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Amritsar

Discover Amritsar

You will walk through some narrow streets to the temple. On the way keep an eye out above you, there are some very old buildings with very intricate wood carvings. The original Sikh temple in Amritsar was built here at the end of the 16th century, some years after a leper was cured having bathed in the pool. The temple was rebuilt in 1764 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and 100 kg of gold was added in 1830 giving rise to its name 'The Golden Temple'.

Your guide will show you around the main area of the temple and explain the history and layout including the vast dining halls where all visitors, regardless of their religion, are invited to eat together. Perhaps the most incredible part are the kitchens run by volunteers, you will see vast cauldrons full of dhal, groups of ladies rolling out chapatis, meanwhile the noise in the background is the endless washing of plates. Sweets are also available and a non-stop supply of chai is all free for anyone who wants it. You will see people bathing in the water which is believed to wash away all illness. You may also hear chants coming from the temple while worshippers walk round in a clockwise direction.

There is an interesting museum up some narrow stairs at the main entrance, which commemorates those massacred in Operation Blue Star in 1984 at the Golden Temple. The old city is just a 15-minute walk from the Golden Temple with all its narrow alleyways and small Hindu temples. At the Jallianwala Bagh there is a memorial to more than 1,000 demonstrators who were killed or injured when the British, under the command of General Dyer, opened fire on them in 1919.

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Other experiences in Amritsar

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Golden Temple ‘putting to bed’ ceremony
    Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

    Golden Temple ‘putting to bed’ ceremony

    Golden Temple ‘putting to bed’ ceremony

    This daily ritual of putting the Holy Scripture to bed is a sight not to be missed on a visit to the Golden Temple.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.