Located near the borders of India and Pakistan, Amritsar is not just an ordinary place but a city that reflects the culture and heritage of Punjab. It is a shimmering jewel that offers a soul-stirring experience for the devotees who come here. Pilgrims from Punjab and other cities of the country visit Amritsar to seek solace. The city has no dearth of wonderful places that will leave an indelible mark on your mind. Right from the beautiful Golden Temple to Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, there is so much to explore in this city. People from all the corners of the world come here to soak in its spirituality. If you want to explore this city in the best way, the following Amritsar travel guide will be helpful for you:
Best Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple
This is one of the iconic pilgrimage sites for the Sikhs that represents a perfect mixture of unity, service, and spirituality. The temple is not only known for its deep spiritual significance but also for its architectural brilliance. Also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, this structure is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India. It attracts tourists not only from India but also from other parts of the world. The temple was founded in the year 1581, and it took seven years to complete this structure. Guru Arjan, the 5th Sikh Guru, put the Adi Granth in this Gurudwara in the year 1604. The temple was devastated many times by Mughal rulers and the Afghanistan invaders.
However, Sikhs rebuilt it each time. One of the best things about this temple is that it welcomes people from different religions. Thus, whether you are Sikh, Hindu, or Christian, you can visit the temple and pay your respects here. The architecture of the temple is a perfect mix of Hindu Rajput and Indo-Islamic Mughal architecture. The interiors of the temple are decorated with beautiful frescoes and floral motifs. The Gurudwara has many structures within it. However, the Akal Takht is much more popular than other buildings. This is one of the 5 takhts of Sikhism and has a deep religious significance. You can also see a community kitchen, a clock tower, a museum, and a community kitchen here.
Jallianwala Bagh
It is a haunting reminder of the tragic massacre that was held here in the year 1919. This infamous garden was constructed to pay homage to the people who lost their lives in the massacre. The walls of the bagh are still spotted with holes and marks that remind us of the incident that occurred here. On 13th April 1919, several people gathered in the bagh and protested the Rowlatt Act. During their protest, General Reginald Dyer ordered the British Army to shoot the crowd. Within just 10 minutes of shooting, approx. 1000 people were killed here, and others were injured.
This heinous act by General Dyer shocked the nation to the core and paved the way for widespread anger among the people. Mahatma Gandhi and other notable leaders condemned this cowardly act and became united to free India from British rule. This was undoubtedly the most tragic incident in the history of India. The government of India created a memorial in the garden in the year 1951 to honor the martyrs.
Khairuddin Masjid
This mosque stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Built in the year 1876, this mosque is a great example of traditional Islamic architecture. Also known as Khair-ud-din Masjid, the architecture of this structure is stunning. The mosque has a deep historical significance, as Syed Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari requested the Muslim population to fight against the British from this very mosque. It is reminiscent of the ancient Islamic architecture. The intricate designs of the mosque and the miniature paintings lend a beautiful look to it. The main entrance of the masjid is decorated with beautiful arches and motifs. Once you are here, you will be amazed to see its breathtaking architecture. The prayer hall of the mosque is adorned with ornate chandeliers, which look beautiful. Quranic inscriptions carved on the walls are simply beautiful and showcase the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. Khairuddin Mosque has a deep historical significance among the Muslim community. It organizes a variety of educational and religious activities that let them grow spiritually.
Ram Tirath Temple
The temple has a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees. This site is believed to be the birthplace of the twin sons of Lord Rama—Lav and Kush. The temple is a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus who are in pursuit of spiritual solace. According to a legend, Sita stayed in the ashram of Valmiki and gave birth to Lava and Kush there. The temple is constructed on that very site and has a variety of monuments that depict the tales of the Ramayana. There is a hut and a tank in the temple complex. According to the people, Sita lived in this hut, and the tank was dug by Lord Hanuman. The architecture of the temple is a mixture of traditional and modern architectural styles. The temple is flooded with Hindu devotees who visit the temple from different parts of the country. It offers a serene environment to the devotees so that they can pray and meditate here without any disturbance.
Sri Durgiana Temple
Located in Amritsar, Shri Durgiana Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the state of Punjab. Every year, millions of devotees visit this temple to offer prayers to the deity. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is the epitome of architectural splendor. It has been an important site for the Hindu devotees. The temple welcomes all tourists with open arms and offers much-needed tranquility to the visitors so that they can meditate here peacefully. The temple looks stunning on special occasions or festivals such as Rama Navami, Dussehra, Diwali, Navratri, Janmashtami, Holi, etc.
Shri Durgiana Temple is a perfect amalgamation of Sikh and Mughal architecture. Constructed from white marble, the temple has intricate paintings and carvings that are associated with Hindu mythology. According to a legend, Lord Rama came here while performing Ashwamedha Yagya. It is also believed that the grandson of the Sun God performed a variety of sacrificial rituals in this area. While you are here, listen to the melodious devotional songs and admire the architectural beauty of this temple.
Gobindgarh Fort
This fort is among the best places to visit in Amritsar. Also known as Qila Gobindgarh, Gobindgarh Fort provides visitors with a sneak peek into the rich culture and heritage of the country. It is an architectural splendor that is visited by innumerable visitors from around the country. Also known as “Bhangian Da Qila,” the Gobindgarh Fort was built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi in the 18th century. The fort has witnessed many wars in the past, i.e., the 1857 revolt and the Anglo-Sikh War. The architecture of the fort is a unique combination of beautiful Mughal artistry and military design.
The first ruler of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, conquered this fort in the nineteenth century. After conquering it, he renovated the fort by adding new structures to it. He revamped the fort to protect Amritsar city and the Golden Temple from the invaders. Gobindgarh Fort was seized by the British later. The fort organizes many activities and attractions that reflect the culture and history of Punjab. Some of the activities that are held here include food fairs, galleries, cultural shows, etc.
Best Things to Do in Amritsar
You can enjoy the best time during your Amritsar tour. Some of the activities that you can do here are as follows:
Attend the Wagah Border Ceremony
The Wagah Border Ceremony is a must for everyone who visits Amritsar. It is an important event that you can attend while you are in Amritsar. This ceremony offers you a sneak peek into the relationship between the two countries—India and Pakistan. Don’t miss this event if you are a history buff, as it will be rewarding for you. People from both countries attend this ceremony in large numbers and feel the true patriotism here. It is a matter of pride for the Indians to witness the commitment and discipline of the border guards of the two countries. It is a unique amalgamation of cultural performance and military tradition. People enjoy a lot after attending this event. The Wagah Border Ceremony is for everyone—whether you are on a solo tour to Amritsar or come here with your family. If you have children with you, they will love to be a part of this ceremony. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. You can capture the activities of guards and take some of the best photos of you and your family during the event.
Shopping at Hall Bazaar
Situated in Amritsar, Hall Bazaar is one of the busiest markets in Amritsar. If you are a shopaholic, you will love being here. Located close to the Amritsar railway station, this bazaar is flooded with a variety of shops and stalls that sell books, jewelry, electronics, etc. You can buy many things here, including apparel, handiwork, Amritsari jutties, Phulkari embroidery, etc. This shopping zone will not only offer you the best shopping experience but also provide you with an opportunity to explore beautiful ancient architecture, such as Gandhi Gate, the Mughal Archway entrance, and other places. You can also enjoy delectable Punjabi cuisine while you are here. However, avoid going there in groups, as the market is already crowded. Also, don’t forget to bargain whenever you need to buy something from the market. The shopkeepers here sell their products at much higher rates. Thus, it is important to bargain before purchasing any item from here. This will help you get any desired item at the best price. You can also take a walk in the market if you don’t want to purchase anything from here.
Birdwatching at Harike Wetland
Another activity that you will enjoy the most is birdwatching at Harike Wetland. This is an apt place for nature lovers and birdwatchers. This sanctuary is one of the best places to stay close to nature. When you are here, you will love to immerse yourself in the spectacular natural surroundings here. It is a perfect getaway for those who are fed up with the busy and fast-paced life of the cities and want to spend their time in a peaceful place. Birdwatchers can see as many as 375 species of birds in this sanctuary. They can also see different species of mammals, reptiles, turtles, and amphibians here. A few birds that you can see here include the northern pintail, great crested grebe, Indian skimmer, black-necked stork, and common coot. You can also find a variety of animals in this sanctuary, such as wild boar, smooth-coated otter, and Indian jackal.
Enjoy Langar at Golden Temple
Apart from appreciating the beauty of the Golden Temple, you can also enjoy Langar here, which is free for all. Thousands of devotees come here to get this free meal. People from different religions visit the Gurdwara and enjoy the free meal. The food served here is delicious and hygienic. Many volunteers offer their services to the gurdwara free of cost, maintain the kitchen, and manage the Langar service, which runs round the clock. They cut vegetables, make rotis, meals, and desserts, and serve food to the people.
Fun Rides at Sadda Pind
Fun rides at Sadda Pind will be a highly enjoyable activity for the people. If you visit Amritsar with your family and want to enjoy the best time, Sadda Pind is the best place for you. Here you can enjoy a variety of fun rides. Everyone loves the vibrant ambiance of Sadda Pind and the fun rides it offers. Thus, if you are looking for amusement and thrill, head to Sadda Pind. You won’t be disappointed after visiting this place. You can enjoy a horse ride while you are here. The riders enjoy the designated path after mounting the horses.
The horse handlers supervise the horse rides closely so that you won’t get hurt. Apart from the horse ride, you can also opt for a traditional tractor ride, which will be a great experience for you. A ride on a tractor will take you on an adventurous journey that will provide an authentic experience of rural life in Punjab. Driving the tractor will increase your adrenaline rush and will provide the desired enjoyment to you. Your children will also enjoy the trampoline when they are here. This bouncy ride will offer them the enjoyment and the thrill they are looking for. This activity is perfect for your kids, as they will get extreme enjoyment after doing this.
Best Time to Visit Amritsar
Most people are not aware of the right time to visit Amritsar. They head to Amritsar any time of the year and regret their decision afterward. If you, too, are confused about choosing the right time to visit Amritsar, the following information will be extremely helpful for you:
Winter Season (Peak Season)
This is the ideal time to visit Amritsar, as the weather is favorable and lets the visitors explore Amritsar without any stress. The tourists choose the winter season, i.e., the time from October to March, to visit Amritsar. During this time, the city is flooded with visitors who come here from different parts of the country. Many popular festivals are celebrated here in Amritsar during this time. Some of them are Diwali and the Amritsar Sufi Festival.
Monsoon Season (Moderate Season)
This is not the best season to visit Amritsar. However, you can consider your Amritsar visit during this time. In this season, you will experience humid days and rainfall, which will cause great inconvenience to you. The temperature goes up to 40 degrees Celsius during this time. Thus, you can choose this season to explore Amritsar.
Summer Season (Off Season)
March to June is considered the off-season. The scorching heat during the summer season is unbearable and makes it difficult for you to explore the city. Thus, you must avoid your Amritsar tour during the summer season. However, if you have already chosen this season for your Amritsar visit, you must carry essential items with you. This will help you a lot during your Amritsar tour. One of the advantages of choosing the off-season is that you will get special discounts on Amritsar travel packages. The reason behind it is that the tour operators sit idle during this time. Thus, they offer special discounts during this season.
How to Reach Amritsar?
Amritsar has a good network of roads, which helps the people reach here from any corner of the country. The city is well-connected with major cities such as Ludhiana, Delhi, Surat, and Mumbai through a road and rail network. The tourists can also catch a flight to Amritsar, as there are many direct flights to this city from all parts of the country.
By Air
Tourists can reach Amritsar comfortably after catching a flight. Amritsar has its own airport named Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. This airport offers domestic as well as international flights to tourists. Some of the famous airline companies that offer direct flights to Amritsar include Sri Lankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air India, etc.
By Train
You can reach Amritsar by train without any difficulty. Some of the major train stations in Amritsar are Amritsar Junction, Mananwala, Verka Junction, etc. You can step down at any station and reach your destination by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Road
Amritsar has a good road network through which tourists can easily enter the city from different parts of the country. They can come here by car or bus comfortably.
Shopping in Amritsar
Amritsar is not only famous for its spiritual places but also known for its vibrant shopping zones. If you are a shopaholic, your visit to Amritsar will be fulfilling and rewarding. The city offers a great shopping experience to the visitor. With its bustling markets and modern malls, Amritsar is one of the best places to buy Punjabi dresses, Phulkari needlework, and other stuff. If you are in search of authentic goods, you must head to Hall Bazaar, which is the perfect destination to find them. Some of the best markets in Amritsar include Guru Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh, Shastri Market, Lawrence Road, etc.
Getting Around in Amritsar
It is easy to get around in Amritsar, as you will find all kinds of transport here. If you want to move within Amritsar, taxis and auto-rickshaws are the best for you. Public buses also take you to the desired places within Amritsar. Auto-rickshaws are the cheapest mode of transport, as you need to spend less to get them. They are the best for you when you need to cover short distances. Taxis are also easily available in the city. You can book them to cover longer distances within the city. However, you need to bargain before booking a taxi. This will help you book it at the best prices. You can also book Uber or Ola to get around in the city. They provide you with a comfortable journey within the city. You can also contact the private drivers who will help you explore the city comfortably.
