Sikhism's holiest shrine — a gilded temple afloat on a sacred pool. Open to all.
Golden Temple is in Amritsar. Entry is Free for Indian visitors. It opens open 24 hours, every day. Open all week, all year. The best time is Dawn or after dark. When the gold glows over the water.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sacred pool | 1577, by Guru Ram Das |
| Temple | completed around 1589 |
| Gold plating | added 1809, by Ranjit Singh |
| Faith | Sikhism |
| Location | Amritsar, Punjab |
The Golden Temple is Sikhism's holiest place. Guru Ram Das dug its sacred pool in 1577. Guru Arjan built the central shrine by about 1589.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh added the gold plating in 1809. The gilded dome now glows over the Amrit Sarovar. The Guru Granth Sahib rests inside each day.
The temple has four doors. Open to every direction and faith. All visitors are welcome, whatever their religion. It remains a living centre of Sikh worship.
Sources: SGPC — official · Golden Temple — Wikipedia · Punjab Tourism.
A gold-domed shrine on a shimmering sacred tank.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple |
| Sits on | The Amrit Sarovar, a sacred pool |
| Doors | Four, open to all directions |
| Material | Marble base, gold-plated upper storeys |
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gold leaf (upper floors) | About 400 kg | Wikipedia |
| Sacred pool size | About 154 × 148 m | Wikipedia |
| Pool depth | About 5 m | Wikipedia |
| Langar meals | Over 100,000 daily | Wikipedia |
| Sacred pool dug | 1577, by Guru Ram Das | Wikipedia |
| Shrine completed | By 1604 | Wikipedia |
| Gold added | 1809, by Ranjit Singh | Wikipedia |
| Doors | Four, open to all | Wikipedia |
| Entry | Free for everyone | SGPC |
| Faces | The Akal Takht | Wikipedia |
| Houses | The Guru Granth Sahib | Wikipedia |
| City | Amritsar, Punjab | Wikipedia |
| Also called | Harmandir Sahib | SGPC |
Gold leaf sheathes the upper floors. It totals about 400 kilograms. Marble clads the lower walls.
The sacred pool is almost square. It measures about 154 by 148 metres. It is around 5 metres deep.
Guru Ram Das dug the pool in 1577. The shrine was completed by 1604. Ranjit Singh added the gold in 1809.
Four doors open to all directions. They welcome every caste and creed. The message is radical equality.
The free langar feeds vast crowds. It serves over 100,000 meals daily. Entry for all is free.
The Akal Takht faces the shrine. It handles Sikh temporal matters. Its plaza fills for gatherings.
The scripture rests inside by day. It returns at night in a palki. Volunteers carry it with song.
Sources: SGPC — official · Golden Temple — Wikipedia · Punjab Tourism.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: SGPC — official · Golden Temple — Wikipedia · Punjab Tourism.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1577 | Guru Ram Das digs the sacred pool. |
| 1604 | The Adi Granth is installed here. |
| 1809 | Ranjit Singh adds the gold plating. |
| 1984 | The complex is damaged, then restored. |
Sources: SGPC — official · Golden Temple — Wikipedia · Punjab Tourism.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours, every day. |
| Weekly closing | Open all week, all year. |
| Best time to visit | Dawn or after dark, when the gold glows over the water. |
| How long to allow | Allow two to three hours, with the langar. |
Sources: SGPC — official · Golden Temple — Wikipedia · Punjab Tourism.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| From the city | In the heart of old Amritsar |
| Nearest station | Amritsar Junction, about 2 km |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Amritsar from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
The temple sits in the walled old city. Autos and e-rickshaws reach the gates.
Plan around India's seasons. Dawn or after dark. When the gold glows over the water.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Amritsar to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Amritsar guide for the best areas.
Everyone must cover their head inside.
Leave shoes at the free counters. Wash your feet.
Join the free community meal. It is a moving experience.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | Free |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Golden Temple with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
Entry is free for everyone, of every faith.
It is open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Yes. Everyone must cover their head and remove their shoes.
A free community kitchen. It serves over 100,000 people daily.
From the city: In the heart of old Amritsar; Nearest station: Amritsar Junction. About 2 km.
Dawn or after dark. When the gold glows over the water.
Allow two to three hours, with the langar.
Yes. Sikhism's holiest shrine — a gilded temple afloat on a sacred pool. Open to all.
You can also visit Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Amritsar guide.
Stay in Amritsar. See our Amritsar guide.
Keep exploring around Amritsar.
