Guide to Discovering the Amritsar Heritage Walk Tour

Amritsar is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks. One of the best ways to explore the city’s heritage is by taking a guided tour of the old city, also known as the Amritsar Heritage Walk.

This walk takes you through the narrow streets and lanes of the old city, giving you a glimpse of the city’s rich history and culture. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Amritsar Heritage Walk and what it has to offer.

What is the Amritsar Heritage Walk?

The Amritsar Heritage Walk is a guided tour of the old city, organized by the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board. The walk covers a distance of about 4 km and takes around 2.5 hours to complete. During the walk, you will get to see some of the most significant landmarks of the city, including the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Akal Takht.

The walk starts at the Town Hall, which is located in the heart of the city. From there, you will walk through the narrow streets and alleys of the old city, exploring its rich history and culture. The walk is led by a trained guide who will provide you with detailed information about the city’s heritage and answer any questions you may have.

What are the highlights of the Amritsar Heritage Walk?

During the Amritsar Heritage Walk, visitors are introduced to major attractions, beginning at the Town Hall and ending at the iconic Golden Temple.

Town Hall: Town Hall, built by the British in 1866, is a significant historical landmark and serves as the starting point for the Amritsar Heritage Walk. The tour then leads visitors to Gurudwara Saragarhi, a memorial built to honour the 21 Sikh warriors who lost their lives defending Fort Saragarhi in Waziristan.

Qila Ahluwalia, one of the five principal forts in the city’s historic walled city, is also part of the tour. Visitors can explore this fortress, which is situated in the center of the walled city, and learn about its significance.

Jalebiwala Chowk, named after the famous “Gurdas Ram Jalebi” shop, is another attraction on the tour. Visitors can try the popular sweet delicacy, jalebi, at this famous shop, which first opened in 1956.

The tour also takes visitors to Udasin Ashram Akhara Sangalwala, which was founded in 1771 and still retains the footprints of its founder, Nirban Das Ji. Another attraction, Chitta Akhara, is renowned for its beautiful wall paintings, which have a Rajasthani influence.

Darshani Deori, the main gateway leading to the Harmandir Sahib walkway, is an important site on the tour. Every morning, devotees gather in front of the gate and recite the Shabads until the gate opens for the day.

The Baba Bohar, a large banyan tree located in the middle of the road near Bartan Bazaar, is another attraction on the tour. The tree is revered since many Sikh gurus are believed to have sat beneath it.

Thakurdwara Dariana Mal, a courtyard built in stunning colonial design, is home to a temple that is over 148 years old. Chaurasti Attari, which was built by the sixth guru of the Sikhs, is another historic site that contains 32 stores and four corridors.

The Taksal, the first mint in Amritsar, where Sikh rule coins were previously produced, is located in Katra Hari Singh. The tour also includes a visit to Thakurdwara Raja Tej Singh, a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha that was constructed in Nagara-style architecture.

Crawling Street, which commemorates the Jallianwala Bagh massacre directed by General Dyer, and the Ancient Passage, a historic passageway connecting several mohallas and katras built by Sikh Misls in the early days of Amritsar, are other significant sites on the tour.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Golden Temple, one of the most prominent and significant reasons why Amritsar is a top tourist destination in India. Visitors can admire the grandeur and beauty of this sacred site, which marks the end of the Amritsar Heritage Walk.

Read also: Top Destinations to Explore Around Chandigarh This October

Entry Fee & Timing

The Amritsar Heritage Walk is a 3 km stroll that you can attend for free. However, it is recommended that you hire a guide to make exploring the city easier. Indian citizens are charged Rs. 25, while international tourists are charged Rs. 100 for the guide’s services. The walk is open every day for almost 24 hours, but it is best to explore it between 8 am to 10:30 pm, which takes about 2 ½ hours.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Amritsar, like any city in Punjab, is during winter. It’s difficult to enjoy the beauty of the city during the sweltering summers. You have a better chance of exploring different corners of the city from October to March.

How to Reach

Getting to Amritsar is easy as it is well-connected to other major Indian cities and towns. You can travel by plane, train, or car. Once in Amritsar, you can easily reach any part of the city by taking an auto, booking an Ola or Uber, or taking a local tuk-tuk to your destination. You can also hire a private cab from the top car rental companies in Amritsar to visit all the popular tourist attractions comfortably.

The Amritsar Heritage Walk offers tourists a chance to experience the beauty of this wonderful city. From the prestigious Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib to the Gobindgarh fort, the narrow streets’ small markets, and the gorgeous Wagah Border, there is plenty to see and do.

Other popular tourist attractions in Amritsar

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Amritsar apart from the Amritsar Heritage Walk:

• Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Wagah Border
• Partition Museum
• Durgiana Temple
• Gobindgarh Fort
• Ram Bagh Gardens
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
• Khalsa College
• Akal Takht.

How many days are enough for Amritsar Tour?