Amritsar, in Punjab near the Pakistan border, is home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest shrine in Sikhism, founded in the late 16th century around a sacred pool. The city also holds the solemn Jallianwala Bagh memorial and hosts the daily Wagah Border ceremony, one of India's most theatrical patriotic spectacles.
The Story of Amritsar
Amritsar was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, around a sacred pool ("Amrit Sarovar," or pool of nectar, from which the city takes its name) that had been identified as a holy site by his predecessor, Guru Amar Das. His successor, Guru Arjan, completed the pool and began construction of the Harmandir Sahib — the Golden Temple — at its centre, completing it in 1604 and installing the Adi Granth, the first version of Sikhism's holy scripture, inside.
The temple's distinctive gold plating was added in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the powerful Sikh ruler of Punjab, whose patronage also helped establish Amritsar as a major centre of trade and Sikh political life. The temple has since become the holiest shrine in Sikhism and a pilgrimage destination for people of all faiths, offering a free community kitchen (langar) that feeds tens of thousands daily.
Amritsar also carries a heavier chapter of colonial history: on 13 April 1919, British troops under General Reginald Dyer opened fire on a peaceful, unarmed gathering at Jallianwala Bagh, killing hundreds of civilians in one of the most notorious atrocities of British rule in India — an event that significantly galvanised the Indian independence movement. Today the site is preserved as a memorial and museum near the Golden Temple complex.
Top Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh & Wagah Border — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Amritsar
How to Reach Amritsar
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Amritsar Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Amritsar is about 450 km from Delhi, roughly 8–9 hours by cab via the Grand Trunk Road (NH1/NH44).
It is Harmandir Sahib, the holiest shrine in Sikhism, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das and completed in 1604 by Guru Arjan, and is open to people of every faith, offering free meals to all visitors through its community kitchen.
On 13 April 1919, British troops fired on an unarmed, peaceful gathering, killing hundreds of civilians — one of the defining atrocities of colonial rule in India, now preserved as a memorial near the Golden Temple.
Yes — it's a high-energy daily flag-lowering ceremony at the India–Pakistan border about 28 km from Amritsar, drawing large, enthusiastic crowds on both sides.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Delhi to Amritsar, with the full fare breakup shown before you confirm your booking.