The name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple also known as Harmandir Sahib and means holy pool of nectar.
It is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara or place of worship.
The Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdaas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism hub.
Amritsar has a semi-arid climate typical of northwestern India and northeastern Pakistan. It has 5 seasons, winter, a period from mid-February to the end of March called spring, a very hot summer (April-June), the monsoon season (July-September) and a so called autumn from mid-October to mid-Novemeber.
Amritsar, historically also known as Ramdaspur and colloquially as Ambarsar, is a city in northwestern India which is the administrative headquarters of the Amritsar district and is located in the Majha region of the Indian state of Punjab.
According to the 2011 census, the population of Amritsar was 1,132,761. It is one of ten Municipal Corporations in the state and Karamjit Singh Rintu is the current mayor of the city.
The city is situated 217 km (135 mi) northwest of state capital Chandigarh and 455 km (283 miles) northwest of New Delhi, the national capital. It is near Pakistan, with the Wagah Border being only 28 km (17.4 mi) away.
Amritsar has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India. Amritsar is home to the Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, one of Sikhism's most spiritually significant and most-visited gurudwaras.
Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru is credited with founding the holy city of Amritsar in the Sikh tradition. Two versions of stories exist regarding the land where Ram Das settled. In one based on a Gazetteer record, the land was purchased with Sikh donations, for 700 rupees from the owners of the village of Tung.
According to the Sikh historical records, the site was chosen by Guru Amar Das and called Guru Da Chakk, after he had asked Ram Das to find land to start a new town with a man made pool as its central point.
After his coronation in 1574, and the hostile opposition he faced from the sons of Amar Das,Ram Das founded the town named after him as Ramdaspur. He started by completing the pool, and building his new official Guru centre and home next to it.
He invited merchants and artisans from other parts of India to settle into the new town with him. The town expanded during the time of Arjan financed by donations and constructed by voluntary work.
The town grew to become the city of Amritsar, and the pool area grew into a temple complex after his son built the gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, and installed the scripture of Sikhism inside the new temple in 1604.
The construction activity between 1574 and 1604 is described in Mahima Prakash Vartak, a semi-historical Sikh hagiography text likely composed in 1741, and the earliest known document dealing with the lives of all the ten Gurus.
Operation Blue Star which happened from 1 to 6 June 1984 was an Indian military operation ordered by Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India to curb and remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation was carried out by Indian army troops with tanks and armoured vehicles.
Militarily successful, the operation aroused immense controversy, and the government's justification for the timing and style of the attack are hotly debated. Operation Blue Star was included in the Top 10 Political Disgraces by India Today magazine.
Official reports put the number of deaths among the Indian army at 83, with 493 civilians and Sikh militants killed. In addition, the CBI is considered responsible for seizing historical artefacts and manuscripts in the Sikh Reference Library before burning it down.
Four months after the operation, on 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards in what is viewed as an act of vengeance. Following her assassination, more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in anti-Sikh pogroms.
According to 2011 Census of India, Hinduism and Sikhism were the main religions of the Amritsar city at 49.4% and 48% of the population, respectively. Sikhs form a majority of close to 70% in the Amritsar District on a whole.
Amritsar is the holiest city in Sikhism and millions of people visit it each year for pilgrimage.
In Amritsar city, Christianity was followed by 1.23% and Islam by 0.51%. Around 0.74% of the population of the city stated No Particular Religion or another religion.
Amritsar is attractive destination for tourists, especially those part of Golden Triangle.
Good to visit destinations are:
- Golden Temple and Heritage Street
- Punjab State War Heroes' Memorial & Museum
- Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal
- Sadda Pind
- Urban Haat Food Street.
- Gobindgarh Fort
- Ram Bagh Palace and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
- Wagah border
- Partition Museum
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Jang-e-Azadi Memorial near Kartarpur, India
Amritsar is 3rd coldest city in India during wintertime. Temperatures in the night are around 4°C (40°F), which is very cold by indian standards, and it is actually 3°C (6°F) lower than the city of Jammu more than 200km to the north.
This happens partly due to the northeasterly winds blowing from the Himalayas, which also affects the rest of northern India, and partly due to its semi-arid nature. Temperatures reach the freezing point almost every year and the record low is -3.5°C (25.7°F).
Snow is impossible as cold weather is accompanied by dry conditions. In spite of its cold nights though days can be quite pleasant with afternoon highs reaching 21°C (70°F) consistently. In mid-March is usually when the first 30°C (86°F), although sometimes it can occur much earlier.
The heat is blistering during this time of the year and reaches its peak in June, when the average high is 40°C (104°F). Therefore visitors should be wary of heat strokes and stay hydrated. When the monsoon arrives in July, the heat changes from blistering to sweltering.
This is regarded as the worst time of the year to visit northwestern India as temperatures around 32°C (90°F) and very high humidity at 77% makes the atmosphere unbearable for most tourists and locals alike. When autumn arrives, it is reagrded as a cool welcome by the citizens of the city before winter begins again.
Therefore, the best time of the year to visit the city is either February or November. If you intend to visit from March to October consider visiting early when humidity isn't very high.
Best time to visit Amritsar is in the winter, between October and March.
Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is about 11km and a 15-20 minutes drive from the city centre. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting.
Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: Air India flies to London, Birmingham, Melbourne and Sydney via Delhi.
Air Slovakia used to fly to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava but the flights have been discontinued since the airline ceased operations in 2010. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia eg. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Qatar Airways now flies to Doha. Airasia and Malindo Air offers flights to Kuala Lumpur and Scoot to Singapore besides daily flights to Dubai by Air India Express and Spicejet. Besides, there are daily connections to Mumbai and Srinagar.
According to the airport website, both city buses and car rentals are available.
Even the prepaid taxi can be bargained down with the drivers to ₹300 from an initially ridiculous price of ₹500 a person before you pay, but there is a significant dearth of official taxis or even auto rickshaws, so prepare for a hard time.
If you would prefer an auto rickshaw instead of expensive taxi, go left after leaving the airport building. There is a roundabout behind the parking lot where they are standing.
Also, be aware that if you are staying near the Golden Temple, there is a zone around it which prohibits motorised vehicles. Though not stringently applied, the streets do get very narrow, and you may have to make the last ten minutes of the trip on foot.
Amritsar is an important railway station and is well connected to major cities in India through daily trains. Trains can be booked online, at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking office in the Golden Temple Complex located next to Guru Ram Das Sarai.
Here are some useful trains to get to Amritsar:
- Shatabdi Express from New Delhi to Amritsar
- Shan-e-Punjab Express from New Delhi to Amritsar
- Golden Temple Mail from Mumbai Central, Nizamuddin (Delhi) to Amritsar
- Paschim Express from Bandra Terminus (Mumbai), New Delhi to Amritsar
- Akal Takht Express from Howrah (Kolkata), Varanasi, Patna to Amritsar
- Howrah-Amritsar Mail from Howrah (Kolkata), Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna to Amritsar
- Jan Shatabdi Express from Haridwar to Amritsar
- Muri Express from Jammu to Amritsar
It's advisable to book your return train ticket as soon as you arrive in Amritsar, or before if you know the exact date, as trains are often heavily booked.
When you are back to railway station make sure you're dropped on the right side of the station.
Suppose you have a train from Platform No 1, then the rickshaw driver has to cross the bridge and come across the other part of station, otherwise they will drop you at their convenient place and you have to cross the footbridge with all your baggage.
Long-distance taxis are available from most places. It takes around 6-7 hours from New Delhi via NH-1.
Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a days drive. Pathankot is about 2.5 hours away and about 100km away, Jalandhar is about 80km from here, Kapurthala (royal city) is about 65km from here and there are daily direct buses to New Delhi, Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, etc.
You can find Volvo buses from Chandigarh , Delhi and Katra to Amritsar.
GOZO Cabs a Car Rental Service. Inquiry: 24*7. Book pune to Mumbai cab at reasonable fare with Gozo Cabs.
MediaTravelz, India's Leading Car Rentals. 24x7 Helpline. Chandigarh to Amritsar Innova Taxi & New Delhi to Amritsar Best Taxi Services with MediaTravelz.
If coming from Wagah at the Pakistani border, take a cycle-rickshaw (₹15, 3km) to the Attari station, where you can catch a local bus to Amritsar (₹20, 25km).
Taxis also use this route and charge around ₹500 for the entire vehicle.
An auto-rickshaw from the train station to the temple should cost around INR100, while a cycle-rickshaw will run about INR50.
There is a free bus service from the train station to the golden temple run by Golden Temple trust.
It drops you right at the accommodation booking office of the Golden Temple where you can get double bed room for INR1000 per day. However, this service is on a rudimentary bus vehicle and very crowded, really only intended for locals and the poor who cannot afford transportation.
So you are encouraged to just afford a rickshaw or taxi for ~Rs50-100 from the station to the Golden Temple.
Savaari Car Rentals. India's largest inter-city and local cab booking service who have a presence in 98 cities across the country. You can book a cab to or in Amritsar either on their website or through their Call center phone.
Arora Travels Amritsar. Local service provider in Amritsar. They support website bookings.
MM Travels. Another local service provider in Amritsar. You can make inquiries through their website or call their customer service number.
Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) is a short 5-minute walk from the Golden Temple, and is the site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre. On 13 April of that year, British Indian Army soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. The firing lasted about 10 minutes and 1650 rounds were fired, killing 1579 people.
A memorial was built on the site and inaugurated by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on 13 April 196, to this day the bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings. The well into which many people jumped and drowned attempting to save themselves from the hail of bullets is also a protected monument inside the park.
Gobindgarh Fort or Fort Gobindgarh, Old Cantt Road, Vijay Chowk, Lohgarh, Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar, Punjab 143001. Gobindgarh Fort is a historic fort located in the center of the city of Amritsar in the Indian state of Punjab. The Fort was earlier occupied by the army but is now open to the public.
Sher e Punjab A glorious history from the past depicted through the means of technology, to entice, enlighten, educate, enthrall and inspire. A 7D show based on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh that transports you back to the 19thcentury in an immersive way leaving you enchanted and is aptly called Sher e Punjab.
Toshakhana . Coin museum The Toshakhana, which once stored the coveted Kohinoor diamond, is now a coin museum for old and rare coins including a replica of the Kohinoor as it was worn by the Maharaja.
The circular structure of the roof that was made by the use of the original nanakshahi brick is intact till date and quite awe inspiring.
The Bungalow, Ancient Warfare museum The grand building of the Anglo Sikh Bunglow has now been converted to an Ancient Warfare museum and today has several replicas of instruments and attires of warfare.
It has many real, lifelike figurines that are so realistic they seem they would come alive if touched. Spirit of Punjab
Gobindgarh Fort Stage Performace. A stage that keeps the fort alive all day long with live performances of bhangra, gatka, gidda, comedy, games, dholi etc. Several prizes are here to be won each day.
Ambarsari Zaika People here engage themselves in the various food shops and stalls that offer the choicest of Amritsari and Punjabi cuisine along with some other eatery options as well. Haat Bazaar You can feast your eyes as you roam the well located Haat Bazaar that offers fares right from phulkaris, juttis, shawls, antiques etc. for you to purchase from.
Whispering Walls Kanda Boldiyan Ne or Whispering Walls is a show using state of the art projection mapping technologies and laser lights. A show of this quality has never before been seen pan India and we can certainly state that it will surely take your breath away.
This show is held every evening post sunset. There is a Punjabi as well as an English show each day.
Partition Museum. The Partition of India was one of the most defining events in India’s history. It was also the largest migration in human history, with some estimates suggesting that approximately 18 million people were directly impacted.
The Partition Museum, initiated by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), has been set up as a People's Museum to remember all those millions who lost their homes or loved ones at that time. It is located at the Town Hall in Amritsar, a 10-minute walk from the Golden Temple.
The focus of the Museum is to take the visitors on a journey into the lives of those who lost so much at Partition, with the aid of multiple different mediums, including, oral histories playing on video, a soundscape in each gallery, original artefacts donated by refugees, newspapers and magazines, photographs showing the migration and camps, letters written by refugees, government documents, and especially created art installations.
The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. It has been covered in national and international press like BBC, The Sunday Times, LA Times, Fox News, The Hindu, the Hindustan Times, and many others.
Mata Temple is a labyrinthine like Hindu cave temple devoted to the female saint Lal Devi. Traditionally, women wishing to become pregnant come here to pray. The roundabout path to the main temple passes through low tunnels, caves full of ankle-deep water, inclined walkways, and mirrored hallways that make the experience seem more like a fun house than a place of worship.
The colours, wide variety of deities, and elaborate mirrored image make this a psychedelically unique temple. Highly recommended. This is called Sheesh Mahal, and some people also seem to call it Lal Devi.
Durgiana Mandir & Bada Hanuman mandir (Languran wala Mandir). Although Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple of Sikh religion. It is located near Hathi gate and near the railway station. It is visited by Lord Rama Himself. Bada Hanuman Mandir is situated near its premises.
An annual function at this ancient Bara Hanuman Mandir starts with the beginning of navratras. There are people from far off places, even from abroad who visit this temple during this festival.
Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is in the Ram Bagh park, 1km NE of the railway station. Now the palace houses a museum, exhibiting oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons from the Sikh period. In this park is the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, so ask if you are at the right museum.
Ram Tirth is a short distance of 11km outside the city. Consecrated by the appearance of Devi Sita, Ram Tirth had been a witness to the birth of the sons of King Rama. Making a special place in the holy scripts of ancient religions, the place was once the ashrama of saint Valmiki.
The saint is believed to have scripted many of his sacred manuscripts at this place. A hut of Rishi Balmiki is still found at Ram Tirth where he once lived. After giving birth to Luv and Kush, Devi Sita used to stay at this place for a considerable period of time.
The evidence of her stay still exists in the form a well which, it is believed, was dug by Hanuman. Devotees of King Rama and Devi Sita flock to this place every year to offer their prayers to the respected deities.
As the locational position of the Ram Tirth is facilitated by easy accessibility, hence, the visitors conveniently reach this place of worship without any extra hassles.
The Golden Temple is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television.
The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India.
The complex is open almost 24 hours from 06:00-02:00 the next day and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.
As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandanna's to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir for INR10, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the entrance itself.
Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the left of the entrance, wash your feet at the entrance and head in.
Ghanta Ghar. This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Wash your feet in the water at the entrance in order to keep the temple clean.
Amrit Sarovar. The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections marked off by ropes are set aside for male pilgrims wishing to bathe. For female pilgrims there is a separate bath-house enclosing a small part of the pool.
Harmandir Sahib. This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day.
This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by traditionally dressed Sikh guards. It's a 2-storey structure where Sikh saints are seated on each floor.
Akal Takht, directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning The Timeless, this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht.
Central Sikh Museum, 2nd floor, entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance. Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks from the gurus. It is free to enter.
All Sikhs are expected at some point in their lives to volunteer for a week at the temple, and everyone you see working here is fulfilling that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you feel so inclined, you could enquire by asking the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.
The bicycle and walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with the city's history, food, heritage, and architecture. Having a local guide/storyteller can be very useful as there are places and food that normally travelers don't get to experience by themselves.
Many other tour companies also include the delicious street food with breakfast/dinner on their tour.
Village Tour, organized by some tour companies that give visitors a taste of traditional ways of life and culture. Visitors can be taught things like how to milk a cow the Indian way and ride on a traditional bull cart.
Food Tour, Food Tours organized by various companies take you through the bylanes of the old city and gives you a chance to explore the Amritsari dishes apart from seeing the Old City and the bazaar.
Eco Tours are delightful especially in the months from October to March. Harike the wetland and bird sanctuary thrives with hibernating birds, Visit Amritsar facilitates nature walks, boat rides to the confluence of two rives of the Indus network as well as insights into the wetland.
Nature Farm Tour, is another must-see at Amritsar. Run by the destitute home, this exquisite tour connects you to the soil and the art of living without toxic dependence. A bucket list experience to nature lovers provided by Various tour companies.
Walking tour, Various companies offer a range of walks from heritage walks to bazaar walks to photo walks in the old city.
Bicycle tour, City On Pedals is the only company that provides the bicycle tours of the city which is a great way to get to off-the-beaten paths, hidden gems, street food and have a sneak peak into the lives of the locals.
The Golden Temple has a massive library where tourists/visitors can get books on Sikhism for free or at very little cost.
Almost every Sikh at the temple will be willing to talk to you about the temple and their religion and culture. Have an open mind and you'll leave with a pleasant feeling.
You can buy shop:
Sikh symbols and religious paraphernalia like khandas, Karas a Sikh religious bangle, swords, daggers, etc, from the shops close to the Golden Temple.
CDs of temple recordings, chants, and Punjabi music in the shops along the front of the temple.
Punjabi Juttis or shoes from the tiny shops near the Hall Bazaar flyover.
Warian or spicy pulses ground with spices from Hall Bazaar.
Phulkaari is a form of embroidery from the state of Punjab in India and certain parts of Pakistan which literally means flower making. Brightly coloured shawls to sarees to head scarves to salwar-kameez of phulkaari can be found in Hall Bazar and Kapra market.
Hand embroidered ones would be more expensive and are still very much in demand for festivals and other joyous occasions. Bargain your heart out, especially in Kapra market as it’s a whole-sale market for clothes.
Clock tower, Balmukand Kailash nath, established 1930, new misri bazar 2-3 minutes walk from golden temple. Murabbas, Pickles, Syrups, Squashes, Sauces and Ketchup & Jams etc.
Chawla Boutique, A/308-a Ranjeet Avenue, Amritsar 10:00-20:00. Punjabi custom-made salwaar kameez; Readymade Indian dresses; Hand embroidered dresses.
The Golden Temple has a dining hall or langar serving free basic meals to all. A definite must for visitors. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then follow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the floor.
Servers come by with large buckets of dahl, chapati and rice. Make sure to finish everything on your plate, wasting food isn't an option here, then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head.
At the exit, there is a donation box, in case you want to voluntarily donate for the cause of free meals.
Country Inn & Suites, around the corner of Bhandari Bridge serves up great Indian, Italian, Continental and Chinese food.
My Kind of Place offers fast food such as pizza, burgers, and chips. It offers Chinese & Continental food also.
Brothers Dhabba or Bhrawan Dhabba, are two nearly identical restaurants right next to each other near Town Hall. Both highly rated. Brothers' Amritsari Kulcha is to die for.
New Punjabi Rasoi, around the corner from the temple it's one of the most popular restaurants in town and serves up great Indian food including tasty masala dosas. Meals c. INR40-60.
Neelam's, a few doors down from New Punjabi Rasoi, offers pizza and other basics. Meals from INR30.
Kesar da Dhaba. Located near the Golden Temple, it offers good Punjabi food made in pure ghee. Daal Makhni is worth trying. Don't forget to try a glass of Lassi after a meal.
Bubby Dhaba, opposite Golden Temple Just opposite the main entrance of Golden Temple. Serves authentic Punjabi food at a very reasonable cost and ideally located, just few meters from the main entrance of the Holy Golden Temple.
Moolchand Fish Shop, Off of GT Road near Tourist Guesthouse. Find the Christchurch Cathedral, large red-and-green church, pretty conspicuous and keep walking, away from GT road. In about 2 minutes, you'll see a little shop selling fish. Open 08:00-23:00. This tiny place is the definition of hole-in-the wall.
If it looks like it has been there for 50 years, it's because it has. They'll weigh out your fish based on how much you want to pay, fry it, put some delicious spices on it, and serve it with spicy green chutney and raw onions. A little hard to find, but worth it. About 50 rupees for a good-sized piece of fish, 70 rupees for a serving of chicken.
Arora's Food, around the Amritsar Airport, offer pure punjabi food.
There are very few Decent Non Veg Joints near the temple complex.
Kanha Sweets which is Pure vegetarian, Lawrence Road. They serve fantastic Channa - Battura. Great for breakfast. It is pure vegetarian.
Gurdass Ram Jalebi wale also Pure vegetarian, Ahluwali Katra very close to the main gate of Golden Temple. Eat Jalebis. Only a indie sweet shop.
Kulcha Chole Dhaba Pure vegetarian, No. 1, Maqbool Road. Best Kulchas ever. Only a tandoori kulcha joint. No non veg at all.
Cafe Oz, SCO 120, Distt Shopping Center, Ranjit Avenue. 11:30am. The finest Australian joint in Amritsar with Vittoria Coffee and T2 Tea imported exclusively from Australia, 5 star multi cuisine meals, innovative mocktails all at great prices.
Bakes & Beans, SCO 24, district shopping complex, ranjit avenue, b block, Amritsar Opp. Ajit hospital on old jail road. 11:00 to 11:00. Bakes and beans is an Italian cafe situated in the upmarket area of Amritsar. It is the only Italian restaurant with an in house bakery and confectionary. The most happening hangout in Amritsar.
Crystal Restaurant, Crystal Chownk, Cooper Raod. 12 am to 11 pm. One of the old restaurant in the holy city serving wonderful delicacies e.g Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine. 499 rs. per person approx.
Lassi is the good yoghurt or curd, drink here in Amritsar.
All Indian and imported alcoholic drinks are available at the omnipresent licenced liquor stores with prices ranging from INR100 for a local whiskey to INR1000 for a good Scotch like Teachers.
Food & Beverages, near Hotel Mohan International. Imported wines, beers and other liquors.
Lassi wala chownk, Hall Bazaar, Lassi wala chownk, Amritsar. gian chand lassi wale (gian di lassi).
Where To Stay In Amristar
The Golden Temple. Free accommodation for pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. You should remain quiet and respectful of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction.
Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden, not only within the temple complex but anywhere within sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere.
Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Niwas, as opposed to the guards who may ask you for it when checking out. The temple also offers neat rooms (AC 500Rs, non-AC 200Rs) in a multitude of dedicated houses, but these are, due to alleged problems in the past, reserved for Indian citizens only.
A plead in the general information office might qualify you for an exception, but do not count on it.
Asha Guesthouse, Near Golden Temple, Sarai Guru Ramdas Ji, less than 5 minute walk from Golden Temple. Clean, friendly reception, hot water. No wi-fi in room but available at reception. Very close to Golden Temple and the taxi stand where you can get a shared jeep to the Wagah border.
Hotel Sita Continental, Sheran Wala Gate 10 minutes walk from Golden Temple. Its basic, new and clean. double Rs. 550-650.
Tourist Guesthouse, 1355 GT Road, near the railway station, 25 minutes walking distance to the Golden Temple. checkin: 8-5-2013; checkout: 8-5-2013. A popular backpackers choice, with a decent restaurant and friendly owners. double Rs. 250-400.
Hotel Sita Niwas, Right near the eastern corner of the golden temple. There is now a new Hotel Sita Newas next door offering rooms from Rs 1000, so ask where the other one is if the price seems high. checkout: Midday. Good and relatively cheap (Rs 80) food in their restaurant. They also organise shared jeeps to the Atari border crossing for Rs 250 return. Rs 300.
InnDia Boutique Hostel, 10 Celebration Enclave Phase 2, Near Ratan Singh Chowk, Fatehgarh Churian Road. Near St Jude School. checkin: 1 PM; checkout: 11 AM. InnDia Amritsar is a brand new boutique hostel- clean, spacious and cozy, located in the heart of the city, near Ranjit Avenue the dining hub as well as Trilium Mall, and the Golden Temple.
InnDia has capacity for 26 guests with a total of 5 dorms/rooms, each of them with ensuite bathroom, comfortable beds, lockers, individual lamps and free Internet access and free breakfast! Choose from private rooms and dorm rooms.
At InnDia, you can relax or see a movie together in the living room, read a book from the library,enjoy the totally equipped kitchen, or meet interesting and inspiring fellow travellers! InnDia also organises regular food tours, social nights, movie nights etc to keep guests entertained! 500/bed. 500/bed.
Jugaadus' hostel, Above Salon 16, near Kalra Hospital, Ajit nagar, Sultanwind Road Near Sultanwind gate. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. This place offers private rooms and 6/8 bed dorms at affordable prices. Long stay offers available. The hostel organizes various tours for guests/non guests.
City On Pedals - Backpackers Hostel and Tours, 37-A Rani Ka Bagh, Amritsar Next to Café Coffee Day/Fitness Gym, Rani Ka Bagh. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 11:00. This place offers 4 luxury dormitory rooms under budget with a total capacity of 26 beds. All the rooms are dormitories with bunk beds, 2 dorms have 2 level beds and 2 dorms have 3 level beds.
They also run local guided bicycle, walking and food tours, Wagah Border and Village day tours for both guests and non-guests. They are also #1 in all tours' categories on TripAdvisor. They organize regular events at the hostel which aims to connect world travelers to locals over workshops, barbeque parties, and startup meetups.
This hostel has been started by a Mixed Indo-German couple who left their jobs in Japan to come to Amritsar and build multiple, meaningful organizations. The hostel is conveniently located at a 15 min walking distance from the Railway Station and has one of the best neighborhoods in Amritsar. ₹ 350 - 600 per bed with up to 60% off on tours.
Hotel PINAZ ROYALE, MM Malviya Road opp company garden phone="+91 183 5 455555, Rs. 1800-3500, Big room size with wifi on best rates.
Mrs. Bhandari's Guest House, No. 10, Rs. 2000-3500, Very neat and clean rooms.
Hotel le golden very near to the golden temple having view of golden temple from room & restaurant.Rs.1550. to 5250.
Hotel 42 Amritsar, The Mall, Newly Built Luxury Hotel on Mall Road, Amritsar near Golden Temple.
Hotel Sapphire, Hotel near Golden Temple having view of Golden Temple from Hotel Rooms. Rs 1250.
Hotel CJ International. A newer hotel just Opp. Golden Temple and with views of the Golden Temple. Rs 1200. Also now they have beautiful splurge higher end rooms beautifully designed & created. Rs. 2000. Wifi enabled lobby & restaurant.
Hotel Heritage Inn. Next to Golden Temple. Rooms are well furnished and decorated. Rs.1350.
Royal Castle A nice hotel located in the city about 15 min from the Golden Temple. Though they claim to be a 3 star hotel 2 is more like it. They have decent rooms for around Rs 2,100 a night.
Hotel City Heart, Hotel near golden temple and jallian wala bagh. Offers views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 800-1550.
Hotel Indus, Hotel right opposite to Golden Temple. Offers direct views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 1450-1650.
Hotel Sarovar Plaza, Bazar Maisewan near Golden Temple, Rs. 1000-2850, Very neat and clean rooms, 24hrs room service and panaromic view of Golden Temple.
Hyatt Amritsar, MBM Farms, G.T. Road, adjoins Alpha One City Center. 5 star deluxe hotel with a contemporary design, two restaurants, lounge and spa. Rooms starting at Rs 5000. Nestled in the heart of the city and 10 minutes from the Golden Temple is Hyatt Amritsar, welcoming business and leisure travelers to enjoy luxury 5 star deluxe hotel accommodation coupled with the historical wonders the city has to offer.
Green Acres Haveli, 5 Minutes from the airport. Set amongst fruit orchards and lush greenery this diamond category farm-stay lets guests experience rich Punjabi culture and heritage charm. Recently restored, offers all modern conveniences and provides easy access to Amritsar attractions. Room packages range from Rs 3000 to 6000 inclusive of meals.
Hotel P.R. Residency, 4 Kms from Railway Station, Ranjit Avenue. Located in the most posh area, it has undoubtedly the best rooms and view in the town. Along with the most modern equipped suites, it is a great local favourite for dining for its hospitality n memorable stay.
Don't forget to try their Golden Fried Chicken and continental cuisine. Rooms starting at 2000 to 4000 for suites.
Ranjit’s Svaasa, 47-A The Mall opposite the Ebony Mall, down a little side street. The only boutique hotel in town, and a comparative oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Ranjit's is set in an old colonial house, and has been nicely refurbished with understated style - the place looks at its best at night.
There is also a spa and small restaurant attached. Must be Amritsar's most expensive hotel with rooms starting at around Rs.5,000 per night.
Grand Legacy, 8 G.T. Road, near railway station. Claims to be Amritsar's best hotel and the public areas look nice enough, but the rooms and especially the bathrooms don't quite pull it off. Avoid the restaurant downstairs, or face amoebic dysentery. Single/double from Rs. 2000/3150.
Ritz Plaza, 45 The Mall. A more classy hotel also located in the city with good rooms and service and a swimming pool. Price starts at approx Rs 2,500 a night.
MK Hotel, Ranjit Ave. Slightly out of town, but a nicer more upmarket option with great service. Doubles from Rs 3000, suites available.
Hotel AJ Regency . Small but comfortable air-conditioned rooms. About RS. 700/night.
Hotel Swarn House . This 3 Star hotel is a heavenly abode for tourists coming in from all walks of life to visit the Golden Temple, which is just a walk away. It offers super deluxe and deluxe rooms to stay.
Guests are served a delicious spread, comprising Mughlai, Continental, Chinese, and Italian and Punjabi specialties. Corporate travelers are also offered a spacious banquet space, which is ideal place to conduct weddings, prayer meetings and business conferences.
Country Inns and Suites By Carlson . Queens Road, Amritsar. A four star hotel with rates starting INR3000 for double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakfast. 1.5 kms to Golden temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staff.
Country Inn Hotels & Resorts . Mall Road, Amritsar. A four star hotel with rates starting INR 3000 for double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakfast. 3.5 kms to Golden temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staff.
HK Clarks Inn: 14, District Shopping Complex, B-Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar-143001. Four star hotel, good food, fine dine restaurant, lounge bar, open air barbecue, swimming pool, good aerated rooms.
In Amristar, you ought to behave.
The tensions of the 1980s are just a sad memory and Amritsar is currently a safe and welcoming city, if a little polluted.
You should remain aware and respectful of the Sikh religion anywhere near the Golden Temple complex.
Inside the complex, both men and women are required to cover their heads, scarves are widely available throughout the town for INR10, or a box of them are free to use at the entrances to the temple.
Smoking and alcohol are forbidden within the complex and anywhere within sight of the temple. Lighting up a cigarette on the busy street out front will definitely attract negative attention, as will spitting near the temple.
Photography is allowed on the outside ring of the holy lake, but not inside the actual temple itself.
India–Pakistan border closing ceremony or Attari-Wagah, 32km from Amritsar. 4:00PM-5:00PM. Indian and Pakistani soldiers do a march-off every evening, a popular and fun event.
Do not bring any bags if you go there. But if you do there are luggage storage guys on the roadside who you can pay, but better to just leave it all at home - exception: camera, wallets, passport.
Taxis leave from a stand nearby the Golden Temple. Facing the main entrance of the complex by the shoe storage, go left and follow the street until you come upon the prepaid taxi stand and the temple's free bus service stand.
The prepaid taxi stand is legitimate and run by the Golden Temple Beautification Project. Avoid taxi agents and just go to this prepaid stand. It costs 120 rs. per person. It's a 45 minute ride, and should leave Amritsar by around 2:30PM. Easy, no hassle, you'll get a receipt and all the information you might need.
Hiring an auto-rickshaw can cost about 350. If taking a ride not from the prepaid stand, make sure you check the vehicle before paying. Offer a deposit and ask if you can pay the rest on your return. Also beware of agents that will take your money and ask you to wait only 15 minutes we will move, but go slowly.
They can take approx. 2 hrs. to move from Amritsar. Don't pay first! Board in the taxi and ask them to move immediately, otherwise you will miss the chance of watching the border closing, as it will be crowded and you will have to stand far from the border to see things, and you can miss the chance of dancing, walking with the flag or a photo with BSF personnel.
There is a special place on the bleachers for foreigners, don't recommend it, it's boring and has a poor view of the border gates. It is free.
Lahore armed with a visa, take the plunge into this bustling gateway city, one of the cultural hubs of Pakistan
Dharamsala is accessible by a bus + bus or train + bus combo. One must catch a train or bus to Pathankot first, then another bus to Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj. The train can run late by hours, so the bus is a better option of getting to Pathankot in a timely manner.
Bus from Amritsar to Pathankot is 110 rs. 3hrs, the bus from Pathankot to Dharamshala is 120 rs. 4hrs. Another bus can take you to McLeod Ganj for 14 rs. 15-20 minutes.
Tourism Observer
