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Metropolis in Punjab, India
Photo: Cjsinghpup, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Amritsar (Punjabi: ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ Aṃmritsar) is a city in the state of Punjab, India. It is the holiest city in Sikhism. Amritsar is one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Punjab and is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. Sikhs are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship), the Golden Temple. Amritsar is today a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs and a tourism centre for anyone.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre, turned into a park memorial. On April 13 of that year, British Indian Army soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. The firing lasted about 10 minutes and 1650 rounds were fired, killing 1579 people. A memorial was built on the site and inaugurated by the then-President of India, Rajendra Prasad, on 13 April 1961. The bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings. The well into which many people jumped and drowned attempting to save themselves from the hail of bullets is also a protected monument inside the park. The area near the entrance is only for pedestrians with shops and restaurants.
Gobindgarh Fort, Bhangian Da Quila
A large 1760 fort that is being turned into a tourist spot with several museums and performances. The fort was built of bricks and lime by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and armed with 25 cannons. In the 19th century it was conquered and enhanced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, then captured by the British and also used by the Indian army. After restoration it was opened in 2017 to the wide public in a form of something between a museum and amusement park. Among the attractions there is a central stage with live performances; several rooms showing Punjabi clothing, coins and warfare; multimedia shows such as Sher-e-Punjab, a camel ride and a few restaurants and shops.
Company Bagh
This is a beautiful garden. A tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Famed as the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Ranjit Singh Panorama?), it has now been converted into a museum which exhibits weapons from Mughal times to portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and the replica of "Kohinoor" diamond.
Subhas Chandra Bose (Netaji) was an important leader in the Indian struggle for independence. He led the Indian National Army and formed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in exile.
The palace houses a museum, exhibiting oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons from the Sikh period. In this park is the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, so ask, if you are at the right museum.
Shaheedi Bohr
This is a great viewpoint over the city and the nearby Golden Temple. It is standing in another Gurdwara, namely the one of Baba Atal Rai Sahib Ji. Try the cimmunity kitchen of this Gurdwara if you are keen.
Tarn Taran Gurudwara
Mughal architectural style. There is a big holy tank and believed that its water has magical healing power. Amavas, or no moon day, is the most popular Feast, also Diwali, Baishakhi and the various Guru Parabs festivals held here.
Statue of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia
Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib
Gurudwara and pool.
Mata Lal Devi Mandir
Highly recommended! This is a cave labyrinth Hindu temple devoted to the female saint Lal Devi. Traditionally, women wishing to become pregnant come here to pray. The roundabout path to the main temple passes through low tunnels, caves full of ankle-deep water, inclined walkways, and mirrored hallways that make the experience seem more like a fun house than a place of worship. The colours, wide variety of deities and elaborate mirrored image make this a psychedelically unique temple. This is called Sheesh Mahal, and some people also seem to call it "Lal Dev."
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The temple is enshrined with Goddess Durga. Daily rituals devoted to Durga Ma is performed in here. A dome and a tank are the prime possession of Durgiana Temple. Apart from Durga Devi, Durgiana Temple is also famous for Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. Believers whom devotees of these Goddess Lakshmi and Narayan also visit the shrine to gather the blessings.
Gurdwara Shib of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Gurudwara Sahib - Gobind Nagar
It was built in 1976 by freedom fighter Mohammed Khairuddin. This is a mosque where Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari protested against the British Rule.
Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib
This is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple. As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandannas to cover your head, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the every entrance. Head covering and removal of shoes is mandatory for everyone—free cloakrooms are available at all entrances.
Besides walking around and enjoying the sight, have a meal and a chai at the free community kitchen southeast of the pool. It is also highly recommended to stay one or two nights in the temple itself—if you do not want to sleep next to the pool, there is a tourist dorm with AC in the Sarai Shri Guru Ramdass Ji building. Also, if you are keen, volunteers for the kitchen are always welcome and it is a fun experience between the many other locals rolling some bread, collecting dishes, or washing up.
The Timeless
This is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht.
The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked off by ropes) are set aside for (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe.
Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various items from the gurus.
This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Wash your feet in the water at the entrance in order to keep the temple clean.
Sri Darbar Sahib
This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by traditionally dressed Sikh guards. It's a 2-storey structure where Sikh saints are seated on each floor.
Kaulsar Sacred Pools
This is one of five sarovars in the city. This sarovar is in honor of Mata Kaulan, a Muslim woman, who was taken into care by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind on instructions of Mian Mir, a close friend of the Sikh Gurus and a pious and wise Muslim pir. All Sikhs are encouraged in their lives to do volunteer services at any gurdwara or in the greater society, and everyone you see working here is fulfilling that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you feel so inclined: you could enquire by asking the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.
Community kitchen
Free communal kitchen, where people of any colour, caste, creed or religion, can eat food (langar) sitting together. Also enjoy a free chai at the bottom level. In case you are keen for a picture of the Golden Temple from above (especially during sunset), follow the left staircase up further onto the roof and roam around a little. Also, people won't mind if you walk around in the place where the prepare the bread or wash the dishes.
Shri Guru Ram Das Sarai
Built in 1931. Lodging place for pilgrims in 228 rooms, including 1 dorm with AC and fans for foreigners.
Another lodging place for pilgrims.
This building houses sectarian offices of the different departments of SGPC and provide lodging facilities for pilgrims. Twenty rooms for pilgrims.
Rooms for pilgrims.
Hindi: ਬਠਿੰਡਾ
The Qila is one of the oldest and highest small brick monument. It also contains two gurudwaras as the tenth Sikh guru Gobind Singh visited the place. The fort was built in 1930. It was as the official residence of armed forces of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State. It has been converted into a four-star hotel. Other sights in/around the town: Rose Garden on four hectares (close to Thermal Plant), Zoological garden (10 km away), Chetak Park with a lake, Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan a worship place including a mosque and a Sikh gurudwara.- Further afield: Lakhi Jungle (15 km away toward Muktsar). A forest having old Gurudwara enjoyed the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev.
Quilla Mubarrak, Punjabi: ਫ਼ਰੀਦਕੋਟ
Faridkot Fort more than 700 years old. The main attraction of Faridkot Fort lies in its extraordinary interiors. Among other prime captivating features, Faridkot Fort boasts of its Sheesh Mahals which are embellished with incredibly beautifully mirror works and wall paintings. Also, there can see motifs on the interior ceilings and walls of Faridkot Fort which show the rich Rajasthani traditions of craftsmanship. More sights in/around the town: Raj Mahal the Royal Palace of Maharaja Bikrama Singh on Area 61,000 m² - Darbar Ganj bungalow with a garden place, now been converted into Circuit House. Fairy Cottage (seven km on Chahal Road). This beautiful cottage is constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh in 1910–11. Check Tower (at the entrance of the Fairy cottage), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park (in the city centre) in a beautiful scenery of the sunset in the evening. To do: Sheikh Farid Agman Purab festival (15-23 Sept); Bhatinda Virasat Mela and Heritage Festivals
Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji
Located on western shore of Beas River, Northeast 30 km. It was the first centre of Sikhism, holds immense significance in reference to the Sikh pilgrimage sites. A popular pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. The entrance of place is well decorated with murals describing significant scenes of the Sikh history. The massive langar of the community kitchen provides food to a large number of visitors every day. Guru Amar Das Ji (the third Guru) established this place. There is a Baoli (well) with 84 steps leading down to it. The devout believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine Word revealed to Guru Nanak Dev at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli.
Hari-ke-Pattan
The second largest bird sanctuary in India. Also a National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary. Hari-ke-Pattan is one of India's leading in-land sweet water fish market and home of varied wild life.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been staying here in a Baradari as and when he passed by with his troops. It has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It is said that once when a young dancer was going to Maharaja's Baradari for a dance performance, her shoe slipped into the water channel. A bridge (pul) was especially constructed to take her shoe out and hence this place got its name. Here is also a temple, a mosque and a Gurudwara. Popular shopping place for locals.
Ram Tirath Temple
Consecrated by the appearance of Devi Sita, Ram Tirth was the birth place of the sons of King Rama. Making a special place in the holy scripts of ancient religions, the place was once the ashrama of saint Balmiki. The saint is believed to have scripted many of his sacred manuscripts at this place. A hut of Rishi Balmiki is still found at Ram Tirth where he once lived. After giving birth to Luv and Kush, Devi Sita used to stay at this place for a considerable period of time. The evidence of her stay still exists in the form a well which, it is believed, was dug by Hanuman. Devotees of King Rama and Devi Sita flock to this place every year to offer their prayers to the respected deities. As the locational position of the Ram Tirth is facilitated by easy accessibility, hence, the visitors conveniently reach this place of worship without any extra hassles.
Despite visiting Amritsar and Golden temple several times, visitors find Heritage Walk experience extremely enjoyable and informative.
As you move through narrow path of old city and some other heritage buildings, you can see stalls selling everything from jootis to roasted sweet potatoes.
A dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then follow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the floor. Servers come by with large buckets of dal, chapatis and rice. Make sure to finish everything on your plate (wasting food isn't an option here) then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head. At the ground floor of the building, they are serving chai. At the exit, there is a donation box for the free meals.
Serves traditional food or Chinese, continental at affordable prices. However, the food and service drops during peak times like weekends.
serves authentic Punjabi food at a very reasonable cost. Just metres from the main entrance of the Holy Golden Temple
Established in 1958. Very popular family restaurant, particularly for butter chicken with naan. No alcohol is permitted.
It offers good Punjabi food made in pure ghee. Daal Makhni is worth trying. Don't forget to try a glass of Lassi after a heavy meal.
This tiny place is the definition of hole-in-the wall. If it looks like it has been there for 50 years, it's because it has! They'll weigh out your fish based on how much you want to pay, fry it, put some delicious spices on it, and serve it with spicy green chutney and raw onions. A little hard to find, but worth it.
Offers fast food such as pizza, burgers, and chips. It offers Chinese & Continental food also.
Offers pizza and other basics.
It's one of the most popular restaurants in town and serves up great Indian food including tasty masala dosas.
Offers free accommodation to pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms with AC and ventilation. It includes a shower, but toilets are outside with the other pilgrims. Maximum stay is 2-5 days, depending on utilization. You should remain quiet and respectful of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction. Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden, not only within the temple complex but anywhere within sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay—watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere. Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Ji Niwas.
A very nice place with a decent restaurant and friendly owners. About 25 minutes walking distance to the Golden Temple.
Rooms : 28.
Rooms : 35
Good and relatively cheap (₹80) food in their restaurant.
Rooms : 25.
Rooms: 25.
A small two star hotel with eight rooms. Services: free parking space, 24-hr room service, Free wi-fi, travel assistance, laundry.
Eleven rooms. Air Conditioner, Room service,
Two star hotel. Sixteen double bedrooms.
Rooms : 41
Rooms: 33
31 rooms.
Fully air-conditioned hotel with 18 rooms.
Offers views of Golden Temple and the city. Three star. 35 rooms.
A newer hotel and with views of the Golden Temple. They have beautiful splurge higher end rooms beautifully designed & created. Wifi enabled lobby & restaurant.
Three star, Rooms: 57
Two-star hotel with 19 rooms.
Three star hotel. Rooms: 27
3-star with 24 right.
Three-star hotel. Rooms are well furnished and decorated.
Rooms : 24, Central air-condition, foreign exchange, travel desk, 24 hours room service, car rental, laundry service, Wi-Fi in lobby.
Rooms: 47
Four-star hotel with 42 rooms.
Sixteen rooms.
Two-star hotel. Having view of the Golden Temple from room & restaurant.
Four-star. 31 rooms.
24 rooms.
Rooms: 18.
Claim to be a three-star hotel although is more like 2.
Hotel with view of Golden Temple.
Rooms: 29.
Three-star hotel with 35 right.
Four-star hotel.
A four-star hotel with rates starting ₹3000 for double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakfast. 1.5 km to the Golden Temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staff.
5 minutes from the airport. Set amongst fruit orchards and lush greenery this diamond category farm stay lets guests experience rich Punjabi culture and heritage charm. It has been restored, and offers all modern conveniences and provides easy access to Amritsar attractions. Room packages range from ₹3000 to 6000 (inclusive of meals).
Four-star hotel.
Four-star hotel.
Four-star hotel.
Located in the most posh area, it has undoubtedly the best rooms and view in the town. Along with the most modern equipped suites, it is a great local favourite for dining for its hospitality and memorable stay. Don't forget to try out Golden Fried Chicken and continental cuisine.
A more classy hotel with good rooms, service and a swimming pool.
Rooms: 39
A 3-star hotel.
5 star hotel with a contemporary design, two restaurants, lounge and spa. 248 elegantly appointed guestrooms. Guest rooms: high-speed Internet - wired. Public areas: high-speed Internet - wireless.
Three-star hotel, four-star prices. Slightly out of town but a nicer more upmarket option with good service.
Five star-hotel with 186 rooms.
Four Star Hotel.Rooms : 149
Welcome Heritage Ranjit's SVAASA
It's opposite the Ebony Mall, down a little side street. The only boutique hotel in town, and a comparative oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Ranjit's Svaasa is set in an old colonial house, and has been nicely refurbished with understated style. The place looks at its best at night. There is also a spa and small restaurant attached. Must be Amritsar's most expensive hotel
Panoramic point of view of the Golden Temple, multi-cuisine eatery with Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. 24-hour in-room dining, Wi-Fi connectivity service, complimentary mineral water, tea- coffee maker, bathroom amenities with laundry assistance and, if required, doctor on call. Ample parking space. The hotel is multi-storey apart from the reception, there is a lounge where you can sit and drink tea.
Shops of leading national, international and regional brands, five-screen cinema, hypermarket and one of Asia’s largest food courts. Services: customer relation desks, wheelchairs, children's play area, ambulance and first aid, Hi-tech security with CCTV, Gift wrapping at Hypercity hypermarket (Upper basement), Lost and found announcement services
Balmukand Kailash nath
By plane
Most flights are to New Delhi (1 hr away) but there are an increasing number of international connections:
By train
Here are some useful trains to get to Amritsar:
By bus
At the bus terminal you can also catch a bus to the Wagah border for ₹50.
By car
Long-distance taxis are available from most places. It takes around 6–7 hours from New Delhi.
From Pakistan
If coming from Wagah at the Pakistani border, take a rickshaw (₹20, 3 km) to the Attari station, where you can catch a local bus to Amritsar (₹40, 25 km).
By auto-rickshaw
E-rickshaws are abundant in the city. They are the cheapest and ubiquitous mode of transport in Amritsar.
By car
If you have your own car to get around Amritsar then simply confirm the directions with a local guide.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Amritsar · International · ATQ
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