Here is an excellent itinerary for covering major gurdwaras and places of historical importance on the Delhi to Amritsar Sikh pilgrimage route, or even farther into Kartarpur corridor- Pakistan.
Train connectivity and bus services are available in most cases. Needless to say, travelling by your own personal vehicle will certainly make this journey a piece of cake.
To sort out the issue of multiple gurudwaras with the exact same name; I have tagged the geolocation to identify the significant place/ gurudwara (wherever required). There is no hard and fast rule for following this itinerary. It's completely up to you, in case you wish to take detours or skip any place.
The descriptions for the places are kept brief. For a valuable and rewarding trip, I therefore urge you to read through the topics in the TOC given below.
TABLE OF CONTENT
ITINERARY
Day 01- Delhi
Day 02- Singhu, Ambala, Panchkula
Day 03, 04- Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar, Kiratpur Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
Day 05- Anandpur Sahib to Amritsar via Bhakra dam, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar
Day 06, 07, 08- Amritsar
Day 09- 1 day excursion from Amritsar
Day 10- Sri Muktsar Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Day 11- Patiala and return Delhi
------ DAY 01 ------
Starting point
DELHI
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Associated with- Guru Har Krishan. He was only 5 years old when he became the 8th Sikh guru. The gurdwara is named Bangla Sahib as it was previously the bangla of Raja Jai Singh. Guru Har Krishan was only 8 years old when he left his mortal body.
Location: Connaught place, Delhi
Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
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Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib at Delhi, Chandni chowk
(front view) |
Associated with- Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru. He was martyred by beheading at the hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb at this very site. Right opp. is the chowk where Guru's 3 associates; Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayal Das and Bhai Sati Das were tortured and killed before his very own eyes.
Location: Chandni chowk market, Delhi
------ DAY 02 ------
266 km/ 5½ hrs approx
SINGHU BORDER, AMBALA, PANCHKULA
Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial
This memorial to Guru Tegh Bahadur was inaugurated in 2011. The architecture is modern and stunning.
Timings- 10 am to 6pm [Mar to Oct]
8 am to 5.30 pm [Nov to Feb]
Panjokhra Sahib
Associated with- Once on the way from Delhi to Punjab Guru Har Krishan rested here. A Hindu pandit realising Guru ji's name being similar to Bhagwan Krishna, tried to test his knowledge about The Bhagvad Gita. To this Guru replied "Lal Chand (pandit), you don't need me to reply to your questions. As a matter of fact anyone can do that". So saying this, he beckoned a deaf and mute man named Chhaju Jhiwar to the holy sarovar and made him bathe here. Guru ji then blessed him, placed his stick on his head and made him explain the meanings of the Bhagvad Gita. On seeing this the pandit was deeply humbled and became a Sikh.
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| Guru Har Krishan ji made a heap of sand and kept Nishan Sahib in it- stating anyone with faith who bathes in the sarovar will have all his wishes fulfilled |
Further Guru Har Krishan extended his stay here upon request that Sangats would be arriving to meet him from Kabul, Peshawar and Kashmir.
Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib Shaheed Baba Mit Singh ji
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| The Legend of Shaheed Baba Mit Singh ji. 1- Baba Mit Singh ji fighting the musselmans. 2- the well where the severed heads were hidden. 3- Khalsa Nishan Sahib flag |
Associated with- Around the year 1815, the musalmans attacked and killed 1000s of Sikhs. On learning that the heads of these Sikhs were severed and being carried on bullock carts to display them to Ahmed Khan Abdali in Lahore~ Baba Mitt Singh ji, captured the convoy risking his own life. He hid the heads at the site of this gurudwara which was then a forest. In the fight of resistance he was martyred. Shaheed Baba Mitt Singh ji and his wife's photos and weapons are displayed at the Darbar Sahib in this gurudwara.
Getting here-
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entrance to Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib Shaheed Baba Mit Singh ji
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From Kalka chowk [Ambala], there are shared autos ₹30 to the main highway across the gurdwara. Cross the highway and walk a bit through a field where the gurdwara is located.
Alternatively one can also approach this place from Rajpura bypass road.
Gurudwara 10th Paatshahi Sri Nada Sahib, Panchkula
Associated with- this gurudwara commemorates the spot where the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh rested for a few days enroute from Paonta Sahib to Amritsar. Weapons of gurus' many battles are on display in front of the Darbar Sahib.
Location- Panchkula near Chandigarh
Gurudwara Sri Koohni Sahib, Panchkula
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| Glittering interior of Sri Koohni Sahib, Chandigarh |
Associated with- Guru Gobind Singh who visited this place. The gurudwara's architecture and glasswork is a feast for the eyes and one might be tempted to spend more than the required time here. There is a small field behind and the surrounding lawns are well-kept making for a few moments of relaxation.
Located: about 1 km from the famous Mansa Devi temple at Manimajra. Google maps
Night stay 🛏️ at Chandigarh
------ DAY 03, 04 ------
140 km/ 3½ hrs approx
MOHALI, FATEHGARH SAHIB, RUPNAGAR, KIRATPUR SAHIB, ANANDPUR SAHIB
Fateh Burj- Baba Banda Singh Bahadur war memorial at CHAPPAR CHIRI
This recently built (2011) war memorial commemorates the site where the famous Battle of Chappar Chiri was fought between the Khalsa Sikhs led by a great commander named Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his 5 Generals, against the Mughals led by Wazir Khan. The war was fought on 12th May 1710.
It was a major victory for the Sikhs; they avenged the killings of Guru Gobind Singh's sahibzadas (sons) Fateh and Zorawar Singh. The Khalsa Republic was now established that would ultimately lead to Maharaja Ranjit Singh forming the Sikh nation.
Getting here: Bus #20 from 43 ISBT to Chhaparchiri.
Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib
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| Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib at SIRHIND |
Fatehgarh Sahib, previously known as SIRHIND is the famed battlefield for Mughal-Sikh wars. It is named after the 7 year old Fateh Singh. The gurdwara stands on the spot where the sahibzadas ie. Guru Gobind Singh ji's sons~ 7-year-old Baba Fateh Singh Ji and 9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were buried alive. To view the brick walls, one needs to climb down to the underground Bhora Sahib within the gurdwara.
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| Above pic- the yellow palkhi area within the brick walls where Guru Gobind Singh ji's sons~ 7-year-old Baba Fateh Singh Ji and 9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh Ji were buried alive on 26 Dec, 1704 |
Chamkaur Sahib
Chamkaur Sahib is a place famous for the 1st and 2nd Battle of Chamkaur between Mughals and Khalsa Sikhs. There are 5 historical gurudwaras in Chamkaur Sahib, these are~
- Gurudwara Sri Katalgarh Sahib- This gurudwara marks the spot where Guru Gobind Singh's eldest son Ajit Singh laid down his life in the thick of battle; ie the Second Battle of Chamkaur (6 Dec 1704).
- Gurudwara Sri Garhi Sahib
- Gurudwara Sri Damdama Sahib (not the same as Takht Damdama Sahib in Bhatinda)
- Gurudwar Sri Ranjitgarh Sahib
- Gurudwara Sri Tarri Sahib
Gurudwara Bhatta Sahibji
💡The drive from Rupnagar to Anandpur Sahib is smooth sailing. The highway 🛣️ is excellent and the superbly laid out canals, bridges and rivers are a sight to behold.
Gurudwara Parivar Vichora Sahib, Majri
Associated with- this where Guru Gobind Singh ji was separated from his two younger sahibzades (sons) Zorawar and Fateh.
Location: Majri Enroute Rupnagar to Kiratpur Sahib
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| Immersion of ashes at Gurudwara Pataal puri, Kiratpur Sahib |
Kiratpur Sahib, meaning city of glory was established by Guru Hargobind (6th Sikh Guru) in 1627. The town is dotted with many important gurudwaras, such as~
Gurudwara Pataal puri
Associated with- The waters of the Sutlej flowing beside Gurudwara Pataal puri is made pure with the ashes of Guru Hargobind and Guru Har Rai. Sikhs from all over visit the gurudwara to complete the last rites of their departed loved ones.
Location: It is situated on the banks of the Sutlej on the Nangal-Rupnagar-Chandigarh road. Walk left from the bottom of Rupnagar flyover bridge.
Gurudwara Babangarh Sahib
On 11 Nov 1675, After Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, Bhai Jaitaji carried the Guru's sacred head from Chandni chowk, Delhi and reached Kiratpur Sahib. Gurudwara Babangarh Sahib sanctifies the place where Guru Gobind Singh received his father's pious head.
Location: inside Kiratpur Sahib village market
Gurudwara Sheesh Mahal
Associated with- this gurudwara commemorates the house where the 6th, 7th and 8th Sikh gurus lived.
Location: inside Kiratpur Sahib village market, lane opp. Gurudwara Babangarh
Within Kiratpur Sahib village and market area, there are many other significant gurudwaras which can be visited depending on your time availability.
Thereafter cross the main road and walk straight ahead for about 1 km to our next spot, which is~
💡Take help from locals wherever required.
Gurudwara Guruditta ji
Associated with- Baba Guruditta ji was Guru Hargobind's eldest son. He also fought in the Battle of Kartarpur- 1635 alongside his father.
From Gurudwara Babangarh Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh took the sacred head of his father in a procession to Anandpur Sahib for cremation. As you drive into Anantpur Sahib you will see a pillar constructed here (courtesy- Punjab Govt ). Upon entering the town to the left is the sacred pond where pilgrims take a dip. Right ahead is the majestic gurudwara-fortress of Kesgarh Sahib.
There are some nice budget hotels/ lodges at Anandpur Sahib. Plus there is also a budget pilgrim's stay facility in the lane, to the right of Kesgarh Sahib.
Hotel 🛏️ check-in
Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib, Anandpur Sahib
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Another Gurudwara by the same name- Sis Ganj Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Note the beautiful silvery bejeweled like dome at the top.
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Associated with- commemorates the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was cremated.
Location: From Kesgarh Sahib, take the left lane to Sisganj Sahib and Akal Bunga Sahib. The lane passes through the bazar. Here are some good restaurants where you can stop for a bite. 🍽️
Gurudwara Akal Bunga Sahib
Associated with- following the cremation of his father, the 9 year old Guru Gobind Singh raised the Zafarnama (a letter of victory) to the huge gathering, that stated:
"When all other means prove futile to end the tyrant and tyranny, the only justifiable alternative is to raise the sword."
This is where Guru Gobind Singh ji forged ordinary peasants into a martial race. Anandpur Sahib is the headquarters of the Khalsa.
Ideally it's best to get some rest after a tiring day and utilise the next day for looking around Anandpur Sahib.
------ Next day at Anandpur Sahib------
Takht Shri Kesgarh Sahib gurudwara
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| The Fortress- Gurudwara- Shri Kesgarh Sahib |
Of the five Qilas (fortresses) that Guru Gobind Rai built in 1688, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is the most important and best preserved. It is also the 2nd of the five takhats. The marble used in building the gurudwara is quarried from the hills that dominate the town. The other 4 fortresses are clearly visible from the top of Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
This is where the Guru performed the first baptism on Baisakhi day in 1699.
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| The baptism of the Five Blessed ones (Panj Pyare) by Guru Gobind Rai, late 19th CE painting, watercolour on paper |
The Panj Pyare would form the core of the new casteless community ~ The Khalsa or the pure.
There is a small museum nearby which houses some interesting paintings and artifacts of Sikh history, plus an audio-visual show depicting important moments in the gurus' lives.
From Sri Kesgarh Sahib, hire an auto to Qila Anandgarh Sahib (2 kms approx). You will pass by some smaller but pretty gurudwaras like this~
Location: gurudwara tarna dal harian wella (history unknown) Google maps
Gurudwara Kila Sri Anandgarh Sahib
Qila Anandgarh, meaning fort of bliss is the 2nd of the six forts built by Guru Gobind Singh ji. The Qilas were meant to protect Sikhs from Mughals and the hill rajas, who saw the Guru as a rising threat to their dominion.
There are some interesting features within the fort complex like~ the steps leading down to a baoli ie.open well .
The other 4 forts Lohgarh, Holgarh,
Fatehgarh and Taragarh are also within walking distance from Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Virasat-e-Khalsa museum
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| A remarkable piece of modern architecture~ Virasat-e-khalsa museum building is as fascinating as the museum itself |
Virasat-e-khalsa museum, entirely based on the theme of Sikhism is the most engrossing, lively and innovative concept museum I've visited. It is informative, entertaining and guaranteed to keep you engaged for atleast a few hours. Entry is Free, however there is a registration process, so do carry your ID (Aadhaar/ voter id/ DL/ passport)
------ DAY 05 ------
BHAKRA DAM, HOSHIARPUR, JALANDHAR, AMRITSAR
5.20 hrs/ 220 kms approx
Bhakra Nangal dam & Gobind Sagar
This controversial project started in 1963 on the massive Gobind Sagar lake received much criticism from environmentalists and the people who were displaced.
It's a great recreational stopover from Anandpur Sahib enroute Una (roughly 23 kms).
Onwards to Amritsar via Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar
Visit Bajwara fort and Sheesh mahal at Hoshiarpur if time permits.
On reaching Amritsar, ideally take up quarters closer to Harminder Sahib or thereabouts. There is a great deal to do in and around Amritsar so reserve a couple of days and take it easy...
Hotel 🛏️ check-in at Amritsar
---- Day 06 ----
AMRITSAR
Amritsar~ the most sacred among all cities on the Sikh pilgrimage route was founded by Guru Ram Das, the 4th Sikh guru. Later Sikh emperor Ranjit Singh enhanced and gilded the city.
Harmandir Sahib (Golden temple)
Starting the day with the strains of gurbani at the break of dawn is a splendid way to soak in the spiritual ambience at the Golden temple; It's at a whole new level altogether. The Akal Takht and the Sikh museum are in the same complex.
Partake of the chai langar thereafter. There are a number of restaurants in the lane opp. Harminder Sahib which serve a hearty breakfast of kulchas etc all within one's means.
A short walk from Harmandir Sahib is Gurudwara Atal baba; dedicated to Atal Rai~ a son of Guru Hargobind Singh ji. Of interest here are the murals and frescoes depicting the lives of the gurus.
Jalianwala baug
The recently beautified Jalianwala baug memorial is a reminder of a dark chapter in our history. On 13 April 1919 General O'Dyer ordered to open fire on a large gathering of unarmed helpless protesters. Timings: 6.30 am to 7 pm
Lunch break 🍽️ and rest
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| Amritsari kulcha plus fruit beer |
Amritsar is a riot of flavours. From the succulent Amritsari kulcha to the thick buttery and delicious lassi with copious amounts of cream.
Shopping at Amritsar
The shops surrounding the Golden temple sell Sikh religious items. For a real shopping experience, head to bazar lanes (2kms ahead) for traditional wear; salwar suit sets, patialas, jootis etc.
Spend the rest of the evening or night at the Golden temple complex to get the complete experience of both worlds.
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| Golden temple at night time |
---- Day 07 ----
AMRITSAR
Partition museum, Amritsar
The Partition museum is housed in the historic Town Hall building and is a reminder of the painful period of partition. Allow atleast 3 hours to soak in the nostalgia that the museum has to offer. Timings- 10am to 6pm. Visit during first half of the day.
Wagah border beating retreat ceremony
For an absolutely mesmerizing, high velocity experience head to the Indo-Pak border at Wagah for the beating retreat.
Timings- 4 pm onwards
Getting there- nothing to worry. Private minivan operators conduct group tours and they literally approach you. Tickets cost approx ₹250 - ₹300/-
---- Day 08 ----
AMRITSAR
Most people leave within 2 days after completing their bucket list. It's totally up to you to consider your own personal priorities.
For a dose of historic nostalgia take a slow cycle rickshaw ride or leisurely walk around exploring the city.
The Rambagh palace (Summer palace) of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
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The elaborate main entrance to Summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Amritsar
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The Summer palace was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1831 .
Maharaja Ranjit Singh panorama
This panorama (museum) depicts the life and wars fought by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Gobindgarh fort and attached Toshakhana
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the nostalgia of history. Allow atleast 2½ hours as the fort area is huge. There are museums, bhangra dance performances, 7D movie theatre and souvenir shops selling typically Punjabi merchandise.
Getting there- about 10 min by auto from Harmandir Sahib.
---- Day 09 ----
4.15 hrs/ 183 kms approx
TARN TARAN SAHIB, GOINDWAL SAHIB, KAPURTHALA, KARTARPUR, SULTANPUR LODHI, Return AMRITSAR
Sri Darbar Sahib at Tarn Taran Sahib
The town of Tarn Taran was founded by Guru Arjan Singh [the 5th Sikh guru] who thereafter laid the foundation for Gurudwara Sri Darbar Sahib. The gurudwara is renowned for having the the largest sarovar ie water pond.
Getting here: It is located roughly 25 kms south of Amritsar.
Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib
The town of Goindwal Sahib is located on the banks of the river Beas. This is where the 3rd Sikh guru; Guru Amardas lived for 33 years and from where he preached. This is also the birthplace of Guru Arjan. The gurudwara is also renowned for the 84 steps baoli, meaning well (adjacent to gurudwara Goindwal) whereby one can gain moksha. 8km from here is Sri Khadur Sahib where the gurus spent considerable time.
Kapurthala (leisure and sightseeing enroute)
Kapurthala, the least populated city according to 2011 census was once a princely state belonging to the Ahluwalia Sikh rulers during British India. Its history however goes back to the 11th ce when it was founded by the Kotak Rajputs and thereafter came came Muslim rule (Delhi Sultanate and Mughals) until 1772.
The city's tastefully designed buildings in French and Indo Sarcenic style make it truly endearing. Certain historic buildings are now converted into schools and military academies due to which entry might be restricted. Eg- Sainik school was formerly the palace of Maharaja Jagjit Singh, MGN school was once the Elysee Palace commissioned by Kanwar Bikrama Singh in 1862.
Places of interest in KAPURTHALA are ~
Darbar hall (Diwan-i-Aam) or District court buildings, Moorish mosque, Shalimar gardens, the State Gurudwara, Kanjli wetlands, Guru Nanak hockey stadium and Brahmkund mandir.
💡 If the number of places to visit and the time available at hand exceeds, kindly use discretion and split Day 09 places over 2 days.
Sultanpur Lodhi
As the name suggests, Sultanpur Lodhi has been the bastion of its founder Bahlol Lodhi of Delhi Sultanate's Lodhi dynasty since 1443 CE. Bahlol Khan Lodhi was a powerful leader and governor of Punjab who also founded the Lodhi dynasty after the Sayyid dynasty disintegration. The Lodhi rule coincided with the birth of Sikhism.
The town of Sultanpur Lodhi is closely associated with the life of Guru Nanak the 1st Sikh guru who spent his early years working for Nawab Daulat Khan Lodi. Some historically significant gurudwaras at Sultanpur Lodhi are~
Gurudwara Ber Sahib: where Nanak spent his time meditating under a ber tree and where he first uttered the Mool mantra. The other gurudwaras are Gurudwara Bebe Nanak, Gurudwara Shri Guru ka bagh and Gurudwara Shri Sant ghat Sahib.
Jang-e-azadi memorial at Kartarpur
Kartarpur was the battlefield ground for the famous Battle of Kartarpur between Mughals and Sikhs in April 1635. The recently built Jang-e-azadi memorial commemorates the sacrifices made by the people of Punjab towards India's independence struggle.
---- Return Amritsar ----
💡I am unaware of the procedure and formalities for Kartarpur Corridor- Pakistan, hence do check online about it.
---- Day 10 ----
5 hrs/ 255 kms approx
SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, TAKHT DAMDAMA SAHIB
Gurudwara Taran Taaran Sahib at Sri Muktsar Sahib
Muktsar Sahib is the name of a district in Punjab that has an interesting incident of Sikh history attached to it. At the time (1704 CE) when the holy city of Anandpur Sahib was under an 8 month long siege by the combined forces of Mughals and Hill Rajas, 40 Sikhs unable to bear the sufferings of lack of food decided to quit Sikhism and abandoned Guru Gobind Singh ji. They sought refuge at a village where lived a brave woman named Mai Bhago. She restored their faith in the Guru. The Sikhs filled with remorse joined hands again and fought in the Battle of Muktsar Sahib making the supreme sacrifice.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib
This is the 3rd of the 5 panj Takhts of Sikhism and therefore important. Damdama meaning 'resting place' is revered, as it was here that Guru Gobind Singh ji stayed back and compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib. After doing so, he departed for the Deccan.
Day 11
2.45 hrs/ 150 kms approx
PATIALA
The once princely state of Patiala was founded by Ala Singh in 1763, ie. the first Maharaja of Patiala. On account of its rich history, there are a number of interesting places to see here, such as~
▪️Qila Mubarak (Patiala) - which is a fortress built by the Maharaja of Patiala.
▪️ Bahadurgarh fort - a Mughal era fort. It later came under the procession of Guru Tegh Bahadur who lived here for 3 months before leaving for Delhi where he would meet his tragic fate.
▪️Kali devi mandir - that was commissioned by the royals.
▪️ Gurudwara Dukhi Niwaran Sahib - It is associated with 9th Sikh guru; Guru Tegh Bahadur who spent time in this place. The sarovar ie. 'water body' here is said to possess miraculous properties.
▪️ Gurudwara Moti Bagh and
▪️ Moti bagh palace
---- Return Delhi -----
Hope you find this blog useful. Do comment and suggest any other nice places I might have missed. Thanks for reading 🙏.
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