Need help with Amritsar decisions - travelling w/ Child

axast

I am NRI going to Amritsar, well not really for the first time, but after a long time. I will need help in finalizing my plans. My biggest consideration – ease for my 3yr old and Cleanliness.TIA.

I am traveling with my parents (from Delhi, 60 plus) and a 3 year old.

I was initially looking at Ritz Plaza for overnight hotel stay. But it is too far and I figured with a child and late night Golden temple visit and then take a taxi to a remote area might not be a viable solution. I don’t want to stay near Golden Temple as my son being a true American would die without his burgers or meat. Close to the Temple, most of the restaurants are vegetarian and I just can’t do those greasy plates for Parathas. Sorry to sound snobby, maybe I am a bit snobby. So, I was thinking between MK Hotel or Shiraz Regency. Which one do you suggest? Cleanliness is my BIG priority. Which one is closer to the much acclaimed “crystal restaurant”? Is it safe to take a taxi to the hotel at night (from the Golden Temple)?

Here is my tentative itinerary. Please feel free to make suggestions.
1. Reach ASR via Shatabdi from Delhi at 1:30pm.
2. Check in Hotel.
3. Eat late lunch/Snack (not sure hot the train food would be).
4. Go for Wagah Border by 4 (is that a good time to leave for wagah?)
5. After Wagah (What time does it commence?), leave for Golden temple night view
6. Take taxi back to Hotel/Dinner.
7. In the morning maybe pay another visit to the Golden Temple. Mom wants to go to local shops outside shopping for spices and “Vadi”.
8. Take Taxi to Railway station for Shatabdi back to Delhi in the evening.

Thanks a ton, in advance.

axast

Bump!!! for attention!

wonderwomanusa

I haven't been to Amritsar in 30-some years, but my guidebook (LP) covers parts of it fairly well.

MK Hotel is 4km from the city center of Amritsar. Shiraz Regency isn't mentioned. MK Hotel is about 3km from the Crystal Restaurant, if this map is in correct proportions.

__________________
The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

ajaychopra

Hi there - how was your trip to Amritsar? I have a question, were you able to take luggage in Shatabadi? I heard there is not much space for luggae in the chair car?

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axast

I didn't go to Amritsar as I mentioned...something came up. However I did travel by Shatabdi to Ludhiana (1 stop before ASR). If you go Chair Car, it has as much space as airlines do for overhead cabin. So travel light. If you do first class in Shatabdi, that has a lot of room. I liked the first class (also called exceutive class), your parents will get upto 50% discount being senior citizens. It is well worth the extra money from Chair Car. More comfortable. Also children under 5 are free, but they don't give them a seat, so I bought my childs ticket as a 5+ year old, so that I dont have to burden my lap.
:-)

ajaychopra

This is great information, I believe it costs about Rs. 1200 for the executive class. You mention there is more space, how is that? Is it still sitting only? Where do you keep heavy luggage in the executive class as the overhead bin will still be small for bulky stuff.