Amritsar is one of those cities that pulls you in with its energy, warmth, and deep sense of history. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, the charm never really fades. When I planned my visit, I thought I was just ticking off a few famous landmarks. But as I stood barefoot in the Golden Temple at sunrise, surrounded by complete strangers yet feeling completely at peace, I knew I was experiencing something special. It wasn’t just sightseeing—it felt personal.
There are so many beautiful places to explore here, each with its own story and emotion. In this post, I’ll share the most unforgettable places to visit in Amritsar, spots that truly define what the city is all about. If you skip them, you’re missing the soul of Amritsar.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple
The Harminder Sahib Temple is another name for the Golden Temple. Guru Ram Das himself built the lake after which Amritsar was named, and the entire city developed around the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple or the Golden Temple is located in the middle of this lake. According to an estimate, around 1 lakh people eat langar daily in the Golden Temple. This number doubles on festivals and on weekends. No one is allowed to enter the premises without a turban or any cloth or cap on the head.
Travel Tip:
- Try visiting early in the morning or late at night—it’s less crowded and even more magical.
- Don’t forget to cover your head (scarves are available at the entrance).
- And keep your phone down for a bit—some moments are better experienced than posted.
Why you shouldn’t miss it:
Because it’s more than just a monument. It’s a feeling. A space where you pause, reflect, and feel something deeply personal—even if you can’t quite explain it.
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is known for a brutal incident of the British in the history of India. This pilgrimage site of revolutionary and sacrificial heroes is located at a distance of one kilometer from the Golden Temple. Thousands of innocent Indians have died i this garden, as evidenced. Here, unarmed Indians were slain on April 13, 1919, when the British opened fire without warning. Many people had jumped into a well there to escape the bullets. Even today, every person who comes to Amritsar does not forget to visit this place to pay homage to the people killed.
Why you should visit:
Because it reminds you that freedom wasn’t free. Every brick of Jallianwala Bagh is soaked in sacrifice. It’s emotional, yes—but it’s a part of our history that we owe it to ourselves to witness.
Travel Tip:
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun.
- Take your time—this isn’t a place to rush through.
Wagah Border
Wagah is a village located on the Grand Trunk Road between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan, where the border of the two countries passes. It is the designated point of land border crossing between India and Pakistan. About 27 kilometres separate Amritsar from the Wagah border. This border is regularly opened for tourists. Many individuals come to this location to see the retreat of the beating. Soldiers of both India and Pakistan demonstrate their patriotism with full enthusiasm here.
Why it’s unmissable:
Because Wagah isn’t just a ceremony—it’s an emotion. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s a reminder of the spirit that defines India.
Travel Tips:
- Reach by 3:00 PM to get a good seat—the stands fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Carry your ID (you might need it for security).
- Wear comfy shoes—there’s a bit of walking involved.
- Oh, and don’t forget your sunglasses and water bottle—it gets hot.
Gobindgarh Fort
Amritsar is a historical site located in the heart of the city. It was built in the 17th century. In honour of Guru Gobind Singh, Maharaj Ranjit Singh gave this fort the name Gobindgarh. Brick and lime were used to build this fort. On April 13, 1919, General Dyer left this fort and engaged in a terrible game in Jallianwala Bagh. People say that an underground tunnel near the Khooni Darwaza of this fort leads to Lahore.
Why it’s worth your time:
Gobindgarh Fort perfectly blends history with entertainment. It’s educational without being boring, and fun without being too touristy.
Travel Tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon so you can stay for the evening show.
- Ticket prices vary depending on what you want to see—combo passes are usually the best deal.
- Great spot if you’re traveling with family or kids—they won’t get bored, promise.
Durgiana Temple
Durgiana Temple, a famous Hindu temple, is about 1.5 km from the Golden Temple. This temple looks like the Golden Temple from outside. This temple dedicated to Goddess Durga was built in the year 1908 by Harsai Mal Kapoor. Apart from Maa Durga, this temple also has idols of Lakshmi-Narayan, Sheetla Mata and Hanuman ji.
Why you’ll love it:
Because it’s serene, sacred, and soaked in devotion. Plus, it’s close to the railway station and easy to fit into your itinerary.
Travel Tips:
- Combine your visit here with a quick stop at the nearby Hanuman Mandir.
- Evening aarti (prayer ceremony) is a beautiful experience if you’re around at the right time.
- It’s less touristy, so you’ll actually get to enjoy the silence.
Bonus Travel Tips for Your Amritsar Trip
Before you pack, here are a few tips that might help you enjoy your experience in Amritsar a little smoother:
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal time of year with good weather for travel and sightseeing.
- Where to stay: If you want the action, hotels near the Golden Temple are your best bet. You will find a wide range of quality with every budget.
- Must-Try Foods: Don’t leave without Amritsari kulcha, lassi with butter, makki di roti and sarson da saag, and jalebis from a halwai.
- Machine Shop: For some local shopping go to Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh for phulkari dupattas, juttis, and local spices.
Tip: Take a few moments to keep your phone charged. This is a very photogenic city in ways you may not expect.
How to go and where to stop?
Amritsar is connected to most parts of the country by air, rail and road. Amritsar has an airport at a distance of 13 kilometers from the city which is known as Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport. Low-budget to high-budget hotels are available in Amritsar, which you can choose according to your convenience.
We hope you enjoy your next trip to the beautiful city of Amritsar.
To book your journey to Amritsar, contact us now!
Conclusion
Amritsar is not simply another stop on the map; it is the journey of faith, sacrifice, pride, and flavor. From the calm of the Golden Temple to the nationalistic fervor you’ll feel at Wagah Border, every moment is an experience unto itself.
So if you are making plans, then make sure these destinations to visit in Amritsar are on your checklist. Because honestly? You’ll have only skimmed the surface of what this wonderful city has to offer without it.
FAQ’s
Every single year, people in the millions, travel to first contact the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar, the glamorous reputation itself is drawing attention.
Amritsar arguably has five main attraction: The Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Gobindgarh Fort, and Durgiana Temple. Focusing on a combination of spirituality, history, and patriotism themselves, these local sights all illustrate the depths of Amritsar.
A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions in Amritsar at a relaxed pace. It gives you enough time to visit spiritual sites, attend the Wagah Border ceremony, try local food, and shop in local bazaars.
The best time to visit Amritsar is between October and March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Avoid peak summer months (May–June) as it gets extremely hot.
Yes. Visitors must cover their heads, remove their shoes, and dress modestly while entering the Golden Temple. Scarves and head covers are available at the entrance for free.
While exploring the city or dining at nearby establishments, shorts are acceptable, but wearing them inside the Golden Temple is strongly forbidden. A Sewadar would approach you if you entered the complex in shorts.
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