February 06, 2024
Best Places To Visit In Amritsar: Famous Places Worth Seeing
Club Mahindra
'Only At Club Mahindra' Experiences
February 06, 2024
Club Mahindra
Amritsar, a gem in Punjab, invites you to a beautiful blend of spirituality, history, and vibrant culture. There are a lot of amazing places to visit in Amritsar. It is home to awe-inspiring spiritual places, whispers of history, tales of bravery and delicious cuisine. Every corner resonates with the emotion of this country. Amritsar is an enchanting city that mesmerises every visitor.
Let us take you through the list of Amritsar’s best places.
This is the holiest shrine for Sikhs worldwide. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it was built in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The temple's gold-plated exterior, reflecting in the surrounding sacred pool, creates a mesmerising sight.
The Golden Temple tops the list of Amritsar’s tourist places. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere, listen to hymns, and partake in the community kitchen called Langar, which serves free meals to thousands daily.
The Central Sikh Museum is located within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The museum showcases Sikh art, history, and culture through its exhibits, which include paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. Visitors can learn about the lives of the Sikh Gurus, the sacrifices made by Sikh martyrs, and the evolution of Sikhism as a religion.
The museum also houses the original Hukamnama (royal decrees) issued by the Gurus. The Central Sikh Museum is an essential destination for those interested in understanding the rich heritage of Sikhism.
This is one of the great places to visit in Amritsar. It is a public garden and memorial site that commemorates the massacre of unarmed Indian civilians by British forces on April 13, 1919. The garden has been preserved as a memorial, with bullet marks still visible on the walls. A flame-shaped memorial at the entrance honours the victims.
The site also houses a museum with photographs and exhibits detailing the tragic event, providing a historical context to visitors and reminding them of the sacrifices made for India's freedom.
The Wagah Border is the international border between India and Pakistan, located approximately 28 km from Amritsar. It is famous for the Beating Retreat ceremony, which takes place every evening before sunset.
The ceremony includes the lowering of the flags, the high-kicking march of the soldiers, and the exchange of handshakes. The energetic atmosphere, patriotic songs, and cheering crowds make this one of Amritsar’s famous places for tourists.
The Akal Takht, meaning "Throne of the Timeless One," is one of the five seats of Sikh religious authority. It is situated within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. Constructed by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1606, the Akal Takht symbolises the political sovereignty of the Sikhs.
The Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, is placed here during the night. The Akal Takht is also a place where important decisions concerning the Sikh community are made. Its architecture is a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, with beautiful frescoes and gold-plated domes.
Also known as the Silver Temple, The Durgiana Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Amritsar. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple also houses Lord Krishna's and Lord Vishnu's idols.
Its name comes from the silver-plated doors and intricate silver works found inside the temple. The tranquil atmosphere, intricate carvings, and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit during your Amritsar sightseeing journey.
One of the great places to visit in Amritsar for history buffs is the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, which is dedicated to the life and achievements of the legendary Sikh ruler. It is located in the heart of Amritsar, housed in the former summer palace of the Maharaja amidst the picturesque Ram Bagh Gardens.
The exhibits include personal belongings, weapons, coins, paintings, and manuscripts that provide insights into the life and reign of the Lion of Punjab. The museum also has an audio-visual show that narrates the story of the Maharaja.
The Partition Museum in Amritsar is the world's first museum dedicated to the events of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. It aims to preserve the history and personal stories of those affected by the Partition, which led to the largest mass migration in human history.
The exhibits include photographs, newspaper clippings, personal artefacts, and oral histories that provide a glimpse into the lives of people during this turbulent period. The museum also has a Gallery of Hope, which showcases stories of resilience and rebuilding after the Partition.
Gobindgarh Fort, initially built by Gujar Singh Bhangi in the 18th century, is now a heritage site and one of Amritsar’s famous places showcasing Punjab's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved structure, which includes the Toshakhana (treasure house), Durbar Hall, and various bastions.
The fort also hosts cultural events, live performances, and exhibitions, making it an exciting destination for tourists. The 7D show, Sher-e-Punjab, is a popular attraction that narrates the story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the history of the fort.
Mata Lal Devi Mandir is a unique Hindu temple and one of Amritsar’s tourist places. The temple is known for its colourful and intricate architecture, which includes numerous shrines, caves, and a replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple.
Visitors can explore the various sections of the temple, including the mirrored hallways and a small water stream. The captivating design and spiritual energy make this temple a must-visit destination in Amritsar.
Khalsa College is a historic educational institution in Amritsar, established in 1892. The college is known for its stunning architecture, which combines traditional Sikh, Mughal, and British styles. The main building features a beautiful façade with domes, arches, and balconies.
The college has a rich history of promoting education and preserving Sikh values. The lush green campus and impressive architecture make it one of Amritsar’s best places to visit.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai is a nine-floor Gurudwara in Amritsar dedicated to Baba Atal Rai, the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The Gurudwara is known for its impressive height and architecture, making it one of the tallest structures in the city.
The nine floors represent the nine years of Baba Atal Rai's life. Each floor houses various paintings and artefacts related to Sikh history and the life of Baba Atal Rai. The Gurudwara also offers panoramic views of Amritsar from the top floor. Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai is one of the best places to visit in Amritsar for tourists seeking spiritual solace and a deeper understanding of Sikhism.
Dedicated to the brave soldiers who have fought for India, this museum showcases the courage, valour, and sacrifices of these heroes through exhibits that include photographs, uniforms, weapons, and personal belongings. The museum also has an outdoor display of military vehicles and aircraft, providing an engaging experience for visitors.
A prominent feature of the museum is the 45-meter-high stainless steel sword, symbolising the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. The War Heroes Memorial & Museum is Amritsar’s sightseeing destination that you should not miss. Especially for those interested in military history and paying homage to the brave men and women who have served India.
Located in the Ranjit Avenue area of Amritsar, Fortune Ranjit Vihar is a beautiful blend of nature's beauty and modern design. This premium retreat is perfect for a family holiday, offering a tranquil escape.
This establishment is located close to two of the most renowned places to visit in Amritsar: the Golden Temple and the Wagah Border. The Golden Temple is just a 20-minute drive, and the Wagah Border is a 40-minute from there.
With stylish architecture and tasteful interiors, Fortune Ranjit Vihar creates an atmosphere that combines modern comforts with timeless charm. The spacious and well-appointed rooms welcome guests with a sense of opulence and comfort. Beyond the elegant accommodations, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities and experiences. Carefully designed, this Club Mahindra associate property ensures a unique and memorable stay.
FAQs
Ideally, the best time to visit Amritsar is between October and March, which is the peak season. This is a great time for outdoor activities so you can comfortably visit Amritsar’s famous places.
You can check out the main places to visit in Amritsar within two days. You will be able to cover two main locations, the Golden Temple and Wagah Border, for sure. You could also find time to visit other places around these sites.
On regular days, the wait can extend up to two hours. During holidays and weekends, it may take even longer as it is one of Amritsar’s famous places.
It's best to arrive at the Wagah-Attari Border by 4 PM. This gives you time for security checks, baggage deposit, and finding a good seat at the amphitheatre. The retreat ceremony begins at 5:15 PM in summer and 4:15 PM in winter.
You can either hire a taxi or opt for a shared auto-rickshaw from Amritsar to get to the border. Wagah Border is around 28 km away from Amritsar.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.