From Udaipur to Amritsar: A Road Trip Through Punjab’s Soul

Day 1: The Journey Begins

We started our drive to Punjab in the evening from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Our first stop was Pit Stop Café & Restaurant, which caught our attention after crossing Deogarh, Rajasthan. The name itself intrigued us, so we decided to check it out.

Pit Stop Café is a haven for motor enthusiasts, with a unique interior designed using parts of motor vehicles. The place is clean, hygienic, and offers a vegetarian menu. It also has ample parking space and some antique machinery on display, making it an interesting stop for travelers.

Day 2: A Spiritual Stop at Guru Ji Ka Ashram

Our next destination was Guru Ji Ka Ashram, Bade Mandir in New Delhi. One of our friends wished to offer homage, and we were fortunate to arrive just a few minutes before the gates opened at 5 p.m.

Everything was so well-managed by the volunteers, who worked together irrespective of age and status. After a security check, we passed the Samadhi of Guru Ji, climbed a few stairs to Guru Ji’s Gaddi (Chair), and joined fellow devotees for a short meditation. Soon, we received Chai Prasad—warm tea served in steel cups—which added to the soothing experience.

The volunteers then guided us to the Langar Hall, where we were served Thali Prasad (chapati, dal, vegetables, chutney, and the divine Kadha Prasad or Halwa). The experience was peaceful and heartwarming. As we exited, we received Jal Prasad (bottled water) and returned to our car.

(Don’t have any photos of this place)

Feeling blessed, we resumed our journey toward Murthal, Haryana for our next food stop.

A Feast at Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal

We couldn’t resist stopping at Amrik Sukhdev to indulge in the famous stuffed tandoori parathas with makkhan. This place has transformed from a traditional dhaba into a modern restaurant complex. Without wasting any time, we ordered paneer, aloo, and gobi stuffed tandoori parathas, served with dollops of butter, pickle, and green chilies.

The wait was totally worth it! The flavors were soul-satisfying, taking away all our exhaustion. With happy hearts and full stomachs, we continued our drive towards Tarn Taran, Punjab, stopping for the night in Chandigarh.

Day 3: A Cultural Pit Stop at Haveli

Before entering Tarn Taran, we took a quick halt at Haveli Resort on Old Amritsar Road. Beyond its food and amenities, the place is a visual delight, offering a glimpse into traditional Punjabi culture through its décor.

We ordered chole bhature and tea, and the taste was refreshingly different—less spicy but well-balanced. The soft bhature and Punjabi-style “Dudh-ch-patti” tea (served in a large glass) added an authentic touch to our experience. With contented souls, we got back on the road and arrived in Tarn Taran.

Day 4: Divine Blessings & Amritsar’s Culinary Delights

We started the day with Makkhan Lassi before heading to Tarn Taran Darbar Sahib Gurudwara, founded by Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. This Gurudwara is known for having one of the largest sarovars (holy water reservoirs).

After seeking blessings, we drove to Amritsar. Since we had skipped breakfast as per our plan, our first stop was Ashok Kulche Wala for lunch. We ordered their famous stuffed aloo and paneer kulche, served with chole cooked in a black gravy.

A Soulful Evening at The Golden Temple

Our main destination in Amritsar was Shri Harmandir Sahib, also known as The Golden Temple. From the moment we stepped inside, an intense sense of peace and energy surrounded us. The closer we got to the Darbar Sahib, the more serene we felt.

After taking a holy dip in the Amrit Sarovar, we changed into fresh clothes and joined the queue for darshan. Sitting inside for meditation was an unforgettable experience.

Next, we proceeded to the Langar, a free community kitchen serving thousands of visitors daily. The Prasad meal made me feel deeply emotional and grateful—not just for the food but for the incredible people serving humanity with love and devotion. We decided to stay a little longer to witness the temple’s mesmerizing beauty during both day and night.

The Journey Back Home

As we embarked on our journey home, a familiar bittersweet feeling set in—the traveler’s dilemma of leaving behind a place that gave us so many unforgettable memories.

But what made this trip truly special was the hospitality of Punjab, the warmth of its people, and the richness of its culture. With new bonds formed, countless memories captured, and a promise to return, we drove back home, already dreaming of our next adventure.