nearest hotel to golden temple amritsar

Amritsar is a great city to visit and the Golden Temple here is perhaps the greatest monument in all of India. People come to Amritsar from far and wide to see this unique architectural wonder and imbibe its spiritually uplifting aura. Located in the heart of the city, the Golden Temple is best visited early in the morning to see the prayers or late at night to see it lit up. You should take your time to fully explore it and also explore the areas surrounding the monument. Therefore, the best place to stay for an immersive experience is to book a hotel close by.

 

Visiting the Amritsar

 

If you are planning on visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, it is important to do some research and planning before your trip to ensure a safe and rewarding trip. For an authentic and profound visit to this historical city and this majestic monument, one should take out at least 4-7 days. This should give you enough time to get a feel for this city, experience the Golden Temple and also visit other areas of interest in the city.

 

Traveling to Amritsar is easy as there are many flights, trains, and good roads that connect it to the surrounding areas and many other cities in India. From Delhi, it is only about 7 and a half-hour drive away while one can reach it from Chandigarh in under 4 hours. The roads leading up to Amritsar are good and there are many interesting stops along the way.

 

Besides the Golden Temple, there are also some other places in Amritsar that are worth a visit. These include the famous Jalianwala Bagh, the site of the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre by British troops during a peaceful protest. Today. The site is a shrine and place of remembrance for the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

 

There is also an interesting Qila or Fort here called the Gobindgarh Fort. It was once the central treasury and armory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and also housed the Kohinoor Diamond before it was taken away. Today, the impressive fort is open to visitors and sports some good restaurants, shopping arcades, and shows that are worth checking out.

 

Besides the Golden Temple and other places to see, visitors coming to Amritsar will surely be impressed by its spirit of hospitality, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. You will see mouth-watering treats at every street corner and have a wide selection when it comes to dining out. Regardless of your tastes and preferences, you will have no dearth of options during your visit and stay.

 

About the Golden Temple

 

Built as far back as 1577, the Golden Temple got its name from the pure gold sheath that covers a part of the structure. The gold was gifted by the famous Maharaja Ranjit Singh and is perfectly complimented by the white marble and waters of the man-made moat that surrounds the sacred site.

 

The Golden Temple is also called Harmandir Sahib, which means “House of God” and Durbar Sahib, which means “Sacred Court.” It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by over 150,000 visitors per day! Not only is it an architectural wonder in its own right, it is acknowledged as the most sacred site of Sikhism and thus a center and focal point for the religion.

 

The Golden Temple also has a very interesting history. Besides many interesting events and episodes that transpired here throughout the Middle Ages, it was also the site for a standoff between Sikh fighters and the Indian Army in 1984. There was heavy fighting in and around the Temple, which damaged parts of the structure. It has since been carefully reconstructed and restored to its full glory.

 

The entire Golden Temple complex is quite large and houses many administrative, religious, and social centers and spaces within its walls. The entire complex has a square footprint with 4 entrances, signifying that it is open to everyone. Inside, there is a Clock Tower, a Museum, a Langar, a Community Kitchen, and the Akal Takht, the highest religious authority of Sikhism.

 

As with any functioning monument, the Golden Temple is a nerve ending of religious, spiritual, social, and artistic activity. To explore this monument or even get a sense of it, one should be close to the monument and if possible, in the same neighborhood.

 

Amritara Sadka

 

Located inside the famous Hall Bazaar at the heart of Amritsar and within 200 meters of the Hathi Gate, the Amritara Sadka is perhaps the hotel nearest to the Golden Temple. From here, it is only a short walk to the iconic gates of the temple and the location is perfect for multiple visits in the morning, day or night. Its lively surroundings and ready availability of anything you may need make it a convenient and comfortable place to stay.

 

The Amritara Sadka is a well-known and renowned 4-star property in Amritsar and its restaurant is also famous for providing authentic north Indian food along with some mouth-watering Punjabi deserts. The hotel offers free wifi throughout the property and also has some great views overlooking the city. For those coming to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, this is the ideal place to stay.

 

Amritara Kirpa

 

Another great property by the same group of Hotels is the Amritara Kirpa, also located inside Hall Bazaar. This stylish 4-star boutique hotel is very much like the Amritara Sadka but offers a slightly different, more regal ambiance and outlook. With impeccable service, well-appointed rooms, great food, and an enviable location, it is also a suitable place to book when visiting the Golden Temple, especially if the Sadka is fully booked.

The added advantage of both Amrtara Kirpa and Amritara Sadka is that they are located in about the same neighborhood as the Golden Temple. This allows the visitor to get an authentic feel for the culture and reverence that surrounds the Temple. The comfortable and lively market areas and food districts are an added advantage.