The following are the top 11 Gurudwaras in Punjab, each offering a unique blend of tranquillity, spirituality, and Sikh heritage:
1. Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib | Amritsar
The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara, was constructed in the 16th century and is renowned for its breathtaking architectural design, lovely reflecting pool, and elaborately decorated walls made of marble and gold.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 3 am to 10 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Punjab, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Amritsar Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Amritsar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Amritsar bus station
- Nearby Places: Tempio d'Oro, Akal Takht, and Jallianwala Bagh
2. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib | Anandpur Sahi
One of Sikhism's five Takhts, this gurudwara is revered as a site of immense religious and historical significance. The Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, which receives thousands of visitors each, is also renowned for its exquisite architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Anandpur Sahib, accessible by road, and then trek to Pahalgam
- Nearby Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Shri Anandpur Sahib bus station
- Nearby Places: Virasat-e-Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib Fort, and Bhakra Nangal Dam
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3. Guru Baba Atla Sahib | Amritsar
It is named after Guru Hargobind Sahib's son, Baba Atal Rai. This 17th-century gurudwara is well-known for its exquisite architecture and is also regarded as one of the world's tallest gurudwara buildings.
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- Timings: Opens daily from 7:30 am to 10:30 am and 3 pm to 5:30 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Punjab, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Amritsar Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Amritsar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Amritsar bus station
- Nearby Places: Guru Ke Mahal, Wagah Border, and Partition Museum
4. Gurudwara Shri Tarn Taran Sahib | Tarn Taran
It is regarded as one of Punjab's most significant gurudwaras. It is thought that the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, blessed its waters. The Gurudwara receives thousands of visitors each year and is well-known for its magnificent architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: October to November
- Timings: Opens daily from 5 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Amritsar and Jalandhar, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
- Nearby Airport: Tarn Taran railway station
- Nearby Bus Station: Tarn Taran bus stop
- Nearby Places: Khadoor Sahib, Nishan-E-Sikhi, and Hari-ke-Pattan
5. Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib | Patiala
It is well-known for its religious and historical significance. This Gurudwara is renowned for its architecture and is thought to have been constructed in the 17th century. One can overcome challenges and find serenity by praying here.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Timings: Opens daily from 24 hrs
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Chandigarh and Ambala, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Patiala railway station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Patiala Bus Stand
- Nearby Places: Baradari Gardens, Qila Mubarak Complex, and Moti Bagh Palace
6. Gurudwara Shri Fatehgarh Sahib | Fatehgarh Sahib
It is thought that during the Mughal rule, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, were bricked alive at this location. The gurudwara, which people visit annually, was constructed in their honour.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 3 am to 11 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Chandigarh and Ludhiana, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Sirhind Junction railway station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Fatehgarh Sahib Bus Stop
- Nearby Places: Sanghol Museum, Floating Restaurant, and Aam Khas Bagh
7. Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib | Anandpur Sahib
It is regarded as one of Punjab's most significant gurudwaras. Guru Gobind Singh is thought to have established the Khalsa at this gurudwara in 1699. The Gurudwara receives thousands of visitors annually and is renowned for its exquisite architecture.
- Best Time to Visit: March to April
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Chandigarh or Delhi, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Anandpur Sahib bus stand
- Nearby Places: Virasat-e-Khalsa, Bhakra Dam, and Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Gurudwara Rauza Sharif | Sirhind
The two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh are thought to have been buried alive in 1705 by the Mughal governor of Sirhind, where the gurudwara now stands. The syncretic culture and social harmony of the area are reflected in the Gurudwara.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily for 24 hrs
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Sirhind, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Sirhind Junction Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Shalamar bus stand
- Nearby Places: Aam Khas Bagh, Floating Restaurant, Sanghol, and Mata Chakreshvari Devi Jain Temple.
9. Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara | Ferozepur
It honors the historic 1897 Battle of Saragarhi, which pitted 10,000 Afghan tribesmen against 21 Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army. The names of Sikh soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the conflict are listed on a memorial plaque inside the Gurudwara.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 4 am to 9:30 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Ferozepur, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Ferozepur Cantonment Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Amritsar Bus Stand
- Nearby Places: Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum, and Ferozepur Cantonment
10. Gurudwara Parivaar Vichora Sahib | Ludhiana
For Sikhs, the gurudwara is particularly significant since it symbolizes the bravery and sacrifice of the Guru and his family. The Sikh community holds the account of their martyrdom and separation in high regard, as it is a significant aspect of their history.
- Best Time to Visit: April to September
- Timings: Opens daily from 4 am to 10 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest road is Ludhiana city, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Ghanauli railway station
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Sirhind Bus Stand
- Nearby Places: Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Gurudwara Bhatta Sahib, Jateshwar Mahadev Temple, and Bhakra Nangal Dam
11. Shri Dukh Bhanjani Beri | Amritsar
The Seat of God, or Akal Takht of the Timeless One. It is one of the five locations where Sikhs have temporal physical religious power. Akal is another name for God, which means The Timeless One. In Persian, takht signifies "seat" or "throne."
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: Opens daily from 2:30 am to 10 pm
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Punjab, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Amritsar Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Amritsar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Amritsar bus station
- Nearby Places: Attari/Wagah Border, Shri Durgiana Temple, and Jallianwala Bagh.
Gurudwaras in Punjab offer a deeply enriching spiritual and cultural experience. These sacred places of worship serve as pillars of Sikhism, providing spiritual guidance, community support, and a sense of unity among devotees. Each gurudwara, from bustling urban centres to tranquil rural settings, has unique charm and significance.