Situated 25km east of India’s border with Pakistan, Amritsar is the largest and most significant city in the northwestern state of Punjab. The city is best known as the cultural and spiritual center of Sikhs in India and abroad, with the Golden Temple complex being the chief pilgrimage site. Aside from being home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, Amritsar’s Thathera community of Jandiala Guru are famous for its brass and copper artisan products, which were included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Golden Temple is the most revered assembly and worship hall (gurdwara) for Sikhs. Locally known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, a visit to this gurdwara definitely tops the list of things to do in Amritsar. This gleaming, gold-covered structure stands in the middle of a sacred pool (sarovar) and is surrounded by notable Sikh buildings such as the Akal Takht, the Gurdwara Committee offices, a museum and a community kitchen that serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors.
The Jallianwala Bagh public garden was established in 1951 to honor the victims of the tragic Amritsar massacre of 1919, which was a pivotal moment in India’s history. The 7-acre memorial park is composed of a rectangular garden surrounded by commemorative structures such as the Flame of Liberty, Wall of Martyrs, the Amar Jyoti eternal flame, as well as a museum and a gallery. Jallianwala Bagh is within walking distance from the principal Sikh temple complex, the Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Inaugurated in 2017, the Partition Museum commemorates the events of 1947 when British India was abruptly divided into India and Pakistan. Up to 20 million people were displaced as a result, and the Partition Museum houses artifacts from the exodus donated by the survivors. There are also audio-visual stations within its 14 galleries where visitors can get a holistic view of the lasting effects of the partition. This public museum can be found in Amritsar’s town hall, a 10-minute walk from the Golden Temple complex.
The Akal Takht is the foremost of the five seats of religious power (takhts) in Sikhism. The building is part of the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex and is situated across the entrance of the causeway leading to the Golden Temple at the center of the sacred pool (sarovar). The Akal Takht was established in 1606 and was rebuilt in 1984 after sustaining serious damage. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Partition Museum or the Amritsar town hall.
The Punjab State War Heroes Memorial & Museum highlights the state’s military history and the patriotism of its fallen soldiers. It is located near the Wagah border along the Attari Road less than 11km from the Amritsar town hall. Apart from photographs, weapons, and other artifacts, there are also interactive panels where visitors can learn about Punjab’s military traditions. A 137-foot stainless steel sword towers in the front of the museum to symbolize the strength and courage of the Punjabi people.
Tucked behind Guru Nanak Dev University, Sadda Pind is a living museum that showcases the old world charm of India’s Punjab region. A recreation of a traditional Punjabi village allows visitors to experience life as it once was through the folk performances, local handicrafts, and authentic North Indian cuisine. It also has 20 guest rooms where visitors can spend the night. Sadda Pind is roughly 8km away from Amritsar’s historic Town Hall and is accessible by public and private transport via the Main Bypass road.
Santokhsar Sahib is one of the oldest Sikh worship halls (gurdwara) in the Punjab region. It is located near Amritsar’s Hall Gate, less than a 15-minute walk from the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Santokhsar Sahib is best known for having one of five legendary sacred pools (sarovar) constructed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the first of its kind in Sikh history.
Less than a 40-minute drive from Amritsar’s city center lies the Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, a temple complex dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki. The celebrated Sanskrit poet is said to have authored India’s first epic poem, the Ramayana, here. Legend has it that the hut in the complex is where Sita gave birth to twin sons Luv and Kush; there is also a well believed to have been dug by Hindu god Hanuman. An 8-foot tall gold-plated statue of sage Valmiki was erected in the main section in 2016.
Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib is a revered Sikh worship hall known for having one of five historical sacred pools (sarovar) built by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The sarovar is said to have been so huge that six Persian wheels were required for it to run properly. Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib is located in a town with the same name located 7km west of Amritsar’s city center. Gurudwara Santokhsar Sahib, which houses one of the five sacred sarovars, is just a 35-minute drive from Chheharta Sahib.
Established in 1958, the Central Sikh Museum features a rich collection of ancient manuscripts, artworks, musical instruments, rare coins, and military artifacts. Relics from Guru Gobind Singh's personal collection are also displayed and there is a library on the premises. The museum is divided into several halls that highlight different periods of Sikh history in the region. The Central Sikh Museum is part of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, located on the left side of the sacred pool (sarovar) when facing the causeway.
Amritsar is known as the cultural and commercial center of the Indian state of Punjab. It is the birthplace of Sikhism and home to the Golden Temple, the religion’s principal worship site, which hosts over 100,000 visitors daily. Amritsar is also known for the brass and copper handicrafts of its Thathera community, its thriving chess set manufacturing industry, as well as its textile industry that produces Pashmina shawls and woolen clothes.
November to March are the best months to visit Amritsar because the weather is relatively pleasant and there is minimal rainfall. Just be aware that temperatures during the winter months of December and January can go as low as 3°C. Amritsar temperature can reach as high as 40°C in June making sightseeing and visits to popular attractions like the Golden Temple a bit more challenging.
The Old City of Amritsar is where all the prominent religious and historical sites are located, including the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh public garden. There are inns near the temple where Sikh pilgrims stay and there are also a handful of Amritsar hotels in the area. North of the city is where the modern neighborhoods of Amritsar can be found and more contemporary accommodations can be booked.