Places to Visit in Amritsar Near Golden Temple with Family

Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, is a city brimming with historical, cultural, and spiritual sites. The Golden Temple itself is a major draw, but the surrounding area offers numerous attractions that provide a deeper understanding of Sikh history, culture, and India’s past. Here are some notable places to visit near the Golden Temple:

The Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is the most iconic landmark in Amritsar. It is a sacred shrine for the Sikh community and welcomes people of all faiths. The temple’s stunning architecture blends Hindu and Islamic artistic styles, with its inner walls adorned with semi-precious stones, Meenakari work, and intricate glasswork. The serene water body surrounding the temple adds to its peaceful atmosphere. The Golden Temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of love, care, and humanity.

Central Sikh Museum

Located within the Golden Temple complex, the Central Sikh Museum showcases Sikh history through various artifacts and artworks. The museum is open to all and entry is free, though photography requires special permission. It features rare works by Sikh artists such as S.Kirpal Singh, Thakur Singh, and Gurdit Singh, as well as historical items like a wooden comb belonging to Sri Guru Gobind Singh. A visit to the Golden Temple is considered incomplete without exploring this museum.

Ramgarhia Bungas (Towers)

The Ramgarhia Bungas, or towers, were constructed by Ramgarhia Missal within the Golden Temple premises to provide accommodation for devotees. Historically, there were 99 bungas in Amritsar, with 22 surrounding the Golden Temple. Today, only two towers remain, which were restored after being damaged in 1984. The Bungas feature unique Sikh architecture, including a balcony, rooms on the ground floor, and an open space1. While the basement is restricted, the towers offer a glimpse into the historical Sikh architectural style.

Akal Takht Sahib

Akal Takht Sahib, meaning “Timeless Throne,” is a significant site within the Golden Temple complex. Founded in 1609 by the Sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Har Gobind Singh, it serves as the highest temporal seat of Sikhism1. Historically, emperors and kings would sit here, and it is considered the Seat of the Almighty.

Langar Hall

The Langar Hall at the Golden Temple upholds the Sikh tradition of serving free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background. This tradition was initiated by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and further promoted by the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji. The community kitchen serves an average of 75,000 people daily, with hundreds of employees dedicated to this selfless service. Even Emperor Akbar is said to have shared a meal with ordinary people at the Langar Hall.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is a historic war memorial located near the Golden Temple. This garden serves as a reminder of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed Indians. The memorial stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives and is a significant site for understanding India’s struggle for independence.

Wagah Border

The Wagah Border, located 30 kilometers from the Golden Temple, is the border crossing between India and Pakistan. It is famous for the Beating Retreat ceremony, a daily military practice involving synchronized movements and the lowering of the flags of both nations. The ceremony is a display of national pride and attracts many visitors.

Durgiana Temple

Located approximately one and a half kilometers from the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple’s architecture is similar to that of the Golden Temple, and it is an important religious site for Hindus.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, situated about 4 kilometers from the Golden Temple, is dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first king of the Sikh Empire. The museum showcases the history, art, and architecture of the Sikh Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace is surrounded by Rambagh Gardens, which features a statue of the Maharaja with his horse. The museum is open every day except Mondays.

Guru Ke Mahal

Guru Ke Mahal, located near the Golden Temple, was originally the dwelling of Sri Guru Ram Das, the founder of Amritsar. It was later converted into a Gurudwara and is renowned for housing the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib.

Tarn Taran

Tarn Taran, located 22 kilometers from the Golden Temple, is a significant Sikh pilgrimage site. The Gurudwara was constructed by the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev, and features a large pond called the Saro pond. Tarn Taran is particularly popular among Sikh devotees during Amavas, the New Moon day of every month.

Partition Museum

The Partition Museum, housed in the historic Town Hall building, is a short walk from the Golden Temple. It provides a glimpse into the history of the partition of India, highlighting personal stories and displaying poignant artifacts.