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Also known as the “City of Holy Lake,” Amritsar is a beauty that attracts millions of tourists every year. While the main attraction of the city is the iconic Golden Temple, the beauty of Amritsar is not merely limited to this. Be it the historical spot of Jallianwala Bagh or learning about India’s history at the Partition Museum, there’s a lot that awaits you in Amritsar. As you are curating the itinerary with the things to do in Amritsar, ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the iconic experiences that follow.
10 Things To Do In Amritsar
From iconic landmarks to bustling bazaars and cultural experiences, there are a lot of things to do in Amritsar that you can experience on your trip.
1. Visit The Golden Temple
Photo: Nav Photography / Pexels
Without a second thought, the first thing that needs to be on your list is visiting the iconic Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is a popular pilgrimage site that attracts Sikhs from across the world. With its golden façade and the beauty of the adjoining water body called the Amrit Sarovar, a visit to this spot is calm, peaceful and rejuvenating. Inside the gurdwara lies the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Stepping inside the place fills you with a sense of contentment and spirituality. One of the highlights of visiting the Golden Temple is the Langar, a free community kitchen that serves meals to over 50,000 people daily.
Location: Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab 143006
Timings: 24*7
2. Attend The Wagah Border Ceremony
Photo: Godwin Angeline Benjo / Unsplash
Another unique experience that you must experience when in Amritsar is the Wagah Border Ceremony. It is the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Every evening, as the sun sets, a grand “Beating Retreat” ceremony takes place here, offering a peek into the cooperation between the two nations. During the ceremony, you get a glimpse into a wide array of military drills and the lowering of the national flags of both countries. Also, as part of the crowd, you will get to chant “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” during the ceremony. If you want a good seated experience, ensure that you arrive early to the spot.
Location: Grand Trunk Rd, Wagah, Hardo Rattan, Punjab 143108
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Pay Your Tribute At The Jallianwala Bagh
Photo: Kunal Umesh Mohite / Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Amritsar is to visit the historical Jallianwala Bagh, which is known for the tragic massacre that took place on April 13, 1919. On this very day, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed Indians, killing hundreds. The massacre was conducted under the command of General Dyer. Inside the area, you get to witness a history of that fateful day and also the remnants of those heinous crimes through the bullet holes in the walls. The site now stands as a memorial with an Eternal Flame of Liberty for all the martyrs who were killed on that day. There is a museum inside that you can explore too.
Location: Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
4. Visit The Partition Museum
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons
To further enrich your historical knowledge, a visit to the Partition Museum is a must. The museum stands as a memory of the partition of India in 1947. It is one of the only museums in India depicting such tales and experiences of the millions affected by the partition. Inside the museum, you will get to witness personal artefacts, documents and photographs of the people who were displaced after the partition. The tales of migration and loss are well preserved inside the walls of the museum. If you want a rawer interpretation of the partition and how political decisions impacted the lives of civilians, this is the place you need to visit.
Location: Hall Rd, Town Hall, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians and ₹250 for Foreigners
5. Seek Blessings At The Durgiana Temple
Photo: Pranita Desai / Wikimedia Commons
Among the things to see in Amritsar, the Durgiana Temple is one you shouldn’t miss out on. It is a significant religious site in the city dedicated to Goddess Durga and closely resembles the Golden Temple in its architecture. A lot similar to the Golden Temple, even this one is surrounded by a sacred lake and boasts silver doors, adding to the charm of the place further. This explains why the temple is also known as Silver Temple. Beyond the main shrine, the temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman. You can find a lot of peace and tranquillity in the premises of the temple.
Location: Hathi Gate Chowk, near Durgiana Mandir, opp. golbagh, Hathi Gate, Goal Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 10 PM
6. Stroll Through The Amritsar Heritage Walk
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons
When you are new to Amritsar and want to have a well-rounded trip experience, going for a guided tour across the Amritsar Heritage Walk is one of the best experiences. These guided tours take you through the historic lanes and bylanes of Amritsar and usually cover a distance of 3-4 km. Even the narrow streets and lanes that you might miss out on otherwise are explored in this guided tour. Some of the key attractions that are explored include Chowk Passian, Udasin Ashram Akhara, and Qila Ahluwalia, among other historic sites. Getting to stop at the local shopping centres and indulging in a street food experience adds to the tour.
Location: Starts at Town Hall, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 8 AM – 10 AM
7. Try Punjabi Cuisine At Bharawan Da Dhaba
Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you want to explore and experience Amritsar like a local, a visit to Bharawan da Dhaba is a must. It is one of the oldest and most famous eateries in the city that offers you a taste of authentic Amritsari cuisine. The dhaba is renowned for its Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti, Chole Bhature, Amritsari Kulcha, and Lassi. What’s amazing about the food here is the way it’s prepared using traditional methods, which offer a robust flavour to the dishes. The dhaba’s ambiance is rustic and homely, making it a perfect place to enjoy a hearty meal. Also, for the price point, the portions are quite generous.
Location: Town Hall, Subhash Park, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 7 AM – 12 AM
8. Shop At Hall Bazaar
Photo: Dhally Romy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shopping at Hall Bazaar should give you an answer on what to do in Amritsar. It is a vibrant and bustling market located in the middle of the city and is renowned for offering a wide range of goods, from traditional clothing to electronics. Some of the Amritsar exclusive items that you can find there are phulkari embroidery, juttis (traditional footwear), spices, and jewellery. You enter the shopping destination through a large and expansive gate called the “Gandhi Gate,” which features a clock tower too. Also, as you explore the market, stop around to try a few of the local street food options.
Location: Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
9. Visit The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Museums are abundant in Amritsar, so another one that you must visit is the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. The main attraction inside the museum is the 12-metre-tall and 100-metre-long panoramic painting depicting the varying wars that the King was in. The museum is housed in the beautiful Ram Bagh Palace and showcases a collection of artefacts, including weapons, paintings, coins, and manuscripts that provide a glimpse into the Maharaja’s reign. You also get a glimpse into the history and culture of Punjab during the 19th century. The garden in front of the museum is another attraction.
Location: Grand Trunk Rd, Bhattian, Ludhiana, Punjab 141008
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults and ₹20 for children
10. Pay Respects At The Gobindgarh Fort
Photo: Gobindgarh Fort / Wikimedia Commons
The Gobindgarh Fort is a historical military fort, which has now been transformed into a live museum. It is one of the primary things to do in Amritsar Punjab if you want to get a glimpse into the history and culture of the state. The fort was originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi in the 18th century and later renovated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. There are numerous attractions inside the museum including the Toshakhana, where lies the replicas of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. Don’t miss out on exploring the Bungalow of General Michel or attending the light and sound show.
Location: Old Cantt Road, Vijay Chowk, inside Lohgarh Chowk, Amritsar, Punjab 143001
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹100 to ₹150
Amritsar is a versatile city that caters to the varying interests of the tourists. There are numerous things to do in Amritsar, including pilgrimage, historical exploration and cultural immersion. As you are crafting the plans for your next vacation to Punjab with TripXL, ensure that you set aside at least 3-5 days to explore the popular landmarks and hidden gems in the city.
Cover Photo: Crbellette / Shutterstock
