Amritsar, the Golden City, inextricably linked to the history of Sikhism and historical narratives of the epic Ramayana, is a place of rich culture and absolute heaven for travel freaks. Beyond its renowned attractions like the Golden Temple, the tragic incident at Jallianwala Bagh, and the Wagah border parade, Amritsar’s fame illustrates that this beautiful city isn’t limited solely to these landmarks. Here, I will list the Top 10 Must-see Places In Amritsar That You Cannot Afford To Miss.
Amritsar embodies all the attributes that constitute an ideal tourist destination, thereby elevating it to one of the world’s most revered sites. The city’s inexhaustible list of historical monuments, temples, shrines, old bazaars, and colorful festivals vividly portrays its robust past, captivating visitors from across the globe. As you dig more and more into this soulful city, you will experience many fascinating places that will make you fall in love with this beauty.
Shri Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, founded Amritsar in 1547 A.D. He initiated the construction of Amrit Sarovar, translating to “Pond of Elixir,” from which the city derives its name, Amritsar.
In a city of heritage and temples, one can experience the fragrance of sand, grass, and food. One can adventure to the Wagah Border, and tour the magnificent Golden Temple, all of this will leave you in absolute awe. A plus point: Amritsar is a brilliant spot to shop for Indian textiles.
This article will tell everything from temples, gurudwaras, and Wagha border timing to Amritsar sightseeing. So, if you are wondering where to plan your next trip, I say make it to Amritsar. You can book our Guided Tour to explore all these places in a better way and relish some amazing Punjabi Cuisines in your limited-time journey. These are some of the best tourist places to visit in Amritsar.
1. The Golden Temple
You haven’t seen the soul of Amritsar until you have visited the Golden Temple, an epitome of harmony, glory, and equality. Built in the middle of a pool, it looks like the temple is floating in the water. It has two stories and is covered in real 24-karat gold. Yes, you heard it right. The Golden Temple’s magnificent dome is covered with 750 kgs of pure gold.
The Golden Temple attracts an enormous amount of tourists from not only India but from all over the world who seek spiritual solace. According to the World Book Records, the Golden Temple is the most visited place in the world. More than one lakh people visit the Golden Temple every day. This is No.1 in the Top 10 Must-see Places In Amritsar You Cannot Afford To Miss.
The temple is surrounded by “Amrit Sarovar,” a 5.1-meter-deep pool of water from which the city has derived its name. There is Akal Takht inside the Golden Temple Complex. Akal Takht is a seat of power with a collection of Sikh weapons.
The Golden Temple also has the world’s largest kitchen where anyone can enjoy free vegetarian meals, known as langars. It feeds up to 1,00,000 people every day and night. The sight of volunteers chopping vegetables, cooking lentils, and making Rotis is mesmerizing. One can also sleep in pilgrim hostels of the Golden Temple for up to three nights…and that too free.
There are many tourist places near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which I will mention further.
2. Jallianwala Bagh
In the vicinity of the Golden Temple Complex, lies a 7-acre public garden called Jallianwala Bagh, famous for the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This incident took place on April 13, 1919, when a monumental no. of Indian civilians gathered here to celebrate the Indian Baisakhi festival. The crowd was peacefully protesting the arrest of two national leaders. Then, acting Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered the British Indian Army troops to fire into the crowd of unarmed civilians. Around 379 people were killed, and 1200 people were injured, which included children and pregnant women.
Many jumped into the well, known as Martyr’s Well, in panic to save themselves from the bloodbath. So, in 1951, a memorial was constructed after the independence in memory of the innocents who lost their lives. The place has now been turned into a beautiful park, and one can still see bullet marks on the walls behind which people hid them. This is also in the 10 “Must-See” places list in Amritsar.
3. Wagah Border
Situated on the Grand Trunk Road, Wagha Border is the borderline between Amritsar, Punjab in India, and Punjab, Lahore in Pakistan. The famous Wagha border parade, popularly known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony, has been conducted before sunset every day since 1959.
The Wagha Border parade involves closing the international gates and lowering the flags by the military forces of both countries. As the sun sets, this 45-minute-long ceremony will give you goosebumps. One can feel that patriotic fervor while at the Wagah border.
Full of pomp and show, the ceremony might surprise you if you expect tension and hostility between the two nations. This environment is full of positivity and expresses love for one’s country without hating the other. The ceremony has a massive following; hundreds of people watch it daily to celebrate the patriotic vibe. The site is an ostentatious display of enthusiasm and patriotic feelings one has for his country. This is definitely in the Top 10 “Must-See” places in Amritsar.
Wagha Border is the only road border between Pakistan and India, also known as the Berlin Wall of Asia. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Amritsar.
4. Durgiana Mandir
The following tourist place to visit in Amritsar is the Durgiana Temple. This temple resembles the Golden Temple a lot, but it has an entirely different religious significance. This temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga, was built in 1908 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor. If we’re talking about the Top 10 Must-see Places In Amritsar That You Cannot Afford To Miss, we can’t forget Durgiana Mandir.
The Temple Complex includes the seats of Mata Shitla, Lord Hanuman, and Sri Lakshmi Narayan. Don’t forget to notice the fine silver doors with holy figures, also named the Silver Temple.
5. Ram Tirath
Ram Tirath is Located about 11km west of Amritsar city; this place is associated with the time of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Ram’s sons Lav and Kush were born here. A four-day fair is organized here on a whole moon night in November.
The place also commemorates Maharishi Valmiki’s heritage. On December 1, 2016, 8 the tall idol of lord Valmiki with 800kg of gold was installed in the main section. It is also believed that Valmiki started writing the Ramayana here. So, of course, how can this not be a part of Amritsar’s top 10 must-see places?
6. Partition Museum
Partition Museum is not only a religious site; the city has some exquisite museums that tourists can visit in Amritsar. You cannot possibly afford to miss this extraordinary Museum. This place is the only establishment in the world dedicated to Partition, the Partition of India into two countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947.
The Museum is a must-visit to understand the devastation caused by the largest migration in human history. The Museum explains the cause of the Partition and the rivalry between the two countries through photographs, newspaper clippings, artifacts, and documents. There are T.V. screens on the museum floors where you can put on headphones and listen to the historic speeches and interviews of the Partition survivors. The minute details, like a replica of a burnt-down house, explain the horrors of Partition. This Museum will take you back to the days of India’s freedom struggle.
7. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum was originally the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire. The palace has now transformed into a museum, providing valuable insights into the history and life events of its inhabitants. Missing this palace-turned-museum is not an option for you.
You can see a collection of arms, old coins, paintings, and manuscripts belonging to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A beautiful garden surrounds the palace, Ram Bagh Garden, one of Amritsar’s best places to see.
8. Gobindgarh Fort
Another tourist place in Amritsar which has become the very symbol of Punjab is Gobindgarh Fort. This place has a history of over 300 years, from the time of Sikh Misls. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh had kept his treasures in this mud fort, including the Kohinoor Diamond. In 1850, during the signing of the Lahore Pact, this Kohinoor Diamond was sent to Prince Albert as a gift.
Now, the fort has four museums: the Warfare Museum, the Turban Museum, the Sikh Art Museum, and the Colonial Bungalow—this is one of the best in the top 10 Must-See places in Amritsar.
You can visit the Museum between 10 am to 6 pm. At 6 pm, the charismatic light and sound show is displayed on the Colonial Bungalow. They also have a 7D show, Punjabi folk dance and music, camel, and horse riding. There is also a wax museum that will enlighten you on the history and heroism of Punjab.
9. Amritsar Heritage Street
One can also enjoy sightseeing by booking our Amritsar Heritage Walking Tour. Heritage Street is a heritage trail that includes many historic sites and museums, beginning from the Golden Temple and ending at the Town Hall. Besides the Golden Temple, it consists of the Central Sikh Museum, the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial, and many more memorials.
This is my favorite among all the Top 10 Must-see Places In Amritsar That You Cannot Afford To Miss. It is a perfect place for sightseeing in Amritsar, where tourists can stroll. The pavement is laden with restaurants, shops, and statutes of historic significance. The bright lampposts, LED lights illuminating the facades, buildings with Mughal architectural domes, and just the right amount of horde are bound to give you one of the best sightseeing experience. So, if you are the one who takes the time to wander around a little, the rewards would be great for you.
10. Khalsa College
No, it’s not just a regular college. Despite being an educational institution, this place is known for its architecture. Belonging to the period of the 19th century, the building is a mix of Western European art with a touch of Persian and Indian styles.
The serene campus, including the elegant domes, is a treat to watch, and this place has served as the location of many Bollywood films.
This is our Top 10 Must-see Places In Amritsar That You Cannot Afford To Miss. Wrapped with great history and culture, the area attracts millions of tourists worldwide. The city combines warm hospitality, jaw-dropping architecture, and captivating peace. From strolling around the glossy architecture and enjoying communal meals to touring around the Summer Palace, Amritsar will leave you completely enthralled.
So, if you have a big appetite for tradition and culture, you cannot afford to miss this place in Amritsar. With all these fantastic places to explore and learn from, I say go and experience the magic of Amritsar. The more I say, the less it will be.
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You can book our walking tours , Golden Temple Guided Tour and One Day Guided Tour to explore Amritsar in a better way. We do our best to make your trip memorable with amazing stories about the city, fun facts, and some must-do things in Amritsar through our fun-loving storytellers.
Above all, We always make sure that you get emotionally attached to the city’s beauty and local living & culture by the end of the tour.
