Recently, my husband and I embarked on a quick road trip from Delhi to Amritsar—a journey we make every year as part of a sacred ritual. The trip is more about darshanat the Gurudwara, as we both find peace and solace there. Although he’s not a long road trip guy and would always prefer a flight over a drive, this time, he was on board. So, we decided to truly savour the journey, turning it into an experience of its own.
The Journey Begins: A Scenic Drive to Amritsar
We started early in the morning to avoid traffic and make sure we reached our destination in good time. The drive was smooth, and we were determined to enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace. Our first stop was Haveli RoopNagar, a must-visit for anyone traveling on this route. Traditional punjabi breakfast and the tea was absolutely fantastic.
After fuelling up, we hit the road again, making a quick coffee stop at Barista near Jalandhar before continuing non-stop to Amritsar. Road trips have their own charm, the changing landscapes, roadside eateries, and the thrill of being on the move made every mile enjoyable.
Golden Temple: A Spiritual Haven
We reached Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) around 4 PM. The moment we stepped inside, the world outside faded away. The serene atmosphere, divine kirtan, and shimmering golden structure reflected in the Amrit Sarovar created an aura of absolute peace. 
After an hour in the queue, we were blessed with darshan, and the experience was beyond words. The sacred energy, the humility of the devotees, and the warmth of the place always leave me feeling grounded. Before leaving, I treated myself to a steaming cup of tea just outside the temple, taking a moment to absorb the tranquility.
Next, we hopped into an auto-rickshaw to visit Gurudwara Shaheedan Sahib, just 10 minutes away. It was another deeply moving experience, reminding us of the sacrifices made by the martyrs of Sikh history.
Amritsar’s Food Culture: A Delightful End to the Day
After our soulful visit to the Golden Temple, we made our way to Ranjit Vilas, our go-to stay in Amritsar.
https://www.welcomheritagehotels.in/punjab/
Nestled in heritage charm with cozy comfort, it always feels like a home away from home. A hot shower and a little downtime were just what we needed after a long but fulfilling day.
But no trip to Amritsar is complete without indulging in its iconic food scene! So, we headed to Ranjit Avenue’s C Block Market for dinner—Punjabi-style! One of the most unique things about dining here is the way the food is served: you simply place your order from the car, and they bring it straight to you! It’s a local tradition that adds to the charm of the experience. Sitting in the comfort of our car, enjoying a delicious meal, and reflecting on the day’s spiritual moments felt like the perfect way to end the night.
Life Lessons from the Road
As we cruised back, my husband, teasing me for fun, asked with a smirk, “Since travel teaches you so much, what have you learned from all these road trips?” He was clearly just trying to poke fun at me, but his question stuck with me. It got me thinking—what have I really learned from these endless drives?
And here’s what I’ve realised over the years:
1. Patience is Everything
From unexpected detours to long queues, travel teaches patience. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Embracing delays with a calm mind makes the journey smoother.
2. Happiness is in Simple Moments
Sipping tea at a roadside dhaba, sharing laughter during a long drive, or soaking in the quiet at a Gurudwara—these are the moments that truly matter. Life’s greatest joys are often the simplest ones.
3. Let Go of Control
On a long road trip, not everything is within your control. Sometimes, the GPS doesn’t cooperate, or the weather doesn’t go according to plan. The journey teaches you to let go and trust that everything will work out eventually, just like life itself.
4. People Make the Journey Special
Whether it’s a chaiwala on the highway or a fellow traveler at the temple, every interaction adds meaning to the journey. The world feels more connected when you meet people with open hearts.
5. It’s About the Journey, Not Just the Destination
We often rush towards a goal, forgetting to appreciate the path leading there. Road trips remind me that every mile, every experience along the way, holds its own beauty.
Final Thoughts
This annual road trip to Amritsar is more than just a tradition—it’s a journey of self-reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. Each year, I return home with new lessons, a lighter heart, and a deeper sense of peace.
So, the next time you’re on the road, take a moment to soak it all in. Because travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about everything you learn along the way and travel has a way of teaching you more than you expect. 🚗✨
