Amritsar is a city steeped in history and a leading center of the Sikh religion; it bears the incredible incidents of its past. It is notably remembered for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a tragic story in India's struggle for freedom.

Amritsar is the apple of one's eye and boasts numerous heritage monuments that showcase its rich spiritual, cultural, and architectural places. If you plan to visit this beautiful city of Punjab, it's advisable to book accommodations in the city center for convenient access to these historical landmarks.

Amritsar is the home of historical places with great architecture, enriched with history, and peaceful places to visit. Anyhow, there are many historical monuments in Amritsar to explore, but the 5 best historical places in Amritsar are discussed below, which will make your trip filled with memories.

Let’s start our journey towards Amritsar!

5 Best Historical Places in Amritsar For a Visit

Here is the list of 5 best historical places in Amritsar that you shouldn’t miss. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of Amritsar.

Golden Temple

The Temple of Sri Darbar Sahab or Sri Hamdir Sahab is known as the Golden Temple. Undoubtedly, It is one of most holy places in India and as well as in the heart of the Sikh community. From the 16 century, it is located in the heart of Amritsar.

Moreover, Despite enduring a series of destruction until 1809, Maharaja Ranjit Singh oversaw its reconstruction using marble and copper. Subsequently, in 1830, he embellished the temple with a layer of gold foil, giving it the name "the Golden Temple."

Regarding heritage sites in Amritsar, the Golden Temple ranks at the top due to its profound spiritual and historical significance and remarkable architectural splendor.

Things to do in The Golden Temple

Worship, explore the temple, learn history, photography, sit alone peacefully, etc.

Timings

Opens from 4:15 am to 11:15 pm daily.

Entry Fee

Free

Exploring Time

2 to 3 hours are required to explore it.

Best Time to Visit Golden Temple

October to March, these months are best to visit the Golden Temple.

Location

Amritsar, Punjab, India

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is a historic place in India that reminds the struggle of India and the difficulties endured by the people of India. In 1919, under General Dyer's control, British forces mercilessly opened fire on the innocent people of India, including men, women, and children, within this garden. This heartless event took the lives of hundreds and left a historic mark on the history of Amritsar.

In addition, even today, visitors can observe the bullet holes on a wall within the garden and the well into which many helpless individuals had leaped in a desperate attempt to escape the gunfire. Additionally, Jallianwala Bagh houses a memorial and museum dedicated to honoring the memory of the martyrs.

Things to do in Jallianwala Bagh

Explore the garden, visit the martyr’s wall, learn history, do photography, sit alone peacefully, etc.

Timings

Opens from 6:15 am to 7:15 pm daily.

Entry Fee

Free

Exploring Time

1 to 2 hours are required to explore it.

Best Time to Visit Jallianwala Bagh

October to December and January to March are best to visit the Jallianwala Temple.

Location

Golden Temple Road, Amritsar

Akal Takht

The Akal Takht is situated opposite the Golden Temple and serves as one of the five principal seats of authority and religious significance in Sikhism. Guru Hargobind Ji initially established this site to symbolize both political sovereignty and the dispensation of justice, addressing the worldly matters of the Sikh community.

Like the Golden Temple, the Akal Takht has endured its share of historical challenges. Notably, it became the focal point of Operation Blue Star in 1984, a military action ordered by Indira Gandhi. This operation resulted in significant damage to the Akal Takht. Today, it has been expertly reconstructed into an impressive five-story white structure crowned by a glorious golden dome.

Things to do in Akal Takht

Explore the place, participate in the langar, visit the Sikh museum, learn history, do photography, sit alone peacefully, etc.

Timings

Opens from 2 am to 10:15 pm daily.

Entry Fee

Free

Exploring Time

1 hour is required to explore it.

Best Time to Visit Akal Takht

November to March is best to visit the Akal Takht

Location

Golden Temple Road, Amritsar

Wagah Border

Wagah Border, situated along the Radcliffe Line, marks the boundary separating India and Pakistan. This border holds significant historical importance, mainly due to its association with the mass migration of Indian nationals to Pakistan during the partition of 1947. However, the Wagah Border offers more than just historical significance.

Moreover, One of the most prominent attractions at this border is the daily spectacle of the evening Change of Guard and Beating Retreat ceremonies. These ceremonies are among the highly sought-after activities for visitors in Amritsar. It is a place worth visiting in Amritsar.

Things to do at Wagah Border

See the beating retreat ceremony, visit the border museum, participate in patriot chants and songs, try local foods, etc.

Timings

It opens from 5 am to 10 pm daily, but the go ceremony is from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Entry Fee

Free

Exploring Time

1 to 2 hours is required to explore it.

Best Time to Visit Wagah Border

November to March is best to visit the Wagah Border.

Location

Wagah, Amritsar in India

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

While the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum may not meet the criteria of being a historical attraction solely based on its establishment date in 1977, it distinguishes itself as one of the premier heritage sites to explore in Amritsar.

This splendid structure houses an unparalleled assortment of exhibits that portray the enduring legacy of the Maharaja. The collection comprises ancient manuscripts, coins dating back centuries, intricate paintings, an impressive array of weaponry and armor, traditional garments, and various other historically significant artifacts.

Things to do at Maharaja Ranjit Museum

Visit the museum, explore the exhibits, view paintings, learn about the history, watch the statue, etc.

Timings

Open from 10 am to 5 pm daily except Monday.

Entry Fee

For adults, it is INR. 40.

For kids, it is INR 20 per kid.

Exploring Time

1 to 2 hours is required to explore it.

Best Time to Visit Maharaja Ranjit Museum

October to March is best to visit the Maharaja Ranjit Museum.

Location

1.5 km from Amritsar Junction and 5 km from Golden Temple

Conclusion

In the end, Amritsar is a historically and culturally rich place that showcases many historical sites worth seeing. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, these sites provide a captivating glimpse for all of you.

Not only this, but in this article, we mentioned 5 best historical places in Amritsar that demand your attractions. From the inspiring Golden Temple to the pitiful Jallianwala Bagh and the historic Wagah Border, Amritsar's historical landmarks offer a unique experience for anyone interested in India's past.

So, what’s holding you back? Pack your bag and visit now!