Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)

The Basics

The Golden Temple includes a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture and dates to the middle of the 19th century. The upper levels of the temple are covered with gold, and in the inner sanctum, priests and musicians spend the day chanting from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book). The temple is the main attraction in Amritsar. Book a guided tour to learn more about the temple and about the Sikh religion.

Things to Know Before You Go

• All visitors should remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple.

• Visitors must wash their feet in a small pool of water before entering.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited everywhere on the temple grounds.

How to Get There

The Golden Temple is located in the heart of Amritsar, about a 10-minute drive from the Amritsar Junctions railway station or a half-hour taxi ride from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. There are many daily trains that bring visitors to Amritsar from New Delhi; the quickest is the Amritsar Shatabdi, which takes just over six hours to travel between the cities.

When to Get There

The Golden Temple is open daily from early in the morning until late at night. You can also sleep at the temple complex—there’s a small hostel with beds reserved for foreigners, though it’s useful to bring a sleeping bag. Visit at twilight to see the evening sukhasan ritual, when the holy book is put to rest, or at sunrise, when the holy book is brought out again.

The Langar Tradition

One major feature of most Gurdwaras is the langar, a community kitchen in which all visitors can sit down to eat a free community meal together. Due to the sheer number of visitors to the Golden Temple, meals at the temple’s langar are served almost constantly. If you want to give back, there are donation boxes where you can discreetly contribute funds. You can also volunteer at the kitchen.

Is visiting the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) worth it?

Yes, visiting the Golden Temple is worth it—not only is it a beautiful sight, but it’s also a deeply significant destination for members of the Sikh faith. All visitors, no matter their religious beliefs, will find that the temple is a welcoming place.

Can anyone visit the Golden Temple?

Yes, anyone can visit the Golden Temple. Sikhism places a strong emphasis on the equality of all humans—irrespective of background, gender, or faith—and the temple features no areas that are off limits to anyone. All are welcome to dine together at the temple's langur (communal kitchen), where there is no charge for food served.

What is the best time of day to visit the Golden Temple?

The best time to visit the Golden Temple is either first thing in the morning, when the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) is brought out for the day, or at sunset, when the holy book is put to rest in a ceremony known as Sukhasan.

What is the best month to visit the Golden Temple?

The best time of year to visit the Golden Temple is between October and March, when the weather is reasonably cool and dry. If you don't mind soaring temperatures, consider visiting for the annual Vaisakhi celebrations in April, which attracts huge crowds.

Does the Golden Temple have a dress code?

Yes, the Golden Temple has a dress code, but it’s not super strict. It’s important to keep your head covered and remove your shoes, but it’s also polite to dress modestly. If you don’t have a head covering, you can borrow one for free at the entrance of the temple.

What are the accommodation options near the Golden Temple?

There are many accommodation options near the Golden Temple, ranging from high-end hotels to budget guesthouses. There is also modest hostel-style accommodation within the temple grounds, which is free of charge. While many people give a donation in return, doing so is neither expected nor required.