Discover the historic heart of Old Amritsar through its traditional bazaars, religious landmarks, historic buildings, ancient passages and distinctive architecture. The Amritsar Heritage Walk offers visitors an opportunity to explore the old city beyond the Golden Temple and understand how its katras, akharas, havelis, shops and streets developed over centuries.
Built by the British in 1866, the historic Town Hall became an important centre of Amritsar’s colonial administration. Its grand architecture and location make it a useful starting point for understanding the development of colonial Amritsar. Visitors can also see the famous inscription featuring Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s description of Ramdaspur.
Gurdwara Saragarhi commemorates the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who died defending their position at Saragarhi on September 12, 1897. The Amritsar memorial was designed by architect Ram Singh and unveiled in 1902. For visitors interested in Sikh military history, the site provides an important connection to the Battle of Saragarhi and its legacy.
Qila Ahluwalia was associated with the Ahluwalia Misl, which controlled a significant part of Amritsar. Its history is closely connected with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, a prominent Sikh leader of the 18th century. The heritage site also reflects the later transformation of the old fort area into a busy commercial part of Amritsar.
Located in the heart of Amritsar’s historic commercial area, Jalebiwala Chowk is known for its traditional market atmosphere and famous jalebi shop. The site also has an important connection with the events of 1919, including the Hindu-Muslim unity displayed during the Ram Navami celebrations. Visitors can experience both the food culture and history of Old Amritsar here.
Founded in 1771, Udasin Ashram Akhara Sangalwala was originally known as Nirvan Akhara, after its founder, Nirvan Priyatam Dass. The akhara includes an underground cave and continues to represent the religious traditions of the old city. Its historic setting makes it particularly interesting for visitors exploring Amritsar’s spiritual heritage.
Also known as Ganga Ram Akhara, Chitta Akhara was established in 1781 by Mahant Ganga Ram. The site is notable for its intricate stonework, traditional architecture, religious artwork and an ancient tomb. It offers visitors a close look at the architectural heritage preserved within the old city.
Darshni Deori is traditionally associated with the place from which Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji would stand and view the Golden Temple. The site provides an important connection between the historic streets of Amritsar and the city’s Sikh heritage. Its painted and gilded ceiling adds to its architectural interest.
Near the end of Bartan Bazaar stands a large banyan tree known as Baba Bohar. Traditionally regarded as sacred, the tree has remained an important feature of the old city’s streetscape, with surrounding buildings developing around it. Visitors can see how an ancient natural feature has become part of the cultural landscape of Old Amritsar.
Thakurdwara Dariana Mal is a historic temple known for its traditional courtyard, frescoes and architectural details. Completed in 1876, the Thakurdwara is dedicated to Lord Krishna and contains two shrines. Its artwork includes floral designs and scenes from Hindu mythology, making it an interesting stop for visitors interested in Amritsar’s architectural and religious heritage.
Chowrasti Atari is a historic complex associated with Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru. According to the Heritage Walk booklet, the complex was established in the early 1600s with four passages and 32 shops. Its location at the end of Guru Bazaar illustrates the connection between religious life, trade and community activity in historic Amritsar.
Located in Katra Hari Singh, the historic Taksal is identified in the Heritage Walk booklet as Amritsar’s first mint, where coins were struck during the Sikh period. The site provides visitors with an unusual perspective on the city’s economic and political history and its role during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Located in Katra Jamadar, Thakurdwara Raja Tej Singh was constructed in 1851 by Raja Tej Singh, the nephew of Jamadar Khushal Singh. The building has undergone renovation, but its history remains part of the architectural heritage of Old Amritsar.
Crawling Street, associated with Kucha Kurrichhan, is connected with the events of April 1919. Following the assault on British missionary Marcella Sherwood, General Dyer later ordered people passing through the street to crawl on their hands and knees. The Heritage Walk identifies the area as an optional historical stop, including the former flogging booth. Visitors can learn here about the repression imposed in Amritsar during the period surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
The Ancient Passage is a traditional archway connecting the historic mohallas and katras of Old Amritsar. These passages were associated with the enclosed markets of the old city and its traditional town planning. The area also connects visitors with the historic Chudi Bazaar, known for traditional bangles and wedding ornaments. It is an excellent place to observe the living commercial heritage of Old Amritsar.
Exploring these historic places gives visitors a deeper understanding of Amritsar’s Sikh heritage, traditional architecture, historic markets, religious traditions and colonial-era history. Together, they show how the old city developed around its katras, bazaars, akharas, havelis and religious landmarks. For travellers who want to experience the heritage of Amritsar beyond its most famous attractions, this historic walk offers a fascinating journey through the city’s past.