Amritsar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Amritsar
Katra Jaimal Singh Market showing markets as well as a small group of people
Amritsar
Amritsar featuring military items
Durgiana Temple

In India’s Punjab state, this lively city is the home of Sikhism’s holiest shrine, glorious temples, animated bazaars and an extraordinary border ceremony.

Centuries-old monuments, shopping, delicious cuisine and festivals make Amritsar one of Punjab’s most appealing cities. Amritsar is named for Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar), the sacred pool of the Golden Temple, the city’s centrepiece attraction. This magnificent temple is the Sikh’s holiest site, a fascinating mix of spiritual serenity and architectural grandeur. Learn about Sikhism at the Central Sikh Museum and dine with pilgrims at Guru-Ka-Langar dining hall.

The Golden Temple dominates Amritsar’s old city, a maze-like historic district filled with colourful temples and energetic bazaars. Don’t miss the Durgiana Temple and Mata Lal Devi Mandir. Hathi Gate and Lahori Gate are two of 12 gates marking the ancient city wall. Relive infamous events of the 1919 Jallianwala Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh memorial garden.

Sidestep cyclists and rickshaws as you explore teeming streets in the old city’s shopping quarters. Browse for handicrafts at Hall Bazar and gold and silver ornaments at Guru Bazar. Find stores packed with pashminas, saris and suits at Katra Jaimal Singh Market and Shastri Market. Sample traditional Punjabi cuisine from street vendors and dhabas (snack bars). Chicken tandoori and kulcha (stuffed flatbread) are local specialties.

Take an auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw to Amritsar’s modern northern district. Here restaurants, malls and entertainment centres line wide boulevards such as Lawrence Road and Mall Road. Relax amid the pristine Rambagh Gardens and spot displays of Sikh artefacts at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama.

Be sure to visit Attari for the flamboyant Indian-Pakistan border-closing and changing-of-the-guard ceremony. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the city centre minibuses depart regularly. Alternatively, experience Punjab’s fun-loving culture at extravagant festivals. April’s Vaisakhi is a harvest celebration accompanied with Bhangra music and dance.

Fly to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport or catch a train to Amritsar Junction station. Visit the area year-round however, expect extreme temperatures and monsoonal rain from June to September. The city is a great base for exploring destinations in India’s northern reaches, including Dharamsala and Ladakh.

Where to stay in Amritsar

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Ranjit Avenue

Ranjit Avenue might not have many top sights, but Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ranjit Avenue
Golden Temple featuring signage and night scenes

Old City

If you're spending some time in Old City, Akal Takht and Golden Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Old City
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Katra Shersingh

While visiting Katra Shersingh, you might make a stop by sights like Hall Bazaar and Khairuddin Mosque.

Katra Shersingh
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Katra Hakima

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Katra Hakima and surrounding area, you can visit Akal Takht and Golden Temple.

Katra Hakima
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Katra Baghing

Katra Baghing might not have many top sights, but Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Katra Baghing
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Katra Moti Ram

When in Katra Moti Ram, you can plan a visit to Katra Jaimal Singh Market and Durgiana Temple, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Katra Moti Ram
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
4.5 out of 5
MBM Farms, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab
The price is NZ$113 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$113
includes taxes & fees
3 June - 4 June
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (731 reviews)
"This is a great property in Amritsar. Staff are friendly and courteous. The rooms are adequately sized and kept clean. The breakfast buffet is excellent with lots of choice of Indian and western items. There is also a nice shopping mall right next to the hotel where you can spend some time looking ..."

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2025

Hyatt Regency Amritsar
Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar
Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar
5 out of 5
52 Mall Road, Amritsar
The price is NZ$115 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$115
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
"Lovely hotel which is easily accessible to most places. Highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar
Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
4 out of 5
Albert Road, Amritsar, Punjab
The price is NZ$88 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$88
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (491 reviews)
Fantastic Stay at Fairfield Hotel, Amritsar
"I had a fantastic 4-night stay at the Fairfield Hotel during my trip to Amritsar in April 2025. From the moment we arrived, the experience was seamless. The facilities at the hotel were excellent, and everything we needed was easily accessible. The room service was prompt and efficient, and the food ..."

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Fairfield by Marriott Amritsar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Green Galaxy Villa
Green Galaxy Villa
2.5 out of 5
Inside garden enclave, Opp Guru Teg, Bahadur public school, Khankot,, Amritsar, Punjab
Stay at this villa in Amritsar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Golden Temple and Mall of Amritsar are located ...
"It’s nice lovely place to stay very clean nice staff we really enjoyed"

Reviewed on 3 Sep. 2024

Green Galaxy Villa
Rosewood Inn Hotel and BnB
Rosewood Inn Hotel and BnB
Amritsar
Stay at this vacation home in Amritsar. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and air conditioning. Popular attractions Golden Temple and Mata Lal Devi Temple are ...
Rosewood Inn Hotel and BnB
Boathouse - Vacation Villa with a Punjabi Flavour
Boathouse - Vacation Villa with a Punjabi Flavour
Amritsar
Stay at this villa in Amritsar. Enjoy private pools, a water park, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Golden Temple and Mata Lal Devi Temple are ...
"We stay three days in this property .Quiet area ,peaceful atmosphere ,Parking on the premises .Care taker approachable .Really whole group enjoy the stay.Will book again in future during visit to Punjab"

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2022

Boathouse - Vacation Villa with a Punjabi Flavour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Amritsar

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Chris

The border gate closing ceremony is a spectacle to be seen ..... crazy 

Cities near Amritsar