel experience?
Credit cards provide cashback rewards, purchase protection, and travel insurance and eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash.
3. What’s the average daily budget for visiting places to visit in Amritsar?
Budget travellers can spend ₹2,000-3,000 daily, whilst premium experiences may cost ₹5,000-8,000 per person, including accommodation and meals.
4. Are there ATM facilities near major places to visit in Amritsar?
Yes, ATMs are widely available near the Golden Temple, major markets, and tourist attractions, though card payments are often more convenient.
5. Can I use credit cards for donations at religious places to visit in Amritsar?
Many gurudwaras and temples now accept digital donations through secure payment gateways, providing transaction records for your financial planning.
