A visit to Amritsar is an amazing travel opportunity which you should not miss. Amritsar is the largest urban area in Punjab and at the same time, Amritsar tourist places are very popular. It’s a city that holds great spiritual significance for so many people in India. The Golden Temple, in particular, draws tens of thousands of devoted Sikhs and cultural tourists daily. One of the highlights of visiting this temple is enjoying a communal meal from the temple’s huge, volunteer-run kitchen while surrounded by other visitors.
However, there’s much more to this bustling, soulful city than just the Golden Temple. Exploring Amritsar will reveal a plethora of fascinating experiences that will leave you enchanted. You can witness the daily Wagah Border Ceremony on the Pakistan border, indulge in delectable Punjabi cuisine, explore the whimsical Mandir Mata Lal Devi, and take a tour of the Summer Palace. Additionally, Amritsar is an excellent destination for those looking to buy Indian textiles. So, in one word, there are so many places to visit in Amritsar and there are so many things to do in Amritsar.
Here we will discuss the 10 best places to visit in Amritsar or you can say Amritsar’s famous places.
#1. The Golden Temple:
The top spot on this list belongs to the Golden Temple, which holds the highest religious significance as the primary Gurudwara in the country. Also referred to as Harmandir Sahib, it is open to individuals from all walks of life and religions. Its stunning architecture is a sight to behold, with its upper floor and dome adorned in golden plates, particularly the holiest part of the temple complex, Hari Mandir or Darbar Sahib.
Within the temple complex, there are exquisite marble sculptures and a sacred lake named the ‘Pool of Nectar.’ Additionally, visitors and devotees can enjoy a free meal known as langar, which is provided in the temple’s vast kitchen, recognized as the most extensive free kitchen globally. This is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Amritsar.
Timing: From 3 am to 10 pm
#2. Wagah Border:
If you visit Amritsar and don’t participate in the patriotic fervour of the Wagah Border Beating Retreat ceremony, your trip is incomplete. This ceremony takes place every evening at the border between India and Pakistan. Soldiers from both nations perform the ceremony as they move towards the gate that opens in the evening. During the ceremony, the national flags of both countries are respectfully lowered while the soldiers salute each other. As there is a security check at the entrance, it is advisable to arrive an hour before the start of the ceremony to secure a good view.
Timing: From 10 am to 4 pm
#3. Jallianwala Bagh
Jalliawala Bagh serves as a sombre symbol of the grave inhumanity inflicted upon a peaceful gathering by British military forces and is now transformed into a public park that houses a national monument administered by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust. When visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is one of the nearby locations that can be included in your itinerary. It is one of Amritsar’s famous places.
Timing: From 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
#4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had ruled Punjab, was highly appreciated and renowned for his bravery. His capital was situated in Lahore. In the year 1802, he annexed Amritsar into his kingdom. During his visits to Amritsar, he had a two-story palace built for his accommodation, surrounded by a garden. This palace has now been transformed into a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into the magnificent era of Punjab’s history under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s leadership. This museum is one of the best places to see in Amritsar.
Timings: From 10 am to 5 pm
#5. Famous Eateries:
Amritsari cuisine, aside from the Langar Prasad at the Golden Temple, is renowned for its legendary dishes and unique flavours. The city provides a wide variety of mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, including heavenly tandoori chicken, amazingly soft shami kebabs, delectable and supple mutton tikkas, and delicious butter-drenched and potato-cauliflower packed kulchas.
Simply get lost in the city’s food streets and establishments to enjoy the pleasure of wonderfully delectable meals.
#6. Guru Ke Mahal:
Guru Ka Mahal, one of the most popular attractions in Amritsar, is situated close to the Golden Temple and directly across Guru Bazar, the city’s major thoroughfare. It is one of Amritsar’s well-known gurudwaras. Under the direction of Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, it was built in 1573 as a modest cottage. It was once Sri Guru Ram Das’ home before he founded Amritsar and has now been transformed into a gurdwara. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is another reason why Guru Ka Mahal is famous. The Sikh gurus used to sit and write holy hymns in this basement’s meditation area. This is also, another famous place to see in Amritsar.
Timings: From 5 am to 10 pm.
#7. Hall Bazaar:
It is one of the best places to visit in Amritsar that you shouldn’t skip. One of the oldest markets in the city of Amritsar and a popular destination for history aficionados is Hall Bazaar. It is regarded as one of Amritsar’s busiest shopping areas. Everything is available here, from gadgets to literature, clothing to jewellery, decorations, and Chinese lanterns. Traditional Phulkari embroidery and Amritsari juttis are two of the bazaar’s best-known products. In addition to the goods, this town is renowned for the Gandhi Gate Mughal archway entry and the market’s general design. There are numerous eateries where you can unwind.
Timings: From 9 am to 7 pm.
#8. Gurdwara Mata Kaulan
The western section of the Golden Temple is home to Gurdwara Mata Kaulan, also known as the holy shrine of Mata Kaulan. One of the must-visit attractions in Amritsar, it is one of the locations to go. This Gurudwara bears Bibi Kaulan’s name, a follower of Guru Har Gobind. The Sikh community still cherishes its memories of her kirtans. Guru Har Gobind advised followers to take a plunge at Kaulsar Sarovar before travelling to the Amrit Sarovar, a revered place close to the Gurdwara Mata Kaulan. It is the perfect location for vacationers to experience tranquilly and practice meditation.
Timings: No particular timing
#9. Bibeksar Sahib
Another intriguing location in Amritsar is the BibeksarSahib.You should think about visiting this site of worship if you’re looking for comfort, peace, and tranquilly in the city of Amritsar. The Bibeksar Sahib is located on the Bibeksar Sarovar’s banks. Ranjith Singh, the Maharaja, built it. The area is well-known for being a place where, devotees of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, congregate. This is what draws residents and visitors to this charming location.
Timing: No particular timing.
#10. Various other Attractions
A lot of tour operators create all-day or three- to four-hour-long cultural tours of the city. These excursions are intended to cover all the top Amritsar attractions in a single day. They take you to the city’s most famous locations and describe their significance and history to you. You have to walk a lot while on these tours as you explore various locations. You can go on pedal tours if you like the fun and adventure that cycling offers.
These group trips provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm and culture of the city. A knowledgeable tour guide who is beside you can simply provide you with whatever information you require.
Places to visit near Amritsar:
There are so many mesmerising places to visit near Amritsar and also there are some beautiful hill stations near Amritsar. Some of these are mentioned below:
- Dalhousie
- Palampur
- Khajjiar
- Dharamshala
- Mcleodganj
- Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Chamba
- Kangra
- Kasol
- Kullu, etc.
Conclusion:
So, these are the best places to visit in Amritsar. Amritsar creates the most exquisite and remarkable tapestry by fusing the vibrant threads of all facets of human life. If you are planning a trip to Amritsar, make sure to visit these famous places of Amritsar. These are the top attractions of Amritsar and you will definitely fall in love with Amritsar.
FAQs:
Q. What is there to see in Amritsar besides religious attractions?
A. Discover the artefacts and antiques at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, take in the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard ceremonies at the Wagah Border, and learn about one of the most horrific periods in the history of India’s freedom movement at Jallianwala Bagh.
Q. What are the best things you can buy from Amritsar?
A. The most famous shopping location in Amritsar is Hall Bazaar. Religious artefacts, phulkari needlework, Juttis, regional handicrafts, traditional clothing, and other souvenirs are available here for purchase.
Q. How is Amritsar’s food?
A. Amritsar is a cuisine lover’s paradise, much like every other city in Punjab. There is a wide variety of food available here, including sweet delicacies like jalebi and kulfi as well as Amritsari kulchas, chole puri, ghee roast chicken, fish tikka, and mutton cheap. A creamy lassi is available practically everywhere in the city, while the langar and Karah Parshad in the Golden Temple are not to be missed.
Q. Is there any hill station near Amritsar?
A. Within 150 kilometres of Amritsar, some of the most popular hill stations include Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Chamba, Khajjiar, Kangra, etc.
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