7 peaceful places in India for a long weekend trip to Raksha Bandhan

If you are planning a long weekend trip, consider visiting this new city instead of Manali or Shimla. In August, you can plan a trip to Amritsar, Punjab, where you will find not only delicious Punjabi cuisine but also ten places worth including in your list.

Especially if your trip is on August 15th, you should definitely watch the Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wag border, which many see on television but can witness with their own eyes. The BSF participates in this special event, and people come from all corners of the country.

10 Most Impressive Places to Visit in Amritsar

Amritsar is a city in Punjab where spirituality, history, patriotism, and Punjabi culture uniquely combine. If you plan to visit Amritsar, be sure to include the following places in your trip.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, known as Harmandir Sahib, is the calling card of Amritsar. It is famous for its magnificent golden architecture and tranquil lake. Langar services are held here, spreading the message of equality, and huge numbers of people gather annually for prayer. Everyone who comes to Amritsar first visits this temple, enjoying the peace by the lake.

Attari-Wag Border

Located about 30 kilometers from Amritsar, the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wag border offers unforgettable experiences filled with patriotism. The soldiers' parade and the flag lowering ritual are very popular among tourists, and a large number of visitors arrive here every year.

Khalsa College

Khalsa College is known for its majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture and is one of the beautiful historical buildings of Amritsar. During your trip to Amritsar, you can visit Khalsa College to learn interesting facts about its history.

Hall Bazaar

You have probably seen people bringing shoes and dupattas from Amritsar. Besides enjoying local cuisine, you can also shop extensively here. Be sure to visit Hall Bazaar to admire falconers, Punjabi goods, clothing, souvenirs, and taste delicious Punjabi food.

Jallianwala Bagh

Located near the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh reminds us of a tragic chapter in Indian history—the struggle for independence. Memorials erected in memory of martyrs and bullet marks serve as a testament to this history.

Akal Takht

Akal Takht, located within the complex of the Golden Temple, is one of the most important institutions of Sikh religion. Its history is connected to Guru Hargobind Sahib. If you have some free time, you can visit this place.

Ram Bagh Garden

After visiting the markets, temples, and gurdwaras of Amritsar, if you are looking for tranquility, it is recommended to visit Ram Bagh Garden. This garden with greenery and a peaceful atmosphere is ideal for relaxation. It is also associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Durga Temple

In addition to the Golden Temple, you can visit the famous Hindu shrine—the Durga Temple. It is also called Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Rajat Mandir. It is located in the middle of a sacred lake, and its architecture is very similar to that of the Golden Temple.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

If you are interested in learning about history and enjoy viewing antiques, you should visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. It features paintings, works of art, and historical artifacts related to the royal history of Punjab and the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Gobindgarh Fort

Castle lovers should explore Gobindgarh Fort. This historic fort offers an opportunity to get closer to the culture and heritage of Punjab. Here you can see a museum and participate in cultural events.

In connection with preparations for the celebration of Independence Day, a general rehearsal is scheduled for Red Square on August 13. Consequently, the Delhi police have imposed traffic restrictions in several parts of the capital. These changes affect not only Delhi itself but also residents arriving from Ghaziabad and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR).

On Thursday morning, many people entering Delhi from Ghaziabad faced significant difficulties. Due to the installation of barricades and checks at the borders of Delhi, a situation similar to traffic jams was observed on many routes. Office employees had to find alternative routes.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, on August 13, from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the main streets around Red Square will be closed to regular vehicles. During this period, access will only be permitted for vehicles possessing a valid pass for the rehearsal. These restrictions will most significantly impact the following areas: India Gate, Mandi House, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BZD Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg, and Kashmir Gate. Drivers were also advised to avoid these routes if they do not have a parking permit.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police for Transport Dinesh Gupta, the movement of heavy goods vehicles will be prohibited from midnight on August 12 until 11:00 AM on August 13. During this time, entry of heavy vehicles will be banned on the stretch from Nizamuddin Hat to Vajradham Bridge. Furthermore, the operation of intercity buses will be affected, as bus services between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT are temporarily suspended. Many local bus routes, including DTC, will also be changed.

The Delhi Police also specified that special restrictions will be implemented at the borders of Delhi from 10:00 PM on August 13 until 11:00 AM on August 14. Entry of commercial vehicles will be prohibited, except for those related to essential service maintenance. This measure will remain in effect on August 14 and 15 as well. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Delhi or NCR in the next two days, it is crucial to check the traffic advisory before leaving home, as minor carelessness could lead to hours of congestion.