Tourist Places to visit in Amritsar (2024)

  • Post last modified:6 April 2023
  • Reading time:17 mins read
  • Post category:Places to Visit

Travelling to Amritsar would be like giving a golden ticket to the voyager within you. Amritsar is one of the most spiritual and culturally rich cities in India. Home to the globally renowned Golden Temple, Amritsar is also one of the most alluring cities in India. Dotted with temples, paddy fields and dhabas, Amritsar is the right place to begin your North India trip.

Amritsar is the second-largest city in Punjab and welcomes tourists all around the year. The city is a part of the Indian Government’s special heritage cities’ scheme. It is a popular destination for Sikhs. Amritsar can be easily explored by oneself. However, a proper itinerary is recommended for the same. In this article, find the top places to visit in Amritsar


10 Places to visit in Amritsar

Golden Temple

Golden Temple personifies Amritsar. Such is the fame of this majestic and beautiful gurudwara. It is the holiest worship place in Sikhism. Golden Temple is located in the heart of Amritsar and is surrounded by shimmering waters of Amrit Sarovar. Golden Temple is studded with pure gold and its shine could be spotted from miles away.

One sight of this alluring monument is certain to leave your jaw-dropping. Apart from the spiritual vibe and mesmerising beauty, Golden Temple is also famous for its ‘langar’. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Amritsar. Whether you are a pilgrim or a wanderlust-hit traveller, Golden Temple will amaze you equally.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 04:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Langar, Assembly Hall, Gold leaf-covered sanctum centre
  • Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
  • Things to do: Pilgrimage

Jallianwala Bagh

Just around the Golden Temple, one can find another significant tourist spot in Amritsar, called Jallianwala Bagh. This public garden has a rich but painful history tucked within it. Jallianwala Bagh memorialises thousands of people killed and injured in a massacre during the 1919 Indian Independence Movement. The bullet holes in the walls would teleport you to the time when India was fighting for its freedom.

You can come across the eternal flame that burns forever in the memory of the victims. Today, this beautiful park is where people come to spend peaceful evenings. Take an evening stroll over here to experience bliss with a remembrance of departed souls from yesteryear. There is a memorial tablet at the entrance that documents the tragic incident.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:30 AM to 07:30 PM
  • Major Attractions: Eternal Flame, Memorial Tablet
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Evening Stroll, Learn about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Partition Museum

The Partition Museum is the first of its kind in the world. It is nestled within walking distance of the famous Golden Temple. The beauty of this public museum lies in its arched verandahs, floor tiles and of course, the history behind the museum. The partition museum documents the ‘Indian National Movement’, the ‘partition period’ and the ‘post-partition riot.

This museum is one of the favourite destinations in Amritsar not just for history buffs but also for common travellers. The museum houses collections from the refugees that showcase the traumatic event that took place in India. The major attraction of the Partition museum is 100 oral histories narrated by the refugees themselves. Another major attraction is the ‘Tree of Hope’, where the visitors can leave their thoughts.

  • Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Tree Hope, Audio Tapes
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Learn about the partition and post-partition riots in India

Wagah Border

You cannot leave Amritsar without witnessing one of the most thrilling spectacles that take place at an international border. People gather in large numbers to witness the lowering of the flags ceremony and the thumping marching. The Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard occur between India and Pakistan at the Wagah border. The tradition was started in 1959 and is continued till date.

Your patriotism and reverence for the soldiers would hit their peak while at the Wagah border. The thumping beat of the drums and soldiers’ marching in synch, is a sight to behold. The parade and the ceremony take place every evening before sunset on either side of the Indo-Pak gate. Witnessing the parade has to be a part of your things to do in Amritsar.

  • Opening hours: Every evening after sunset
  • Major Attractions: Beating Retreat, Change of Guard
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour
  • Things to do: Watch harmony and brotherhood between rival countries

Hall Bazaar

Hall Bazaar of Amritsar is one of the oldest markets in India. Nestled close to Amritsar railway station and many other prominent places in the city, Hall Bazaar is often flooded with shoppers and window shoppers. From electronic equipment to fashionable clothing and accessories, Hall Bazaar is a haven for shopaholics

Many stalls offer world-famous Phulkari embroidery and Amritsari juttis. Apart from a top-level shopping experience, Hall Bazaar is also a preferred destination for foodies. The market is flooded with restaurants and street-food stalls. There is a giant Mughal-styled gate called Gandhi Gate at the entrance to welcome you. Hall Bazaar is one of the top places to visit in Amritsar for shopping.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Gandhi Gate, Phulkari embroidery
  • Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
  • Things to do: Shopping, Taste street-food

Akal Takht

Treat your eyes to the sight of a pristine white structure with a shining golden dome while visiting Akal Takht. Literally translated to the ‘Throne of the Timeless One’, Akal Takht is one of five takhts aka seats of power of the Sikhs. Akal Takht is attached to deep historic and cultural roots in Sikhism. It is situated in the Golden Temple complex and was built by Shri Guru Hargobind Ji.

Akal Takht was also the venue of an ill-fated incident that took place in 1984 between the Indian Army and Armed Militants. The face-off caused heavy damage to the structure. Akal Takht was demolished and rebuilt later, to its current form. People visiting the Golden Temple are certain to visit this architectural marvel as well. Akal Takht can be added to your list of places to see in Amritsar.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 02:30 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: The golden dome
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Worship

Gobindgarh Fort

Amritsar is decorated with beautiful gurudwaras, temples and also forts. Located at the heart of the city, Gobindgarh Fort happens to be the most famous one. Gobindgarh fort was built in the 19th century as a defensive fort and possessed twenty-five cannons. Made of bricks and lime, the fort also had a tunnel towards Lahore.

The fort was occupied by the Army until 2017. Today, Gobindgarh Fort is open to the public and is being developed as a museum and a theme park. Gobindgarh Fort is one of the most popular places to visit in Amritsar for families. The major attraction here includes Sher-e-Punjab (main entrance) and the coin museum. Do not miss out on the 7D show based on the life of Maharana Ranjit Singh.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: 7D show, Coin Museum
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Learn about the history of the fort, enjoy quality family time

Mandir Mata Lal Devi

Mandir Mata Lal Devi is another renowned holy place within the city of Amritsar. The temple is dedicated to the saint, Mata Lal Devi from the 20th century. The temple attracts pilgrims and visitors from all parts of the country. Mandir Mata Lal Devi offers an alluring sight. The architecture of this temple resembles that of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra. This spot happens to be one of the famous places in Amritsar.

You will have to cross ankle-deep waterways, low tunnels, mirrored hallways and twisted pathways to enter the temple. The shrine houses numerous Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Goddesses Kali and Saraswathi. It is believed that the temple grants the wishes to women who desire to become mothers. Mandir Mata Lal Devi is also known as Mother India Temple.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Mirror Hallway
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Worship

Baba Atal Tower

The peculiar structure of Baba Atal Rai Tower is enough for tourists to visit this building. Let alone the history associated with it. Baba Atal Rai Tower is a nine-storeyed, octagonal tower situated to the south of the Golden temple. Each storey of the tower represents a year of Guru Hargobindhji’s (sixth Guru) son, Atal Rai’s life. Atal Rai passed away at the young age of 9.

The inner walls of the tower are decorated with murals inspired by the life of Guru Nanak. The sacred book of Sikhs, the Adi Granth, is kept inside Baba Atal Rai Tower. It is also known as Gurudwara Atal Rai. The tower stands as the tallest structure in Amritsar and is one of the favourite tourist spots in Amritsar among locals and tourists alike.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 07:30 AM to 07:30 PM
  • Major Attractions: Adi Granth, Wall Murals
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Learn about the life of Atal Rai

Shri Durgiana Mandir

Durgiana Temple’s striking resemblance to the Golden Temple makes it a tourist hotspot. However, Durgiana Temple is a Hindu Temple, unlike Golden Temple which is a Sikh religious place. This shrine stands as the pride of the devout city of Amritsar and is a significant pilgrim spot for Hindus in Northern India. Durgiana Temple derived its name from Goddess Durga.

The temple sits at the heart of a sacred lake and is surrounded by isolated and striking statues of Hindu gods. Visitors and pilgrims will have to cross a bridge to reach the temple. The upper half of the temple appears to be glittering gold, whereas the lower half is made of pure marble. The doors and walls are embellished in shining silver. Durgiana Temple is one of the top places to visit in Punjab.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Major Attractions: Sculptures, Hindu Scriptures
  • Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
  • Things to do: Worshipping, Pilgrimage

To conclude, Amritsar is a city that you shouldn’t ideally miss if planning a trip to North India. The city welcomes you to jaw-dropping sites, heartwarming hospitality and soulful food. Take a trip with your family, friends or alone for a memorable journey.

From witnessing post-card like Golden Temple to Jallianwala Bagh that carries painful memories from the past, Amritsar has it all. If Amritsar has got you excited then do check out places to visit in Patiala. Punjab is dotted with holy cities that house religious sites worth your visit. And Amritsar tops the list.

FAQ

Which is the best month to visit Amritsar?

Amritsar is an all around the year destination. However, the period between November and March is considered the best time to visit. The pleasant weather makes it amazing for tourists to enjoy the city.

What is special in Amritsar?

From captivating monuments to delicious traditional cuisine, Amritsar has a lot to offer. The city is home to the famous Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Baga and many more attractions.

Are two days enough for Amritsar?

Amritsar welcomes you to a rich Sikh history and culture. The city radiates deep-rooted tradition in every way. With too many places and things to choose from, a proper itinerary would help one make the most of Amritsar in two days.

What is the famous food in Amritsar?

Amritsar is a haven for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians. Keema Kulcha, Mutton Chaap, Tandoor Chicken, Amritsari Kulcha, Sarson Da Saag and Makke Ki Roti are the famous delicacies. Guru ka Langar and Kara Prasad cannot be missed. You can also visit Hall Bazaar to try traditional street food.

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