The Golden Temple, Amritsar (Punjab), India

The Golden Temple

There are two things every Indian grows up hearing: “Beta, eat your greens” and “Beta, visit holy shrines.” So, in my grand plan to wash off a lifetime of “forgot-to-return-the-change” sins, I decided to head to The Golden Temple in Amritsar — also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib — followed by a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu.

It was a family trip, which automatically meant extra snacks, extra opinions, and extra bathroom breaks. But we showed restraint and mostly stuck to chai and biscuits, determined to reach Amritsar on time. By 8 AM, bleary-eyed but spiritually ambitious, we rolled into the city of golden serenity.

Riding Like Royalty – The Tonga Tales

After parking our car a few kilometers away, we had two options to reach the temple — an auto rickshaw or a tonga. Naturally, we chose the tonga because when life gives you a chance to feel like Maharaja Ranjit Singh, you take it. Clip-clop, clip-clop… and off we went, inhaling the old-world charm (and occasional horse fumes).

One of the entrance to the Temple

Four Doors, One Message – Inclusivity at its Best

The temple has an entrance from all the four sides which symbolizes openness of Sikhs towards all people and religions. I have been here before but it was first visit of my wife and the excitement and glow on her face was clearly visible. I was still bit sleepy, but splash of cold water on my face from the Sarovar of The Golden Temple rejuvenated me, better than my espresso shot. We quickly had a bath in the Sarovar and got ready to pay our visit inside the temple. It is believed that the water of the Sarovar has healing properties which cures many diseases. The construction of the temple was mainly intended so that people from all walks of life can come and worship the God equally.

The Queue

The Queue – A Spiritual Rollercoaster

The temple is located in the center of the sarovar and the queue was quite long which literally gave me shivers, but someone suggested that the queue moves fast enough and will take only few minutes. Being a weekday, I was not expecting the crowd at all, but the guy was right and the queue did move pretty fast, faster than Delhi Metro's queue. The interesting fact is that over 100,000 people visit the temple daily. 

Langar – The World’s Largest Free Kitchen

Also, within the grounds of the Temple is the Langar, or free kitchen. Visitors can eat here for free; by some estimates 50,000-100,000 people eat here per day. Whether you’re rich, poor, local, or tourist — everyone sits on the same floor and shares the same simple yet soul-nourishing food. It’s humbling, heartwarming, and yes, surprisingly tasty.

Prasad, Photos & Pretend-Photography

Soon, we were inside the temple and for few minutes I was staring at the amazing architecture and design inside the temple. The queue kept moving and we paid respects and bowed our head and soon we were out of the main temple. The Prasad distributed there tasted like pure bliss. We rested there for some time while I pulled out my digital camera and flaunted as a DSLR and did some photography. If serenity had an Instagram account, this would be it.

Jallianwala Bagh - History will not forget

Just a few steps away from The Golden Temple lies Jallianwala Bagh, a site that every Indian must visit at least once. After being spiritually recharged at the temple, we decided to walk down to this historic garden that changed India’s freedom struggle forever.

On 13 April 1919, thousands of men, women, and children had gathered here peacefully to protest the oppressive Rowlatt Act. General Dyer and his troops blocked the exits and opened fire on the unarmed crowd. Hundreds were killed (official figures say over 300, but unofficial numbers were much higher), and the site became a symbol of colonial brutality and Indian resilience.

Walking through the narrow entrance, I felt chills imagining the scene. The bullet marks on the walls and the Martyrs’ Well*, where many jumped to escape gunfire, still stand as silent witnesses. Despite the solemnity, the garden is well maintained, with pathways, lawns, and a museum that educates visitors about the tragedy.

Why Jallianwala Bagh Matters Today

Visiting Jallianwala Bagh after The Golden Temple creates a powerful contrast — from serene devotion to somber remembrance. It’s a stark reminder of how freedom came at a cost. “Next time someone complains about standing in a queue, maybe remember these walls.”

Travel Tip: Entry to Jallianwala Bagh is free. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best to avoid crowds and heat.

Next Stop – Vaishno Devi, Katra

After soaking up the spiritual vibes, it was time to hit the road again. With a piping-hot cup of tea and a hearty Punjabi breakfast, we left Amritsar and started our journey to Katra, home to the Holy Shrine of Vaishno Devi. Another adventure, another chance for spiritual redemption — and maybe a few more cups of chai along the way.

Best Time to Visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh

Golden Temple Amritsar: Early mornings or late evenings for the stunning view of the temple lit up at night.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress Modestly: Cover your head and wear comfortable clothing at religious places.

Langar Etiquette: Sit cross-legged, eat with gratitude, and don’t skip washing your hands.

Photography: Allowed in outer areas but not inside the sanctum — respect the rules.

Combine Trips: Many pilgrims visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Vaishno Devi on the same journey — perfect for a soul-cleansing and historically enriching itinerary.

Final Thoughts – Why This Journey Is Worth It

Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, a deep dive into India’s history, or just curious about its rich cultural heritage, a trip to The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is unforgettable. You’ll come back with a full heart, a fuller stomach, and maybe — just maybe — a little less karma to work off.