Places To Visit In Amritsar

Pro Tips for Perfect Car Hire Every Time

Amritsar is a beautiful city in the northwestern part of India, that lies in Punjab State. It is a beautiful and culturally rich place. It is the spiritual center of Sikhism and home to the amazing Golden Temple also called Harmandir Sahib. This temple, with its golden dome shining in the sun and its reflection in the surrounding water, is a stunning sight and a symbol of unity and equality. There are many tourist attractions in Amritsar that attract numerous tourists from around the world. History lovers can visit Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, a reminder of India's fight for freedom. and the Partition Museum, which tells the history of India's history. the Wagah Border ceremony, where India and Pakistan soldiers perform a daily flag-lowering ceremony, is also a must-see. Amritsar's lively markets, like Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market, are great for shopping and trying delicious Punjabi food. local dishes like Amritsari Kulcha, chole Bhature, and Lassi are a must-try for food enthusiasts. For exploring the wonderful city, self drive car rental Amritsar is the best and most convenient option. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and discover all the places as you want, without relying on crowded public transportation and expensive cabs. Just pick the car and travel wherever you want. You should visit Amritsar to experience its unique mix of spirituality, history, and culture. Today, in this blog, we will explore the famous tourist attractions in Amritsar, giving you the guide to the must-see places that make this city special.

Must Visit Places In Amritsar

Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the most sacred place in Sikhism and one of India's most spiritual sites. It is situated in the center of Amritsar, its beautiful golden design and the daily Langar (community kitchen) bring in many visitors and devotees every day. The temple welcomes people of all faiths and serves free meals to over 100,000 people from all backgrounds. The main temple, which houses the shrine, is just a part of the large Harmandir Sahib complex, also known as Darbar Sahib by Sikhs. The spiritual heart of the complex is the Amrit Sarovar tank that surrounds the shiny central shrine. The complex also includes other shrines and monuments. Inside the main entrance clock tower, there is the Sikh Museum, which displays the history of Sikh persecution by the Mughals, the British, and during the 1984 Indian government attack. The Ramgarhia Bunga, a protective fortress with two Islamic-style minarets, is at the southeast end of the tank. The Golden Temple is considered one of the most beautiful attractions in the world.

Wagah Border: The Wagah Border is located 22 km from Lahore, Pakistan, and 28 km from Amritsar, India, along the Grand Trunk Road. This border marks the division between India and Pakistan. A popular event here is the Wagah Border Ceremony, also known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony, which happens every day just before sunset. During this 30-minute event, soldiers from both countries come together for a show of military display and camaraderie. The ceremony includes shutting the border gates and taking down the flags of India and Pakistan. The Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers have been performing this flag ceremony since 1959. The ceremony also features entertainment to boost national pride, with thousands of people attending daily. Before the ceremony, the crowd enjoys chanting the Indian national anthem, clapping, and dancing to Bollywood songs.

Jallianwala Bagh: It is a public garden near the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar. It includes a memorial to honor the victims of a massacre by British forces. This tragic event happened when General Dyer ordered his troops to fire on peaceful people celebrating Baisakhi, resulting in the death of thousands. The garden is 6.5 acres large and is taken care of by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust. At the entrance, there is a tablet that records the history of the massacre. The tragic event deeply affected India, and after gaining independence, the country built a memorial for the victims. This memorial was established by the Indian government in 1951 and was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on April 13, 1961. Inside the garden, there are several structures that remind visitors of the attacks committed there. These include a wall with bullet marks and a well where many people jumped to escape the gunfire. It is estimated that over 1,000 Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs died in this brutal attack. There is also a narrow alley of great historical importance.

Durgiana Temple: It also called Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is a Hindu temple in Amritsar, about 1.6 km from the Golden Temple. It looks very similar to the Golden Temple and offers the same feeling of peace and spirituality. Inside, there is a beautiful pond with idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating in it. Gur Shai Mal Kapoor, whose statue is at the temple's entrance, founded this temple. The temple also features a unique statue of a sitting Hanuman, which is rare. Every evening, a fountain show takes place in front of the main temple. Besides the main temple, there are several smaller temples at this site. Bara Hanuman Mandir, where Hanuman was captured by the twins of Rama and Sita; Mata Sitla Mandir, dedicated to Sitla who sits beside a Shiva Linga and a brass lion; Sat Narain Mandir, which has idols of Sat Narain and Radha Krishna; and Goswami Tulsidas Mandir, dedicated to Tulsidas and where a rare handwritten copy of the Ramayana.

Partition Museum: The Partition Museum in Amritsar is a place that keeps stories, memories, art, and items from the time before, during, and after the partition of British India. It is located in the Town Hall and was created by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT). The museum is part of Heritage Street in Amritsar, which starts at the Golden Temple and ends at the Town Hall. Inside the museum, you can find old newspapers, photos, and personal items donated by people who experienced the Partition. TAACHT wants to make this museum a top-quality place that remembers the 1947 Partition of India. The museum focuses on the victims and survivors and honors their legacy.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is in Company Bagh, Amritsar. It used to be the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first king of the Sikh Empire. The museum shows the life of the Maharaja and the history, art, and architecture of the Sikh community in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is 1.5 km from Amritsar Junction and about 4 km from The Golden Temple. In 1977, the palace was turned into a museum. It has many of the Maharaja's personal items, like his armor and weapons. You can also see beautiful paintings, old manuscripts, and ancient coins. These items show the Maharaja's secular spirit and the rich history of the Sikh region. The paintings mostly show scenes from the Maharaja's court and camp. The most famous painting shows the city of Lahore. The museum is surrounded by Rambagh Gardens, known for its statue of the Maharaja on his horse.

Things To Know Before Visiting Golden Temple

1. Take off your shoes and socks before you enter the temple area. There is a place to leave your shoes at the entrance. Wash your feet in the shallow pools nearby.

2. Wear appropriate clothing. Your body should be fully covered, and you must cover your head as a sign of respect inside the temple. You can borrow a scarf for free or buy one for INR 10 from sellers nearby. It's a good idea to bring your own scarf.

3. Do not bring tobacco or alcohol inside the temple area.

4. If you want to sit near the water, sit with your legs crossed and do not put your feet in the water.

5. You can take photos on the paths around the water but not inside the Golden Temple itself.

6. When you listen to Gurbani, sit on the ground in the main hall as a sign of respect.

7. There are security checks at the entrances for safety reasons. Bags are usually checked, and metal objects may need to be deposited.

8. The Golden Temple is famous for its langar, where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or creed. Only take Langar in the limited amount that you can finish, because you can not leave it.

9. Keep the premises clean. There are handwashing stations at the entrance to the temple and langar halls, which you should use before entering.

Things To Know Before Visiting Wagah Border

1. Wagah Border is located around 28 kilometers from Amritsar, Punjab, India, and around 22 kilometers from Lahore, Pakistan. It is a major border crossing point between India and Pakistan.

2. The main attraction at Wagah Border is the daily Wagah-Attari border ceremony, which takes place in the evening before sunset. It is advised to arrive well in advance to secure a good spot, as it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

3. Since it is an international border, there are security checks similar to those at airports. Make sure to carry a valid ID and be prepared for thorough security measures.

4. Mobile phone services are not available around the Wagah Border because there are signal jammers in those areas.

5. There are designated seating areas for both Indian and foreign visitors. It is recommended to sit in the designated section for foreigners to get a clearer view of the ceremony.

6. Consider self drive car rental Amritsar to explore the Wagah Border and other attractions in Amritsar very comfortably.

7. Cameras and phones are allowed, but there may be restrictions on certain types of equipment or accessories, so it is good to check beforehand. Photography during the ceremony itself can be challenging due to the crowd.

8. The ceremony is a patriotic display for both India and Pakistan. It is essential to maintain respectful behavior throughout the event. Avoid any gestures or actions that could be misinterpreted or seen as provocative.

9. The ceremony takes place in an outdoor stadium, so be prepared for the weather. During summer months, it can get extremely hot, so wearing sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated are crucial.

10. There are local vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs outside the venue. It is a good idea to carry some cash if you wish to purchase anything.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Amritsar?

The nicest time to go to Amritsar is from November to March when the weather is nice for sightseeing. Summers are very hot, and the rainy season might cause heavy rain, which could make traveling a little difficult but you can explore anyway

What are some well-known dishes to taste in Amritsar?

When you are in Amritsar, make sure to try Amritsari kulcha, butter chicken, langar ki daal, Amritsari fish, chole puri, and sweets like jalebi and phirni. Do not miss visiting local dhabas or eateries for a real taste of the city's food.

Is there a dress code to enter the Golden Temple?

Yes, if you visit the Golden Temple, you need to dress modestly. This means covering your head, legs, and shoulders out of respect. If you do not have anything to cover your head with, you can get a scarf at the entrance.

How far is Golden Temple from the Amritsar Airport?

The Golden Temple is only 12.8 kilometers from Amritsar Airport.

What is the best way to explore Amritsar?

Car Rental Amritsar is a great option to explore the city at your own pace. Benefits include flexibility in visiting attractions like the Golden Temple and Wagah Border, avoiding crowded public transport, and reaching offbeat destinations easily. It offers convenience and comfort, especially when visiting nearby places like Wagah or Jallianwala Bagh. Just ensure to have a valid license and understand local traffic rules for a smooth experience.

What is the timing of the Wagah Border Parade?

In summer, the parade begins at 5:15 PM, and in winter, it starts at 4:15 PM. The ceremony lasts for 45 minutes. However, the Wagah Attari border entrance is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is advisable to arrive at least an hour before the parade since not everyone can easily get a seat, particularly on Holiday or a special occasion.

What is the cost to hire self drive car in Amritsar?

The cost to hire a self drive car in Amritsar can vary depending on factors such as the type of car, duration of rental, and any additional services requested. It is recommended to contact us directly at 7528904589 for accurate pricing details.

Is the camera allowed in Wagah Border?

You can take photos at Wagah Border, but there are rules. It is important to follow the security officer's instructions. Do not take pictures of military people or buildings.

What is not allowed in Golden Temple?

You cannot bring sunglasses, chewing gum, or a camera inside Anyone can swim in the holy water, but you can not use soap or shampoo. Please leave wet clothes in the designated room. If you want to use soap, you can do so in the wash rooms nearby.

Is Golden Temple open 24 hours for Darshan?

The regular times for visiting are from 4 AM to 10 PM. The doors of Harmandir Sahib open around 3 AM. People gather to carry the palanquin to the Golden Temple's sanctum. Then, everyday rituals like Ardas, singing Gurbani, and reading the Hukamnama are performed.