Amritsar Travel Guide

Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Sikhism's holiest shrine, its gold-plated upper storeys reflected in the sacred pool that surrounds it, the Amrit Sarovar, from which the city takes its name. The temple complex runs around the clock, and its langar, a free community kitchen staffed by volunteers, feeds tens of thousands of visitors a day regardless of religion or background, one of the most striking demonstrations of hospitality anywhere in India.

Cover your head before entering the complex (headscarves are usually available at the entrance), remove your shoes, and avoid alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food near the complex, in keeping with its status as a place of worship. Visiting at dawn or late at night, when it is quieter, is often the most memorable time, and many visitors also choose to eat in the langar as part of the experience, regardless of their own faith.

October to March is the comfortable season; summer is very hot. One to two days is enough for the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah border ceremony, which runs every evening near sunset.