A 31-kilometer drive west from the city center of Amritsar will take you to the border of Pakistan, where a curious border-closing ceremony takes place at sunset every afternoon. Full of pomp and circumstance, the Beating Retreat Ceremony involves an ostentatious display of goose-stepping guards from the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers saluting each other, lowering and folding their flags, and closing the gates at the border. 

The experience gives tourists (typically seated in a special VIP section, once they flash their foreign passport) the chance to see the stark differences between Pakistan and India. On the Pakistan side, you’ll see men and women sitting separately in stadium-style seating, and the vibe is much more subdued.

On the Indian side, however, it’s a patriotic party. Bollywood music blasts from speakers as women dance in the street, while those in the stands wave Indian flags.

While just 45-minutes long, the entire ceremony gives you enough memories for hours of storytelling back at home. 

Entry Timings : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Time Required : 2-3 hours

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Entry & Seating : First Come First Served Basis

Ceremony Timings : 4:15 PM (Winters)/5:15 PM (Summers)

Address: Wagah Border, National Highway 1 PB, Amritsar

How to Reach:

By Air

Sri Guru Ramdass International airport nearest airport from Wagah Border and distance from airport is 36 kilometers.

By Train

Attari Railway Station nearest railway station from Wagah Border and distance from station is 6 kilometers

By Road

Bus Stand Amritsar nearest bus-stop from Wagah Border and distance from bus-stop is 32 kilometers