City On Pedals – Guided Walking, Bicycle and Food Tours

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Description

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the heartbeat of Amritsar beyond the Golden Temple’s glow, City On Pedals might just be your perfect starting point. This local tour company has built a reputation for turning ordinary sightseeing into something that feels personal, immersive, and honestly, a little addictive. The first time I joined one of their bicycle tours, I remember thinking—how have I missed this side of the city all these years? The air smelled of cardamom tea and tandoor smoke, and every turn seemed to whisper a story from the past. That’s the kind of experience City On Pedals delivers—raw, real, and rich with local flavor.

City On Pedals offers guided walking, bicycle, and food tours that bring travelers face-to-face with Amritsar’s living history. It’s not just about ticking landmarks off a list. It’s about slowing down, chatting with locals, tasting freshly fried jalebis, and hearing the clang of temple bells echo through narrow lanes. The guides—locals who clearly love their city—share tales that don’t make it into guidebooks. You’ll learn how the city’s old bazaars evolved, how partition shaped its people, and how food became its soul. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave feeling more connected to the place than you ever expected.

What makes City On Pedals stand out is its sense of community. Travelers often end up bonding over shared meals or late-night conversations in the hostel common area. There’s an easygoing vibe that attracts everyone from solo backpackers to families and even locals rediscovering their hometown. The tours are thoughtfully designed, blending education with entertainment, and always with a touch of humor. It’s easy to see why so many visitors walk away raving about their experience—it’s not just a tour, it’s a story you become part of.

Key Features

• Guided Bicycle Tours: Pedal through Amritsar’s historic streets, exploring hidden corners and local markets at your own pace.
• Walking Tours: Perfect for those who prefer to take things slow—wander through heritage lanes, temples, and old neighborhoods with expert guides who know every nook and cranny.
• Food Tours: Taste Amritsar’s legendary street food, from buttery kulchas to spicy chole and creamy lassi served in steel tumblers.
• Local Hosts: Friendly, knowledgeable, and fluent in English—these guides are storytellers first and tour guides second.
• Community Vibe: Meet fellow travelers, share stories, and maybe even make lifelong friends over shared meals and laughter.
• Accessibility: The tour center is wheelchair accessible, and the team is accommodating to different travel needs.
• Flexible Booking: Online appointments and onsite options make it easy to plan your visit, even last-minute.
• Inclusive Environment: Welcoming to all travelers—LGBTQ+ friendly and women-owned, with a focus on creating a safe, inclusive space.
• Payment Convenience: Accepts debit cards, credit cards, and NFC mobile payments for hassle-free transactions.

Every tour has its own rhythm. The bicycle tours, for example, have this liberating feel—you’re gliding past old havelis, waving to shopkeepers, dodging cows (it happens), and soaking in the chaos that somehow feels peaceful. The food tours, though, that’s where your senses go wild. There’s something magical about eating Amritsari kulcha straight from the tandoor while hearing stories about the family that’s been making it for generations. And the walking tours? They’re like time travel with a local friend who knows all the shortcuts.

Best Time to Visit

Honestly, Amritsar can be visited any time of year, but your experience will vary depending on the season. The sweet spot, in my opinion, is between October and March. The weather is cooler, the skies are clear, and cycling around the city feels refreshing rather than exhausting. Mornings are crisp, perfect for early walking tours when the streets are quieter and the city is just waking up.

Summer (April to June) can be intense—temperatures often climb above 40°C, and you’ll find yourself craving shade and cold lassi every hour. If you do visit then, go for early morning or late evening tours. Monsoon season (July to September) has its charm too. The city looks cleaner and greener after the rains, though you might have to dodge puddles while pedaling. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?

Festivals are another great reason to plan your visit. During Diwali or Baisakhi, Amritsar transforms into a living celebration. The energy is infectious—music, lights, food stalls everywhere—and City On Pedals often tailors tours around these cultural events, giving you a front-row seat to the city’s traditions in full swing.

How to Get There

Getting to City On Pedals is pretty straightforward once you’re in Amritsar. The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road, so you’ve got options. If you’re flying in, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is just a short drive from the city center. From there, you can grab a cab or use a rideshare app to reach the meeting point. If you’re arriving by train, Amritsar Junction is the main railway station, and it’s only a few kilometers away from most tour starting points.

For the adventurous types, local transport is part of the experience. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are everywhere, and drivers are usually happy to chat (sometimes too much!). If you’re staying nearby, walking to the tour center is a pleasant option—you’ll pass by local shops, tea stalls, and maybe catch a glimpse of daily life that most tourists miss. And if you’re staying at the City On Pedals hostel, well, you’re already home base. Just roll out of bed, grab a cup of chai, and you’re ready to go.

Tips for Visiting

Before you jump into your tour, here are a few things I’ve learned from experience that might make your visit smoother—and more fun:

• Book in advance: Tours can fill up fast, especially during weekends and holidays. A quick online booking saves you the stress of last-minute planning.
• Dress comfortably: Lightweight clothes and closed-toe shoes are a must for cycling or walking around. Carry a hat and sunscreen too—the Amritsar sun doesn’t play around.
• Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle. The guides often stop at local stalls for drinks, but it’s good to have your own supply.
• Be open-minded: You’ll be stepping into neighborhoods that may not look polished, but they’re full of heart and history. Talk to locals, try the food, and let curiosity guide you.
• Carry some cash: While cards are accepted, small vendors often prefer cash, especially during food tours.
• Join the community: If you’re staying at their hostel, don’t skip the evening gatherings. It’s where stories are swapped, friendships are made, and sometimes impromptu jam sessions happen.
• Go early: Morning tours have a special charm—the city feels more authentic before the crowds and traffic pick up.
• Respect local customs: When visiting temples or religious sites, cover your head and remove shoes. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

One last thing—don’t rush it. Amritsar isn’t a city you “do” in a day. It’s a place that rewards those who linger, who listen, who let the rhythm of the streets sink in. City On Pedals helps you do exactly that. Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or just to meet like-minded wanderers, you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll leave with stories worth telling.

And maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.

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