Having been born in Punjab, but grown up in Delhi, as a kid, I used to visit Punjab every year with my family until my 10th standard. As I grew up, the visits became less frequent, until I realised that I had not been to my home state in years! So, as a part of my work, when I got a chance to visit Amritsar in Punjab, I said yes without a second thought. 

Amritsar, the cultural and spiritual heart of Punjab, is a city that captures the essence of India’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and unmatched hospitality. Home to the iconic Golden Temple, Amritsar welcomes millions of visitors each year seeking peace, heritage, and unforgettable food experiences. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to soak in its charm once again, this Amritsar travel guide will help you explore the best places to visit in Amritsar, where to stay, from budget hotels to luxurious stays, and what delicious food to eat in Amritsar, including its world-famous kulchas and street food. Dive into this list to plan your trip to Amritsar in detail. 

The Ultimate Amritsar Travel Guide

Best Time to go to Amritsar

While Amritsar is an evergreen destination that welcomes visitors year-round, the best time to visit Amritsar is between October and January. The weather during these months is cool, pleasant, and perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh. Summers (especially April to June) can be scorching, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, while late January and February can get quite chilly, especially during the mornings and evenings. So if you’re looking for the most comfortable travel window with clear skies and festive energy, October to early January is ideal.

How to Reach Amritsar

By Air

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Amritsar is to take a flight. The Airport of Amritsar – Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, has direct connections from most major cities of the country. However, I would suggest you book flights at least three months in advance to get good and cheaper deals on them.

By Train

If you are taking a train from Delhi, this would go lighter on your pockets, as it is budget-friendly as well as a journey of just about 6-8 hours. The most popular train that runs between Delhi and Amritsar is the Shatabdi Express. You can check out the timings and prices of all the trains on www.irctc.co.in

By Bus

Amritsar is well connected by road from Delhi, Chandigarh and other major North-Indian cities. You can get an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi, for which the price varies between INR 600 and INR 1,000 and leaves from Majnu ka Tila. You will reach Amritsar in 8-9 hours.

Getting around Amritsar

For local travel within Amritsar, autorickshaws are still the most accessible and budget-friendly mode of transport. Just remember to negotiate or confirm the fare before the ride, especially if you’re not using a meter. As of 2025, a ride from Amritsar Junction railway station to the Golden Temple typically costs around ₹50–₹70, depending on time and traffic.

You can also use ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber, which are widely available in the city. For more flexibility, especially if you’re planning day trips or visiting farther attractions like Gobindgarh Fort or Pul Kanjari, you may also consider hiring a cab for a full or half day.

Places to Visit

There are many places to visit in Amritsar, so it might take a week for you to explore this beautiful place. However, I am writing the most prominent ones, which you should definitely not miss.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and the spiritual heart of Punjab. Surrounded by a serene, man-made pool known as the Amrit Sarovar, the foundation of the complex was completed in 1577. Over the centuries, the temple endured destruction during invasions and wars, but the resilient Sikh community rebuilt it time and again. Later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, reconstructed the temple using marble and copper, and eventually covered the upper floors in gold, giving it the radiant appearance it is known for today.

Tip: To truly immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar around 4:00 AM, when the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, is ceremoniously carried in a Palki from the Akal Takht to the sanctum. It’s a peaceful, moving experience that offers deep insight into Sikh culture and devotion. Also, don’t miss the Central Sikh Museum, located within the temple complex, which chronicles Sikh history and struggles through paintings, relics, and portraits.

No visit is complete without experiencing the Langar, a free community meal served to all visitors regardless of religion or background. Sitting on the floor and sharing a humble meal is one of the most authentic and meaningful things to do in Amritsar. Don’t forget to try the ‘karah prasad’, a sacred offering made with flour, ghee, and sugar.

If you’re visiting in the second week of April, you’ll witness Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year and one of the most important festivals at the Golden Temple. The entire complex is beautifully lit, devotional music fills the air, and thousands of devotees gather, making it one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in Amritsar during the festive season.

This pilgrimage site will bring you peace eventually. If you are looking for some similar places like this, do read a list of the other 8 pilgrimage sites in India.

Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort, located right in the heart of Amritsar, is a historical landmark that beautifully blends heritage with modern-day experiences. Once a military stronghold during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the fort has now been transformed into a vibrant cultural space. Through live music, heritage performances, and an immersive light and sound show, the fort tells the story of Punjab’s rich history in a truly engaging way.

The light and sound show, held in the evening after 7 PM, is a highlight of any visit. It is one of the most spectacular things to do in Amritsar at night. Another attraction inside the fort is the 7D show on Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which offers an interactive and cinematic dive into the life and legacy of the Lion of Punjab. 

For food lovers, don’t miss a meal at Ambarsari Zaika, located within the fort complex. From traditional Punjabi thalis to spicy street-style chaats, the food here adds the perfect finishing touch to your visit.

The timings to visit Gobindgarh Fort are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it easy to fit into your itinerary, whether you’re planning a daytime visit or an evening show. Among all the places to visit in Amritsar, Gobindgarh Fort stands out for how it brings history to life.

Jallianwala Bagh

Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, open all days

Whatever happened in Jallianwala Bagh is deeply tragic. It’s strange, but as soon as you step inside, you can still feel the heavy silence and sorrow in the air. On April 13, 1919, thousands of innocent Indians gathered here for a peaceful protest against British colonial rule. Without warning, General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire, massacring hundreds and injuring even more, with no route for escape.

The site now stands as a memorial built by the Indian government to honour the martyrs of that horrific day. The bullet marks on the walls, the Martyrs’ Well, and the eternal flame at the memorial offer a sobering reminder of India’s struggle for independence.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is easy to access and is among the most important places to visit in Amritsar for anyone who wants to connect with the country’s past.

Durgiana Temple

Even though it is a Hindu temple, the structure of Durgiana Temple closely resembles that of the Golden Temple. With its domed roof, marble façade, and gold detailing, the temple is beautifully built in the middle of a sacred lake, giving it a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Located just a short distance from the Amritsar Railway Station, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, along with deities like Lakshmi and Vishnu. 

Though less known among tourists, it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Amritsar for its spiritual vibe and architectural grandeur. If you’re exploring the city’s religious diversity, Durgiana Temple makes for a quiet and meaningful stop. 

Wagah-Attari Border

Ceremony Timing: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, every day

The Wagah Border ceremony is one of the most energetic and patriotic things to do in Amritsar. Located around 30 to 45 minutes from the main city, this daily event takes place at the India-Pakistan border and features the famous Beating Retreat Ceremony, where soldiers from both sides perform synchronised drills, marches, and flag-lowering with electrifying intensity.

The parade starts at 4 PM and lasts for about half an hour to 45 minutes. I would suggest you arrive a little early so that you can get a seat to watch the parade up close. We reached by 2 PM and took the seats closer to the gates. The entry is free here. 

Getting to the Wagah Border from Amritsar is easy. Cabs, autorickshaws, and tour operators readily offer round-trip packages. A private cab will typically cost around ₹1,200–₹1,300, depending on where you’re picked up from. You’ll often find drivers offering this package near Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple—they usually wait while you attend the ceremony and bring you back afterwards.

Whether you’re a history buff or just want to witness a unique cultural spectacle, this is one of the most unforgettable places to visit near Amritsar.

Sadda Pind

This place is spread over 12 acres and portrays the true picture of Punjab – its rich culture, delicious food and vibrant colours. It captures the essence of a Pind, each house features the life of a rural artisan, and the entire place is lit with Punjabi folklore and vibrant lights. In fact, apart from visiting this place, you can also stay here, in the middle of the Pind, in this resort. You can look out for the bookings here.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

This museum is dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary founder of the Sikh Empire and one of the most revered figures in Punjabi history. Often referred to as the “Lion of Punjab”, he played a crucial role in uniting the region and turning Amritsar into its spiritual and political heart.

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum houses a fascinating collection of paintings, 3D art, old coins, armoury, and sculptures that narrate the rich history of Punjab and the Maharaja’s reign. The artwork on display dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a rare glimpse into the royal lifestyle, military achievements, and cultural contributions of that era.

If you’re planning your Amritsar itinerary, this museum adds depth and context to your understanding of Punjab’s glorious past, making it a meaningful stop among the many things to do in Amritsar.

Amritsar 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Start with the Golden Temple. Visit the temple early in the morning (around 6–7 AM) to experience its serenity. Don’t forget to appreciate the beauty of the place or have langar. 

• Next, walk to Jallianwala Bagh, which is just a few minutes away on foot from the Golden Temple. You can see the preserved bullet marks there and spend some time to learn about the tragic history. 

• Once you have paid your respect at the Jalianwala Bagh, you can visit the Durgiana Temple around noon. Often called the ‘Silver Temple,’ it resembles the Golden Temple in structure but is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

• For lunch, try traditional Punjabi food at Brother’s Dhaba or Kesar Da Dhaba.

• After a heartfelt meal, visit the Gobindgarh Fort around sunset and enjoy the live cultural performances which follow, along with traditional markets, the coin museum, and the 7D show inside the fort.

Day 2: 

• Start with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum in Ram Bagh Garden. It houses royal artefacts and historical items from the Sikh Empire.

• There are great places to shop for local goods like Phulkari, juttis, and handicrafts.

• Post lunch, head over to Sadda Pind, a Punjabi cultural village which gives you a taste of rural life through food, music, crafts, and interactive experiences.

• Today, you can go to the Wagah-Attari Border.  Leave Amritsar by 2 PM and reach early to grab good seats. The Beating Retreat ceremony begins around 4:30 PM, but it’s best to arrive early.

Day 3:

• Have breakfast at Cafe Kahaani or The Kulcha Land.

• Take a heritage walk through the street near the Golden Temple. The colonial-style architecture and colourful murals are great for photographs and cultural immersion.

• You can go to the Partition Museum to look at the India-Pakistan partition through photographs, oral histories, and exhibits.

• If you want to have a calm, religious day, visit the Ram Tirath Temple, which is believed to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Ram.

Food to Eat/Restaurants

I am a vegetarian Punjabi, and I dislike promoting non-vegetarian food. Below, I am listing a few restaurants where I tried some of the delicious, mouth-watering vegetarian food. However, Punjab is quite famous for its non-vegetarian food, too, which you can find just about anywhere in the state. 

Guru ka Langar

Now, do not confuse this with a perfectly lit restaurant, but this one is not to be missed, no matter what. This place is none other than our Golden Temple. The place where a very simple but finger licking food is served. The daal and the rotis here are to die for. It is a free meal served to every single visitor with so much love. It is blissful!

Kulcha Land

If you are in Amritsar, there is no way you can miss the kulchas of Amritsar. Kulcha Land is famous for this, which is served with chole.

Kesar Da Dhaba

This 100-year-old dhaba serves delicious food. Do not miss out on their lassi and firni. You can also see men cooking kulchas and paranthas in the dedicated kitchen.

Kava Grill and Lounge

Kava Grill is a restaurant right inside the Fairfield by Marriott. You can find a variety of cuisines here, with the best one being the Masala Kulcha. You name it, they will serve it for you. Apart from the dining area, there is a dedicated bar area that offers tempting signature cocktails, mocktails, premium malts and fine wines. You can find the menu here.

Map I Followed

I am attaching a route map of my itinerary to help with your planning. 

Accommodation

Luxury Stay

For those seeking comfort, class, and a centrally located retreat, Amritsar offers several luxury accommodations that provide excellent amenities, warm hospitality, and proximity to major attractions like the Golden Temple and Gobindgarh Fort. You can explore options like Taj Swarna, Hyatt Regency Amritsar, or Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, which offer world-class facilities and a relaxing stay after a day of sightseeing.

Budget-Friendly Stay

Not everyone needs a luxury suite to enjoy a great trip, and that’s absolutely fine! Sometimes, all you need is a clean, comfortable bed and a safe place to crash after a long day. If you’re looking for budget hotels in Amritsar, there are plenty of guesthouses and 2-3 3-star properties that offer good value for money.

You can browse through platforms like Booking.com or Goibibo, where many listings offer free cancellation and no advance payment options, just reserve now and pay at the property. This flexibility is especially helpful if your plans are still evolving.

For the more adventurous traveller, Couchsurfing is also an option. Staying with a local not only saves money but also gives you a deeper connection to the city’s culture, food, and hidden gems. It’s one of the best ways to experience the local lifestyle in Amritsar.

Amritsar is a beautiful place. It is rich in history and its culture. But more than that, the food here is not to be missed. Remember to eat a lot here and walk even more. Discover Khet, sit on tractors and watch sunsets. Every place in Amritsar has something beautiful to offer.