Explore Amritsar: Must-Visit Places Near the Golden Temple

We are sure that no individual in this entire nation is unaware of the existence of the Golden Temple. Irrespective of the religion we belong to, we all have the compulsive intention to visit the temple at least once in a lifetime. This is not simply for the sake of the beauty and attraction that the temple possesses but also because of the action of Guru Nanak Dev, which encourages every person in every phase of life. Still, in that area alone, one could do many things besides visiting the temple. We are also sure that very few people probably know about them.

If you are one of them, here are some places to visit near the Golden Temple to make you feel Punjabi.

List of the Best Places to Visit Near Golden Temple

Here are a few places of interest you could visit after you are done with the darshan at Golden Temple. The following is a list of some of the amazing places to visit around Golden Temple. Go outside today and visit these places!

1. Jallianwala Bagh – War Memorial

If you have read history and know about the freedom struggle in India, then your probability of not knowing this place is much less. The fact about Jallianvala Bagh is that the British Army did the massacre at the orders given by General Dyer. This sad occurrence occurred on the 13th of April in 1919.

By the way, it was also Punjabi New Year’s Day. As stated in this carnage, approximately three hundred and seventy-nine people were killed, and little over eleven hundred people were left wounded. 

To pay homage to the killed people, a monument was constructed in the Jallianwala Bagh in 1951. Many people come to this place to honor those who tragically died in the massacre. 

• Location: Golden Temple Road 
• Timing: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Entry fee: Free

2. Wagah Border – Beating Retreat

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near the Golden Temple. It is the second most popular place in Amritsar for tourist attraction after the Golden Temple. Wagah Border is the only Indian road linked to Pakistan, where the Indian and Pakistani Borders meet by land and culture. The beating retreat ceremony, as well as the change of guard, are things which tourists from far corners of India come to see.

Some places are left open on both sides of the border, and many people from both countries come to watch the show of power and nationalism. The primary intent behind the Wagah Border Ceremony is to formally shut the borders when they turn dark and lower both national flags.

• Location: 30 km from Amritsar’s Golden Temple
• Timing: 4:15 p.m. during winters and 4:45 p.m. during summers
• Entry fee: Free

3. Durgiana Temple – Explore Inner Peace

Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple that was constructed in Amritsar. This temple is worshipped by the goddess Durga. In addition to Goddess Durga, there are idols of Mata Shitla and Lord Hanuman, and the idol of Lakshmi Narain is also placed apart. This particular temple appears to have been built in a carbon copy of the Golden Temple. This temple was built in 1908. Harsai Mal Kapoor constructed this temple. 

This temple has many names, including Sitla Mandir, Durga Tirath, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, etc. Some legends also point out that there is a tree inside the temple compound into which Luv and Kush tied Lord Hanuman when they captured the horse of the Ashwamedha yajna. 

• Location: One and a half kilometers from the famous Golden Temple. 
• Timing: It always opens, but it is best to visit during the daytime. 
• Entry fee: Free

4. Akal Takht – Historical Significance

Akal Takht in Amritsar is a temple constructed on the grounds of the Golden Temple. This place should be among the most excellent Golden Temple’s nearest attractions. Guru Hargobind Sahib constructed this temple. The originating reason for the construction of this temple was to deal with problems that were sequential and fair dealing. This temple is much preferred since it is believed to be the highest embodiment of Khalsa’s powers.

The name of this temple is explained as the seat of an eternal human being. It is the epitome of political independence for the Sikh community worldwide. This is one of the five takhts of the Sikhs. The temple was earlier known as Akal Bunga. This temple is also the place of the Jathedar. A Jathedar is the speaker for the Sikhs. He is a representative in the best sense of the word.

• Location: Premises of Golden Temple
• Timing: 2:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Entry fee: Free

5. Tarn Taran – Holy Pilgrimage

Located in the district, it shares its name with Tarn Taran, which is a holy city of the Sikh faith and the best place to visit near the Golden Temple. Historically, this Gurudwara was constructed by the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. Saro Pond is situated in the middle of the Gurudwara complex.

Saro pond is the largest pond located at the center of any Sikh shrine. Tarn Taran has become one of the famed Sikh pilgrimages in the country due to its importance. Sikh devotees visit here on Amavas or the New Moon day of each month of the calendar year. This place witnessed a Sikh uprising from 1980 to 1990.

• Location: 22 km away from Golden Temple
• Timing: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Entry fee: Free

6. Bathinda Fort – Heritage Site

It is the chronological fort which is located in the Bhatinda district and comes to the list of top places to visit near Golden Temple. The people recognize this fort for its link with the detention of Sultana Razia. Located in the Malwa region of Punjab, this fort is also known as Quila Mubarak. Presently, the Archaeological Survey of India is in charge of the fort, and the government of India has declared this fort historically essential and significant.

Many emperors have ruled this fort. This is the place where Razia Sultan was dethroned. He was a prisoner in this place. The Bathinda fort is one of the oldest forts in this country. This fort is thirty meters high. It was Raja Dab who put up the fort.

• Location: 160 km from the Golden Temple
• Availability: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday closed.
• Entry fee: Free

7. Pul Kanjari – Historic Belief

Pul Kanjari or Pul Moran is located in Dhanoe Kalan village, at a distance of 34 km from Amritsar, and is one of the most attractive site seeing places near the Golden Temple. Dhanoe Kalan is where the Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to rest during his voyages to distant places. Currently, Pul Kanjari is a heritage site and one with a story to tell at that.

There is a folk story that the royal servants constructed a bridge across a pool in Pul Kanjari to bring the shoes of an acting girl for a dancer to perform in the king’s darbar. Besides this pool, there is also a Gurdwara, a Temple, and a Mosque for those who intend to make a religious visit to one of the most beautiful places to visit near the Golden Temple.

• Location: Punjab
• Timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

8. ISKCON Temple – Where Prayers Are Answered

Visited Golden Temple to pray; looking for more spirituality and calmness? You must see the ISKCON temple in Amritsar to get a divine feeling.

This temple is located in Moni Chowk of Amritsar and is one of the top-rated places to visit near the Golden Temple. If you are about to visit Amritsar city with your family, this place is the best place to visit.

• Location: Lakshmansar Chowk, Punjab
• Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

The Bottom Line

Amritsar is a city that you are not likely to forget anytime soon. Other than the Golden Temple, the features around it are uniquely thrilling in terms of history, culture, and religion. Attending meetings, visiting great sites like the Golden Temple, enjoying local cuisine, or shopping, Amritsar won’t leave you wanting for memories.

In other words, this city is an excellent example of the mixture of the ancient and the contemporary periods. Therefore, look at the schedule below and prepare to embrace Amritsar’s beauty. Most importantly, let the friendliness of people and the appeal of locations help you. Your journey awaits!