Revvlog

Amritsar is a beautiful combination of all things spiritual, historic, and culturally vibrant. Its treasure trove of attractions includes the stunningly peaceful Golden Temple, history-laden Jallianwala Bagh, and incredible markets offering true Punjabi experiences. However, Amritsar offers visitors much more than just the magnificent Golden Temple. Every corner of Amritsar tells stories of devotion, patriotism, and local cuisine. It is a fascinating city, filled with excitement and rich in history and culture. The largest bazaars in India, historic monuments, and abundant, delicious food are exciting for every traveler. To enjoy a wonderful, stress-free experience while exploring the places to visit in Amritsar, book a car rental in Amritsar with Revv.

Why Amritsar Should Be on Your Travel List

Amritsar is an ancient city where spirituality and history combine with the lively spirit of Punjabi culture. The Golden Temple, its vibrant food culture, and patriotic landmarks come to mind as places that exemplify the magic of Amritsar, with each experience creating memories that last a lifetime. Here are some reasons why Amritsar should be on every traveler’s bucket list of must-visit destinations.

• Golden Temple – One of the most tranquil and uplifting spiritual locations in the world.
  
  
• Historical Sites – Must-see sites like Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border are significant to Indian History.
  
  
• Iconic Punjabi Food – Buttery Amritsari Kulchas and Creamy Lassi that you will relish forever.
  
  
• Vibrant Local Markets – A shopping experience for phulkari, juttis, and authentic Punjabi handicrafts.
  
  
• Authentic Cultural Experiences – Folk traditions, hospitality, and vibrant local culture make every visit unforgettable.

Also Read: Best Shopping Places in Amritsar

Where Spirituality Meets History: Best Places to Explore in Amritsar

The name Amritsar instantly brings to mind the stunning visuals of the Golden Temple, surrounded by the peaceful sacred waters of the Amrit Sarovar. Beyond this iconic landmark, the city captivates visitors with its many historical sites, bustling bazaars, Wagah Border ceremony, and delectable Punjabi flavors. Here are the best Amritsar tourist places to explore:

1. Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)

The Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) is the most important location for all Sikhs, attracting millions of visitors each year. This is one of Amritsar most famous places with a massive gold-covered structure located in the centre of the sacred Amrit Sarovar. 

• Best time to visit: Visit early in the morning (between 4 am to 6 am) for a peaceful experience, or in the evening (7 pm to 10 pm) to see it illuminated.
  
  
• Best Experiences: Langar experience at the community kitchen that serves over 50,000 free meals daily to people from all walks of life.

2. Jallianwala Bagh

For any traveler to Amritsar, the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial is an absolute necessity, as the site subtly remembers victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. You can still see the walls full of bullet marks that serve as a reminder of what occurred at Jallianwala Bagh. 

The on-site museum provides perspective regarding the events that transpired at the memorial, such as photos, letters, and articles that provide documentation not only about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, but also about how it affected the fight for Indian independence. 

• Best time to visit: Early morning during hot summer days. Anytime during winter.
  
  
• Best Experiences: The Martyrs’ Well was one of the most tragic things you can see while visiting Jallianwala Bagh

3. Wagah Border Ceremony

The Wagah Border Ceremony combines celebration, nationalism, enthusiasm, and entertainment. It occurs each evening at the India-Pakistan border, approximately one hour’s drive from Amritsar. This is truly a colourful, energetic, and fun experience, with national pride evident throughout. 

• Best time to visit: Arrive by 3 pm, as the ceremony starts around 4:15 pm in winter and 5:15 in summer.
  
  
• Best Experiences: The Beating Retreat Ceremony

4. Partition Museum

The Partition Museum is located at Amritsar’s Town Hall, just a km away from the Golden Temple. It is a public museum and one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Amritsar. It is the first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition of British India into India and Pakistan.  The museum is located on the newly established Heritage Street Corridor in Amritsar, which runs from the Golden Temple to the Town Hall.

• Best time to visit: Anytime of the day
  
  
• Best Experiences: Photos, documents, and artifacts related to 1947 Partition of British India into India and Pakistan

Dive into Amritsar’s Local Life and Cultural Vibes

Amritsar is rich in history and culture and offers a vibrant mix of commerce. A well-planned trip should include a day at the traditional, bustling market areas surrounding the Golden Temple, a cultural experience in rural Punjab at Sadda Pind, and a visit to the historic military architecture of Gobindgarh Fort to learn about its history. Below are some of the other best places to visit in Amritsar.

1. Hall Bazaar and Local Markets

One of the oldest and busiest shopping areas in Amritsar, Hall Bazaar is right next to the Golden Temple.  Here you can buy a wide range of traditional handicrafts, Phulkari embroidered textiles, Amritsari Juttis (footwear), and electronics. Katra Jaimal Singh Market (textiles) and the Partition Museum are all within walking distance from Hall Bazaar. 

Key highlights: Gandhi Gate is a Mughal-style arch marking the entrance to Hall Bazaar. 

2. Sadda Pind

A 12-acre rural cultural village called ‘Sadda Pind’ has been created to provide visitors with an authentic view of life in rural Punjab. It features traditionally built mud homes so visitors can experience the customs, arts, and crafts of Punjab, such as weaving and pottery.

Key highlights: Camel rides and tractor rides, along with traditional games such as ‘Gulli Danda’, Live `Bhangra` and `Giddha` performances, along with traditional folk songs.

3. Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort, located in Amritsar, is an 18th-century military fortress named after Guru Gobind Singh. There are museums and exhibits, including the Toshakhana, a coin museum where the Kohinoor diamond was once kept, and the War Museum, which features many exhibits, including a bungalow.  The best time to visit Gobindgarh Fort is in the evening.

Key highlights: Shows such as ‘Whispering Walls’, a light and sound show, and ‘Sher-e-Punjab’, a 7D show about Maharaja Ranjit Singh.  

Taste the Flavours of Authentic Punjab

Amritsar is the best place to taste the flavours of authentic Punjab, where every bite is rich, hearty, and full of tradition. From buttery Amritsari kulchas to creamy lassi, the city serves a feast that everyone loves.

• Amritsari kulcha: The kulcha is filled with potato, cauliflower, or cheese. A generous amount of white butter is spread on top of the baked kulcha to enhance the taste.
  
  
• Lassi & street food: Amritsar is known for its thick, creamy lassi served in large mugs and garnished with a dollop of fresh malai. It pairs well with some of its most popular street foods, such as Amritsari kulchas, chole, tikki, and jalebi, to complete your culinary experience.
  
  
• Night vibes at Golden Temple: Experiencing the peace of the Golden Temple at night is very different from the hustle of the city streets. The temple and surrounding sarovar are illuminated, creating visually striking golden reflections across both the temple and the surrounding area. Visit between 9 pm and 10 pm for Kirtan (night prayers) and a peaceful, calm experience.

Explore Amritsar Freely with Revv Self-Drive Cars

Choose from a range of well-maintained Revv cars with flexible rental plans to suit your trip. With easy booking and complete privacy, Revv makes exploring Amritsar smooth and stress-free. Discover Amritsar at your own pace with Revv’s convenient self-drive car rentals. Enjoy the freedom to visit temples, historic sites, and local markets comfortably without relying on fixed schedules or taxis.

Takeaway

Amritsar is a city that provides incredible experiences and many memories. From experiencing the combination of spirituality and history, as well as the mix of culture and hospitality, to walking through the many bustling shops and bazaars, there is much to discover here. With Revv’s self-drive car rental in Amritsar, you can enhance your comfort throughout your journey and ensure a smooth ride.