Amritsar is a major city in the state of Punjab, in northwestern India. It is best known as the home of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, and visitors who come for that reason will find the city shaped around it.
What draws visitors
- The Golden Temple, the most important place of worship in the Sikh faith, set in the heart of the city.
- Cultural heritage, which runs through the city's streets, traditions and everyday life.
- Punjab itself, a state whose food, music and customs give a visit a distinct character.
What a visit is like
Amritsar suits travellers interested in religion, history and culture more than in quick sightseeing. Time spent around the Golden Temple gives a sense of the faith and its community, and the city's wider heritage gives context to what you see there. Because the temple is a working place of worship, a visit is best approached with patience and respect for its customs.
If you are deciding whether to go, consider whether you want a slower trip centred on one significant site and the culture surrounding it. For many people, that is exactly what Amritsar offers.
