Book cheap flights to Amritsar

Amritsar experiences a semi-arid climate which is characterised by three distinct seasons: summer, winter, and the monsoon season. The summer season stretches from April to June. Temperatures are sweltering during these months, easily climbing to 49 degrees Celsius. The city is sticky and dusty during these months. The monsoon sweeps over the city from July to October. Mild to heavy rainfall offers relief to the scorched streets and covers the city in a beautiful sheen. Clouds fill the skies during these months and temperatures ease up considerably. The winter season begins in November and lingers over the city until March. Temperatures retreat dramatically, falling to a minimum of 4 degrees Celsius and peaking at 18 degrees Celsius. The city becomes nippy during these months, but is considered the ideal time for sightseeing. The spirited festivities of Baisakhi Festival grip the city in April; the tantalising Mango Mela celebrations happens from June to July. The thrilling Kila Raipur Sports Festival happens in February; and the holy festival of Hola Mohalla stirs the city on the second day of the lunar month of Chett.

South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Amritsar, or anywhere else in India. Visa application forms can be completed online. Leave ample time for processing and ensure your passport has two blank pages for entry stamps and has a validity of at least six months.

The High Commission of India is situated in Pretoria. 852 Schoeman Street, Pretoria. Phone: ( 27) 012 342 5392

Amritsar is considered safe. However, crime does happen, so it is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance as you would in any other unfamiliar city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is highly recommended.

Women should remain extremely vigilant while travelling through Amritsar, particularly if travelling alone. Avoid wandering around at night and travelling alone in cabs and buses. Women will also be expected to dress conservatively. Avoid carrying around large sums of cash, valuables and important documents, as pick-pocketing and bag snatching can happen.

Avoid dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn by drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen with a high SPF. Bottled water is recommended. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, polio, MMR, influenza and Japanese encephalitis. Medication should be taken and mosquito bites avoided, as India is at risk for malaria and dengue fever.

Amritsar offers a superb selection of accommodation.

These range from lavish hotels housed in 200-year old mansions, holiday inns offering trademark Punjabi decadence and quirky hostels hidden behind colourful façades. Free Sarai accommodation is also available for pilgrims within the iconic Golden Temple.

Accommodation in Amritsar is abundant. Hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, inns and hostels are scattered throughout the city. A high concentration can be found within the boundaries of the city centre, while others fan out, sprawling across the quieter outskirts of the city.

Amritsar Junction Railway Station is situated in the city centre. It is an intricate sprawl of routes that criss-cross the city and link Amritsar to different parts of the country. High speed trains, Shatabdi and Rajdhani, also operate on these routes. Digital reservation offices are available at the station.

Taxis are a reliable and comfortable way to get around Amritsar, but not necessarily the cheapest. You will have to call one of the taxi operators within the city to order a taxi or order one through reception at your hotel. It is advisable to negotiate fare before making a booking.

Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available in abundance around the city. They are cheapest and most exhilarating mode of transportation. Some peddlers put on traditional Sikh attire and a kirpan to create an authentic and unforgettable experience.

A number of car rental agencies can be found throughout the city. Ask your hotel for a recommendation.