When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Amritsar?
The best time to visit Amritsar is during the winter months of October to March, when the weather is comparatively pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. While it may be cheaper to fly at other times of the year, the months of April to June bring scorching temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius, and July to October are the monsoon months, making travel more difficult.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Amritsar?
Use the search optimisation tools on Netflights to find cheap flights to Amritsar. Book three to six months in advance and be flexible in your travel dates and times if you wish to secure budget deals in the winter. You will sometimes be able to find deals on last-minute return flights, but booking ahead will often garner the best deals.
Flying to Amritsar Raja Sansi International Airport (ATQ)
Previously called the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport after the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city, Amritsar Raja Sansi International Airport, as it is now known, lies seven miles from the city centre and serves northern India, including the Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu regions.
Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Etihad, British Airways, Lufthansa and Jet Airways offer indirect flights to ATQ from London Heathrow Airport, with the most common stopovers being in Delhi, (India) Abu Dhabi, (United Arab Emirates) and Doha (Qatar). Some flights to Amritsar will require passengers to change airlines, however, this is not always necessary. You can also fly from Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport, or the George Best Belfast City Airport. In 2018, Air India re-launched a direct route to Birmingham Airport, offering the only non-stop service to the UK.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
ATQ has one terminal, serving both international and domestic arrivals and departures. Although the airport handles more than 1 million visitors a year, the whole structure is built on a single floor. Passengers can exchange money upon arrival at the currency exchange counters, or withdraw cash from ATMs. There are a number of passenger amenities, including prayer rooms, child care rooms, VIP lounge, duty-free shops, food and drink shops, free luggage trolleys and tourist information desks. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and even a bookstore for passengers who may have a longer layover.
Getting to the City from Amritsar Raja Sansi International Airport (ATQ)
The best option for the 20-30 minute journey into Amritsar from the airport is to take a taxi or rickshaw. Taxis can be found outside the terminal building and it is recommended to pre-book a taxi in the arrivals hall to avoid being overcharged. Otherwise, make sure to either negotiate the price before entering the vehicle or confirm the driver is using a meter. For a more traditional transport method, rickshaws – either cycle or motorbike – are also available outside the terminal building; again, negotiate and confirm the price before agreeing to the ride. Car rental is also available at the terminal.
Why Visit Amritsar?
The most important Sikh shrine in the world, the city’s spectacular Golden Temple attracts more than 100,000 visitors from near and far every day. A serene haven in the midst of an otherwise chaotic and bustling city, the temple continues to amaze visitors. Its dome, gilded with about 100 kg of gold, is shaped like an inverted lotus and the water of its pools are said to have healing powers. Every evening the temple offers a free meal to about 50,000 pilgrims and visitors.
Amritsar, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, is a city steeped in history. From rich, tasty, exciting meals to shops filled with traditional Indian designs, there’s something for everyone. The Wagah border with Pakistan is just a 45-minute journey from the city centre – and the only international border crossing between the two countries – and the lowering of the flags ceremony that takes place each evening before sunset is well worth the trip for a show of patriotism and pride.
Do you need a visa to fly to India?
You will need to apply for a visa online in advance of travel to India. E-visas are valid for 60 days and visitors on tourist and business visas have double entry. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival and must have two blank pages; it must also be an ePassport. India’s currency is rupees (INR) but as tourists are not permitted to bring Indian currency into the country, you must instead bring cash or travellers' cheques to exchange, or bank cards for withdrawals upon arrival.
