How far is Amritsar from Delhi, and which road should you take?
Amritsar is about 450 km from Delhi, and the taxi ride takes 7–8 hours on NH-44, the old NH-1. It is one of India's busiest highways but also one of the best kept: 4–6 lanes most of the way, with clean dhabas such as Haveli, Rangla Punjab and Pakeezah for a proper Punjabi meal. Along the way you pass the historic cities of Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
| Route | Via | Distance | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 (recommended) | NH-44 → Panipat → Karnal → Ambala → Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Amritsar | ~450 km | 7 hr 30 min | Fastest, smooth highway |
| Route 2 (via Chandigarh) | NH-44 → Chandigarh → Ropar → Hoshiarpur → Amritsar | ~480 km | 9 hr | Combined Chandigarh–Amritsar trip |
Only going part of the way? We also run Delhi to Ludhiana and Delhi to Jalandhar taxis on the same highway.
What are the best places to visit in Amritsar?
Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)
The holiest shrine of Sikhism sits gold-plated in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, the Pool of Nectar, and welcomes people of all faiths. Entry is free, 24×7. Its langar is the world's largest free community kitchen, serving more than 100,000 meals a day. Go before dawn (4–5 AM) for the Palki Sahib ceremony, or after sunset for the floodlit golden glow on the water. A head covering is required, and cloths are available at the entrance.
Jallianwala Bagh
Just 200 m from the Golden Temple, this garden marks the 1919 massacre of peaceful protesters by General Dyer's troops. The bullet-marked walls, the Martyrs' Well and the Flame of Liberty memorial make it a deeply moving visit.
Attari–Wagah Border
The daily sunset retreat between India's BSF and Pakistan's Rangers is an electric display of pageantry. The border is 30 km from the city, about a 45-minute drive.
Partition Museum
Housed in the old Town Hall, this is the world's first museum dedicated to the 1947 Partition, told through personal stories, photographs and artefacts from one of history's largest mass migrations.
Durgiana Temple
Often called the Silver Temple, Durgiana Mandir follows the style of the Golden Temple but is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Akal Takht and Gobindgarh Fort
The Akal Takht, facing the Golden Temple, is the highest temporal seat of Sikhism. Gobindgarh Fort, a 200-year-old Sikh military fort, is now a heritage site with sound-and-light shows.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
The summer palace of the founder of the Sikh Empire, set in Ram Bagh Gardens, displays paintings, weapons, coins and manuscripts from his era.
Tarn Taran Sahib and nearby gurdwaras
With a spare day, visit Tarn Taran Sahib (25 km), home to the largest gurdwara sarovar in the world, along with Khadur Sahib (35 km) and Goindwal Sahib (40 km) on the panch-gurdwara circuit.
What should you eat and buy in Amritsar?
Amritsar is the food capital of Punjab. Save room for:
- Amritsari kulcha, tandoor-baked and stuffed, at Kesar Da Dhaba, Beera Chicken House or Kulwant Kulcha
- Langar at the Golden Temple — free, vegetarian and served with dignity
- Amritsari fish fry at Makhan Fish or Surjit Food Plaza
- Thick saffron lassi at Ahuja Milk Bhandar or Gian Lassi
- Jalebi and gulab jamun at Gurdas Ram Jalebiwala, a 100-year-old institution
For shopping, head to Hall Bazaar for Punjabi juttis, Katra Jaimal Singh for phulkari dupattas and Lawrence Road for modern Punjabi suits and brands.
Which festivals are worth timing an Amritsar trip around?
The cool months from October to March are the easiest for sightseeing, but Amritsar's festivals are reason enough to plan a visit:
- Guru Nanak Jayanti (November): the birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder, when the Golden Temple glows with thousands of lamps. Book your cab 2–3 weeks ahead.
- Baisakhi (13–14 April): the Sikh new year and harvest festival, with bhangra and gidda across the city.
- Hola Mohalla (March, the day after Holi): Sikh martial arts and horsemanship at Anandpur Sahib, 3 hours from Amritsar.
- Lohri (13 January): Punjab's winter bonfire festival.
- Republic Day and Independence Day: special ceremonies at the Wagah Border.
Tips for a Delhi to Amritsar road trip
- Travelling as a sangat or a big family? The 12-seater Force Tempo Traveller carries 12 bags as well as 12 passengers, which suits a langar seva visit.
- See the temple twice. Arriving in the evening lets you see the floodlit Harmandir Sahib on day one, then return before dawn for Palki Sahib.
- Coming home from Amritsar. If you reached Amritsar by train or flight, we can send a cab to your hotel for the drive back to Delhi.
