Amritsar is an Indian city of state Punjab. It is the second-largest city of Punjab, after Ludhiana. In earlier times it was known as Ambarsar and Ramdaspur because the city is founded by the fourth Sikh guru- Guru Ram Das.
It is considered the holy city of Punjab because of its religious importance mainly among Sikhs. Also, the city has a rich history from time to time there were brave people born on this land who worked for mankind.
Amritsar is chosen as one of the heritage cities for the National Heritage City Development and Argumentation Yojana [HRIDAY] of the Government of India as the city is the major economic and cultural center located in the Majha region of Punjab. The city is mainly famous for its chess pieces, handicrafts, and textiles.
Mainly from the month of December to March, there are winters in Punjab, summers from April to June, and monsoon from July to September. So, speaking about the ideal time to visit the city is September to December.
The ways to reach Amritsar, you can reach there by flight it takes 1h 10min, by train 6h 15 min, by car it takes 8h 33min. The time duration is with respect to Delhi.
Let’s take a look at the places to visit in Amritsar:
1. Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is also known as the Harmandir Sahib or “The Abode of ***”, is the most famous Gurudwara among the Sikhs.
The Gurudwara was completed by the Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. The Gurudwara has been rebuilt several times since then because of several reasons. Maharaja Ranjit Singh overlaid the sanctum with gold foil in 1830 which is why the name Golden Temple.
This place to visit in Amritsar is built around a man-made pool, the Gurudwara has a square plan with four entrances, and a circumambulation around the pool.
The main entrance to the Gurudwara has memorial plaques that remember past Sikh events, saints and martyrs, contributions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the Sikh soldiers who lost their lives in World Wars and various Indo- Pakistan wars.
The to-do-things in the Gurudwara is to visit its architecture, eat langar or help in making it or just lay down near the Sarovar at night time. Over 100,000 people daily visit the shrine and the Gurudwara is open for all people from all walks of life.
2. Wagah Border
Wagah is a village in Lahore and is famous for its peaceful ceremony which is performed by the Border Security Forces of India and Pakistan Rangers from Pakistan.
The border is located at the historic Grand Trunk Road between Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar in India. The ceremony was started in the year 1986 as an agreement of peace. The total duration of the ceremony is 45 minutes and it is known as the “Silly Walk Ceremony”.
It starts at 5:15P.M. in summers and 4:15P.M. in winters. This place to visit in Amritsar is surrounded by jammers so you can’t use your mobile phone and also you are not allowed to carry bags, there are cupboards to collect your belongings.
However, you can take your cameras inside. The flag pole is on the Pakistan side border known as Attari and it is the largest flagpole in India.
3. Jallianwala Bagh
During the times when Britishers were in India, there was a massacre during a peaceful procession in Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh.
After that, in 1951 the Government of India established the site as a ‘Memorial Of National Importance’. This place to visit in Amritsar stretches across an area of 7-acres of land which comprises a museum, gallery, and several memorial structures.
The entrance to the garden is the same as it was during the time of the massacre. Then there is a statue of Martyr Sardar Udham Singh and at the right side, there is a dome meditation area where there is a flame named “Amar Jyoti” with the words “Vande Mataram” written on it.
Also, there are several plaques on the walls. There is a martyr’s gallery which contains a number of paintings, news clippings dated to the time when the massacre happened and a portrait of Sardar Udham Singh, and one of the seven urns which contain his ashes.
The timings of visiting Jallianwala Bagh are 6:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.
4. Partition Museum
In 1947 British India was divided into two independent countries India and Pakistan immediately followed by a riot that killed thousands of people. The Partition Museum is located in the Town Hall, Amritsar.
The museum is a central repository of the post-partition stories, materials, and documents of the people who experienced the partition. The collection of the museum consists of everything that was brought by the people from Pakistan to India and left at the refugee camp, from sketches to pitchers, their clothes, and boxes.
The museum also exhibits more than 100 oral stories through audio-visual stations across the 14 galleries describing their experience of violence and the trauma due to sudden fleeing from their homes.
The museum has also won the “The Best Wider World Tourism Project” followed by winning other 6 awards nationally and internationally for having a positive impact on the community and environment. The timings of this place to visit in Amritsar is 10A.M. To 6P.M.
5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is also known as Sher-e-Punjab was the first Maharaja of the Sikh empire who ruled the northwest Indian subcontinent in the early 19th century. Commemorating him, Punjab Government has founded a museum which gives an insight into his life to us.
At a distance of 4Km from Golden Temple, this place to visit in Amritsar is located. The museum displays the objects that belonged to Maharaja Ranjit Singh such as his arms and armor, outstanding paintings, and century-old coins and manuscripts.
The paintings depict the court and camp of the monarch, the painting which depicts the city of Lahore is eminent. Next to the museum, there is a panorama of Maharaja Ranjit Singh which is an eternal visual record.
This place is closed on Mondays and Public holidays. The timings to visit this place are 10A.M. to 5P.M. and the entry fee is Rs.10 per person.
6. Guru Ka Mahal
This Gurudwara has a rich history of Gurus residing as well as marrying here. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was born at this Gurudwara on Baisakhi that’s why the main festival celebrated here is Baisakhi.
Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of Sikhs is also placed in this Gurudwara on a platform raised on the ground floor. The basement has a room where Gurus meditate and compose sacred hymns. The timings to visit this place in Amritsar is 5A.M. to 10P.M.
7. Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib
Chheharta Sahib is a town that was founded by the Fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev that’s why the name Gurdwara Chheharta Sahib. The Gurudwara is built around a huge well that requires 6 Persian wheels to operate.
Now, the Gurdwara is famous for its Basant Panchami celebration. There is an old tradition of flying kites nearby this area and the people can be seen wearing a yellow turban on the occasion.
8. Hall Bazaar Amritsar
Hall Bazaar is one of the oldest market -place of the country. This place to visit in Amritsar is only 1.3 Km from Golden Temple. At the entrance of this, there is a huge gate which is built in Mughal architecture, known as Gandhi Gate.
There are many stalls and shops that sell jewelry, clothes, electronics, and handcrafted stuff. Inside the market, there are good restaurants too, which offer mouth-watering Punjabi cuisines.
9. Akal Takht
Akal Takht is one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs, located in the Golden Temple. This Takht was built by Shri Guru Hargobind Ji for it to serve as a place of justice and consideration of temporal issues.
The original Takht was a simple platform of a mound of the soil of about 11ft in height. But now, it has been transformed into a five-story structure with marble inlay and a gold leaf dome.
Since this was the first-ever Takht to be constructed it is the most important and has the highest site of authority. You can go there by walking from Golden Temple.
10. Mata Lal Devi Temple
Mata Lal Devi Temple is the replica of the Mata Vaishno Devi which is situated in Jammu.
Similar to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple for darshan you need to pass through the cave. This temple is devoted to a 20th-century Saint, Lal Devi. This temple is said to be having miraculous powers especially for women who are not able to conceive. Free food is served throughout the day on a daily basis
The timings are 5A.M. to 11P.M. 21st February is the birth date of Mataji, and every year it is celebrated as a Gala Bhawan and Annual Function. “Ashtami Jagran” is also celebrated with great zeal in this place to visit in Amritsar.
11. Gobindgarh Fort
This place to visit in Amritsar was originally built by Dhillon Jat but was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and he renamed it after the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
It is reported that Maharaja Ranjit Singh's treasure also included the diamond Koh-i-noor which was kept in this fort only. In 1849 Britishers captured the fort and they also made some changes to it. Until 10 February 2017, it was under the control of the Indian Army but now it is open for a public visit after being developed into a Theme Park and museum.
There is a program called “Sher-e-Punjab” which takes you back in time to inspire, educate, enthrall by the means of technology in 7AD in the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji. There are two museums too one is Coin Museum and the other is Ancient Warfare Museum. With all these, there is a live stage show also.
This stage show includes performances of Bhangra, Gatka, games, and much more. There is also a show named “Whispering Walls” which is a light and sound show to show you the history of the city.
“The fort timings are 10:00A.M. to 10:00P.M. The entry fee varies from INR150 to INR649 according to the package you choose.
12. Gurudwara Mata Kaulan
This place to visit in Amritsar is devoted to a Saint lady Bibi Kaulan, a Muslim by birth but eventually, she took refuge with the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji at Amritsar.
The Kaulsar Sarovar is one of the five holy tanks. Kaulsar Sarovar is the first Sarovar named after a Muslim woman and Guru Hargobind Singh Ji advised the devotees to take a dip in this Sarovar before going to the Golden Temple’s Sarovar.
This place to visit in Amritsar is located towards the southern side of the Golden Temple complex. Basant Panchmi is the main festival which is celebrated in this Gurudwara.
13. Durgiana Temple
Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple of Mata Durga in Amritsar and its structure is similar to that of the Golden Temple. This temple holds great importance for Hindus. Since it is believed that Luv and Kush [sons of Lord Rama] are bound to Hanuman in the courtyard of this temple.
Also, the grandson of ***-Sun performed Yagyas on this land. It was rebuilt in 1921 similar to the Golden Temple by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor and was inaugurated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
Major Hindu festivals celebrated are Dusshera, Janmashtami, Rama Navami, Diwali, and a Sawan festival. There is also a famous mela “Langur Mela” during the 10 days of Navratri.
This place to visit in Amritsar is built in the middle of a sacred lake, connected by a bridge. The timings of the temple are 6:00A.M. to 10:00P.M.
14. Dukh Bhanjani Ber tree
The meaning of “DUKH” is suffering and “BHANJANI” is the eradication of suffering. This Jujube tree is inside the golden temple complex.
This tree is around 400- year- old tree. It is on the eastern side of the Sarovar, it is considered that if we take a dip in the Sarovar towards the tree our sufferings would be eradicated. There are separate dip areas for men and women near the pool.
You can’t offer flowers and garlands to the tree since it can attract insects. Also, don’t try to pluck the fruits of the tree, you can collect the fallen ones.
15. Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib
This place to visit in Amritsar is located to the south of the Golden Temple. It is situated near the Chattiwind gate and there is a Kareer tree in this Gurudwara’s complex where Guru Hargobind Singh Ji used to tie his horse.
The Bibeksar Sarovar was dug by Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji himself and the gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji. On the last Saturday of every month, there is a program Rainsbai Keertan Program.
16. Khair-Ud Masjid
This beautiful place to visit in Amritsar was built by Muhammad Khairuddin in 1876. The Masjid is built in old Islamic architecture graced with magnificent arches and beams.
The Masjid is built by white marble and there are miniature paintings done on the walls in green color. This Masjid has an important place in history because it was the center for Muslims during the freedom struggle to act against Britishers.
The Masjid is located near the Gandhi Gate of Hall Bazaar. The courtyard is filled with hundreds of devotees during the time of Namaaz.
17. Goindwal Baoli
Goindwal is on the banks of river Beas and is one of the focal points of small-scale industries. It became an important center for the Sikhs during the times of Guru Amar Das Ji. Guru Amar Das Ji stayed here for 33 years and preached Sikhism from there.
In 1522 at the age of 73 when he became Guru, he shifted there with his family and friends and constructed 84 steps Baoli. At the entrance of this place to visit in Amritsar, there are several Murals that describe Sikh history.
The Baoli also has fresco work on the walls which describes the life of ten Gurus. It is a tradition that while going down in the Baoli you have to recite Japji since it is believed that it would help you attain Mukti that is liberation from the life cycle.
18. Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib
This place to visit in Amritsar is located opposite Goindwal Baoli. In the times of Guru Amar Das Ji, it was the center of an annual fair on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib is the place where Langar was introduced which overtime is accepted by all the Gurudwara and has become an important part of the Gurudwara and the religion.
19. Gurudwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib
Baba Buddha is one of the first disciples of Guru Nanak and he also served as the first granthi of the Golden Temple. This Gurudwara is located in a village named Thatta, away from the hustle-bustle of the city. This is the main reason why a lot of tourists are attracted to this Gurudwara.
This is a beautiful Gurdwara with a building made of white marble. In 1951 a spacious rectangular hall was added to the edifice. Guru Granth Sahib is kept on a 1meter high sanctum on a canopied seat. One should visit this Gurdwara for peace and the vibes that this place gives due to its exquisite location.
20. Harike Wetland
A wetland is an ecosystem that is flooded by water either seasonally or permanently. This wetland is also known as “Hari-K-Pattan” with Harike lake which is the largest lake in northern India. It covers an area of 4100 hectares, the wetland has a rich biodiversity with several species of amphibians, birds, turtles, snakes, and invertebrates.
The wetland was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1982 named “Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary”. There are about 200 species of birds that visit the wetland in the winter season. The birds include White Rumped Vulture, Striated Grassbird, and diving duck.
Speaking about the vegetation which grows here is water hyacinth, water fern, lotus, figs among others. The Indus dolphin which is known to be extinct was recently sighted in this area.
There is no entry fee to visit the wetland and the timings to visit this place is 9A.M. to 5P.M. if you are a bird lover the best time to visit it is the month of October to February because at this time it is visited by most of the migratory birds.
21. Tarn Taran Sahib
Tarn Taran Sahib is a city in the Majha region of Punjab. it was founded by the fifth Sikh Guru Shri Arjan Dev Ji. There he led the foundation of Tarn Taran Sahib Temple. The meaning of “Tarn Taran” is the boat that crosses the ocean of existence and enjoys the blessings of almighty ***.
This gurudwara has the largest Sarovar in the world. Since it was built a long ago, a lot of renovation has been done to the original structure of the gurudwara due to its demolition by external agencies. Recently, in 2005 new plating has been done on the dome.
A big complex was built as well as more buildings are added to the original structure around the complex. The timings of Gurudwara are 5:00A.M. to 10:00P.M.
You should visit this place in Amritsar for the sake of its amazing architecture. The water of the Sarovar is known to be having medicinal properties. The Gurudwara is famous for people's visits on the day of Amavasya.
22. Khalsa College
You must be thinking what is there to visit in a college? Well, this is a college with a rich history because this place played a major role in the freedom movement in Punjab. It was founded in 1892, the college has a straight-out vintage movie type of architecture.
The main building of the college is no less than a castle. The college is an outstanding example of Indo- Saracenic style. It stretches over an area of 300 acres of land. The college has given many Olympians, political leaders, freedom fighters, armed forces generals, and much more.
The library of the college has over 6,000 books which consist of new and old manuscripts, 115 artifacts that depict the rich Sikh history. There is also a museum inside the college which also includes photographs of the time when the college was turned into a refugee camp during partition. You can visit the college during college hours and there is no entry fee.
23. Shri Ram Tirth Temple
The location where Shri Ram Tirth Temple is situated is known to be the home of Hindu Sage Valmiki, the author of the Hindu epic Ramayana. This is also the same place where Valmiki Ji gave shelter to Sita and she gave birth to Luv and Kush. This temple has a panorama complex.
The temple has an 8feet tall idol of Lord Valmiki which is made of 800 Kg of gold plating in the main section. It is known that Lord Hanuman dug a well in the premises, it is preserved as it is. Also, there is a stairway where Sita Mata used to take bath and Lord Valmiki’s hut is also preserved inside the complex.
The entry is free to all but photography and videography are not allowed. On a full moon day in the month of November, the temple hosts a four-day-long annual fair.
24. Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum
Punjab has given a large number of brave hearts to India from the times of Britishers. This museum is built as a memorial to these brave hearts. It stretches across 3 hectares of land.
There are 8 galleries in this museum that depict the contribution of Punjabis from the time of the sixth Guru till the Kargil war. The entry fee of this museum is rs.100 per person. The timings of the museum are 10:00A.M. till 5:00P.M.
Gallery1 shows the civilization of Punjab. It details the battle between Alexander and Porus, with a mention of Sikh Gurus of that time. Gallery2 shows the rise of the Sikh empire, it revolves around the Sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Singh Ji.
The concepts of Akal Takht and Miri Piri are also mentioned. Gallery3 showcases the Sikh Empire and Anglo- Sikh Wars, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s achievements, and the journey of Kohinoor. Gallery4 shows the contribution of Punjabis in World War 1 and 2. Gallery5 shows the contribution of Punjabis in the first Kashmir battle in 1947-48.
The role of Punjabis in the Indo-China war and the Indo-Pak war is shown in gallery6. Gallery7 depicts the bravery of Army men at the Longewala border. And last is Gallery8 where the soldiers are depicted on Tiger Hill during the Kargil war.
25. Pul Kanjari
It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. At earlier times it served as the trading center as well as resting area for Maharaja. This Pul consists of a bathing pool, a Mosque, a Temple, and a Gurdwara. It was taken over by the Pakistani troops in the wars of 1965 and 1971 but then it was later captured by the Indian army.
There is also a memorial that stands to testify the supreme sacrifices of the brave soldiers. There is no entry fee charged to visit this place in Amritsar. It is located approximately 5Km away from the Wagah border and 35 Km from the Amritsar railway station.
26. Bhatinda Fort
It was built in 100-1200AD and it’s the oldest surviving fort of India. It was constructed by Raja Dab. In the later years, it underwent many changes by the rulers of the area.
Razia Sultan the first empress of India was imprisoned in this fort only. There are endless stories of this fort as from time-to-time rulers from all over the country took control over the fort.
There is also a Gurdwara in the fort along with many other things to explore. This place to visit in Amritsar is famous among photographers. The best time to visit this fort is between October and march because due to the scorching heat the visit becomes more of a project rather than a trip.
27. Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai
Baba Atal Rai was born to Shri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji. From childhood, he was very intelligent, lively, and religious.
This Gurdwara is located in the backside of Golden Temple and the Gurudwara has nine floors because Baba Atal died when he was nine years of age. The timings to visit this Gurdwara is 6AM to 7PM.
28. ISKCON Temple
ISCKON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple which is based on basically two Hindu scriptures Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana. It is at a distance of 1km from the Golden Temple.
The temple houses many Indian deities, with Radha and Krishna being the most important. Apart from this the architecture of the temple is marvelous and the prayers are conducted on a regular basis and then Prashad is distributed.
One can buy religious books and other religious stuff from the stall inside the temple. The entry is free of cost and the timings of the temple are 4:30AM to 9PM. The temple celebrates the Rath Yatra Maha Mahotsav of “Lord Jagannath” every year in the month of December for 3 days.
29. Sun City
Sun City is an amusement park located on Battala road. If you are the one who went to visit Amritsar during the scorching heat this place can prove as a good getaway for you. Sun city is one of the oldest amusements parks of Amritsar.
This place serves as both an amusement park as well a water park. There is also a place called a Rain dance floor. The entry fee for an amusement park is Rs. 350/- and for a water park, it is rs. 600/- and the fee for the combo is 700/-. The timings of this park are 10AM To 8PM.
30. Rainbow Resorts Water Park
Rainbow Resorts Water Park is one of the best water parks of Amritsar, spread over an area of nine acres it is a good choice to create memories with friends. There are restaurants also inside this place to visit in Amritsar.
You can also indulge yourself in some adventures such as paintball, zipline, hanging log, and bamboo bridge. It is on Attari Border Road and the timings are 11AM to 9PM. The entry fee is 500/- they charge extra for the costume and locker.
31. Thunder zone Amusement and water park
This amusement park is in an area of 11-acres. There are 4-giant swimming pools in this park and over 20 fun rides making it a perfect getaway place for you and your family. It is a combo of amusement parks and water parks.
The amusement rides include Columbus, swinging chairs, music bob, etc. and water rides include slide pool, wave pool, HiraKari, etc. The timings of this amusement park are 10 AM to 7PM in the months of April to October and in the months of November to March, the timings are 10AM to 5:30 PM. The entry fee is INR 800.
32. Bliss Aqua World
This park also offers numerous rides for adults and children or it can prove a perfect getaway place for you and your friends. It is near the Grand Trunk Road. The timings of this place to visit in Amritsar are 10AM to 5:30 PM. The entry fee from Monday to Saturday is INR 650 and on Sunday the fee is INR 800.
33. Gurudwara Baba Deep Singh Ji
In 1762 an Afghan invader tried to blow up Golden Temple, only 5000 in number Sikhs fought bravely to save the temple and Baba Deep was their leader.
This place to visit in Amritsar which is located outside Chatiwind gate commemorates the bravery of Baba Deep and other Sikhs who fought dauntlessly to save Golden Temple from the clutches of Afghani invaders.
Then, Jassa Singh constructed a memorial to the famed martyr then in the 19th century Akali Phula Singh built a wonderful Gurdwara. In the early 1920s, the area of this Gurdwara was enlarged by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.
Due to the bravery of the Sikh army and Baba Deep Singh Ji, the Singhs celebrated Diwali of 1757 AD in Golden Temple.
34. Peddlers
This pub in Amritsar is famous for its delicious Indian dishes and beer. There are musicians which sing live on the premises. Also, there is live sports screening and free Wi-Fi.
There is a separate smoking area for the ones who smoke. Apart from food, the staff is also very good and cooperating. The average cost for two people is INR1100.
35. Proof- the bar
It is located inside the Raddison Blu Hotel. There is a club night every Saturday with Dj Sourabh. The interiors of this bar are spectacular with red hues, warm lighting, and a stunning backdrop.
The timings of this place to visit in Amritsar are 11Am to 11 PM. It is located on State Highway 25 in Amritsar. The cost for two people is approx. 2000.
36. Underdoggs Sports Bar and Kitchen
Underdoggs is a place where you can get everything from great food, music, sports, and entertainment. The place makes sure that you stay for a long time.
This place to visit in Amritsar is located on Ranjit Avenue. The timings of this bar are 12 AM to 12PM. The average cost for two people is INR 1400.
37. Irish Beach
It is also one of the top-rated- bars in Amritsar, the best part is you can organize a birthday party, corporate event, or just chill with your friends. This place to visit in Amritsar is located on Mall Road. The environment is calm and peaceful.
The timings of this place are 11Am to 11:30 PM. And it is open on all days, the cost for two people is around 1000-2000 approx.
So, now we have come to the end of the article and Amritsar is a place which offers you a range of places to visit, it has everything to offer from Temples, Mosque to Gurudwaras and bars, as you would have read above.
This is a tip from my side that if you plan to visit any of the bars mentioned above, try their special food or drink. We would like to know if you have visited the city or are you planning? Also, share the article with your friends and help them plan their trip.
Also, if you know some more places to visit in the city comment below and let us know.