Amritsar is located in the northwestern state of Punjab. It is the holiest city in Sikhism — founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, around the sacred pool that gives the city its name (Amrit Sarovar, meaning Pool of Nectar). The city contains the Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple, the most visited place of worship in the world by number of daily visitors.
Places
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
The holiest in Sikhism, built in its current form under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century with a gold-plated sanctum. The temple sits at the center of the Amrit Sarovar — a sacred pool — connected to the surrounding complex by a marble causeway called the Parikarma. Head covering and removal of shoes are mandatory before entering the complex. The temple is open to visitors of all faiths.
Timing: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Jallianwala Bagh
A public garden and national memorial on the site of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The official death toll was 379; independent estimates place it significantly higher. The original bullet marks are preserved on the walls of the garden. The Martyrs’ Well — a well into which people jumped to escape the gunfire — is also preserved.
Timing: Open daily, 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Partition Museum
A museum documenting the 1947 partition of British India into India and Pakistan. The partition displaced an estimated 14 million people and resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history. The museum houses personal testimonies, photographs, documents, and artefacts related to the partition. It is the first museum in the world dedicated to the human stories of the partition.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹250 (cash at counter). Entry is free for children below 5 years
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Wagah Border Ceremony
The only road border crossing between India and Pakistan, 28 km from Amritsar. The Beating Retreat ceremony — a daily military ritual conducted jointly by the Border Security Force of India and the Pakistan Rangers — takes place every evening at sunset. The ceremony involves a synchronized lowering of the two national flags, precision marching, and a closing of the gates.
Timing: Daily at sunset — ceremony time varies by season
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Gobindgarh Fort
Originally built in 1760 by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and later captured and renamed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh after Guru Gobind Singh. The fort served as the treasury of the Sikh Empire and later as a British cantonment. Restored and opened to the public as a heritage site, the fort contains museums, heritage galleries, craft demonstrations, and an evening sound and light show.
Timing: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹300-₹1400, varies by type
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Hall Bazaar
The central market street of old Amritsar, running through the heart of the walled city from the Town Hall toward the Golden Temple. Hall Bazaar is the main commercial artery — clothing, textiles, Phulkari embroidery, dried fruits, and sweets. The lanes around the Golden Temple contain shops selling religious items, Punjabi suits, and Amritsari food stalls. Best explored on foot.
Timing: Most shops — daily, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Getting There
Amritsar is well connected by rail, road and air. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Amritsar — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Amritsar Junction (ASR)
Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)
Bus Terminal: Amritsar Bus Stand
By Train
Search "Amritsar" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Amritsar Junction (ASR) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. ATQ have scheduled domestic and international services from Amritsar.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (PUNBUS) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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