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Located about 25 km from the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, the city of Amritsar was a central part of the story of the freedom struggle as well as the eventual independence and partition of the country. However, it is best known for being home to the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, the holiest site in Sikhism. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India with The Golden Temple alone having almost 1,00,000 visitors from around the world daily. Amritsar is a cultural, historical and spiritual hub and the perfect destination for cultural and heritage tourism.

Exploring Amritsar

Golden Temple(Harmandir Sahib)

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The Harmandir Sahib is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and is a global pilgrimage site where Sikhs and tourists from all over the world visit.There are four entrances to the temple which symbolizes inclusivity and welcomes people of all faiths. Everyone is required to cover their hair as well as clean their hands and feet before entering the temple complex. The inner sanctum is located in the center of a large pool of water and is accessed by a small marble bridge. It is especially stunning to view at night with the lights on.

Inside the sanctum, devotional songs are sung continuously from morning to evening and the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the religious scripture in Sikhism, is read continuously at all times without pause by different granthis(scripture readers) who take turns reading.

It also hosts the world’s largest community kitchen or Langar where food is served to all visitors regardless of religion and race. Food is served while you are sitting on the floor and includes roti, dal, sabzi and kheer. It is both prepared and served by volunteers. You can also volunteer to help with the kitchen duties. This practice is considered as selfless service, which is an important part of Sikhism.

Akhal Takht

Located opposite the Harmandir Sahib inside the Golden Temple complex is the Akhal Takht, which is considered to be the supreme seat of the Sikh temporal authority. It serves as the central authority in Sikh matters, where the Jathedar(spiritual and political leader) oversees religious and social affairs.

Central Sikh Museum

There is also a Sikh museum inside the Golden Temple complex near the main entrance which showcases the rich history and culture of Sikhism. There are portraits of Sikh gurus, leaders and warriors as well as historical paintings of major events in Sikh history. Weapons used by Sikh warriors as well as stories of Sikh battles and sacrifices are also portrayed.

Jallianwala Bagh

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A memorial park which marks the site of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre where British soldiers massacred hundreds of unarmed civilians who had gathered in 1919. Bullet marks are still preserved on the wall and the well into which many jumped and died to avoid being shot can also be seen. The entire details and context of the incident can be found next to each of the sites including walls with bullet holes, wells and where the soldiers positioned themselves and closed off all exits to ensure nobody escaped. This is a must visit location for the history buffs to see the site and know the history as well as the details of one of the darkest days in British Indian history.

Partition Museum

Just a 10 minute walk away from the Golden Temple is located the Partition Museum, which showcases the history and aftermath of the partition between India and Pakistan. The museum houses 14 galleries which showcases history in chronological order from pre-partition to independence. It includes photographs, documents, newspaper clippings as well as personal artifacts of the refugees. The context,history and the details are well explained so that visitors can grasp the experience and aftermath of the incident very well.

This is another must visit for history buffs or anyone with an interest to know more about the partition. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Tuesdays and national holidays. It will take a few hours to get through all the sections of the museum so make sure you start a few hours before the closing time.

Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony

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Located about 30 km from Amritsar is the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan. Every evening, there is a flag lowering ceremony performed at the crossing by India’s Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers. It is a dramatic and patriotic ritual and draws huge crowds on both sides of the border. It is a unique event and a spectacular show put on by the men and women in uniform. It invokes a sense of awe and patriotism in every person watching and experiencing it.

Other Activities To Do In Amritsar

A visit to Amritsar is generally a packed schedule for most tourists but if you do have free time spend some time walking through Heritage Street. It is a pedestrian only area next to the Golden Temple where you can see the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and sculptures of other freedom fighters.

Image by Jaskaran Singh from Pixabay

The street is also filled with shops from where you can buy souvenirs and other artefacts like the kada or the kirpan, which are usually adorned by the Sikhs. You can also buy a pagdi and ask shopkeepers to help you wear it in a Sikh style.

Another main activity to do when in Amritsar is to try Punjabi cuisine. Tandoori cuisine and the famous Amritsari kulcha are some of the most popular dishes to try alongside Kheer. End your dining experience with a freshly made lassi to get a feel of Punjabi cuisine.

Accommodation in Amritsar

Amritsar offers a wide array of accommodation options to cater to every traveler’s needs and budget.

For those seeking a luxurious stay, the city features high end hotels that deliver top-tier hospitality and a range of premium facilities, ensuring a truly lavish and comfortable experience.

Travelers looking for a mid-range stay will find numerous well maintained hotels that strike the right balance between quality and affordability, making them ideal for families and small groups.

Budget conscious visitors and solo explorers can choose from a variety of low cost accommodations like low budget hotels, guesthouses and hostels. For a more social experience, dormitory style stays are also available, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.

Getting to Amritsar

As one of the major cities in Punjab, Amritsar is well connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from various parts of India.

The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, with regular connections to major Indian cities and select global destinations. It’s a convenient choice for travelers looking for a quick and comfortable journey.

For budget travelers, trains offer an affordable and scenic option. Amritsar Junction is the primary railway station and is well linked to cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chandigarh.

Amritsar is also reachable by road via national highways like NH 3, NH 54, and NH 354, which connect it to other major towns and cities. Regular bus services, both government and private, operate frequently, while well maintained roads make driving to the city a smooth and pleasant experience.

Getting Around Amritsar

Amritsar is a compact city, making it relatively easy to navigate for visitors.

Auto rickshaws are one of the most convenient and widely available modes of transport for short distances, easy access to key attractions. For a more comfortable ride, app based cabs and taxis are readily available and ideal for longer routes or group travel. This is ideal for the journey to the Attari-Wagah border.

Amritsar has a network of local buses operated by the state transport department, connecting major areas and nearby towns. Cycle rickshaws are also popular for short rides within the old city, especially near the Golden Temple, where vehicle access is limited.

For those staying near the central attractions, walking is a great option, especially along the pedestrian friendly Heritage Street.

Best Time to Visit Amritsar

The best time to visit Amritsar is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, cool, and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.