| Attari |
| For pure pageantry and nationalistic bravado, visit the Wagah (Pakistan)/Attari (India) border post at sunrise or sunset. This is the only road crossing between India and Pakistan, and twice daily crowds gather to witness the ceremonial opening or closing of the border. Attari is a functioning border during the day, hundreds of visa holders passing to either side. The expected India - Pakistan heat turns on only at border closing time, when both sides participate in a bombastic bout of choreographed goosestepping known as the Attar Border Ceremony. Sights The only real attraction of the town is the border closing ceremony itself. According to statistics, about 5,000 people show up daily to watch this event. It begins with loud chanting, followed by soldiers on each side parading toward the gate. First the Indians in their modern khaki uniforms, then the Pakistanis in their historical black uniforms, both sides with preposterous headgear. The goose-stepping, the quick-marching, the flag lowering, the horn playing, the fist waving, the gate opening, the gate shutting all adds to the drama. Considering that these are two armies which profess to be mortal enemies and barely communicate with each other, it is remarkable how well rehearsed and precisely staged the whole ceremony is. It climaxes in one brief moment when two guards grudgingly shake hands just before the gate is slammed shut for the final time at sunset. Accommodation There is news of a new tourist complex being built at Attari, but at only an hours bus drive from Amritsar in India and another hour over the border to Lahore there is probably no need to stay here. Banks and Internet The State Bank of India at the border will change money. Crossing the Border The border is open from 10 am to 4 pm every day. You will need to have acquired your visa already. Visas are theoretically available from the Pakistan embassy in Delhi, but in reality this can be difficult. It is better to get the visa in your home country before you leave. For more information on visas check the link at the top of the page. |
| Transport Buses travel frequently between Attari and Amritsar and cost around Rs 20 for the one and a half hour ride. Taxis will charge Rs 500 for the same trip and make the journey in about an hour. Autorickshaws charge around Rs 200. On the pther side of the border buses leave every half hour for Lahore, 30 km away.The journey will cost around Rs 25 and takes one hour. Taxis do the same trip for Rs 500. |