Overview
About Amritsar
Amritsar is the spiritual heart of Sikhism and one of the most welcoming cities in India. At its centre stands the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, its gilded sanctum floating on the Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank from which the city takes its name. Day and night, pilgrims walk the marble parikrama to the sound of continuous kirtan, and the temple's langar feeds tens of thousands of people every day, free of charge.
Founded in the 16th century by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, Amritsar grew into a major trading city on the routes between Lahore and Delhi. Its history includes some of the most painful chapters of modern India: the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Partition of 1947, both remembered in sites and museums across the old city.
The walled city around the Golden Temple is a tangle of bazaars selling phulkari, juttis, papad and dry fruits, and the lanes are home to legendary dhabas serving kulchas, fish and lassi. About 30 km away at the Attari–Wagah border, the evening flag-lowering ceremony is an unforgettable display of patriotism and pageantry.
- Golden Temple
- Langar
- Wagah border ceremony
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Amritsari kulcha
- Phulkari
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Amritsar
Religious Sites
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
The holiest gurdwara of Sikhism, open to all, with its gold-covered sanctum in the middle of a sacred tank. Visit both by day and after dark, when the temple glows over the water.
Akal Takht
Facing the Golden Temple across the causeway, this is the highest seat of temporal authority in Sikhism.
Guru Ka Langar
The temple's community kitchen, where volunteers cook and serve simple meals to everyone who sits down, regardless of faith or background.
Durgiana Temple
A Hindu temple set in a tank, with an architectural style that echoes the Golden Temple.
History & Museums
Jallianwala Bagh
A memorial garden a short walk from the Golden Temple, where bullet marks on the walls and the martyrs' well recall the massacre of 1919.
Partition Museum
Housed in the restored Town Hall, this museum tells the human story of the 1947 Partition through letters, objects and oral histories.
Gobindgarh Fort
A historic fort associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, now restored with museums and evening shows about Punjab's history.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Summer Palace, Ram Bagh
A garden palace that houses a panorama and museum on the life of the Sikh ruler.
Markets
Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh
Busy old-city markets for juttis, phulkari dupattas, shawls and Punjabi suits.
Nearby Excursions
Attari–Wagah Border
About 30 km from the city, the daily beating retreat ceremony features high-kicking soldiers, cheering crowds and the synchronised lowering of flags.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Amritsar
- 1
Visit the Golden Temple at dawn and night
The early-morning procession that brings the Guru Granth Sahib to the sanctum, and the night-time ceremony when it is returned, are deeply moving to witness.
- 2
Volunteer at the langar
Visitors are welcome to help peel vegetables, roll rotis or wash plates in the community kitchen, an experience of seva that many remember most.
- 3
Watch the Wagah border ceremony
Arrive well before the ceremony starts to clear security and find a seat in the stands.
- 4
Go on a food crawl
Hop between old-city dhabas for kulchas with chole, Amritsari fish, tall glasses of lassi and phirni.
- 5
Take a heritage walk
Guided walks through the old city cover the gates, havelis, akharas and bazaars around the Golden Temple.
- 6
Shop for juttis and phulkari
Pick up embroidered footwear and colourful phulkari work in Hall Bazaar and the lanes nearby.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Amritsar
The best time to visit Amritsar is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 44°C
Very hot, with scorching afternoons. The marble around the Golden Temple is laid with mats, but walking barefoot at midday can still be uncomfortable.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 35°C
Humid with spells of rain. The city is less crowded with tourists, though downpours can make the old lanes messy.
Winter
October to March
4°C to 25°C
The best season, with crisp, sunny days. December and January nights are cold and foggy, so pack warm layers.
Getting there
How to Reach Amritsar
By Air
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, about 11 km from the city centre, has direct domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities, along with some international routes.
By Rail
Amritsar Junction is a major station with fast services from New Delhi, including the Shatabdi Express, as well as long-distance trains from Mumbai, Kolkata and other parts of the country.
By Road
Amritsar is about 450 km from Delhi along NH 44 and about 230 km from Chandigarh. Punjab Roadways and private buses run frequently, and the drive passes through Jalandhar.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Amritsar
Amritsari kulcha
Crisp, flaky stuffed bread baked in a tandoor, slathered in butter and served with chole and tangy chutney.
Amritsari fish
Freshwater fish coated in a spiced gram-flour batter with ajwain and deep-fried.
Lassi
Thick, creamy yoghurt drink served in steel or clay glasses, often topped with a dollop of malai.
Sarson da saag and makki di roti
Mustard greens cooked slowly and eaten with maize-flour bread, a winter classic.
Phirni and jalebi
Chilled ground-rice pudding in clay bowls and crisp, syrupy jalebis from old-city sweet shops.
What to Buy in Amritsar
- Phulkari dupattas and suits
- Punjabi juttis
- Amritsari papad and wadiyan
- Woollen shawls and dry fruits
Travel Tips for Amritsar
- Cover your head and remove your shoes before entering the Golden Temple complex; scarves are available at the entrance.
- Tobacco and alcohol are strictly prohibited in and around the temple.
- Carry ID for the Wagah border ceremony and avoid large bags, which are not allowed in.
- Many sights are walkable from the Golden Temple, so staying in the old city saves time.
FAQs
Amritsar Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Amritsar?
October to March is the best time to visit Amritsar, when the weather is cool and pleasant for walking around the Golden Temple and old city.
How many days are enough for Amritsar?
Two days are enough to visit the Golden Temple at different times of day, Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum, the Wagah border ceremony and the food streets.
What is Amritsar famous for?
Amritsar is famous for the Golden Temple and its langar, Jallianwala Bagh, the Wagah border ceremony and Punjabi food such as kulchas, fish and lassi.
Is the Golden Temple open at night?
The Golden Temple complex is open to visitors through the day and much of the night, and its illuminated view after dark is especially beautiful.
How far is the Wagah border from Amritsar?
The Attari–Wagah border is about 30 km from Amritsar, around 45 minutes to an hour by road.
Can non-Sikhs visit the Golden Temple?
Yes. The Golden Temple welcomes people of all faiths. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering.
