By Amritsar, known as “Guru ki Nagri,” is regarded as a holy city. The city, blessed by the Sikh Gurus, is known to have been established in the 16th century by the 4th Guru, “Guru Ramdass “. The town, graced with the sacred Golden Temple, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, including prominent personalities.
Not only for its spiritual solace but the city is also known for its mouth-watering food, particularly the famous “Amritsari Kulchas.” A city with a rich heritage, is also the last city of Punjab and has an adjoining border with Pakistan.
To learn more interesting facts and the Amritsar best places to visit, read ahead and explore each place in detail and things to consider before visiting there.
1. Golden Temple
Harmindar Sahib, also known as Darbar Sahib, is a prominent attraction in Amritsar and one of India’s most spiritual destinations. Millions of visitors come to the Golden Temple because of its remarkable golden architecture and the presence of the revered ” Guru Granth Sahib Ji”. Even the name Amritsar drives from “Amrit: Nectar” and “Sar: Pool” meaning “Nectar of Pool” which surrounds this lovely shrine. The overall site of this exquisite golden architecture surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar should not be missed. Golden Temple also has the world’s largest community kitchen where anyone can come and have a sacred vegetarian meal, also known as “langar”.
Time to Visit :
Open for 24 hours (All days)
Entry Fees:
Free of Charge
Tips for traveling:
- Remember to dress modestly and cover your head before entering the temple.
- Try visiting the temple early morning or late evening to witness the “Palki Sahib ceremony “ for the utmost lifted spiritual experience.
2. Wagah Border
A few kilometres from the city center lies the well-known Wagah Border. Marking the boundaries of India and Pakistan is famed for its Beating Retreat Ceremony, which is a 30-minute show of companionship and showmanship. You can experience goosebumps with intense patriotic vibes with chants of the Indian national anthem, continuous applause, and sometimes Bollywood-style dance.
Time to Visit :
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Carry your valid identity cards, which are required to show when entering the seating area.
- The Retreat Ceremony normally begins at 4:15 pm in the summer and 5:15 pm in the winter. To avoid the crowds, arrive early.
3. Jallianwala Bagh
Known for its 1919 massacre, Jallianwala Bagh is a beautiful public garden with a memorial of all the people who were assassinated by British forces during the India war for freedom. Along with the lovely lawns, it also has a martyr’s gallery displaying their portraits along with the bullet points on the walls. The government has also conserved the adjoining well, into which most of the people jumped to escape British forces’ gunshots.
Time to visit :
6:30 am to 7:30 pm
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Spare enough time to go through the informational content on the boards of every wall.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the garden tirelessly.
4. Durgiana temple
The “Sitla temple” is a stunning half-gold, half-marble domed temple with holy shrines to Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, and Vishnu Ji, the universe’s defenders. It is surrounded by beautiful Sarovar, much like the Golden Temple. Apart from the main temple, it is complemented by many subsidiary temples. It also has a community kitchen known as the “langar bhawan,” where vegetarian food is served to people regardless of their caste, creed, or gender.
Time to visit :
5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Respecting the religious significance, dress appropriately.
- To experience the divine energy, participate in aarti conducted every day in the morning and evening.
5. Sadda Pind
Expanded over 12 acres of land, Sadda Pind is the perfect destination to explore the Punjab’s rich culture and heritage with your family and friends. Through this living village museum, you can experience the flavors and colors of real Punjab and reconnect with the roots. You can indulge in several activities here, like folk song dancing, shopping, savoring authentic Punjab dishes, and much more.
Ticket timings:
10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Village timings:
10:30 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fees:
- Adults: Rs 850
- Children( Height : 3 -4 Feet ) : Rs 700
Tips for Travelling :
- Spare at least 5 to 6 hours to explore the attractions and activities properly.
- Sadda Pind offers traditional-style accommodation; hence, it is recommended that you stay overnight to feel the ambiance of a village.
6. Gobindgarh Fort
Built by the founder of the Sikh Clan, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it is a massive historic fort. Originally constructed in the 18th century, the fort is restored and transformed into a famous tourist spot. The fort houses a museum displaying Maharaja’s artillery and other artifacts. Aside from its historical value, the fort’s spellbinding architecture attracts a large number of people from all over the world. The fort also conducts some unique laser, light, and sound shows to add entertainment elements for the visitors.
Time to Visit:
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fees:
- For Indians: Rs 180- Rs 650
- For Foreigners: Rs 375 – Rs 1000
Tips for Travelling :
- Get your tickets before 4:00 pm, as the ticket desk closes afterward.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the fort is a large area to explore.
- Don’t miss the 7-D show: Sher – e – Punjab, which will tell the fascinating narrative of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
7. Famous Amritsar Restaurants: To enjoy some delectable food
Amritsar is considered as a paradise for food lovers. The city never misses a chance to amaze tourists with its flavor-rich, buttery, and spicy food and curries. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty meal at a famous dhaba or sampling the city’s street food, Amritsar’s culinary experience will surely be memorable. On top of that, the warm hospitality adds a cherry to the cake. Let’s explore some famous restaurants further where you can find a delightful mix of Punjabi flavors:
- Kesar Da Dhaba: Famous for its Dal makhani, paranthas, and Phirni
- Bhawaran Da Dhaba: Famous for its wide range of vegetarian Punjabi dishes.
- Kanha Sweets: Famous for its staple breakfast of ‘Poori Chana ‘
- Monu Kulcha: Best known for its crispy’ Kulcha Chana ‘.
- Giani Lassi: As the name denotes, the place is famous for its mouth-watering ‘Lassi’ or Buttermilk.
- Makhan Fish: Renowned place for having Amritsari fish and tandoori dishes.
- Beera Chicken: Famous for its most tender, perfectly cooked, and well-marinated chicken.
8. Hall Bazaar : Reach your shopping goals
Walking through the Gandhi Gate leads to the famed Hall Bazar. Everything on your shopping list may be in this city center, near the Golden Temple. The bazaar is well-known for its unique Punjabi souvenirs and an exquisite assortment of men’s and women’s clothes. This road also has a collection of wall clocks and other electronic items.
Time to visit:
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Shop for exclusive phulkari dupattas, Punjabi jutties (traditional footwear), and Patiala salwar suits.
- Bargains are very common here, so compare prices at different shops, negotiate, and buy
9. Ram Tirth Temple
Ram Tirath Temple, approximately 11 kilometers from Amritsar, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage place with profound mythological importance. The shrine, believed to be Lord Rama’s sons Luv and Kush’s birthplace, is related to the epic Ramayana. It is claimed to be the ashram of Sage Valmiki, who wrote the Ramayana and offered shelter for Goddess Sita during her exile. The temple complex features a sacred tank where pilgrims can take a holy bath and a series of historic temples and shrines. Also worth noting is the main temple’s magnificent structure, covered with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting instances from the Ramayana.
Time to Visit :
6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for travelling:
- Visit during festivals like Ram Naumi or the Ram Tirth Fair, which is held annually after Diwali, to thoroughly enjoy this vibrant place.
- Take a holy dip in the sacred tank or sarovar, which is believed to have purifying properties.
10. Khalsa College
One of the most historical institutes, Khalsa College, holds its history back to the 18th century. Built during the time of British rule, the Indian – Persian architecture of this beautiful building has allured the hearts of many. The scalloped archways and onion-shaped domes are so popular that many Bollywood films have used them for shooting.
Time to visit:
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Tips for traveling:
- Get a guide to know about the rich history behind this architectural wonder.
- Visit the impressive library of the institute, as it has vast collections of books and manuscripts.
Amritsar: A gem to discover with family and friends
After going through all the best places to visit in Amritsar, we can finally conclude that its nothing less than a gem to explore. Once you come here, this city’s spiritual and tasteful tour will carve a special place in your heart. It can be your perfect getaway destination with your family and friends without disturbing much of your pockets. There are many places to visit in Amritsar in 1 day, and the generous and friendly residents will help to give you lifetime memories. Hence, Amritsar is a delightful mix of delicious local cuisines, pure blessings of the Gurus, and rich historical heritage.
So, don’t wait and visit Amritsar to relish your travel experience.
