Places to visit
In your one day trip to Amritsar, you can cover the popular sites like Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Gandhi Gate, Hall Gate Circle, Gobindgarh Fort, and Mata Lal Devi Mandir.
Route to follow
The first destination could be the Golden Temple, followed by Jallianwala Bagh, Gandhi Gate, Gobindgarh Fort, and if time permits then Mata Lal Devi Mandir.
The following image can help in visualizing the route-
Courtesy: Google Maps
How to reach Amritsar?
Reaching Amritsar by air-
Amritsar has both domestic and international flight connectivity. The airport is at a distance of about 11 kilometers from the city center. You can then book a cab from Amritsar airport to the Golden Temple.
Reaching Amritsar by train-
Amritsar is well connected to different cities in India via train. The Amritsar railway station is located in the center of the city. It is only 15 minutes drive to the Golden Temple. Just to mention, Amritsar also offers railway connectivity to Lahore in Pakistan.
Reaching Amritsar via road-
Amritsar is connected to the network of different cities in India, hence intercity road travel is easy. One can easily reach Amritsar from the northern states in less than a day’s time. Travel buses from different states are also available to reach Amritsar.
How much time to spend at each place?
Once you reach Amritsar, it takes around 7 hours to cover each place. You can adjust the time according to your convenience. Following is a rapid guide-
#1 Golden Temple
It is a holy gurudwara and an important pilgrimage site of Sikh community. The real name of the Golden Temple is Harmandir Sahib, also called as Darbar Sahib. Because of the gold plating on the top half of the building, it got its name Golden Temple. You can read more about the Golden Temple here.
Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006, India
Helpline Number: +91 183 255 3957
Gurudwara timing: 03:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Time to spend: 2 hours
Special: Eat at the Langar
Next Destination: Jallianwala Bagh
Distance: 10 minutes by foot
#2 Jallianwala Bagh
It is a public garden and a memorial of national importance. The Jallianwala Bagh commemorates the massacre of peaceful celebrators of the Punjabi New Year by the British occupying forces.
Address: Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Punjab, India
Visiting hours: 6:30AM–7:30PM, Open all days
Time to spend: 1 hour
Special: An important milestone in India’s freedom fight.
Next Destination: Gandhi Gate and Hall Gate Circle
Distance: 10 minutes by car
#3 Gandhi Gate and Hall Gate Circle
Gandhi Gate is an ancient monumental red stone gate from the 17th century. You could also be interested in the “bazaar” to shop souvenirs. The Hall Gate Circle is a roundabout featuring a large statue of Martyr Udham Singh. It is at a distance of about 10 minutes on foot.
Image
Address: Hathi Gate, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India
Visiting hours: Mostly the shops are open from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM. Gate is open at all times. The Hall Gate Circle visiting time is 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Time to spend: 1.5 hours
Special: Local shops
Next Destination: Gobindgarh Fort
Distance: 10 minutes by car
#4 Gobindgarh Fort
It is a historic fort built during the 18th century. The fort was occupied by the army, but is open to public now since 2017.
Address: Old Cantt Road, Vijay Chowk, Lohgarh Chowk, Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India
Visiting hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Open all days
Helpline number: +91 183 521 7666
Time to spend: 1 hour
Special: Museum, which is a repository of Punjab’s history
Next Destination: Mata Lal Devi Mandir
Distance: 10 minutes by car
#5 Mata Lal Devi Mandir
It is a HIndu temple of Mata Lal Devi, the goddess known to fulfill the wishes of the devotees.
Address: Rani Ka Bagh, Mohindra Colony, Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India
Helpline number: +91 183 256 2155
Time to spend: 50 minutes
Special: Temple’s intricate interiors and ornate idol of Goddess Lal Devi.
Where to eat?
Eating at the Langar at the Golden Temple is one of a kind experience. Here is a link to quickly refresh your know how about the Amritsar cuisine.
Information source: Google Travel
Cover image courtesy: www.flickr.com/photos/gandara