Amritsar, situated in Northern Punjab, is the most important city of Punjab and is an important centre of Sikhism in India. It is home to the Golden Temple, the religion’s most holy site and one of the most visited. Apart from the Golden Temple, other major attractions of Amritsar are its bustling bazaars, the Jallianwala Bagh, where the 1919 massacre occurred, Gobindgarh Fort, the Partition Museum and more. Amritsar is well-connected to major cities in the north. A road trip would be a great treat for foodies, as all along the road as well as in Amritsar, one can feast on delectable Punjabi vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Best Time To Visit
Winters are generally considered the best time to visit Amritsar, from October to March. April and May are the hottest months of Amritsar so it’s best to avoid a trip during these months.
Although in winters too the temperature reaches around 4-degree celsius. Monsoons are also not the best time to visit as it remains hot and humid during rains.
How To Get There
The distance between Delhi and Amritsar by road is around 470 kilometres taking approximately 8 to 9 hours to reach. Take your own car or hire a self-driving car. Alternatively, hire a cab with a driver to get you there. You can also take a bike trip. Private bus operators offer affordable tickets starting from Rs. 750.
Route Options
There are three routes you can take to reach Amritsar from Delhi. They are mentioned below.
Route 1: The Ludhiana Route
Route Map
Delhi → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Amritsar
This route will take you approximately 8 hours, plus a few extra hours if you wish to stop at sights below when you are en route. The route mainly covers the city sights. The distance is approximately 470 kilometers via NH 44.
Popular Stopovers on the Delhi to Amritsar Route
- Tomb of Bu-Ali Shah Kalandar: Located in Panipat, this is a significant historical pilgrimage destination with loads of architectural grandeur.
- Karnal Lake: Past Panipat, approaching Ambala, visit Karnal Lake, a small and secluded place to relax in.
- Brahma Sarovar and Sri Krishna Museum: Visit this huge lake in the mythical city of Kurukshetra and don’t forget to visit the speciality museum based on the Mahabharata nearby.
- Gurudwara Manji Sahib: This is a calm and peaceful Gurudwara located in Ambala. And if you intend to take a break in Ambala, stop to eat at its famous langar.
- Phillaur Fort: On the banks of river Sutlej in Ludhiana, this fort is a historical treasure. It was designed by French and Italian generals and is used by the Punjab police force for training.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum: Check out war arsenal, jet planes, ancient artillery and other war memorabilia at this Museum in Ludhiana.
- Rangla Punjab Haveli: On the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, this is a superb theme village depicting the traditions and nuggets of Punjabi culture full of dioramas, camel rides and Punjabi cuisine; a must-visit.
Route 2: The Rohtak-Patiala Route
Route Map
Delhi → Bahadurgarh → Rohtak → Uchana → Patiala → Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Amritsar
This is a longer route which takes approximately 10 to 11 hours across NH9, 52 and AH1. This route can be explored for its interesting sights along the way.
Popular Stopovers on the Delhi to Amritsar Route
- Banni Khera Farm: Just two hours from Delhi, this farm and haveli in Rohtak makes for a culturally informative stop.
- Tilyar Lake: A nice and peaceful lake in Rohtak, good for boating and taking great pictures.
- Jayanti Devi Temple: Stop at Jind after Rohtak and visit this quaint temple believed to be 500 years old.
- Qila Mubarak: Visit this historical gem in Patiala. The architectural style is that of Sikh Palace construction.
- Moti Bagh Palace: Take a trip down history lane in Patiala when you visit this gigantic four-storeyed palace. Sheesh, Mahal or palace of mirrors is also located here.
- Sarai Lashkari Khan: Between Patiala and the town of Doraha, you will find this interesting fort which was also a backdrop for Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti.
- Mughal Sarai: Further down the highway, visit Mughal Sarai Fort, a fortification built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Sher Shah Suri.
Route 3: The Meerut Route
Route Map
Delhi → Meerut → Muzzafarnagar → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Ludhiana → Jalandhar → Amritsar
This is the longest of all three routes, running through Meerut and then connecting via Karnal, which then runs through the same cities mentioned in route 1. It will take you around 10 hours across 500 kilometers on NH 34, 709A and 44.
Popular Stopovers on the Delhi to Amritsar Route
- Augharnath Temple: Your first stop in Meerut, this temple is also known as Kali Paltan Temple and was associated with the historical revolt of 1857.
- Shaheed Smarak: A poignant tribute paid to the martyrs of the 1857 uprising, a must visit for history buffs.
- Sri Hanuman Temple: The temple is rich is mythological significance and check out Akshay Vat Vriksha, a holy mythological tree.
Safety Measures
- Roads are generally well maintained throughout all routes.
- Up to Ambala, the road is in excellent condition. Post Ambala, it tends to be good to average.
- Beware of speed guns.
- Slow down while passing villages or while making pit stops.
- Certain temple areas are populated with monkeys so take care of your personal belongings.
- Ludhiana to Jalandhar stretch may be laden with heavy traffic.
- There are plenty of dhabas on all routes serving authentic Punjabi food, including lassi and aloo parathas.
- City stops on route 1 will have plenty of options like CCD or McDonald’s
- Consult your GPS for bypasses and diversions, or ask the helpful locals.
Overall, a road trip from Delhi to Amritsar will definitely be punctuated by sights that are historically rich, with forts, monuments and natural wonders that will provide a fulfilling travel experience and ample opportunities for taking awesome pictures. So, wait no more! Get going.
