Amritsar, Punjab, (North India)
Amritsar is a city in the state of Punjab, India, famous for its iconic Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a place of worship and spiritual significance for Sikhs around the world. Apart from the Golden Temple, Amritsar is also known for its vibrant street markets, delicious Punjabi cuisine, and the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial site commemorating the tragic massacre that took place in 1919.
Unlock the beauty of Amritsar with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Amritsar has it all
Religious Visit
Also known as Harmandir Sahib, it is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs and a must-visit for its stunning beauty and serene atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 05:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Often referred to as the 'Silver Temple' because of its carved silver doors, it's a significant Hindu temple in Amritsar.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Situated in the Golden Temple complex, it is one of the five seats of power of the Sikh religion.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 05:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Dress conservatively, cover head
Historical Sites
A historical fort originally built by Gujar Singh, and later fortified by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 10:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 180.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Light and Sound Show in evening
Historical Sites
This historical garden commemorates the massacre by British forces in the Indian independence struggle. A visit here provides deep insights into Indian history. The garden also has a light and sound show. The Hindi show ...
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 06:30-19:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Experiences
A visit to Amritsar is incomplete without witnessing the evening Beating Retreat and Change of Guard ceremony at the India-Pakistan border at Wagah.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
The retreat ceremony starts at 5:15 PM in summer and 4:15 PM in the winter season
Shopping
This bustling market offers traditional Punjabi clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and other items.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 10:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Bargaining is common
Museum
This museum offers insights into the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh empire.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 10:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 40.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Closed on national holidays
Museum
A relatively new addition, this museum provides an intense and emotional documentation of the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Closed on national holidays
Travel Guidelines for Amritsar, Punjab (North India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Amritsar, founded in 1577, is a major cultural, spiritual, and economic center in the state of Punjab. It's globally renowned for the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the most sacred site in Sikhism. Additionally, the city has been witness to several pivotal moments in Indian history.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Amritsar is well-connected by road with many major cities. It's about 230 km from Chandigarh and 450 km from Delhi.
By Air: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar offers both domestic and international flights.
By Railway: Amritsar Railway Station is well connected with most parts of India.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related queries, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Prominent telecom providers in Amritsar include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. The city generally has robust network connectivity.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Amritsar is quite tourist-friendly. Always show respect at religious sites and follow local customs. It's wise to remain cautious and avoid crowded places during peak hours. The Punjab Police website can provide safety advisories and other relevant details.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
In Amritsar, cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are the primary modes of local transportation. For visiting nearby attractions, taxis and local buses are available.
7. Special Mentions
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): A serene and spiritually uplifting site, it's a must-visit. The temple's Langar (community kitchen) serves thousands of meals daily to visitors, regardless of their background or religion.
Jallianwala Bagh: A historical site that commemorates the massacre of hundreds of innocent Indians by British troops in 1919.
Wagah Border: About 28 km from Amritsar, it's famous for the daily flag-lowering ceremony conducted by both Indian and Pakistani military forces.
Partition Museum: Dedicated to the memories of the millions affected by the India-Pakistan partition in 1947.
Local Cuisine: Amritsar is renowned for its food. Don't miss out on Amritsari Kulcha, Butter Chicken, Amritsari Fish, and Lassi.