Weekend Trip to Amritsar: 13 Best Places

Amritsar serves as a bordering city and is of great national significance as the place holds the most renowned Wagah ceremony on the border of India-Pakistan every day during closing. Furthermore, the place is entirely an abode to the beautiful Golden Temple, the very serene and religious site for Sikhs in India.

It includes another place – Jallianwala Bagh, where a tremendous number of unarmed and innocent Indians were killed by the British army. Enlist the most beautiful places in Amritsar, that seem to be delightful and exciting. Experience the wide range of delicious Punjabi dishes and the most famous city – Amritsar.

List of the 13 Best Weekend Getaways from Amritsar:

1. Golden Temple

The Golden temple serves as the holiest Gurudwara all over the country, which seems the most pious place. Popularly known as Harmandir Sahib, it seems to be the most religious temple for the entire Sikh community that welcomes people from every walk and faith of life.

Experience the beautiful architecture that delighted you. Witness the golden plates that surround the upper dome and floor of Hari Mandir, which is the holiest part of the entire temple. Temple also serves free food known as “langar” to devotees and visitors and its kitchen is the largest free kitchen all over the world.

Opening Time: 3 am to 10 pm.

Why Visit: The holiest Sikh shrine, also known as Harmandir Sahib, offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Key Highlights:

• Marvel at the gold-plated sanctum surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar.
• Witness the Guru Granth Sahib recitations and participate in the langar (community kitchen).

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for the divine ambiance.

Tips: Dress modestly and cover your head. Footwear is not allowed inside.

2. Wagah Border

An itinerary to Amritsar if you miss a chance to experience the amazing zeal of the Wagah border beating retreat ceremony. The border that separates India and Pakistan experiences this amazing ceremony every day during the evening.

This ceremony is performed by the soldiers of both countries when they advance towards the gate opening in the evening. Both countries’ national flags are lowered with reverence as soldiers salute each other. Make sure to arrive one hour before the ceremony just to grab a seat.

Opening Time: 10 am to 4 pm (ceremony timing is from 4:15 pm during summer and from 5:15 during winter).

Why Visit: Experience the patriotic fervor at the daily Beating Retreat ceremony between India and Pakistan.

Key Highlights:

• Energetic border closing ceremony featuring synchronized marching by soldiers.
• Vibrant atmosphere with cheers from the crowd.

Best Time to Visit: Arrive by 3:30 PM to secure good seats; the ceremony starts around 5 PM.

Tips: Carry an ID for entry and avoid carrying large bags.

3. Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala bagh is a true reminder of huge human brutality as it describes the sad massacre of the peaceful meeting by British officials. This amazing historical place is now converted into a public garden that takes you into that time.

It is also an abode of a national memorial that is entirely managed by the Jallianwala bagh National Memorial Trust. Witness the beautiful place that displays various things of massage time.

Opening Time: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Why Visit: A somber reminder of India’s struggle for independence, this site honors those who lost their lives during the 1919 massacre.

Key Highlights:

• Memorial wall with bullet marks preserved.
• Eternal Flame of Remembrance and the Martyrs’ Well.

Best Time to Visit: Morning hours to explore peacefully.

Tips: Combine with a visit to the nearby Golden Temple.

4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

Maharaja Ranjit Singh serves to be the most vibrant and highly admired ruler of Punjab and Maharaja’s capital city is Lahore. Later, the Maharaja included Amritsar in the kingdom and constructed a beautiful double-story place to stay during a visit to the place.

The entire palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is now converted into a museum. It gives a delightful insight to every visitor into the vibrant Punjab history during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Opening Time: 10 am to 5 pm.

Why Visit: Learn about the life and achievements of the “Lion of Punjab.”

Key Highlights:

• Display of artifacts, weapons, and paintings from the Sikh Empire.
• Beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.

Best Time to Visit: Open from 10 AM to 5 PM; closed on Mondays.

Tips: Allocate an hour for a thorough visit.

Read also: Where to Go Near Chandigarh in October: Must-Visit Places

5. Guru ka Mahal

Guru ka Mahal lies near Golden Temple, and across the main street known as Guru Bazar. It comes under the well-known gurudwaras in Amritsar and serves as the home to the sacred Sikh book – Guru Granth Sahib.

Experience peaceful meditation in the basement in a separate room for meditation where Sikh gurus compose sacred hymns and meditate peacefully.

Opening Time: 5 am to 10 pm.

Why Visit: A historical Sikh shrine and residence of the Sikh Gurus, offering a glimpse into Sikh history.

Key Highlights:

• The Gurudwara preserves Guru Granth Sahib and other relics.
• Peaceful environment ideal for meditation.

Best Time to Visit: Morning hours.

Tips: Spend time learning about the history from local guides or volunteers.

6. Hall Bazaar

The best place to visit in Amritsar that you can’t miss to visit as it is the oldest market in Amritsar that exhilarates the tourists. An ideal place for history lovers, and is taken as the busiest shopping place in Amritsar. From beautiful dresses to jewelry, electronics to books, Chinese lanterns, and ornaments, you can easily search for everything.

The market is popular for selling traditional Amritsari juttis and Phulkari embroidery items. Witness the grand Mughal archway entrance along with its architecture.

Opening Time: 9 am to 7 pm.

Why Visit: A vibrant market for shopping traditional items, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Key Highlights:

• Famous for Phulkari embroidery, Amritsari juttis (shoes), and woolen products.
• Try local street food like chole bhature and jalebi.

Best Time to Visit: Evening for shopping and street food exploration.

Tips: Bargain to get the best deals.

7. Gurdwara Mata Kaulan

Gurdwara Mata Kaulan also known as the sacred shrine of Mata Kaulan lies in the western region of the Golden Temple. The Gurudwara is named after Bibi Kaulan, a strong devotee of Guru Har Gobind.

The place falls in the category of the must to visit spot in Amritsar as it spreads great divinity to visitors. Near the Gurudwara lies Kaulsar Sarovar, an ideal destination for visitors to feel a sense of tranquility and serenity.

Opening Time: Open always.

Why Visit: A serene Gurudwara dedicated to Mata Kaulan, known for its spiritual significance.

Key Highlights:

• Situated near the Golden Temple with a tranquil environment.
• A water body around the Gurudwara adds to the peaceful ambiance.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for meditation.

Tips: Combine with your visit to the Golden Temple.

8. Bibeksar Sahib

Bibeksar Sahib serves as the best and most attractive meeting destination in Amritsar. If you wish to experience peace, solace, and calmness in Amritsar, you require to head towards this pious place.

The place is well-known for being the most catchy spot for followers of the 6th Sikh Guru – Guru Hargobind Singh. Its tranquility attracts a plethora of tourists to this beautiful place.

Opening Time: Open always.

Why Visit: Built by Guru Hargobind Ji, it is known for its historical and spiritual importance.

Key Highlights:

• A serene sarovar (pond) surrounding the Gurudwara.
• Popular among devotees for quiet prayer and meditation.

Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for a peaceful experience.

Tips: Respect the sanctity of the Gurudwara by maintaining silence.

9. Partition Museum

Partition museum is the most famous place in Amritsar for visitors as it is an ideal place for culture and history enthusiasts. It serves as the first-ever museum across the world that concentrates on various tales of ancient years and about people who had to face partition.

Visitors could find photographs, newspaper clippings, and several personal items that are donated by people who have experienced partition. The museum is mainly devoted to survivors, victims, and their long-lasting legacy.

Opening Time: 10 am to 6 pm.

Why Visit: A moving tribute to those affected by the Partition of India in 1947.

Key Highlights:

• Exhibits showcasing photographs, artifacts, and personal stories.
• Interactive installations for deeper insight into the partition’s impact.

Best Time to Visit: Morning; allow 1-2 hours for exploration.

Tips: Located near Town Hall, it’s easy to combine with other central attractions.

10. Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree

Dukh Bhanjani ber tree is a place in Amritsar for those who are in search of some sacred place where they can experience solace.

This is a pious place within the Golden Temple complex and the tree seems to be the most sacred in the entire region. It is considered that after a dip into a sarovar near the tree, you get cured.

Opening time – 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Why Visit: A sacred tree within the Golden Temple complex believed to have healing powers.

Key Highlights:

• Known for the legend of healing and spiritual cleansing.
• Located near the sarovar (holy pool).

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening.

Tips: Spend time meditating in the serene surroundings.

11. Akal Takht

Akal Takht is well-known as the “Throne of Immortal” and is known as one of the highest political institutions of Sikhs. This place serves as the most interesting place in Amritsar as the destination came into the spotlight by Guru Hargobind.

Nestled amidst the Golden Temple complex, Akal Takht serves as one of the five Takhts of Sikhs. Akal Takht serves as a token of justice and political sovereignty, where spiritual concerns about Sikhs are examined and addressed.

Opening Time: 4 am to 11 pm.

Why Visit: One of the five seats of Sikh temporal authority, located within the Golden Temple complex.

Key Highlights:

• Established by Guru Hargobind Ji for justice and spiritual guidance.
• Houses sacred texts and relics of Sikhism.

Best Time to Visit: Evening during the illuminated view of the Golden Temple.

Tips: Spend time understanding its historical significance from guides.

12. Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh fort serves as a historical place as it displays grand tales of Punjab’s history. The grand building was constructed around 257 years ago and has experienced great history.

Now, the fort is converted into a live museum that acts as the home of Punjab’s history.

Opening Time: 10 am to 10 pm.

Why Visit: A historical fort showcasing Amritsar’s rich cultural and military history.

Key Highlights:

• Light and sound show narrating the history of Punjab.
• Museums, food stalls, and cultural performances.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to attend the evening show.

Tips: Allocate 2-3 hours for a complete experience.

13. Famous Eateries

Apart from Langar at Golden Temple, Amritsari cuisine is well-known for its traditional and delicious dishes that have aromatic flavors.

The city provides potato-cauliflower stuffed and butter-drenched tasty kulchas, spicy chicken, soft kebabs, and tender mutton. Experience the street food and just get lost in the delicacy of the Amritsari food.

Opening Time: Not known.

Why Visit: Amritsar is a paradise for food lovers with its authentic Punjabi cuisine.

Key Recommendations:

• Kesar Da Dhaba: For authentic dal makhani and parathas.
• Bharawan Da Dhaba: Famous for Amritsari kulcha.
• Giani Tea Stall: Renowned for masala chai and bread omelet.
• Kanha Sweets: For mouthwatering puri-chole and lassi.

Best Time to Visit: Any time, as food in Amritsar is an all-day delight.

Tips: Go on an empty stomach to savor the wide variety of delicacies.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is Amritsar a great weekend destination?

Amritsar is compact, filled with cultural, spiritual, and historical landmarks, and perfect for exploring in 2–3 days.

2. What are the must-visit places in Amritsar?

The top places include the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, and Gobindgarh Fort.

3. What is special about the Golden Temple?

The Golden Temple is the holiest Sikh shrine, known for its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the free community kitchen (langar) serving thousands daily.

4. What happens at the Wagah Border ceremony?

The Wagah Border hosts a daily flag-lowering ceremony with patriotic displays by Indian and Pakistani soldiers. It’s a lively, must-watch event.

5. Why visit Jallianwala Bagh?

Jallianwala Bagh is a historic site marking the 1919 massacre, with a memorial and preserved bullet marks, offering a glimpse into India’s freedom struggle.

6. What can I learn at the Partition Museum?

The Partition Museum chronicles the 1947 India-Pakistan partition through exhibits, artifacts, and stories, making it an insightful experience.

7. What is unique about Gobindgarh Fort?

Gobindgarh Fort blends history and entertainment with light shows, museums, and performances, providing fun for families and history lovers.

8. What is Guru Ka Mahal?

Guru Ka Mahal is a historic Sikh gurudwara in Amritsar, known for its sacred relics and spiritual significance.

9. Where can I shop and eat in Amritsar?

Visit Hall Bazaar for local shopping and try famous Amritsari kulchas, lassi, and street food at popular eateries like Kesar Da Dhaba and Bharawan Da Dhaba.

10. Are there any serene spots in Amritsar?

Yes, the Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree in the Golden Temple complex and Gurdwara Mata Kaulan offer tranquil spaces for reflection.

11. What is the best way to explore Amritsar in a weekend?

Start early with a visit to the Golden Temple, cover Jallianwala Bagh and Partition Museum by noon, and enjoy the Wagah Border ceremony in the evening. Reserve the next day for Gobindgarh Fort, local markets, and eateries.

12. When is the best time to plan a weekend trip to Amritsar?

The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.