We are sure that there is not a single person in this entire nation who doesn’t know about the Golden temple. No matter which religion you belong to, we all have the desire to visit the temple once in our life. It is not just because of the charm and beauty that the temple has, but also because of the deeds of Guru Nanak Dev, which inspires every human being at every point of life. Apart from the temple, there is so much more to explore in that entire area. We are sure that most people don’t know about them. If you too are one of them, here are some of the places to visit near Golden temple to get the Punjab vibes.
15 Best Places To Visit Near Golden Temple
After you are done with your darshan at Golden Temple, here are some of the places you can explore. This is a listicle of some of the most amazing places to visit near Golden Temple. Head out today and explore these places!
- Jallianwala Bagh – War Memorial
- Wagah Border – Beating Retreat
- Durgiana Temple – Explore Inner Peace
- Akal Takht – Historical Significance
- Tarn Taran – Holy Pilgrimage
- Harike Wetland – Scenic Beauty
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – Brush Up Your History
- Bathinda Fort – Heritage Site
- Jama Masjid Khairuddin – Architectural Marvel
- Pul Kanjari – Historic Belief
- Ram Tirath – Sacred Place
- Goindwal Sahib – Find Belief
- Faridkot Fort – About History And Architecture
- ISKCON Temple – Where Prayers Are Answered
- Partition Museum – A Glimpse Into The History
1. Jallianwala Bagh – War Memorial
If you’ve read history and know about India’s freedom struggle, then the chance that you don’t know about this place is very weak. Jallianwala Bagh is remembered for the massacre done by the British Army at order from General Dyer. This tragic incident happened on the thirteenth of April in the year 1919. This day was also the Punjabi New Year Day. In this massacre near about three hundred and seventy-nine people were killed and nearly eleven hundred people were left injured. In 1951, a monument was built in the Jallianwala Bagh in memory of the people who were killed. Lots of tourists visit this place to pay homage to the people who lost their lives in the massacre.
Location – Golden temple road
Timing – 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Entry fee – Free
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2. Wagah Border – Beating Retreat
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near the Golden Temple. It is the second most visited tourist destination in Amritsar, falling behind only Golden Temple. The Wagah border is the only Indian road crossing between the two countries of India and Pakistan. The beating retreat ceremony, as well as the change of guard, are things which tourists from far corners of India come to see. There are seating spaces made on both sides of the border where people from both countries come to enjoy the show of valour and patriotism. The main purpose of the Wagah Border Ceremony is to close the border in the night time formally and take off the flags of both nations.
Location – 30 km from Golden Temple
Timing – 4:15 p.m. during winters and 4:45 p.m. during summers
Entry fee – Free
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3. Durgiana Temple – Explore Inner Peace
Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple built in Amritsar. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Apart from Goddess Durga, this temple also has idols of Mata Shitla, Lord Hanuman and along with with with with them the idol of Lakshmi Narain. This temple looks like an exact copy of the Golden temple. The construction of this temple was done in the year 1908. The construction of this temple was done by Harsai Mal Kapoor. This temple is known by many names such as Sitla Mandir, Durga Tirath, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, etc. According to mythology, there is a tree in the courtyard of the temple where Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama bound Lord Hanuman while the after capturing the horse of the Ashwamedha yajna.
Location – One and a half kilometer from the Golden temple
Timing – Open throughout the day, but visit in the daytime
Entry fee – Free
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4. Akal Takht – Historical Significance
Akal Takht in Amritsar is a Sikh temple that is built on the ground of the Golden Temple. This temple was built by Guru Hargobind Sahib. The purpose of building this temple was to resolve issues that were sequential and fair dealing. This temple is popular because it is said that it is the highest seat of the powers of Khalsa. The name of this temple means the throne of the timeless person. It is used as a representation of the political sovereignty of the Sikh people. There are five takhts of the Sikhs of which this is one. The temple was initially called Akal Bunga. This temple is also the place of the Jathedar. A Jathedar is the spokesperson of the Sikhs. He is a spokesperson of the highest order.
Location – Premises of Golden temple
Timing – 2:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entry fee – Free
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5. Tarn Taran – Holy Pilgrimage
Situated in the district of the same name, Tarn Taran is a pilgrimage of Sikhs and the best place to visit near Golden Temple. The construction of this Gurudwara was done by the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. The pond located in the center of the Gurudwara premises is called Saro pond. It is said that the Saro pond is the biggest in the middle of any Sikh Shrine. Tarn Taran is one of the most popular Sikh pilgrimages across the country. Sikh devotees flock here during Amavas or the New Moon day of every month. This place saw Sikh an uprising from 1980 to 1990.
Location – Twenty-two kilometers from Golden temple
Timing – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entry fee – Free
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6. Harike Wetland – Scenic Beauty
Harike Wetland is also known as Hari Ke Pattan. It is claimed that Hari Ke Pattan is the main wetland of northern India. It is an artificial wetland. Hari Ke Pattan is a riverine and lacustrine wetland. You can guess how big this wetland is by knowing the fact that it is spread across three districts of Punjab. The three districts of Punjab in which Hari ke pattan is spread are Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala. This wetland acts as a home to many species of animals such as snakes, fish, turtles as well as amphibians. This wetland was formed due to the diversion that was constructed across the river Satluj. This diversion was created in the year of 1953. It is spread across an estimated area of forty-one hundred hectares.
Location – Sixty kilometers from Amritsar
Timing – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry fee – Free
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7. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – Brush Up Your History
As the name suggests this museum is dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was popularly known as the “Lion of Punjab”. In the museum, you can get to see and know about the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. There are a lot of artifacts in the Maharaja Ranjit Singh museum that are kept there as memoirs of the many battles fought by him. The one thing that you shouldn’t miss while you visit here is the amazing light and sound show. The light and sound show here makes you feel as if you are in a real war which is why it is one of the amazing places to visit near Golden Temple. You will feel as if you are in the middle of a battlefield. Around the museum, you can find the beautiful gardens of Rambagh. While you are in these gardens do not forget to see the legendary statute of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his horse.
Location – Lawrence Road, Rambagh company Bagh.
Timing – Sat, Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM,
Entry fee – Free
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8. Bathinda Fort – Heritage Site
It is a chronological fort, which is situated in the Bhatinda district and is counted among the top places to visit near Golden Temple. This fort is famous for its association with the custody of Sultana Razia. Situated in the Malwa region of Punjab this fort is popularly known as Quila Mubarak. The fort is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India and the government has recognised this fort as a heritage of national importance. This fort has been ruled many emperors. After Razia Sultan was dethroned, he was kept a prisoner here. Bathinda fort is one of the oldest forts of this country. The height of this fort is thirty meters. The fort was constructed by Raja Dab. The purpose of the construction of this fort was to stop the attack of the Huns. Guru Gobind Singh Ji used to reside here for some time. There is also a Gurudwara situated inside the fort.
Location – 160 km from the Golden temple
Timing – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m (Monday closed)
Entry fee – Free
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9. Jama Masjid Khairuddin – Architectural Marvel
The construction of this beautiful mosque was done in the year 1876. It was constructed by Muhammad Khairuddin. Jama Masjid Khairrudin is was a very significant place during the freedom struggle of India. Shah Attaullah Bukhari who was popularly known as Tootie – e – Hind called people to start the battle against the English forces from this mosque. It is not just because of the religious and historical importance that this place is a major tourist attraction. The architecture of this mosque is very beautiful with a spectacle to witness which why it is one of the top places to visit near Golden Temple. The mosque is constructed completely of white marble. In these white marbles, there are small green colour paintings. This is one of the major tourist attractions in India. You can visit here with your family or alone.
Location – Hall Bazar
Timing – 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Entry fee – Free
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10. Pul Kanjari – Historic Belief
Pul Kanjari, or Pul Moran is situated in Dhanoe Kalan villages which is located 34kms away from Amritsar and is one of the most beautiful tourist places to see around Golden Temple. Dhanoe Kalan is the very place where, during his travels to distant lands, Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to stop for rest. Pul Kanjari is now a heritage site and one with an interesting story associated with it. It is said that the royal servants built a bridge over a pool located in Pul Kanjari to retrieve shoes of a dancer who was on her way to perform at the king’s palace. Apart from this pool, there is also a gurdwara, temple, and a mosque for those who wish to make religious visits to this one of the most exquisite places to see near Golden Temple.
Location: Punjab
Timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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11. Ram Tirath – Sacred Place
Ram Tirath Temple is one of the most sacred places for Hindus, and it is known for its religious, historic, and spiritual significance in Hindu religion. The temple is located at Amritsar-Chogawan Road and is associated with many myths related to Ramayana. This spot is also known as the birthplace of Lav and Kush; Lord Ram’s sons. It is also a popular belief that Sage Valmiki started writing Ramayana here at this one of the most spiritual tourist places around Golden Temple.
Location: Ram Tirath Road, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: 6 am to 9 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
12. Goindwal Sahib – Find Belief
Goindwal Sahib, located in Tarn Taran District in Punjab, is believed to be the axis of Sikhism and holds a divine stature in Sikhism. It is a popular belief that Guru Ram Das and Guru Amar Das met at this very place. The Gurdwara houses a step well in its premises which, if we go by popular belief, can liberate people from the bondage of rebirth. Anyone who takes bath in this step well, and recites Japji Sahib while walking over 84 steps of step well. So, make sure that you include this place in your list as it one of the best tourist places near Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Location: Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Punjab
Timings: Any time
Entry Fee: No entry fee
13. Faridkot Fort – About History And Architecture
Faridkot is one of the most unique and historic structures to exist. Faridkot fort is located in Punjab in the district of Faridkot and is one of the most popular tourist places around Golden Temple. The fort is made of lime motor and Nanakshahi bricks and exhibits true intricacies of European Architecture. The interior boasts of Rajasthani architecture and design and is really beautiful to look at. The fort, of this one of the most visited tourist places around Golden Temple, houses a Sheesh Mahal displaying exquisite glass works.
Location: Nahikhana, Faridkot, Punjab
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: NA
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14. ISKCON Temple – Where Prayers Are Answered
Prayed at Golden Temple and want to experience more peace and tranquility? Visit ISKCON Temple in Amritsar and experience divinity. The temple is located in Moni Chowk in Amritsar and is one of the best places to see near Golden Temple. If you are planning a vacation with your family then this is a must-visit place in Amritsar.
Location: Lakshmansar Chowk, Punjab
Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
15. Partition Museum – A Glimpse Into The History
Partition Museum focuses on the traumas and stories of soldiers that had to suffer from the consequences of partition. Built by Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust in the Town Hall of Amritsar, this museum houses new clippings, items donated by people, and photographs that give a glimpse of the partition times. A visit to this museum will definitely bring out the emotions that you feel for your country and its citizens. So, if you are looking for places to visit near Golden Temple, Amritsar then you must head to the Partition Museum which is within walking distance.
Location – 10, Street Number 6C, Vikas Nagar, Shori Nagar, Amritsar, Punjab 143105
Timing – 10 am – 6 pm (Closed on Monday)
Entry Fee – INR 10
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These were all the places that you can explore near the Golden Temple. You must have heard about most of them. However, not everyone knows about these places to visit near Golden Temple and could be visited easily from there. The Golden Temple is the divine place where one must visit at least once in his/her lifetime despite his religion and belief. So, now when you plan a quick trip to North India, make sure to not miss out these places in Amritsar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Golden Temple
A. Yes, it is possible to visit the Wagha border and The Golden temple in a day, as both the places are near to each other. However, if you end up doing that, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the sites. It will be a lot of hustle. So, we would advise everyone not to visit both places in just one day.
A. If you want a luxurious stay, then you can check the hotels that are nearby the temple, but if you don’t want to miss the vibe of it even for a while, then you can stay in the temple only. Now, there is a lot of rooms in the temple for those who are not from Amritsar. These rooms are not like the hotel rooms, but one won’t face any kind of problem here. You just need to take the permission of the temple authorities.
A. Every time is the best time to visit the golden temple. It’s just that come on days when you have time to stay there.
A. Yes, you can bring your grandparents to visit the golden temple. There are special facilities for senior citizens at the golden temple. For example, they don’t need to stand in the queue like others. The workers over there can arrange wheelchairs for them.
A. Yes, you can visit the temple during the festivals. You can find little rush at that time, but it is worth it as the decoration and the complete vibe of the temple just turns out to be magical.
A. No, you don’t need a guide for exploring the temple. We know that the temple is not usually like any other temple, but you can ask anybody about the place you want to go to.
A. The temple authorities don’t do any kind of booking for the darshan. However, you won’t find it difficult to do so, as the environment, there is quite pious and calm. The way of entering into the temple is very peaceful.
A. Yes, there are safe parking lots in the Golden temple campus. If you want to use the parking lot in any way, you can talk to the temple authorities for it.
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