The sacred Golden Temple draws Sikh pilgrims from across the globe. Local markets like Chandni Chowk fill the streets with spices, textiles, and authentic North Indian street food.
In Punjab's largest city, Amritsar, you can walk the marble pathways of the Golden Temple, help prepare meals in the world's largest community kitchen, and watch the dramatic flag-lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan border. The streets smell of butter-rich kulchas and chickpea curry, while local artisans craft intricate pashmina shawls and copper vessels in the old town's markets.
The Golden Temple Experience
A marble causeway leads you across the Amrita Saras pool to the Golden Temple, where 750 kilos of pure gold cover the upper floors. Inside, you'll find the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture. Walk clockwise around the central shrine with thousands of pilgrims as spiritual chants echo through the complex. Remember to cover your head and remove your shoes before entering - the temple welcomes people of all faiths.
World's Largest Community Kitchen
Each day, 100,000 people eat free vegetarian meals at the Golden Temple's langar (community kitchen). You can join local volunteers to prepare food, serve meals, or wash dishes in this round-the-clock operation. Everyone sits together on the floor in large halls to share meals, regardless of their background.
Local Markets and Crafts
Walk through the old town's narrow streets to find metalworkers from Jandiala Guru creating UNESCO-recognized copper and brass items. The markets sell pashmina shawls, woolen garments, and Punjabi clothing. Many buildings still have their original wooden doors and small courtyards, though time has taken its toll on some structures.
Jallianwala Bagh Memorial
Walk five minutes from the Golden Temple to reach Jallianwala Bagh, where British troops fired on unarmed protesters in 1919. You can see bullet marks in the walls, visit the memorial structure, and learn about the event through photographs and personal accounts in the on-site museum.
The Wagah Border Ceremony
Travel 28 kilometers to watch Indian and Pakistani guards perform coordinated drills during the daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border post. The ceremony happens before sunset - arrive early to get a seat in the viewing stands.
Getting Around and When to Visit
Take the Metrobus to major city points or use auto-rickshaws for more flexible travel. Plan your visit between October and March to avoid summer temperatures that reach 40°C (104°F). The Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport connects to major Indian cities and international destinations.
