10 Best Places to visit in Amritsar - The Complete Guide For Travelers

Amritsar, the heart of Punjab in India, is a city that pulses with a blend of history, culture, and spirituality. Visiting Amritsar is akin to striking gold in the realm of travel. As the largest city in Punjab and one of the top tourist attractions in India, Amritsar attracts thousands of travelers and cultural enthusiasts daily, all eager to witness the iconic Golden Temple. There will always be interesting things behind exploring the radiant structure and sharing a meal (langar) with numerous other visitors, all prepared in the temple's expansive, volunteer-operated kitchen.

However, the more you go into a laid-back city, the more you discover various unique aspects that make Amritsar captivating. This article takes you on a journey through some of the most captivating places to visit in Amritsar.

Top 10 Tourist Places in Amritsar That You Should Visit

1. The Golden Temple

The crown jewel of Amritsar, the Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is the most revered shrine in Sikhism. Adorned with a golden facade that shimmers under the sun, the temple stands in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, a sacred pool believed to have healing powers. This famous sacred temple is one of the holiest sites on Earth for Sikhs, with many making pilgrimages to visit it at least once in their lifetime.

Before entering the Gurdwara complex that houses the Golden Temple, you must cover your hair, remove your socks and shoes, and walk through a small stream of running water to cleanse your feet. Once inside, you will walk clockwise around the pool on a marble path, joining devotees who sing and immerse themselves in the water.

Visitors are captivated by the temple’s serene ambiance, the soulful hymns sung by the Granthis (priests), and the community kitchen (Langar) that serves free meals to thousands daily, embodying the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service.

The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is one of the best places to visit in Amritsar that brings wonderful opportunities for personal involvement if you wish. You can volunteer at the Golden Temple Kitchen, helping to prepare meals and connecting with members of the community. Additionally, you can stay for up to three nights in one of the temple's tourist accommodations. Staying here allows you to easily visit the Golden Temple at sunrise, the most enchanting time to witness its glow.

2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

Housed in the picturesque Ram Bagh Palace, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum offers a glimpse into the life and times of the legendary Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The museum exhibits a fascinating collection of arms, armor, paintings, and manuscripts that reflect the valour and grandeur of his reign. The palace’s lush gardens, once a summer retreat for the Maharaja, provide a tranquil environment for visitors to relax and reflect.

3. Wagah Border

The Wagah Border, about 28 kilometers from Amritsar, is the boundary demarcating India and Pakistan. The daily Beating Retreat ceremony, performed with high energy and patriotic fervor by soldiers from both nations, is a major attraction. The synchronized parade, the lowering of the national flags, and the crowd's cheers create an electrifying atmosphere. Witnessing this ceremony is a unique experience that fills spectators with a sense of national pride.

Tourists, often seated in a special VIP section after presenting their foreign passports, can observe the stark contrasts between Pakistan and India. On the Pakistani side, men and women sit separately in stadium-style seating, and the atmosphere is much more subdued. Conversely, the Indian side exudes nationalism, with women dancing in the street to Bollywood music blaring from speakers while spectators wave Indian flags.

Wagah Border

4. Durgiana Temple

Often compared to the Golden Temple due to its similar architecture, the Durgiana Temple is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple complex, surrounded by a sacred lake, includes shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. The temple is particularly vibrant during the Navratri festival, attracting thousands of devotees who come to seek blessings and participate in the celebrations.

5. Partition Museum

Another one of the top places to visit in Amritsar is the Partition Museum. Located near the Town Hall, the Partition Museum is a tribute to the people who experienced the traumatic partition of India in 1947. The museum houses artifacts, personal belongings, photographs, and oral histories that narrate the heartbreaking stories of migration, loss, and resilience. It aims to preserve and document the memory of this significant historical event, ensuring that the lessons learned are not forgotten.

Partition Museum

6. Gobindgarh Fort

Undoubtedly, Gobindgarh Fort is on every travel enthusiast’s list of beautiful places to visit in Amritsar before they turn 30. Gobindgarh Fort, a historic military fortification, has been transformed into a lively cultural hub. The fort's various attractions include live performances, 7D shows depicting the history of Punjab, museums, and traditional bazaars. The Spirit of Punjab show, featuring Bhangra and Gidda performances, and the Whispering Walls, a laser show narrating the fort's history, are particularly popular among tourists.

7. Jallianwala Bagh

Another one of the top 10 best tourist places to visit in Amritsar is Jallianwala Bagh, situated behind the Golden Temple. This public park commemorates the approximately 1,500 people who were killed or injured in 1919 when British soldiers were ordered to fire on peaceful protesters demanding the release of Indian Independence Movement leaders. Many victims sought refuge behind the walls, which still bear the bullet holes from the tragic event.

A short walk from the Golden Temple leads to Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant memorial dedicated to the hundreds of unarmed Indians killed by British troops on April 13, 1919. The bullet marks on the walls and the Martyrs' Well serve as a grim reminder of the atrocities committed that day. A visit here is both somber and educational, offering a deep insight into India’s struggle for independence.

Jallianwala Bagh

8. Baba Atal Tower

If you’re in your twenties, it’s time to add Baba Atal Tower to your list of famous tourist places in Amritsar. Baba Atal Tower is a prominent landmark in Amritsar, even though it is often overshadowed by the nearby Golden Temple. This architectural marvel features nine octagonal floors rising to a height of 40 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in Amritsar. Originally a samadhi (memorial) for Baba Atal Rai, who passed away at the age of nine, the structure was eventually converted into a Gurdwara. Alongside the Kaulsar Sarovar, it stands as the tallest tower in Amritsar. The tower attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and is renowned as one of Punjab’s top attractions. It also showcases several small paintings illustrating the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. 

9. Khalsa College

Established in 1892, Khalsa College is an architectural marvel that showcases a blend of Mughal, Sikh, and British styles. The sprawling campus, with its majestic red-brick buildings and lush green lawns, is a testament to the rich educational heritage of Punjab. The college is not just an academic institution but also a cultural icon that has played a significant role in the region's social and political history.

Khalsa College

10. Shri Durgiana Mandir

Let me take you to the last destination but still one of the best places to visit in Amritsar - Shri Durgiana Mandir. At first glance, Shri Durgiana Mandir (Durgiana Temple) might seem like a reflection of the Golden Temple, with its half-gold, half-marble facade and its location in the middle of a sacred lake.

Despite their similar appearances, the two shrines serve different purposes. Durgiana Temple is a Hindu sacred site dedicated to the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Vishnu, the protector of the universe. While it primarily attracts religious devotees, even those who are not religious will find the temple's marble inlays and spiritual ambiance impressive. As you enter, be sure to notice the exquisite silver doors adorned with religious figures, which give the temple its nickname, the Silver Temple.

How to Get to Amritsar

Amritsar's airport offers direct flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai, but winter fog can delay them. Alternatively, you can take the 12013/New Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi Express train, which takes six hours, or a bus from Delhi that takes about 10 hours. For a tour, consider the budget-friendly one-night Indian Railways Amritsar Rail Tour Package, which includes train travel, meals, accommodations, and visits to the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh, departing early Friday and Saturday mornings.

Getting to Amritsar is easy

When to visit Amritsar

In order to experience all the best places to visit in Amritsar, the best months to visit are October, November, February, and March. If you don't mind cooler temperatures, December and January are also good times to visit. Temperatures begin to rise in April, and monsoon rains start in July.

Conclusion

Amritsar, with its rich cultural tapestry and deep spiritual roots, offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. There are many places to visit in Amritsar, from the divine serenity of the Golden Temple to the historical poignancy of Jallianwala Bagh and the vibrant local life in its bustling bazaars, Amritsar is a city that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or someone looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, Amritsar promises a fulfilling and enriching travel experience. If you plan to visit Amritsar, you will need to get an India visa online. The India e visa is an electronic travel authorization designed for travelers who wish to travel to India for tourism or business purposes. If you need more info about the India e visa, please contact our customer service team via online chat or email at [email protected]

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