Golden Temple Amritsar Travel Guide, takes you on a virtual tour of Golden Temple Amritsar or Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar, which is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwara in the world, and an abode of sublime beauty and trance. The Gurudwara is a symbolism of brotherhood and equality, where people from every caste, creed and race are warmly welcomed to pursue religious fulfillment and spiritual solace. It is an epitome of marvelous architectural beauty, heritage and divine bliss that will simply mesmerize you.
Golden Temple Amritsar Travel Guide
History and Religious Significance
The Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank), which beautifully nestles Sri Harimandir Sahib today, was once the meditation retreat of Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak, and other Sikh disciples. It was under the leadership of fourth Sikh Guru Ram Dass that the lake was structurally contained and beautified to transform it as an abode of contemplation and spiritual bliss. The Hari Mandir, or the Temple of God, was constructed during the period of fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev.
The Architecture of Golden Temple,Amritsar
The Golden Temple Amritsar exhibits a beautiful culmination of Sikh and Muslim architecture. There are four entrances of the holy shrine from four directions, signifying that people from every walk of life are equally welcomed at the abode of God.
The Hari Mandir is embellished with golden gilding, marble sculptures and precious stones that exhibit breathtaking beauty. An imposing marble pathway leads to the Hari Mandir, right at the middle of the sacred lake. The pilgrims take a holy dip in Amrit Sarovar to cleanse their soul and liberate from their sin. Next to the Hari Mandir lies the langar or the kitchen, pilgrims’ dormitories and Sikh museum.
Places of Interest in Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple complex comprises of the Hari Mandir or the Temple of God where the Adi Granth resides on a stunning bejeweled platform; Central Sikh Museum; Monument of Victory of Sikhs on Delhi; Ramgaria Bunga; Dukh Bhanjani Beri; Ath Sath Tirath; Community Kitchen or langar hall; Gurudwara Thara Sahib; Gurudwara Bibi Kaulan Ji; and Nishan Sahib Miri Piri are some of the places you must visit and experience.
Things to Do in Golden Temple, Amritsar
Being in Golden Temple Amritsar is an experience to cherish forever. Mystifying beauty, tranquility and divinity will mesmerize your senses, while you get the opportunity to learn rich heritage and traditions of Sikh religion. On your visit to Golden Temple, pay reverence to the Almighty at Hari Mandir. Sheer architectural splendor of the temple is a spectacle to behold. Don’t forget to have the blessings of God as Pinni Prasad and Karah Prasad. Take a holy bath in Amrit Sarovar and replenish your mind, body and soul. Visit the majestic langar hall of the Gurudwara and experience the bliss of communal lunch at the realm of the Almighty.
The sheer architectural splendor of the temple is a spectacle to behold. Don’t forget to have the blessings of God as Pinni Prasad and Karah Prasad. Take a holy bath in Amrit Sarovar and replenish your mind, body, and soul. Visit the majestic langar hall of the Gurudwara and experience the bliss of communal lunch in the realm of the Almighty.
After lunch, sit and relax along the Holy Tank and immerse your soul in the appeal of trance devotional music that echoes across the pristine lake. Dedicate yourself to the Lord listening to the holy hymns of Adi Granth that is exquisitely chanted throughout day and night.If you have time, visit other Gurudwara and Community Sikh Museum located inside the premises of the Golden Temple.
Visitor Timings of Golden Temple, Amritsar
Timings: 2:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. all days of the week.
The Kiwad (door/portals) of the temple opens at 2:30 a.m. and the First hukam nama is given at 5:00 a.m. The temple closes with the departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib.
Entry Fees of Golden Temple, Amritsar
Entry to Golden Temple complex is free for all.
Langar Timings in Golden Temple, Amritsar
Guru ka Langar (Langar Hall) is open for all people, irrespective of caste, creed and race. Every day, around 75,000 people have their lunch at the Gurudwara’s Langar hall. Langar meal is served at all hours. The experience of savoring delicious chapattis, daal, subzi, and kheer at God’s abode, with spiritual hymns chanted at the background, is certainly a memory to cherish forever.
Facilities in Golden Temple, Amritsar
- Free shoe-keeping zone outside the temple premises
- Tourist information office
- Free bus facility for the airport, railway station, and bus stand
- Toilets and bathrooms
- Free dispensaries
- ATM, railway booking and postal facilities
Best Time to Visit Golden Temple, Amritsar
The best time to visit the Golden Temple is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and serene. November is also the time of Guru Nanak Jayanti, which is celebrated with immense pomp and grandeur at the Golden Temple. One can also visit during Baisakhi, celebrated every year on 13th April. New Year’s Eve is also the chosen time for Golden Temple visit by lot of Hindus and tourists.
How to Reach Golden Temple, Amritsar
By Air:
Raja Sansi International Airport, or Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport, is located at a distance of 13 km. and is the nearest airport. The airport is well-connected to Delhi and other major cities and has limited international flight connections. It takes around 18-20 minutes to reach Golden Temple from the airport. One can avail pre-paid taxi or Mega Cabs to reach the Gurudwara. Typically, cab fare is around Rs. 339 from the airport.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Amritsar Junction, 2 km. away from the Golden Temple. There are regular trains connecting Amritsar and Delhi, as well as other major cities of India. From the railway station, one can avail auto rickshaw to reach the Gurudwara. Typically, auto fare is around Rs. 75 from the railway station. For budget travellers, there is an option of share auto rickshaws at Rs. 10 per person.
By Road:
Amritsar is also well-accessible via roadways. Grand Trunk Karnal Road connects Amritsar to Delhi. Pathankot is at a distance of only 2 and ½ hours drive from the city. Regular bus service is also available from Delhi I.S.B.T, Katra, Jammu, Chandigarh and Dharamshala. While booking your hotel, you can check whether your hotel offers airport or railway station shuttle services.
Places to Visit Near Golden Temple, Amritsar
Some of the most popular places to visit near Golden Temple are Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panoramio, Khalsa College, Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary, Guru Nanak Dev University, and Summer Place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Hotels Near Golden Temple, Amritsar
Catering to needs of thousands of visitors, there are 7 Niwas Asthans or inns within the Golden Temple that provide accommodation facilities to the pilgrims. Lodging facilities are also provided to foreign tourists. The seven inns are Guru Ram Das Niwas, Guru Nanak Niwas, Guru Arjan Dev Niwas, New Akal Rest House, Guru Hargobind Niwas, Mata Ganga Ji Niwas, and Guru Gobind Singh NRI Yatra Niwas. The NRI Yatra Niwas has 66 rooms. For bookings, contact 91-183-2553957/58/59 or visit booking office in Sri Guru Arjan Dev Niwas, Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Other hotels near the Golden Temple are:
- Ramada Amritsar (0.9 km) – Rs 3,000 onwards
- Clarks Inn, Amritsar (1.9 km) – Rs 2, 975 onwards
- Hotel PR Residency (4.2 km) – Rs 1, 955 onwards
- Hotel HKJ Residency (0.1 km) – Rs 1, 250 onwards
- Hotel Alpha Inn (0.09 km) – Rs 957 onwards
Restaurants Near Golden Temple, Amritsar
Some popular eating places near Golden Temple are Bhrawan da Dhaba, Crystal Restaurant, Kundan da Dhaba, Brother’s Restaurant, and the famous Kesar da Dhaba. Don’t miss to savour delicious Amritsari Fish and kulcha.
Shopping Near Golden Temple, Amritsar
One of the famous and age-old shopping places near Golden Temple is Guru Bazaar, which has more than 2500 shops presenting a fine collection of gold and silver ornaments, and precious and semi-precious stones. Earthen lamps, silver diyas and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are also available.
Just outside the main gate of the Golden Temple, there are several shops along the complex wall, selling souvenirs like photos of Golden Temple, Sikh kadaas (bangles), other artificial ornaments, paintings, swords, knives and shields of Sikh religion. Punjabi Juttis are also a must-buy in Amritsar. During winter, woollen garments are available in abundance across all local shops and markets.
Travel Tips
- Book your railway or flight tickets to Amritsar well in advance as there are only limited trains and flights plying to and fro the city in comparison to large number of visitors every day
- Always cover your head with a scarf or dupattas and leave your shoes outside before entering the premises of the temple.
- Carry a towel and additional clothes if you wish to take a bath in the Holy Tank.
- Do not litter or create a chaos inside the Gurudwara.
- Non-vegetarian is not available anywhere in Amritsar on Tuesday in honor of the Almighty.
- Book Gurudwara accommodation facilities well in advance.
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