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Amritsar

Home of the Golden Temple — Sikhism's holiest shrine + Wagah border ceremony

Amritsar is the spiritual capital of Sikhism — the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) feeds 100,000 free meals daily in the world's largest community kitchen. Also the Wagah border closing ceremony with Pakistan + Jallianwala Bagh memorial.

From Delhi
1h flight or 6h Shatabdi train
Airport
ATQ — direct from London + Dubai
Best season
October-March
Golden Temple langar
100,000 free meals daily

Amritsar highlights

Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)

Sikhism's holiest site. Free entry + free langar meal for all visitors. Head covering required.

Golden Temple at night

Illuminated + reflected in the sarovar (holy pool) — arguably more beautiful than daytime.

Langar community kitchen

The world's largest free community meal — 100,000 fed daily. Volunteering is welcome.

Jallianwala Bagh

Site of the 1919 massacre — poignant memorial + preserved bullet holes in walls.

Wagah Border ceremony

Daily 17:30 India-Pakistan flag-lowering ceremony — 28 km from Amritsar. Book grandstand seats.

Partition Museum

The world's first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition. Deeply moving.

Amritsari kulcha + Amritsari fish

Amritsar is Punjab's food capital — Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba, Beera Chicken Corner.

Getting there

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Airport (ATQ) has flights from Delhi (1h), Mumbai (2h 15m), Dubai, London. Train from Delhi (6h Shatabdi).

Getting around

Auto-rickshaw + cycle-rickshaw around the old city. Uber/Ola widely available. Golden Temple area is walking only.

Best time to visit

October-March (cool). April-June is 40°C+ heat.

Budget per day

$20-40 backpacker · $60-120 mid-range · $200+ luxury (Taj Swarna)

Airport transfer from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (ATQ)

Getting out of Amritsar (ATQ)

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Frequently asked about Amritsar

How many days do I need in Amritsar?
2 days — day 1 Golden Temple morning + evening + Jallianwala Bagh, day 2 Wagah Border ceremony (afternoon) + Partition Museum.
How do I visit the Golden Temple?
Free entry 24/7. Head covering required (scarves provided). Remove shoes at entrance. No photography inside main hall. Meal at langar is free.
When is the best time to visit Amritsar?
October-March (cool + dry). Avoid April-June (40°C+ heat).
Is Amritsar safe?
Very safe — Sikh culture is deeply welcoming to visitors. Punjab has near-zero tourist crime.