Amritsar FAQ

Yes, Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no entry fee. The temple is accessible to people of all faiths, religions, and nationalities.

Visitors must cover their head and remove their shoes before entering. Head coverings (bandanas/scarves) are available for free at the entrance. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate.

Early morning (4-6 AM) for the Prakash ceremony when the Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially placed. Evening (7-9 PM) for the illuminated temple and Palki Sahib ceremony. Night visits (10 PM-2 AM) offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds.

Yes! The Langar (community kitchen) serves free meals 24 hours a day to anyone, regardless of religion or background. Over 100,000 meals are served daily - dal, roti, rice, and kheer. You can also volunteer to help serve or cook.

Photography is allowed in the outer areas and from the parikrama (walkway around the sarovar). However, photography inside the sanctum sanctorum (the main temple building) is not permitted. Drones are strictly prohibited.

By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), 11 km from city centre, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and international flights from London, Singapore, and Toronto. By Train: Amritsar Junction - direct trains from Delhi (6-7 hours), Mumbai, and Kolkata. By Road: Well connected via GT Road and NH1.

The Golden Temple is approximately 11 km from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. By taxi it takes 20-30 minutes. Prepaid taxis (₹300-400), Ola/Uber (₹200-300), and auto-rickshaws (₹150-200) are available at the airport.

The Wagah Border is 28 km from Amritsar city centre (45-60 minutes by road). Options: shared auto/mini-bus from Golden Temple area (₹50-100), private taxi (₹500-800 return), or organized tourist bus. Arrive by 3 PM (winter) or 4 PM (summer) for the ceremony.

Yes, Ola and Uber both operate in Amritsar. They are reliable and usually cheaper than auto-rickshaws for longer distances. Auto-rickshaws are better for short hops in the old city. Always fix the auto fare before boarding (no meters).

October to March, pleasant weather (10-25°C), ideal for sightseeing. November is special for Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations. April's Baisakhi is culturally significant. Avoid May-June when temperatures often exceed 45°C. July-September brings monsoon rains.

December-January nights can drop to 2-5°C, with daytime temperatures around 12-18°C. Fog is common in December-January and can delay flights/trains. Pack warm layers, especially for early morning Golden Temple visits.

The monsoon (July-September) brings moderate rainfall. Roads can waterlog briefly but it is generally safe to visit. The upside: fewer crowds, lush green surroundings, and a dramatic backdrop for the Golden Temple. Carry an umbrella.

Amritsari Kulcha, a stuffed flatbread baked in a tandoor, served with chana masala and butter. Other must-tries: Amritsari Fish Fry, Lassi (try Ahuja Lassi), Chole Bhature, and Pindi Chole at Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916).

Absolutely! Amritsar is primarily a vegetarian food destination. Kulcha, Chole Bhature, Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, and all desserts (Jalebi, Phirni, Gulab Jamun) are vegetarian. The Langar at the Golden Temple is entirely vegetarian.

Lawrence Road is the epicentre, fish fry, chaat, and kulcha stalls. Hall Gate area has heritage dhabas (Kesar Da Dhaba, Bharawan Da Dhaba). Maqbool Road for kulcha. Town Hall area for Jalebi. The Golden Temple area for Langar and traditional sweets.

Near the Golden Temple: Maximum convenience, walking distance to major attractions. Best for first-time visitors. Lawrence Road area: Good mid-range options near restaurants. Ranjit Avenue: Modern hotels, quieter area, slightly further from old city. Budget travellers can stay at the Golden Temple's free accommodation (sarai): basic but clean, first-come basis.

Yes, Amritsar is generally very safe. The Golden Temple precinct is secure 24/7 with SGPC security and CCTV. The old city is busy and well-lit. Standard precautions apply: use registered transport at night, keep valuables secure in crowded markets, and inform your hotel of your plans.

Yes, especially during peak season (October-March), festivals (Baisakhi in April, Guru Nanak Jayanti in November), and long weekends. During off-season (April-September), walk-in availability is usually fine. The Golden Temple's free sarai cannot be booked in advance.

Amritsar has a centuries-old tradition of hand-carved chess sets, crafted by master artisans using traditional Punjabi woodworking techniques. Each piece is hand-turned, hand-carved, and hand-polished from premium sheesham (rosewood) and boxwood. The craftsmanship rivals anything from Europe.

Yes! Visit our chess collection at amritsar.com/chess to explore hand-crafted luxury chess sets. We offer the Maharaja Edition, Staunton Classic, and Heritage Collection: all made by Amritsar's master artisans and shipped worldwide.