Tourist Places in Amritsar
Amritsar is a city located in the centre of a lake known as the Lake of Nectar. This city is both gorgeous and spiritual. This city is one of the holiest in Punjab in the state of Punjab, India. It is home to the largest Sikh Gurdwara Golden Temple, which is known as the “Harmandir Sahib and Golden Temple.”
Amritsar is one of India’s most well-known and major tourist sites. In India, most visitors come here after seeing the Taj Mahal. Many movie stars, politicians, and celebrities visit the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple is also known as Amritsar’s heart. Amritsar is well-known throughout India for its civilisation, culture, traditions, and historical wars. The largest and saddest place in India, known as the Jallianwala Bagh is also located here. The golden temple has been renovated multiple times. Thousands of people come here to admire the natural beauty and antiques every day.
The wonderful experience you will have here will be the most memorable moment. So, here are the most famous tourist attractions in Amritsar.
1. Golden Temple
This temple is the Sikhs’ most important, holy, and religious Gurudwara. Harmandir Sahib is its full name. It is also known as Darbar Sahib and Golden Temple. Guru Ramdas Ji of the Sikhs established it. This Gurudwara is the highest of the five Takhts known as Shri Akal Takhat. The entire Golden Temple is composed of white stone, and the walls are covered with gold leaf by experienced artisans and shippers, resulting in highly appealing craftsmanship.
The Golden Temple’s beauty and sculptures are its main features. In the evening, this location appears supernatural and heavenly, much like Devlok, which draws your attention to the coolness of the place and gives you peace of mind. No one can put into words how beautiful it is. The Golden Temple was taken several times by the British, Afghans, and Mughals, and attempts were made to destroy it. Still, the commitment and resolve of our Sikh brothers were so great that no matter how many times it was looted, its existence was preserved. You will not find such regard, dedication, and culture in any other part of the country. Here is also the largest langar or restaurant, where people come to get prasad. People here take prasad based on “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” which eliminates the distinctions between small and large, high and low caste, rich and poor.
If you go to the Golden Temple in the evening, the view is wonderful. The entire temple complex glows with lights in the evening and looks quite big and attractive. The light reflected in the river and the temple’s reflection create a lovely visual picture. A fresh sense of passion and energy floods the mind. The mix of nature and artists’ objects is amazing.
While travelling here, you must take additional care. For example, you cannot go there in your shorts or half-naked; you must cover your entire body, bearing in mind the culture. The head must also be covered with a cloth or, in the case of ladies, with their chunri. No one may enter the temple grounds carrying alcohol, tobacco items, etc, and not allowed to make noise or take photographs.
2. Bagah Border
Bagha is a village located between Amritsar and Lahore. Because this village marks the boundary between India and Pakistan, it is known as the Bagha Border across India. A great celebration called Ratri Jagran is being held here for the momentous anniversary of India’s Independence Day, beginning on the night of 14 August. Many visitors and nation lovers come here to observe the soldiers’ enthusiasm and patriotism and learn the lesson of patriotism in their lives. People from all around the country attend and participate enthusiastically.
3. Jallianwala Bagh
The terrible massacre in which British soldiers killed our unarmed Hindu brothers occurred here. Nobody has ever witnessed such a heartbreaking scenario. On 13 April 1919, a conference was called at Jallianwala Bagh during the liberation fight. This was opposite to British rule. All Indians were joining together to fight for their independence. General Dyer opened fire on unarmed children, women, and people to prevent this. This proved to be the most terrible crime under British control. Because of this tragedy, the location became known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It has since been transformed into a lovely memorial and park, but the memories of those times may still be seen here. There are still bullet traces on the walls and much evidence around here. Jallianwala Bagh is just one kilometre from the Golden Temple. You may all come here and see this painful incident. The Jallianwala Bagh Trust has created and maintains a museum here.
4. Partition Museum
Every Indian should visit Amritsar’s Partition Museum at least once to understand how difficult it was to get independence from the British. After visiting here, you will understand how much we Indians have lost and how much we have gained. Will be able to see through videography.
Not only that, but newspapers of the day when our country got independence can be seen, and many more items are available to see.
5. Sadda Pind
Amritsar is an excellent site to visit tourist destinations; one of them is Sadda Pind, which is only 8 kilometres away from Amritsar.
Sadda Pind, or Punjabi Village, will let you know about Punjabi dance, music, culture, and living environment, including their place of residence, food items, and apparel design.
Tourists may enjoy horseback riding and camel riding at Amritsar’s Sadda Pind, and there is also a large market where they can purchase. Sadda Pind has lots to offer to people of all ages, which you will be able to explore with your family.
6. Gobindgarh Fort
This fort was constructed in honour of Guru Gobind Singh. The fort is known as Govindgarh Fort, known by the same name throughout India. This fort is made of brick and lime. Raja Ranjit Singh designed and built this fort in the 17th century. Govindgarh Fort is situated on the shores of Tumbh Lake. It is reported that an underground tunnel connects from here to Lahore at Khooni Darwaza. General Dyer developed a plot for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre from this fort.
7. Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib
This Amritsar location is around 20 kilometres from Amritsar. It was established by Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of Sikhs. A large lake around the Gurudwara adds to its attractiveness; friends must visit this wonderful spot at least once. It is a lake that is said to cure all ailments for individuals who take a bath. According to the belief, people travel to this place from all around to wash away their sins. This is why the lake is known as Tarn Taran. Many anecdotes regarding this may be heard from the locals, which you will find interesting and shocking.
8. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
In 1977, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s summer residence was converted into a museum to provide comprehensive information on Sikh history, culture, and architecture. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, a reconstructed version of the Summer Palace, is located in the famous Rambagh Garden in the centre of Amritsar. The Panorama, a two-story circular tower adjacent to the museum, features excellent paintings representing Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s six important wars. Many remnants of royal lineage are housed at the museum, including arms and armour, century-old coins, and fine paintings and manuscripts.
9. Vibeksar Sahib Gurudwara
The sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, established Bibeksar Sahib on the banks of Bibeksar Sarovar in 1628. He used to sit in the evenings with smart individuals and discuss religious topics. There is a magnificent garden and the Karir tree on the pond’s banks, where Guru Hargobind Ji used to rest after hunting with his horse in this picturesque setting. In honour of Guru Hargobind Ji, Maharaja Ranjit Singh established this gurdwara.
10. Khairuddin Masjid
Khair Uddin Masjid, known for its architecture, is a must-see in Amritsar. This large Muslim religious complex, established by Mohammad Khairuddin in 1876, played an important role in India’s freedom effort. Khair Uddin Masjid is also a symbol of unity among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. This mosque is located near Gandhi Gate in Amritsar’s Hall Bazar.
11. Funland Company Gardens in Amritsar
Apart from religious and historical tourist sites, Amritsar has a beautiful area to visit with a family known as Company Bagh, which is unique. It is open throughout the year. There will be various adventurous activities for people of all ages and one can see fake animals and birds here. If you visit Amritsar with children, Company Bagh may be the finest site since youngsters will love swinging and observing the animals.
12. Siddha Shakti Peeth Lal Mata Temple
Among Amritsar’s well-known philosophical sites, the idol of Lala Mata in this temple is thought to be the form of Vaishno Devi. Visitors must also pass through the cave, just like Vaishno Devi did. It is stated that whosoever visits Vaishnodevi in Jammu or the Lal Mata shrine in Amritsar would have equal darshan and spiritual benefits.
13. Shri Durgiana Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple is another name for Shri Durgiana Temple. After the Golden Temple, it is Amritsar’s second holiest temple. It appears to you to be a golden temple. The temple’s principal deity is Goddess Durga. However, it is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is located in the centre of a body of water and has a ghat where pilgrims can take a dip. It is said that bathing in this sacred water purifies you of all your sins from your previous life. It was initially built in the late 16th century, and Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor rebuilt it again in 1921. The temple serves langar (free meal) every day for worshipers and tourists. The biggest festivals observed here are Dussehra, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, and Diwali.
14. Mata Lal Devi Temple
Mata Lal Devi Temple, also known as the Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, is well-known among Hindu visitors for its supernatural abilities. The temple is devoted to the female saint Lal Devi and is thought to be a tiny replica of Jammu’s famed Vaishno Devi shrine. The shrine is lighted by numerous diyas and is embellished with mirrors when the sun shines on them. Idols of numerous deities are erected on the complex’s inner walls. Inside the shrine, worshipers can discover several artefacts and statues. An artificial cave brings pilgrims to the goddess’ temple, which is only accessible by crawling or after completely reclined.
15. Akal Takht
Akal Takht translates as “Throne of the Immortal,” with “Akal” meaning “forever” and “Takht” meaning “throne.” It is revered in Sikhism for its significance in religious and political history. It is one of Sikhism’s five Takhts or seats of power. Many inscriptions and sermons based on Sikhism’s teachings are delivered from here. Guru Hargobind built the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara complex, located within the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara. The current edifice is a five-story skyscraper with flawless white marble and a gold-leaf dome.
16. ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple (also known as Shri Gaur Radha Krishna Mandir) is a prominent Hindu temple devoted to the Hindu deities Krishna and Radha, located in the city’s centre near Moni Chowk. The temple has several deities, the most important of whom are Radha and Krishna. A little shop here also offers deity statues, religious texts, and other relevant stuff.
17. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Shahdev Samadhis
Friends, anytime you pass through Amritsar, go to Hussainiwala Bagh, 110 kilometres away, to pay a visit to the samadhis of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, and Sukhdev Ji on the Indo-Pak border. As soon as you kneel before this martyr’s memorial, your eyes will be flooded with tears. We cannot express how beautiful this site is in words.
18. Harika Wetland Bird Sanctuary in Amritsar
There are nests of colourful and beautiful birds of many species in this sanctuary, which gives a different identity to Amritsar tourism; here, a tourists come throughout the year for bird watching, especially during the rainy season for its greenery and birds chirping. The captivating voice drives genres insane.
How to reach Amritsar
- By Train: If you want to travel by train to Amritsar and there are no direct trains from your city, you must stop in Chandigarh or Delhi. You will board a direct train to Amritsar when you arrive at these stations.
- By Airplane: If you want to fly to Amritsar, Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport is only 11 kilometres away, and it serves several major cities in India, including Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Indore.
Famous food in Amritsar
Suppose you are visiting Amritsar and looking for famous food items. So, here are some of the most popular dishes: Dal, Roti, Sabzi, Kheer, Chana Masala, Chopped Onion and Tamarind Chutney, Keema Kulcha, Shammi Kebab, Mutton Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Kharod Ka Shorba Lachha Paratha, Spinach Aside from Paneer and Smoky Begun Bharta, you will have the opportunity to sample many of Amritsar’s famous foods.
Best time to visit Amritsar
The winter season is considered the best time to visit Amritsar because the Golden Temple is made of marble stones, and you must walk on them because it is too hot to walk in the summer. The best time to visit is between September and December.