A tour of the Golden City: Amritsar

It’s impossible to not think of the golden temple when you think of Amritsar. Amritsar being home to Harmandir Sahib also known as the golden temple is the second-largest city of Punjab. It is of great cultural and commercial importance.

This place is the holiest to Sikhs, as the site is Sikh’s important place of worship. Being the center of spiritual significance for the Sikhs, Amritsar is also a major transportation center.

But Amritsar truly has a lot more to offer.


The frenetic lanes and the fantastic architecture unfold the history of Amritsar in the most alluring way.


Plan your trip with the help of this list and explore the magic the city has to offer :


1.Golden Temple: Golden Temple also known as Sri Darbar Sahib, is home to the divine Sri Harmandir Sahib. This captivating beauty of Amritsar is the most visited tourist attraction.

The four entrances to the temple beautifully symbolize the openness of Sikhism to all religions and people from different walks of life. 


The architecture consists of stunning white marble stone and a golden dome. The construction is a beautiful fusion of Muslim, Hindu, and European design principles.


This prominent spiritual site is also home to the world’s largest free kitchen capable of serving up to 300,000 people each day. You can volunteer in the kitchen and bond with the locals. It’s truly a humbling experience.


November-March is the perfect timing to visit this magnificent site.

This place will make you feel at home even if you are far away from it.


Timing: Open 24 hours throughout the week.

Fees:  Free of charge.


2.Jallianwalla bagh: This site is of great historic significance as it marks one of the turning points in India’s modern history.  It is known for the most inhuman sites of a massacre. 


The park is now turned into a memorial site of more than 1000 protestors who were killed by the British troops. 


The well which people jumped into as an escape from the firing has been preserved in the park as a reminder of the monstrous incident. The bullet holes on the walls give one glimpse of the tragedy people went through.


This historic site is a must-visit on your trip to Amritsar.


Timing:  6:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Fees: Free of charge.


3.Wagah border ceremony: Known as a symbol of brotherhood and rivalry Wagah border is a sensitive border shared between India and Pakistan. Two hours before the sunset the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers carry out a tradition by lowering the flag since 1959.


The ceremony includes rapid dance-like movements while raising the leg as high as possible. The boot-thumping, eye-to-eye contact between the forces, and the echo of the chants in the background saying ‘Jai Hind’ ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ will surely give you goosebumps.


The pomp and pageantry of the beating retreat ceremony are famous and witnessed by both nations including international tourists.


It’s truly an experience like no other.


Timing: The ceremony starts at 5:15 and lasts for 45 minutes. During winters it starts by 4:15.

The entrance of the Wagah Attari border is open from 10 AM - 4 PM.

Fees: Free of charge.


4.Baba Atal tower: This magnificent nine-storeyed octagonal tower is one of the tallest buildings in Amritsar. Legend has it that Atal rai who is the son of the sixth Guru Har Gobind brought back to life a playmate from the dead and gave his life away as penance for interfering with God’s design.


Each floor represents the short 9 life years of Atal Rai. Originally built as a tower, it was later converted into a Gurudwara.


The walls include frescos that give a glimpse of the life of Guru Nanak. Often overshadowed by the Golden Temple, this place is a must-visit!


Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM. Throughout the week.

Fees: Free of charge.


5.Gobindgarh Fort: This fort has a great significance in the history of Punjab. This stunning heritage is around 257 years old. After restoration, this place has gained immense popularity and is now one of the most visited historic sites in Amritsar.


The walls unfold the beautiful history of Punjab and its evolution. The place was first renovated by the Sikh empire and later by the British.


Now being developed as a live museum this place is a treasure trove of some of the oldest arts and documents of Sikhism.


Timing: Monday- Sunday 10 AM - 10 PM.

Fees: For Indians - Rs.180 - Rs650 . For foreigners - Rs.375- Rs.1000


Amritsar is an amazing place to be. Its awe-inspiring sightings will never fail to surprise you.

Plan your trip wisely and make sure to book a room in advance for a perfect stay!

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