Things to Do in Amritsar

One of the most spiritual places in India, the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in all of Sikhism. Located right in the heart of Amritsar, the stunning golden architecture of the temple and the daily Langar (community kitchen) attract a large number of visitors and devotees each day.

Located at a distance of 22 km from Lahore, Pakistan and 28 km from Amritsar in India, the Wagah Border marks the boundaries between the Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship.

Located near the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that also houses a memorial to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British forces. Spread over 6.5 acres of land, Jallianwala Bagh is associated with one of the saddest days in Indian History when thousands of innocent people were killed on the orders of General Dyer. The place has now been turned into a beautiful park.

The Partition Museum in Amritsar is a museum housing a collection of stories, memoirs, art and artefacts that hold the memory of the time before, during and after the partition of British India. Located at the Town Hall in Amritsar and developed by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), the museum is a part of the newly inaugurated Heritage Street at Amritsar. It is closed on Mondays

The city is home to the finest restaurants as well as the most colourful Dhabas that will keep you coming back. Some local Punjabi cuisine includes Lassi, Kulcha, Channa Batura, Chhole Batura, Parathe, Dal Makhani, Rajma Chawal, various varieties of Paneer, Rajma, Sarson Da Saag with Makai ki Roti (Bread made from corn with mustard gravy) and much more. Kesar da Dhaba, Bharwana Da Dhaba, Gian di Lassi, Sanjha Chula Amritsari Kulcha Specialist, and Brother's dhaba are some of the famous vegetarian restaurants serving local cuisine. Pal da Dhaba is a famous Non-vegetarian restaurant in town.

Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless One) is the highest political and administrative institution of the Sikhs, founded by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind in 1606. Located in the famous Golden Temple complex of Amritsar, the Akal Takht is one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs. These Takhts are seats of power and authority among the Sikh community, and the place of the Jathedar, the highest spokesmen among them.

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is a museum located in Company Bagh, Amritsar. It served as the summer palace of the first king of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after whom the museum is named. The museum now provides an insight into the life of the Maharaja alongside the history, art and architecture of the Sikh community between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Housing the Granth Sahib and their gurus, Guru Ke Mahal was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1573 as a little cottage that went on to shelter the great gurus of the Sikhs. Gurudwara Guru Ke Mahal is a humble hut situated on the main street of Guru Bazaar near the Golden Temple in the holy city of Ramdaspur (now known as Amritsar).

Found within the famous Golden Temple complex, the Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree is considered the most sacred tree in Amritsar. The 400-year-old jujube tree, situated on the eastern side of the great Amrit Sarovar, is greatly revered by Sikhs due to the legend and faith of Bibi Rajni, whose leprosy-stricken husband was miraculously cured after a dip in the pond close to the tree. It was then named Dukh Bhanjani which means 'eradicator of suffering'.

Considered to be the largest man-made wetland in northern India, Harike Wetland, also known as ‘Hari - ke - Pattan’ is situated on the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district. Sprawling over 4100 hectares of land area, the wetland is spread over Amritsar, Kapurthala and Ferozepur in Punjab. There is also a bird sanctuary in the wetland that is known to attract hordes of birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib is a Gurudwara in the village of Chheharta Sahib, located 8 kms away from Amritsar. Basant Panchami in the month of Magh attracts lakhs of devotees from around the country and is considered the most significant fair at this historic site. Kite-flying is a significant attraction of this festival, and there are many competitions held for the same. Vistors of this fair can find many men sporting the yellow turban during the festival.

The sacred shrine of Mata Kaulan, also known as the Gurudwara Mata Kaulan, is located on the west side of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This Gurudwara has been named after a legendary devotee of Guru Har Gobind, Bibi Kaulan. Her kirtans, which she sang religiously every evening, are still remembered by the older members of the Sikh community.

The Gobindgarh Fort is a historical museum and cultural theme park showcasing the history of Punjab and Punjabi culture in all its glory. There are various museums featuring collections of traditional Punjabi attire, household items and even weapons of war from the olden days. The light and laser shows such as Sher E Punjab and Whispering Walls showcasing the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the story of Gobindgarh respectively are quite popular among tourists.

Mata Lal Devi Temple, popularly known as Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, is famous among Hindu pilgrims for its miraculous fertility-improving powers. The temple is dedicated to the female saint Lal Devi and is considered a miniature dimension of the popular Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu. The temple is decorated with shining mirrors that light up the area through the reflecting sunlight and numerous diyas.

Durgiana Temple, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the city of Amritsar located around 1.6 Km from the Golden Temple. It bears a stark resemblance to the famous Golden Temple while also carrying the same sense of peace, tranquillity and spirituality. Within this historic temple lies a beautiful Sarovar where one can find idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating.

Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is situated near Chattiwind Gate in the holy city of Amritsar. Named after the Bibeksar Sarovar (lake), it is believed that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji used to go hunting and when tired, used to come to this bare piece of land, and tie his horse to the Kareer Tree and lay down there. He liked the place so much that he decided to build a Sarovar there. He laid the foundation for the holy tank in the year 1628.

Famous for its architecture, Khair-ud-Din Masjid was established by Mohd. Khairuddin in the year 1876. Khairuddin Masjid also known as Jama Masjid, is a beautiful mosque that holds great importance in India’s freedom struggle. Syed Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari, a Muslim scholar and a political leader, called upon the people to take the field against the British Rule from the brackets of this mosque.

Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib was built by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. It is located 22 kms from Amritsar, in the village of Tarn Taran Sahib. The name 'Tarn Taran' was given to the Sarovar which means a boat that takes one across the ocean of existence.' Built-in the Mughal style of architecture, the gurudwara is famous for having the largest Sarovar.

Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum showcases the fabulous Bravehearts of Punjab. The museum immortalizes the bravery of the soldiers of Punjab, displayed throughout with a spirit of patriotism. The museum has a collection of photographs of the 1965 and 1971 wars. A mural has been built to commemorate the work and pay tribute to the 21 Sikh soldiers who were martyred in the 1971 war.

Located in Amritsar, Hall Bazaar is one of the oldest marketplaces in the country. One of the busiest shopping destinations of Amritsar, this historical bazaar is only 1 km from Amritsar railway station and only 1.3 km from the Golden Temple. The many stalls and shops here offer electronics, books, apparel, jewellery and ornaments, handiwork, Chinese lanterns, the world-famous Phulkari embroidery and Amritsari juttis among many other things.

Situated on the Batala Road in Amritsar, Sun City Water Park is one is one of the most popular and visited water parks in the city. Replete with a plethora of water rides, regular rides, aqua dancing, roller coasters, several swimming pools, the water is the ideal hangout destination among both the adults and the kids.

Timings : 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Time Required : 2 - 3 hrs

Entry Fee : INR 600

If you decide to visit this enigmatic masterpiece, don't forget to offer and taste the mouth-watering Prasad. The temple also has the largest kitchen in the world offering free langar food to people of all religions and faiths. Guru-Ka-Langar is an enormous dining room located at the southeast end of the temple complex where an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 pilgrims a day come to eat after praying at the Golden Temple. The food is free of charge.