You cannot claim that you have seen Amritsar if you have not visited the famous Wagah border. Wagah border is a border that separates India and Pakistan. It represents the countries’ attitude towards each other. It holds a beating retreat ceremony that attracts and is a reason to visit Wagah border, Amritsar. This place has a high degree of security and also has BSF(Border security force) surrounding and scrutinizing the area thoroughly.
About Wagah Border
Wagah border is the line of demarcation between India and Pakistan. It was planned, decided and placed during the partition of Pakistan from India. The Wagah border map was also made in a complex manner for increased security. The border is situated 600 meters east from the Wagah village. The border is strategically placed on the grand trunk road between Lahore, Punjab and Amritsar, India. It is 24 kilometers from Lahore and 32 kilometers from Amritsar. It is a mere 3km from the Attari village that has earned its ceremony the name, Wagah-Attari border ceremony.
Address– Wagah, Hardo Rattan, Punjab 143108
Timing– The gate is open from 10:00Am-04:00PM, the ceremony starts at 04:15PM in winters and 05:15PM in summers.
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Best Time To Visit Wagah Border
The sun setting down on the Pakistan side makes it unbearable to visit and bear the heat during summers. Winter months, especially January, February, March are the months that should be preferred for planning a trip to Wagah Border. The cool weather makes it pleasant to watch the ceremony.
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The Beating Retreat Ceremony
Beating retreat ceremony is also called a Wagah-Attari border ceremony. It is what the Wagah border is famously known for. The ceremony takes place every day and so many people rush to watch it, if in town. There is a crowd of 2000 and more on weekdays.
The ceremony at Wagah border consists of flag raising and lowering simultaneously which is often hyped up by a cultural dance right before the ceremony to invoke a feeling of patriotism in the viewers’ eyes and spirits. This ceremony is fully conducted by the BSF on the Indian side and the Rangers on Pakistan’s side.
The Wagah border ceremony indicates the rivalry between the two countries and also shows the brotherhood and love shared. The military forces from both the sides lower their country’s respective flags simultaneously and give crisp handshakes to each other and complete the ceremony in the most organized and disciplined manner.
The beating retreat ceremony reminds us that though there is tension and heavy resentment between both the countries, at the end of the day before the sun sets, both the countries share similar history and culture that represents the beautiful camaraderie India and Pakistan hold in their hearts.
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Facts About The Wagah Border
- The flagpole on the Attari side is the largest and the flagpole on the Wagha side is the tallest in the whole of South Asia.
- There is a section reserved as V.I.P seats and the front seats are for women and children. The rest of the seats are for the general public.
- Nobody is allowed to carry opaque bags, only transparent bags are allowed. The ideal combination would be a purchased water bottle and camera.
- Nobody needs a ticket to watch the ceremony, not even tourists.
- You can get there by means of a minivan or mini buses.
- There is no mobile service as there are many jammers in the area.
- You can cross over from one country to another if you come somewhere between 10:00AM-03:50PM and have the required papers that includes approved visa from the visiting country.
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Places To Visit Near Wagah Border
Wagah border is a place of national pride and significance that invokes a sense of patriotism in the hearts of all countrymen. A visit to the Wagah border would be a refreshing change from the many many museums and restaurants and provides you with an energetic parade and numerous cultural performances that make the heart happy. Take a look at the places that you ought to visit!
1. Golden Temple
The darbar sahib is famously called as the Golden temple because it is plaited with gold architecturally. This place is a must-visit for tourists because of the tasty langar served, hospitable environment and a very calm religious environment.
Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
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2. Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that has been listed as one of the major places for national importance. The garden is at an impressive stretch of 26000 square meter, situated at the famous Golden temple road. It has walls ridden with bullet holes and memorial plaques informing its happenings and placing during the dreaded massacre.
Jallianwala Bagh timings: 06:30Am-7:30PM
Jallianwala Address: Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Punjab
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3. Shahi Quila
After the ceremony, tourists and visitors can stop at Shahi Quila and treat themselves to various dishes incorporating many cuisines. The food in Amritsar generally is delicious and priced favourably. Is located very near Wagah border and will refresh you for the rest of the journey.
4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
A few steps away from Jallianwala Bagh you will come across Maharaja Ranjit Museum. This is a museum dedicated to the Sikh empire founder and is often visited by tourists visiting Jallianwala Bagh.
Address: Ram Bagh, Lawrence Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 10AM-5PM
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This weekend plan an exciting trip to Wagah border. It will be a refreshing break from your monotonous weekday work and studies. A trip to anywhere poses as a break from all the tension and stress accumulated over the week and a chance of enjoyment with your loved ones and yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Amritsar and witness the cool places that this city offers.
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