The city of Amritsar, often referred to as Ambarsar, is rich in spirituality and history. As the second-biggest city in India, it is a well-known center of culture and religion in the center of Punjab. The Golden Temple, the holiest temple in Sikhism, is the city’s most well-known feature. The magnificent temple, which is encircled by the holy Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), is a marvel of Sikh architecture and extends a warm welcome to guests from all backgrounds.
The diverse range of culinary options available in Amritsar is sure to delight foodies. Famous for its mouthwatering Punjabi dishes, the city is known for its Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, and Amritsari Kulcha. The sounds of street food vendors enticing both locals and visitors to savor Punjabi cuisine fill the busy streets.
The winter months of October through March are the ideal times to visit Amritsar because of the excellent weather that makes it easy for tourists to explore the city. Amritsar, is one of the most agriculturally productive cities in India, with excellent transportation connections to the majority of the country’s major cities.
Amritsar Tourist Destinations
1. Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest in Sikhism and one of the most spiritual locations in all of India. The magnificent golden architecture of the temple, which is situated in the center of Amritsar, as well as the daily Langar (community kitchen), draws a sizable number of tourists and devotees every day. Over 100,000 people from all walks of life are fed for free at the temple, which is accessible to adherents of all faiths.
The shrine’s main temple is a tiny portion of the expansive complex known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib, or Darbar Sahib. The shimmering central shrine is surrounded by the tank, the Amrit Sarovar, which serves as the spiritual center. More shrines and memorials are encircling the perimeter of the enclosure. Inside the main entry clock tower is the Sikh Museum, which displays the tyranny that the Sikh people suffered at the hands of the British, the Mughals, and the Indian government in 1984. Situated near the southeast extremity of the tank, the Ramgarhia Bunga is a defensive stronghold encircled by a pair of minarets fashioned after Islamic architecture. Without a doubt, one of the most magnificent tourist destinations on earth is the Golden Temple.
2. Wagah Border
The Wagah Border, which runs along the Grand Trunk Road, demarcates the boundaries between India and Pakistan and is situated 22 kilometers from Lahore, Pakistan, and 28 km from Amritsar, India. The main event is the daily Beating Retreat Ceremony, also known as the Wagah Border Ceremony. The soldiers of Pakistan and India assemble at this border checkpoint every evening shortly before dusk for a 30-minute demonstration of military comradery and showmanship.
The two nations’ flags will be lowered and the international gates will be closed as part of this ceremony. Since 1959, Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force have conducted the flag ceremony.
In addition, entertainment is provided as a show of support for the thousands of visitors who come here every day. The audience performs Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs, rounds of applause, and the Indian national anthem throughout the build-up to the ceremony.
3. Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public area that is close to Amritsar’s well-known Golden Temple. It also has a memorial to remember the British soldiers’ slaughter of nonviolent protestors. Covering an area of 6.5 acres, Jallianwala Bagh is linked to one of the most sorrowful days in Indian history, when thousands of innocent people were murdered on General Dyer’s orders while celebrating Baisakhi in peace. Today the site is under the management of the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust and is transformed into a lovely park.
There are several buildings on the property that serve as reminders of the horrors that took place there. These include a well where many individuals jumped to protect themselves from the bullets’ onslaught and a wall that still has bullet marks from the rounds that were thrown carelessly at the population. Over a thousand Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs are thought to have died in this vicious attack. This is where a tiny, extremely significant historical alley goes through. The Jallianwala Bagh still exudes an odd stillness that leaves one with an inexplicable sense of peace and grief.
4. Partition Museum
A collection of narratives, autobiographies, artwork, and artifacts that preserve the memory of the period leading up to,, and including the division of British India are housed in the Partition Museum in Amritsar. The museum is part of the recently opened Heritage Street in Amritsar, which runs from the Golden Temple to the Town Hall. It was created by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT) and is housed at the Town Hall.
Newspaper clippings, pictures, and personal belongings contributed by those who witnessed and experienced the Partition are among the exhibits in the Partition Museum. The Partition Museum will become a top-notch physical museum honoring the memories of the subcontinent’s 1947 partition thanks to the efforts of TAACHT. Primarily, the museum honors the victims, survivors, and their enduring legacy.
5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
A museum called the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is situated in Amritsar’s Company Bagh. The museum has the name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first king of the Sikh Empire, who used it as his summer home. Today, the museum offers a glimpse into the Maharaja’s life in addition to the history, artwork, and architectural designs of the Sikh community during the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is around 4 kilometers from The Golden Temple and 1.5 km from Amritsar Junction.
When it was turned into a museum in 1977, it held many artifacts and the Maharaja’s personal belongings, including his armor and weapons. Fantastic artwork, numerous manuscripts, and long-lost coins are also on show. This displays both the Maharaja’s secular nature and the lengthy history of the Sikh province. The majority of the paintings show scenes from the camp and court of the Sikh ruler. Of all of them, the one that shows the city of Lahore is the most well-known to onlookers. The renowned Rambagh Gardens, well-known for its statue of the legendary king riding a horse, encircle the palace.
Popular Packages for Amritsar
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amritsar, Dalhousie, Dharamshala | ₹ 20,000* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Insurance, Meals | |
| Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Amritsar | ₹ 20,500* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Shimla, Manali, Amritsar | ₹ 33,999* | 7 Nights / 8 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Amritsar | ₹ 45,000* | 9 Nights / 10 Days | Hotels, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Amritsar | ₹ 23,599* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
The Ideal Time To Go To Amritsar
The best months to visit Amritsar is September through December and February through March, when the weather is still nice and ideal for touring. January sees a dip in temperature to approximately 5°C, while May and June, the hottest months of the summer, have temperatures as high as 40°C. The peak monsoon months of July and August are when the majority of the cityscape is blanketed in lush greenery. It’s still warm but not too hot, and it’s very humid. Monsoon season can be avoided as it can be a little inconvenient for sightseeing.
