Golden Temple Amritsar is a place of significant religious importance, which over a period of time has turned into a popular tourist destination. This place of great beauty and sublime peacefulness is located in Amritsar and is also known as Darbar Sahib or Harimandir Sahib. The shrine built in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev Ji has been a meditation retreat for wandering vagabonds since deep antiquity.
The Golden Temple opens from four gates, one gate in each direction which symbolizes the openness of Sikhism towards all the people and all the religions. Regardless of one’s race, faith or culture, the temple welcomes everyone to enjoy its virtue and devoutness. The dazzling shrine has a glorious history.
Table of Contents
The Nomenclature of Golden Temple
The Temple is known by several names like Harmandar Sahib (also spelled as Harimandar, Harimandir, or Harmandir Sahib), Darbar Sahib and Golden Temple. The word “Harmandir” is composed of two words, “Hari” which translates either as “One Supreme Power or God” or Akal Purakh and “Mandir” which means place of worship.
Darbar Sahib means “Sacred Audience” and Golden Temple is for its gold foil-covered sanctum center.
Foundation and Primary Construction of Golden Temple Amritsar
In 1581, Guru Arjan Dev Ji initiated the construction of the Gurdwara. Guru Arjan Dev Ji invited the Sufi Saint Mian Mir of Lahore to lay its foundation stone, flagging pluralism and that the Sikh tradition welcomed all.
It took 8 years in total to complete the first version of the Darbar Sahib.
Mughal Empire era destruction and rebuilding
Because of the growing influence and success of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and executed in 1606 CE. Darbar Sahib was seen as the center of Sikh faith and it remained the main target of persecution by the Mughal rulers and Afghan Sultans.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh era reconstruction of Darbar Sahib
In 1809, the Temple was renovated in marble and copper in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 1830 he donated gold to overlay the sanctum with gold foil to give the look we see today.
The Golden Temple Amritsar Complex
Map
First Floor of the Golden Temple
Once you are inside the main sanctum, do visit the first floor of the temple and sit there for some time at least. You will witness the beautiful architecture, awesome chandelier, amazing temple ceiling, and pillars.
Actual Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji dictated by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself to Bhai Mani Singh Ji at Damdama Sahib, Nanded is also preserved here in Darbar Sahib Complex. This is known as the “Damdama Bir”.
Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar (The Throne of the Timeless God)
There are five Takhts and these Takhts are five Gurudwaras that have a very special significance for the Sikh community.
The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind Ji in 1609. It is called Akal Takht and is situated just opposite the gate of the shrine of Harmandir Sahib – The Golden Temple, Amritsar.
The Akal Takht is a significant part of the complex of religious buildings of Harmandir Sahib, the prominent Sikh house of worship. Literary meaning “throne of the Timeless (God)”, Akal Takht is the chief hub of the religious authority of Sikhism.
At this place, Weapons belonging to the Sikh Gurus, their Sons, Sikh Warriors and Martyrs are formally displayed to devotees every evening after Sikh vespers. 
History of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar
Other four Takhts are:
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib – At Anandpur Sahib which is 192 Kms from Amritsar. “Khalsa Panth” was founded by Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji here in 1699 on the day of Vaisakhi (A very popular festival in Punjab, India).
- Takht Sri Damdama Sahib – At the village of Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda which is 218 Kms from Amritsar.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib – In Patna City, which is the capital for Bihar State in India.
- Takht Sri Hazur Sahib – In Nanded, Maharashtra.
The Clock Tower – Darbar Sahib Entrance
The Clock Tower was not a part of the original version of the temple. The tower was added after the Second Anglo-Sikh War. It was designed by John Gordon in a Gothic church style with red bricks.
The construction took two years (1862-64). About 70 years later, it was demolished by the Sikh community and a new entrance was built in its place. The new entrance has a design more harmonious with the Temple, has a clock, and houses a Museum. It is known as “Ghanta Ghar Deori” in native language Punjabi.
The “Ber” Trees known as “Beris” (Indian Jujube Trees)
The Ber Fruit (Indian jujube) is intimately connected with the folklore of people of Punjab. The celebrated jujube trees are a sign of Sikhism’s rich heritage. There are three Ber Trees in the Harmandir Sahib complex which have religious importance and are named accordingly. Here are the details:
Ber Baba Budha Sahib
Baba Budha Beri Sahib, Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar 
History of Baba Budha Beri Sahib, Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar
One of the oldest Jujube Tree known as “Ber Baba Budha Sahib” is to the right of the main Ghanta Ghar Deori (Clock Tower) entrance with the clock and considered 440 years old. It is believed to be the tree where the saint named Baba Budha Ji, sat to supervise the construction of the sacred pool (Sarovar) and the first version of Harmandir Sahib.
Laachi Ber (Cardamom Berries)
Lachi Ber Sahib, 
History of Lachi Ber Sahib
This tree is called the “Laachi Ber” which bears small cardamom berries, believed in the Sikh culture to the one under which Guru Arjan Dev Ji relaxed while the temple was being built.
Dukh Bhanjani Sahib (The Suffering Remover)
Dukh Bhanjani Sahib 
History of Dukh Bhanjani Sahib
The third one is on the other side of the Harmandir Sahib Sanctum, known as “Dukh Bhanjani Ber” located on the other side of the sanctum, across the pool. It is believed that this tree was the location where a Sikh was cured of his disease after taking a plunge in the sacred pool, giving the tree the name of “suffering remover”.
Maintenance of this Tree
Due to several reasons, including lack of proper care, the richness of this tree was deteriorating, and many branches started to dry up from the tips and were heavily infested by lakhs of insects. It was mainly because of the devotees who touched the main stem with their greasy hands after taking the ‘Parshad’.
Hence, The SGPC (Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee, India), which handles the affairs of this central Sikh shrine, sought the help of various experts, to ensure the tree’s maintenance. Then after a decade, there was abundant fruiting on the glorious ‘Dukh Bhanjani Beri’.
The list of devotees seeking to hold a “Path or Prayer” at this holy place is so long that not just commoners, big personalities like Army officials, chief ministers, film actors, sportspersons, and affluent businessmen are often in the queue. The Beri is visited by numerous persons from across the world throughout the year.
Gurudwara Shaheed Bunga – Baba Deep Singh Ji
Baba Deep Singh Ji, was the chief of the Misl Shaheedan, the most reputed Misl among the twelve Misl’s. Along with performing the great service of writing manuscripts of the sacred forms of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, he participated significantly in the important battles of the 18th Century.
Baba Deep Singh Ji 
Baba Deep Singh Ji History
When Baba Ji was informed that Taimur Shah and Jahan Khan had caused disgrace to the Harmandir Sahib, and extinction of the Sacred Pool (Sarovar), he even in his old age of 76 years took the 18 Ser (approx 16 Kgs) two-edged Sword (Khanda) in his hand, swore to liberate Harmandir Sahib and to teach the tyrants the befitting lesson, set out for Amritsar.
In the fierce fight between two forces, Baba Ji was yet far from the Amritsar when in the dual with Jamal Khan, his head was cut off. When a Singh fellow standing there, reminded Baba Ji of his pledge, a miracle was manifested. After placing his head on left palm, He set the sword in motion in such a way that there came in sight the hasty flights among the ranks of the enemy.
Thus, fighting fiercely, Baba Ji reached Amritsar and offered his head before Sri Harmandar Sahib Ji, present-day,
Gurudwara Shaheed Bunga situated in the Darbar Sahib Amritsar Complex is in the memory of Baba Deep Singh Ji.
Tharha Sahib (Athsath Tirath – Sixty Eight in One Sacred Place)
Guru Ramdas Ji used to sit at this place while supervising the digging of the Sacred Pool. Also, Sri Arjan Dev Ji also used to sit here and supervise the work of construction of Sri Harmandar Sahib and gave holy sermons to congregations.
The Pothis (Holy Scriptures) containing Holy Hymns were also kept here after they were brought from Goindwal Sahib (45 Kms from Amritsar, a Holy place of 3rd Guru Of Sikhs Sri Guru Amar Das Ji), in order to compile Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji cured the ailment of Wazir Khan, the then Governor of Lahore by making him perform Kar Seva (Voluntary manual service of the sacred pool), through Baba Budha Ji.
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji recited here a Shabad (Sikh Holy Hymn) in Raga Ramkali (read about Ragas in Indian Classical Music) “Athsath Tirath Jah Sadh Pag Dhareh”, which means place graced by saints becomes equivalent to the combined pilgrimage of 68 holy places.
Tharha Sahib 
History of Tharha Sahib
In this way, according to Sikh Traditions, this place is known as “Tharha Sahib” Athsath Tirath.
Bunga Ramgarhia
Farsighted Leader, Valiant Warrior, Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia got the Ramgarhia Bunga in the Harmandir Sahib Complex constructed in the year 1755. It stood apart from the contemporary buildings due to its architecture, layout, construction, marble work and fresco designs.
Bunga Ramgarhia 
History of Bunga Ramgarhia
Two Prominent Minarets
Two 156 Ft. high minarets have also been constructed to ensure due surveillance in and around the Harmandir Sahib. These were damaged in 1905 during the Earthquake and also Operation Bluestar in 1984. These were repaired by S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Federation Amritsar from 1995-1996 with active cooperation of S.G.P.C. and honor of the Panth was restored.
The Marble Slab of Aurangzeb
In the year 1783, when S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia along with his other companions S. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, S. Baghel Singh, and others conquered The Red Fort, New Delhi.
The coronation marble slab of the Mughal Throne, while sitting upon which emperor Aurangzeb passed edicts for the conversion of Hindus, charges were framed against Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Mati Dass, and the 9th Master Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and sentences were pronounced, were removed by S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and brought to Amritsar duly chained and tied with Ropes, as a prisoner like a war trophy.
This was presented before the Guru, in the court of Guru Ram Das Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib. This slab is 6 Ft. 3 Inches long and 4 Ft. 6 Inches broad and 9 inches thick. It is available duly caged on the first floor of the Bunga (This slab can be seen from the passage on the Langar Side).
Kar Seva (Selfless Service)
The “Kar Seva” is one of the principal teachings of Sikhism which signifies selfless service of others. It is derived from Sanskrit words “Kar – meaning hands or work”, and “Seva – meaning service”. In Punjabi (Native Language of Punjab), the word “Seva” also means “to worship, to adore, to pay homage, to serve through the act of love.”
It is a tradition set forth with the clear understanding that there is God within all of us, and thus by serving humanity, you are serving God’s creation. Guru Hargobind Ji had the Akal Takht at the Darbar Sahib built through Kar Seva.
Langar (The Community Kitchen)
Darbar Sahib Complex has a “Langar”, a community-run free kitchen and an enormous dining hall known as Guru Ram Dass Langar Hall. Vegetarian food is served here to all visitors who want it, regardless of faith, gender or economic background.
The Langar serves about 50,000 people a day and this number often goes up to 1,00,000 people a day. Even in the case of Natural Calamities in the nearby region, Langar cooked here is transported to affected places free of cost. All this is done by the devotees voluntarily.
Everyone sits on the floor and eat as equals. The meal is served round the clock. Tea is also served near the entrance of the Guru Ram Dass Langar Hall, 24 hours a day. For people suffering from Diabetes, Langar of sugar-free tea has been started from around 2015.
Read about these amazing 10 facts about Golden Temple Amritsar you must know.
Daily ceremonies
As per the historic Sikh tradition, the Darbar Sahib has settled Rituals for a day. At Darbar Sahib Amritsar, the day begins very early in the morning at around three o’clock. This pre-dawn time is known as Amritvela.
Palki Sahib’s decoration (Palanquin)
Early in the morning, a Palanquin (Palki) plated with gold and silver is prepared for bringing Shri Guru Granth Sahib from the Akal Takht. Fresh silk brocade, covers, and pillows are laid in the Palki. Then scented rose-water is sprinkled. The Head Granthi (Head Priest) arrives with Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a cushion on his head and the worshippers bow their heads.
He settles Guru Granth Sahib Ji on the cushions of Palki Sahib. Hymns accompanied by drums, nagaras fill the air with rhythm, music, and devoutness. There are so many people even at this time of the day that there is not enough room for a person to stand properly.
Within half an hour, along with Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the worshippers reach the Darshani Deorhi (main gateway). The head priest respectfully carries Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the inner chamber.
Do try to visit Golden Temple, Amritsar at 3 A.M. to get a glimpse of this beautiful ceremony at least once in your lifetime and feel the sacred energy in the atmosphere.
Prakash (The Opening Ritual of Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
The opening ritual is called Prakash, meaning light. Very respectfully the head priest opens Shri Guru Granth Sahib. The worshippers (Sangat) stand silently to listen to the “Vaaq – Message of the Lord” for the day.
Sukhasan (The Closing Ritual of Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
The closing ritual is called Sukhasan (Sukh means “Comfort or Rest”, Aasan means “Position”). After a series of devotional Kirtans (Devotional Songs) and three-part Ardās (Prayer), the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is closed, carried on the head, placed into and then carried in a flower-decorated, cushion-bed Palki Sahib (Palanquin), with chanting.
The room is in the Akal Takht, on the first floor. Once there, Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is tucked into a comfy bed.
Celebrations
One of the most important festivals in the Sikh community is Baisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April (usually the 13th). Baisakhi is celebrated to mark the famous evolution in Sikh history.
On this very day in the year 1699, the tenth guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the revolutionary Khalsa Panth. The establishment was carried out by Guruji at the other famous Sikh shrine, Anandpur sahib. So it is celebrated at both the shrines with full zeal.
Sikhs from around the world strive to visit their gratifying shrine to participate in the grand Baisakhi celebrations organized here. Other festivals and important days such as Diwali celebrations and Gurupurabs (Guru’s Birth) are also celebrated with great zest in the temple.
The place is embellished with decors and lightings by experts from across the country. The festivities are carried out traditionally with great delight. Devotees from all around the world visit to participate and seek blessings of Waheguru.
Facilities
Facilities for Specially Abled
Recently, several steps have been taken to make the visit for specially-abled devotees more comfortable and memorable by S.G.P.C.
The wheelchair facility is available at the main entrance of Complex. When you go towards the Temple from the Jallianwala Bagh through the Heritage Street, when you are near the complex, you can see the Wheelchair facility board towards the right side and can avail it there.
Wheelchair Facility near the entrance of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar 
Stair Lifts installed in Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
Also, Wheelchair Lifts have been installed at various points inside the complex, so that the stairs can be avoided.
Free Water Service is known as “Chabeel” in Punjabi
There are volunteers serving water or even flavored sweetened water called “Sharbat” for free which is called “Chabeel” at 4 corners inside the main Complex. Also, at the clock tower entrance, you can have water at one of such Chabeel.
Translational Blue Screens
There are several large translational screens distinguished by their blue color which show the real-time translation of “Shabad Kirtan (Recitation of Holy Hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)” in English and Punjabi Languages that are being sung at the Harimandir Sahib. This helps people and tourists from different areas understand the meaning of the holy hymns.
Live Telecast of the “Shabad Kirtan”
“PTC Punjabi” Television Channel shows the live video telecast of the “Shabad Kirtan” at the temple for the devotees all over the world so that they can listen and grow spiritually regardless of the distance. You can view this telecast at PTC Punjabi Channel in the Morning around 5:00 A.M. and in the evening around 5:30 P.M. as well.
Seva at Darbar Sahib
Anyone from any religion regardless of caste, creed, color can perform “Seva – voluntary community service out of love for all”. There are several devotees who perform Seva at Golden Temple Amritsar
You can also perform such Seva “Joda Ghar” (Place where devotees submit their shoes to the volunteers before entering the complex), or Langar Hall, or help cleaning the Temple premises with several others. Feeling of Peace and bliss will take you over when you perform “Seva”.
Golden Temple Amritsar Timings
The Complex is open 24 hrs a day, but the main temple’s timings are season specific.
| Seasons or Months (According to Punjabi Nanakshahi Calendar ) | Dates (According to Western Calendar) | Timings |
| Chet | (March 14 – April 13) | 2:30 am to 10:15 pm |
| Vaisakh | ( April 14 – May 13) | 2:15 am to 10:45 pm |
| Jeth | (May 14 – June 14) | 2:00 am to 11:00 pm |
| Harh | (June 15 – July 15) | 2:00 am to 11:00 pm |
| Sawan | (July 16 – August 15) | 2:15 am to 10:15 pm |
| Bhadon | (August 16 – September 15) | 2:30 am to 10:45 pm |
| Assu | (September 16 – October 16) | 2:30 am to 10:30 pm |
| Kattak | (October 17 – November 15) | 3:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Maggar | (November 16- December 15) | 3:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Poh | (December 16 – January 13) | 3:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Magh | (January 14 – February 12) | 3:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Phaggan | (February 13 – March 13) | 2:45 am to 10:15 pm |
Best time to visit Golden Temple Amritsar
November to March – In Amritsar weather is comparatively pleasant from November to March. This makes an ideal time for sightseeing and visiting the Darbar Sahib.
Though, December and January are comparatively colder and considered harsh by locals. The temperature drops to 1-2 degree Celsius at night and early mornings and Smog makes driving difficult due to limited visibility.
July to October – Amritsar experiences mild to heavy rains during these months. During this period, the weather is mostly pleasant and cloudy most of the time.
What time of the day should be preferred?
Once you are in Amritsar, you can visit at any time throughout the day. If you are comfortable to get up early and want to attend the Prakash Ceremony, you can visit at 3:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M.
Though many will recommend you to visit early at 4:00 A.M. but if you have visited Amritsar to relax and take a break from your daily routine, it will be very hectic for you. And even if you visit at 6:00 A.M. or 7:00 A.M., the temple will be much crowded.
Also If you visit from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., you can witness Sukhasan Ceremony, but again, the temple will be crowded.
Thus, we recommend you to visit Golden Temple Amritsar from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. as most of the tourists have gone to see the Attari Wagah Border Parade Ceremony, hence, it is not that much crowded.
How to reach Golden Temple, Amritsar
Distance
- Amritsar Railway Station- 2 km
- Amritsar Bus Stand- 1.8 km
- From Amritsar Airport- 13 km
If you have to drive to Darbar Sahib it will take hardly a 20-30 minute drive to reach from anywhere around Amritsar.
Ways to reach Golden Temple Amritsar
Free Seva Buses
SGPC has started a free bus service for visitors. A total of 4 buses ply between Amritsar railway-station and the Harmandir Sahib. The service has been started to protect visitors from snatching, overcharging, etc. and is available round the clock.
But if you are a tourist visiting Amritsar, we will recommend not to try this as these are usually jam-packed.
City on pedals
City on Pedals is an eco-friendly and educational way to experience Amritsar. It includes curated bicycle and walking Harimandir Sahib tours with add ons like heritage sightseeing and street food tours.
Private cars/ Taxi
Tons of car rental companies have available car/ taxis for transportation in Amritsar. The hotel, you are staying in, can also arrange it for you on request.
Multi-Level Car Parking
Heritage Street also has Multilevel Parking. It has ample space for 2 and 4 wheelers. It has a proper ramp system, stairs, and washrooms too.
You can get E-Rickshaws from the parking to the Harmandir Sahib at Rs. 10 per person.
Do not take E-Rickshaw from inside the parking as they will overcharge you. Also, some of the E-Rickshaw drivers try to deceive you by telling that they will take you very near to Harimandir Sahib if you pay more, but they all take you to the same place near Jallianwala Bagh. So, be aware of such drivers.
Auto-rickshaws, known as “TukTuk”
These are easily available at every corner of the city round the clock.
Metro Bus
Amritsar Metro Bus is the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Amritsar. It has multiple routes and corridors. Metro buses are one of the best methods to visit locales in Amritsar at nominal fares.
If public transport is something you prefer, you must prefer this over anything else.
Hop-on Hop-off
It is a bus service which allows one to visit the greatest tourist sites in Amritsar without worrying about time.
You can book this service at the Railway Station or one of the booths at Heritage Street near Maharaja Ranjit Singh Statue outside Dharam Singh Market. Make sure you visit Golden Temple Amritsar before you take one of this ride so that once you are back, you can visit nearby “Bhrawan Da Dhaba”. For help in your itinerary, feel free to contact us so that your visit is hassle-free.
Booking counter for Hop On Hop Off, near Maharaja Ranjit Singh Statue, Heritage Street, Amritsar 
Hop On Hop Off Bus, Amritsar
HOHO service will just cost you INR 250 per person for 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. ride which will start from Heritage Street near Dharam Singh Market and go to Attari-Wagah Border and back to the boarding point. You can also request them to drop you at the famous “Sarhad Restaurant” but from there, you will have to arrange your conveyance back to Amritsar on your own.
Another option is the complete 10.30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M ride, which will cost you INR 350 for a full-day tour of Durgiana Mandir, Gobindgarh Fort, Shahi Qila and Attari Wagah border and a glimpse of famous city points like the Guru Nanak Dev University, Khalsa College, India Gate during the ride. Again, it will start from Heritage Street like mentioned above and drop you at the same point.
For Tourists, the best method to visit the Darbar Sahib is through free Seva and metro buses in terms of expenses.
If comfort and time convenience is your priority, go for private cars and taxis.
We recommend private conveyance, chauffeured taxi or drop by taxi for the comfort seekers.
Where To Stay Near Golden Temple
The Sarai
If you are looking for an economical yet good option, You can book a room at Saragarhi Sarai (Sarai means palace) which is very near to Harmandir Sahib at Heritage Street, and 5 minutes walk from the complex. It is constructed and maintained by SGPC, India. It has luxurious rooms at affordable prices. Roughly it costs around INR 1100 per night for an AC double room.
You can book through this online portal of SGPC Sarai. There are several other Sarai’s located around Harmandir Sahib and you can read about them here. Drinking and Non-Vegetarian food are not allowed inside the premises of any such Sarai’s. Even, drinking from outside and visiting the premises will not be welcomed.
Hotels in Amritsar
Though, if you are a Tourist visiting Amritsar from an International Location or Other Indian City, we suggest booking a room at Ramada Hotel, Hall Bazar, Amritsar which is 4-star recognized hotel. It is on the way to the Darbar Sahib, and 15-20 minutes walk from Complex.
If the distance does not matter to you, you can stay at any Hotel in Amritsar. It will take hardly a 20-30 minute drive to reach Darbar Sahib distances being less in Amritsar.
We will recommend booking a good hotel in the Ranjit Avenue Area. You can check Goibibo or MakeMyTrip for offers on the Hotel Bookings before visiting.
Know more about the best Hotels in Amritsar.
What’s new near Golden Temple, Amritsar?
Heritage street
Heritage street in Amritsar is what you call an amalgam of tradition and modernity. The renovated heritage street is a pleasant visual treat. You can see buildings with Rajputana and Mughal architectural domes, statues, and fountains in the backdrop of buildings.
Heritage Street Night View 
The Statue of Maharaja Ranjit SIngh, Heritage Street 
Heritage Street View
Vivacious lamposts and Led lights to illuminate the facades Heritage walk is a 1 km guided tour deep inside the cramped lanes of the 400-year-old city of Amritsar.
The walk starts from the town hall which houses Partition Museum and covers the whole route to the Harimandir Sahib.
Dharam Singh Market
Near the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Statue on the street, there is a famous market known as Dharam Singh Market. In front of this, you can see male statues showing traditional Punjabi dance “Bhangra” to the right, female statues performing the traditional dance “Giddha” to the left and a male statue playing “Dhol – The Famous Folk instrument in Punjab” in between them. No one is able to stop their feet from dancing with ecstasy when Dhol is played.
Dharam Singh Market, Heritage Street
There is a 200-year-old historical Muhammad Shah Mosque to the left of the Dharam Singh Market.
Grab a Bite at the Heritage Street
There is also a World’s first Pure Veg Dominoes, McDonald’s, Subway on this Heritage Street besides some popular local restaurants like the celebrated “Bhrawan Da Dhaba” near Town Hall. Make sure you stop here to try the traditional Punjabi Thali with World Famous “Mah Di Dal” commonly known “Dal Makhni”.
You can also try the Kulfi (Traditional Milk Ice-cream) and Lassi (Famous Punjabi Drink) at some of the shops near The Darbar Sahib.
Buy Amritsari Jutti and Phulkari Dupatta
You can also stop in Heritage Street in one of the many shops selling famous “Amritsari Jutti” and “Phulkari – the traditional colorful Dupatta”. But make sure you bargain. A very good quality “Amritsari Jutti” should cost you anywhere around INR 1,000 and other ones around INR 500- INR 600. Cost of Good quality “Phulkari” may go up to INR 2500 – INR 3000.
But if you are going to stay at Amritsar for a few days and can manage to go in tight little streets of Old Amritsar, we can tell you some wholesale, good shops and streets that locals prefer with the same quality at cheaper prices. We are preparing a blog post for the same, so stay tuned. We will come up with it soon.
Partition Museum
Situated at Town Hall, near Harmandir Sahib Amritsar at the start of the Heritage Street, Amritsar, Partition Museum is set up by the Arts and cultural heritage trust. The building is dedicated to the memory of the partition of the sub-continent in 1947- its victims, its survivors, and its enduring legacy.
Thus, The Darbar Sahib is more than just a sight. It’s a divine experience. The temple greets more than one lakh worshippers on a daily basis and is a must-visit. Also, We suggest you visit this place at least once in your lifetime and experience inner peace.
Contact us anytime and we will be more happy to help you make your experience a comfortable one by helping you plan your trip.
