Get up early and make your way to the Golden Temple, Amritsar’s best-known attraction and one of the most important places of Sikh pilgrimage on Earth. Like all gurdwaras (Sikh temples), the Golden Temple is welcoming to visitors of all faiths, but going with a guide is a good way to deepen your understanding.

In the afternoon, skip a sit-down lunch and instead try out some of Amritsar’s famous street food. Joining an organized food walk is ideal, as a local guide can lead you to the best and most hygienic places to eat in town while explaining dishes and ingredients.

Not far from Amritsar is the town of Wagah, where one of the few official border crossings between India and Pakistan is located. Here you can observe the sunset closing ceremony, which involves performative marches and music. Afterwards, head to Sadda Pind, a reproduction Punjabi village where you can watch folk performances and dine on traditional food.

Not far from the Golden Temple sits Tarn Taran, a gurdwara founded in 1590. Spend your second morning learning about Sikhism in this beautiful temple; some tours even include the chance to visit nearby villages to immerse yourself in rural life.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation with a visit to a spa; many offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments supervised by qualified Ayurvedic doctors. Alternatively, if you didn't get enough food-related fun on your first day, sign up for a cooking class held in a local family home.

Wrap up your evening with a visit to the Gobindgarh Fort, a historic fort with great views over the city. It's best after dark, when the Sher-e-Punjab 7D sound-and-light show is staged. The fort also features restaurants, games, museums, and even folk dance performances.