Latest news with #Amritsar
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How a solo trip to India changed everything for me - and it was much cheaper than a holiday to Spain
British tourists heading to Spain spend an average of £913 on a week-long summer holiday, according to recent travel data. But my five-day solo trip to Amritsar, in northern India, cost less than that - including flights - and gave me luxury accommodation, unforgettable cultural experiences and a personal connection to my heritage that no beach break could rival. Like many British Asians, I grew up hearing the phrase 'back home' thrown around by older relatives. But, after spending decades travelling to India, especially with my children in tow, I found India overwhelming. Amritsar, in particular, felt dusty, disorganised and frankly disappointing. With over a billion people calling the country home, its major cities are often congested and chaotic, especially if you stick to the main tourist routes. Throw a couple of overtired kids into the mix and it becomes less spiritual awakening, more stress overload. On one visit, I remember stepping off the plane and being hit by a wall of heat, noise and movement. From the moment we left the airport, it felt like total sensory overload. The roads were packed, rickshaws darting between cars, endless honking and motorbikes carrying entire families with no helmets in sight. I vividly remember watching a cow meander through the middle of a roundabout while two buses hurtled past on either side, barely missing each other. The air felt dusty, the pavements were crowded and the power kept cutting out in our hotel. I was constantly on edge, worrying about crossing the street, where to find clean toilets and it felt like I was in survival mode the whole time. The hotel was far from everything, the power cut out almost daily and we were constantly warned about scams, pickpockets, or drinking the wrong water. I couldn't hear myself think and just wanted five minutes of calm. By the end of it, I wasn't just tired, I was totally put off. What was supposed to be an enjoyable trip back 'home' felt like stress in 40-degree heat. I didn't swear I'd never go back, but I definitely didn't plan to. As much as I loved India and being with my family, it did get a sense of dread for the inevitable chaos. So when I found myself booking a spontaneous solo trip to Amritsar, I had one aim: to reconnect with my Punjabi roots on my own terms. No expectations. Just me and a direct flight from Gatwick. I didn't anticipate that five days in northern India without a big itinerary, or blowing the budget, would completely reshape how I saw my heritage. And I certainly didn't expect it to cost less than a holiday in Spain. Let's get the long-haul elephant out of the room. Flying to India isn't quick. But my return flight with Air India from Gatwick to Amritsar cost £560 and was direct, which made all the difference. The airline is no-frills, but it got the job done and now there are direct options from Birmingham, or you can fly via Delhi or Mumbai if you're hunting for deals. When I was guided to my room, I was amazed. I knew it would be nice, but I didn't expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area Once you're there, it's another story: the exchange rate works in your favour and you'll be amazed how far your money goes. I didn't once feel like I was scrimping and still came in under that all-important average of £913. This time, I avoided the big hotel chains and booked a boutique guesthouse called Victorian Elegance and the name didn't disappoint. For just £41 per night, I arrived to a welcoming committee, who greeted me with a tilak, a mark on the forehead. When I was guided to my room, I was amazed. I knew it would be nice, but I didn't expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area. Outside, there was a courtyard where breakfast was served each morning. The décor was regal, the food was fresh and local and the hosts treated me like royalty. Every morning, they laid out a a traditional Amritsari breakfast banquet in the courtyard, under the rising Punjab sun. What made it special, though, wasn't just the luxury touches. It was the fact I felt safe. As a woman travelling solo, I was cautious, but never afraid. The hosts helped arrange transport, gave recommendations and made sure I had everything I needed. It was like having my own little support team, but without the group tour vibe. It was a world away from my many decades of trips to India. This time, I wasn't rushed or overwhelmed. I was in control and I loved it. As a side note, Apps like Uber and Ola (India's version of Uber) work seamlessly, and most drivers speak a little English, enough to get you on your way. Hotels and guesthouses are used to catering to solo and foreign travellers, especially in cities like Amritsar. No trip to Amritsar is complete without visiting the Sri Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple. For me, as a devout Sikh, it's a spiritual pilgrimage. But you don't need to be religious to be moved. The gold-plated architecture shimmers under the sun, surrounded by holy water you can bathe in and a community kitchen, the Langar, who make and serve over 100,000 free meals every single day. The meals are for everyone, with fresh, hand rolled baked bread, dhal cooked in huge pots, which you can help make with them. I cry every time I go. And going alone gave me the space to soak in the experience without distraction. It's dubbed by many as the 'most peaceful place on Earth' and I have to say I agree. It's humbling, healing and powerful. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith, gender or background. Both men and women are expected to cover their heads, as with any Sikh temple, but they provide clean coverings for you, if you don't have one or if you're unsure. You remove your shoes and wash your feet and hands, before entering. You then walk through the rest of the Temple barefoot, while your shoes are left at the entrance and are cleaned for you. The Temple is immaculate, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who work around the clock to maintain and keep it clean. Visitors are also welcome to chip in and help out. I've seen many young travellers on TikTok, with brushes and brooms, helping out. If you want a crash course in Punjabi culture, head straight to Sadda Pind. It's a recreated village experience that immerses you in the old-world charm of rural Punjab. For just 850 rupees (about £7), I spent the day making roti on clay ovens, watching folk dancers perform Bhangra and gidda and trying my hand at weaving, pottery and even traditional wedding rituals. You can meet the village blacksmith, spin thread at the charkha and sip on sweet lassi made the old-fashioned way. It's Instagram gold, but also deeply educational and interactive. And, unlike the sanitised tourist traps elsewhere, this feels authentic and alive. When it comes to food, I'm a stickler for variety, and Amritsar didn't disappoint. Yes, the Punjabi dishes are rich and flavoursome, but you're not stuck eating curry every night (unless you want to, in which case, you're in heaven.) I find everything from wood-fired pizza for £2 to steaming bowls of momos and Indo-Chinese dishes that cost less than a Pret sandwich. In local restaurants, a family of four can easily eat a full three-course meal. drinks included, for around £12 total. Even in the more upmarket spots, dinner rarely costs more than £25 for four with drinks, and that's if you're splashing out. I know there's often fear-mongering around food hygiene in India, which is understandable because sometimes social media wants to highlight the very worst, but honestly, the restaurants I ate at were spotless. I stuck to well-reviewed places and drank bottled water, the same way I would anywhere unfamiliar and had zero issues. If anything, it was the best food I've had all year, and I didn't even need to queue for a table. One of the most common questions I get, especially from women is: 'But is it safe?' And the truth is, I didn't feel any less safe in Amritsar than I do in London, Paris or Rome. Of course, as women, we're always making little safety calculations, but that's true anywhere. And, what did make a huge difference was staying at Victorian Elegance, where I had a network of local hosts who genuinely looked out for me. While I'd be out, they would call or text to check in and I knew I could call them at any time if I felt unsure or needed help. That kind of personal support goes a long way, especially when travelling solo. Unlike my past visits, where everything felt hectic and family led, this time, I actually saw the city. I wandered around, exploring street art, browsed sari shops and haggled at local markets. And while it's not a beach break, it's an incredible city escape. It's got all the adventure of a far-flung destination with none of the pretense and at a fraction of the price. If you've ever thought India was 'too much', I get it. That's how I felt too. India isn't always easy. It can be loud, it can intense and yes, it can feel chaotic. But go smart, off the beaten path and you'll find something truly magical. I thought I knew what India was. But this time, it showed me something completely different. Amritsar surprised me, soothed me and reminded me that home isn't always where you expect it to be. And honestly? I'd pick it over Barcelona any day.
UAE Moments
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Who is Saiyaara Star Aneet Padda?
Aneet Padda, born in October 2002 in Amritsar, Punjab, comes from a middle-class background far removed from Bollywood's glitzy world. After moving to Mumbai post-high school, she began modeling in commercials, an initial stepping stone that would guide her entry into acting. Education & Early Career Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Humanities at Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University, Aneet balanced academics with auditions and advertisements. Her modeling ventures opened doors into the entertainment realm. First On-Screen Roles Her Bollywood debut wasn't glamorous—it was as an extra in the 2022 Kajol-starrer Salaam Venky. Though brief, the experience offered her early industry insight. A Turning Point: Web Series Success In 2024, she played Roohi—a supporting role—in Amazon Prime's Big Girls Don't Cry, working alongside Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain. Aneet fondly refers to its creators as her 'Bombay parents,' underscoring its pivotal influence. Musical Talents Not just acting, Aneet also explores singing. In 2024, she recorded Masoom, marking a significant artistic stride. Breakthrough: Saiyaara Her career-altering moment came in 2025 when director Mohit Suri chose her for Saiyaara, a Yash Raj Films production. Out of hundreds, her audition impressed both Suri and YRF, securing her the lead opposite debutant Ahaan Panday. On July 18, 2025, Saiyaara hit theatres. Critics and audiences alike have applauded Aneet's performance and onscreen chemistry — Twitter buzzed, calling it a 'stellar comeback' for Suri and praising the newcomers' captivating pairing. Netizens exclaimed that 'a star is born'. With Saiyaara still in theatres and trending at the box office, all eyes are on her future projects. Will she return to web series or explore musical ventures? Industry watchers are eager to see her next move. In a nutshell, Aneet Padda symbolizes a new wave in Bollywood—talented, grounded, and poised for a stellar career, all made possible through hard work and belief in her craft.
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Shubman Gill Shatters Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli's Record In Historic Knock For India vs England
Shubman Gill 's clear intent has made him unstoppable in the ongoing Test series against England as he made scoring a double century look like a walk in the park in Birmingham on Thursday. Gill, playing his first match as Indian cricket team captain, shattered records at will. Having hardly put a foot wrong with the bat, Gill also ensured that India did not cede the advantage to England from a strong position like they had done in Leeds in the series opener. When Gill reached the score of 255, he surpassed Kohli for the highest ever score by an Indian captain in Tests. Kohli had scored 254* in Pune against South Africa in 2019. Gill also broke the record of Sachin Tendulkar for the most runs by an India captain in an away series at the age of 25. Gill went past Tendulkar's tally of 290 (1997 tour of Sri Lanka) with an unbeaten 323 runs so far. His one-time mentor Yuvraj Singh was ecstatic. "Take a bow @ShubmanGill! Making it look so easy on the big stage! Well played and well deserved double century an example of being unstoppable when the intent is clear," Yuvraj wrote on his official 'X' handle. The recently retired Ravichandran Ashwin hailed Gill for a "fabulous start" to his captaincy stint. "A double for Gill. Fabulous start to his leadership stint, this would do him a world of good moving forward. It's time for India to bat all day now," Ashwin wrote on the micro-blogging platform. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had showered wholesome praise on Wednesday when Gill completed his century, kept it short and sweet. "Very pleased to see the intent and commitment shown by @ShubmanGill and @imjadeja today. Well played!," the legend wrote. Gill's home state unit, Punjab put out a video of his first-ever TV interview when he was barely 15 and scored 351. He was involved in a record 587-run stand with teammate Nirmal Singh playing for Mohali against Amritsar in an inter-district game. "Yes, Shubman Gill... you didn't just lead — you ruled. From the heart of Punjab to the soul of Indian cricket. You've shown the world what royalty on the pitch looks like. Not just a captain — a force, a fire, a future written in gold. "Crowns aren't worn — they're earned... and today, yours shined the brightest. The prince isn't rising anymore — he has arrived. Punjab stands proud. India stands taller," Punjab Cricket Association posted on 'X'.
Times of Oman
28-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Unruly passenger handedover to airport security after mid-air altercation on Air India flight from Amritsar to Delhi
New Delhi: Air India has confirmed an incident of disruptive passenger behaviour aboard flight AI454 from Amritsar to Delhi on Saturday, prompting intervention from cabin crew and airport security. Air India confirmed that an incident of unruly passenger behaviour occurred on board flight AI454 from Amritsar to Delhi on 28 June. "During cabin preparations for landing, a member of our cabin crew noticed a passenger standing in the aisle, engaged in a verbal altercation with another passenger. The second passenger reported to the crew that the individual was being abusive," the airline said. Air India's crew acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation, relocating the affected passenger to a business-class seat for the remainder of the flight. Upon landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, the airline's security team--previously alerted by the pilot--was on standby to address the issue. The disruptive individual was handed over to airport security for further investigation. "Our cabin crew immediately de-escalated the situation by relocating the second passenger to a business-class seat for the duration of the landing. Following a complaint by the second passenger, the pilot-in-command notified our security team on the ground about the situation, who were present upon the flight's arrival in Delhi. The disruptive passenger was handed over to the airport security for further investigation," the airline said. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behaviour and prioritises the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew," a spokesperson said. "We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities, and the matter is now under their purview," the airline added. In line with guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines are required to take such incidents seriously. Under DGCA norms, carriers must establish an internal committee to investigate the matter and determine any necessary action, including the possibility of placing the passenger on India's no-fly list.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Jallianwala Bagh: C Sankaran Nair called out a massacre - and shamed the British Empire
Long before India gained independence, one defiant voice inside the British Empire dared to call out a colonial massacre - and paid a price for Chettur Sankaran Nair, a lawyer, was one of the few Indians to be appointed to top government posts when the British ruled the country. In 1919, he resigned from the Viceroy's Council after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in the northern Indian city of Amritsar in Punjab, in which hundreds of civilians attending a public meeting were shot dead by British troops. On the 100th anniversary of the massacre, then UK Prime Minister Theresa May described the tragedy as a "shameful scar" on Britain's history in criticism of Punjab's then Lieutenant Governor, Michael O'Dwyer, led to a libel case against him, which helped spotlight the massacre and the actions of British a biography of Nair, KPS Menon, independent India's first foreign secretary, described him as "a very controversial figure of his time". Nair was known for his independent views and distaste for extremist politics, and spoke critically of colonial rule and even of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian independence hero who is now regarded as the father of the nation. Menon, who married Nair's daughter Saraswathy, wrote: "Only [Nair] could have insulted the all powerful British Viceroy on his face and opposed Mahatma Gandhi openly."Nair was not a familiar name in India in recent decades, but earlier this year, a Bollywood film based on the court case, Kesari Chapter 2- starring superstar Akshay Kumar - helped bring attention to his life. Nair was born in 1857 into a wealthy family in what is now Palakkad district in Kerala state. He studied at the Presidency College in Madras, acquiring a bachelor's degree before studying law and beginning his career as an apprentice with a Madras High Court 1887, he joined the social reform movement in the Madras presidency. Throughout his career, he fought to reform Hindu laws of the time on marriage and women's rights and to abolish the caste some years, he was a delegate to the Indian National Congress and presided over its 1897 session in Amraoti (Amravati). In his address, he held the British-run government "morally responsible for the extreme poverty of the masses", saying the annual famines "claimed more victims and created more distress than under any civilised government anywhere else in the world". He was appointed public prosecutor in 1899 and writes in his autobiography about advising the government on seditious articles in newspapers, including those by his close friend G Subramania Iyer, the first editor of The Hindu newspaper. "On many occasions… I was able to persuade them not to take any step against him."He became a high court judge in 1908 and was knighted four years moved to Delhi in 1915 when he was appointed a member of the Viceroy's Council, only the third Indian to hold the position. He was a fierce proponent of India's right to govern itself and pushed for constitutional reforms during his time on the council. Through 1918 and 1919, his dissent and negotiations with Edwin Montagu, then secretary of state for India, helped expand provisions of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms which laid out how India would gradually achieve wrote in his diary that he had been warned "that it was absolutely necessary to get him on my side, for Sankaran Nair wielded more influence than any other Indian". A pivotal moment in Nair's career as a statesman was the massacre in Jallianwala Bagh, when hundreds of unarmed Indians were shot dead in a public garden on the day of the Baisakhi festival. Official estimates said nearly 400 people were killed and more than 1,500 wounded by the soldiers, who fired under the orders of Brigadier General REH Dyer. Indian sources put the death toll closer to 1, writes in his 1922 book Gandhi and Anarchy about following the events in Punjab with increasing concern. The shooting at Jallianwala Bagh was part of a larger crackdown in the province, where martial law had been introduced - the region was cut off from the rest of the country and no newspapers were allowed into it."If to govern the country, it is necessary that innocent persons should be slaughtered at Jallianwala Bagh and that any Civilian Officer may, at any time, call in the military and the two together may butcher the people as at Jallianwala Bagh, the country is not worth living in," he wrote.A month later, he resigned from the council and left for Britain, where he hoped to rouse public opinion on the his memoir, Nair writes of speaking to the editor of The Westminster Gazette which soon published an article called the Amritsar Massacre. Other papers including The Times also followed suit."Worse things had happened under British rule, but I am glad I was able to obtain publicity for this one at least," Nair wrote. Nair's book Gandhi and Anarchy drew the ire of several Indian nationalists of the time after he criticised Gandhi's civil disobedience movement, calling it a "weapon to be used when constitutional methods have failed to achieve our purpose".But it was the few passages condemning Sir Michael O'Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, that became the basis for the libel suit against him in 1924. Nair accused O'Dwyer of terrorism, holding him responsible for the atrocities committed by the civil government before the imposition of martial law. A five-week trial in the Court of King's Bench in London ruled 11:1 in favour of O'Dwyer, awarding damages of £500 and £7,000 in costs to him.O'Dwyer offered to forgo this for an apology but Nair refused and paid of the depositions in the hearing were published daily in The Times. Nair's family says despite losing, the case achieved his purpose of having the atrocities brought to public attention. Nair's great-grandson Raghu Palat, who co-wrote the book The Case That Shook the Empire, with his wife Pushpa, says the case helped spark "an uproar for the freedom movement".It also showed that "there was no point in having a dominion status under the empire when the British cannot be expected to deal with their subjects fairly", adds Gandhi referred to the case several times, writing once that Nair had showed pluck in fighting without hope of victory, historian PC Roy Chaudhury later pointed losing the case, Nair continued with his career in India. He was chairman of the Indian Committee of the Simon Commission, which reviewed the working of constitutional reforms in India in died in 1934 at the age of his career, Menon notes, Nair "bent all his thoughts and energies on the emancipation of his country from the bondage of foreign domination and native custom. In this task, he achieved as much success as any man, wedded to constitutional methods".
