Jallianwala Bagh

The basics

The garden spans 280 square feet (26 square meters) and has a memorial monument, the Flame of Liberty, at its center. Stone lanterns stand at each corner of the monument, which are inscribed with words of homage in Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English to commemorate the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

While it’s easy to visit independently, many tours of Amritsar make a stop here. Going with a guide is a good idea if you want to learn about the history of the massacre.

Things to know before you go

• Jallianwala Bagh is a must-visit for those interested in colonial history.
• Most of the garden is exposed to the elements, so remember to wear sunscreen.
• The park is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The garden is situated in the heart of Amritsar, about a 5-minute walk east of the Golden Temple, 10 minutes by car from the Amritsar Railway Station, and a half-hour drive from the airport. Regular trains connect Amritsar with Delhi; the fastest one takes just over six hours to make the journey between the two cities.

When to get there

The park is open daily, but is best visited early in the morning before it gets too hot outside, particularly if your visit coincides with the hotter months of April through June when temperatures can soar over 100°F (38°C). It's much more pleasant to visit during the cooler months of November through March.

Independence-Related Attractions in Amritsar

Along with Jallianwala Bagh, there's a landmark statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who fought against British colonists. A short walk to the north of the statue, in the Amritsar Town Hall, the Partition Museum chronicles the history of the Partition and its impact on modern-day India and Pakistan.