Anandpur Sahib Day Trip

Anandpur Sahib, the City of Bliss, is one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It was here, on the day of Baisakhi in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa, the order of initiated Sikhs, in a ceremony that remains at the centre of Sikh identity. The town's focal point is Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, one of the five Takhts, or seats of authority, in Sikhism, and a large gurdwara that draws pilgrims throughout the year, with special crowds at the festival of Hola Mohalla in the spring, when Sikhs gather for processions, martial displays and music. The town also has a modern landmark, the Virasat-e-Khalsa, a museum devoted to five centuries of Sikh history, designed by the architect Moshe Safdie with sweeping, curved roofs and pools that echo the sacred tanks of gurdwaras. Galleries use film, art and interactive displays to tell the story of the Gurus, the Khalsa and the Punjabi people. Together, the historic gurdwara and the contemporary museum make a rich pairing, and the setting at the foot of the hills adds beauty.

The Divine Journey excursion linked here covers a pilgrimage route from Amritsar to Anandpur Sahib and nearby gurdwaras, and it is a long day. The drive each way is several hours, so start early and be prepared for a full day on the road. In exchange, you see a part of Punjab that few foreign visitors reach and you experience a pilgrimage site in an everyday rather than a touristy atmosphere. A guide can explain the history and the rituals, and help with logistics in busy periods.

Etiquette follows the usual Sikh norms. Cover your head, remove shoes and wash your feet before entering, dress modestly and keep voices low. Offerings of sweet prasad are accepted with both hands, and the community kitchen serves free meals just as at Amritsar, so it is easy to eat well. Photography is generally restricted inside shrines but allowed in many outdoor areas, and the museum has its own rules, so follow signs.

Think about timing. Hola Mohalla, the spring festival, brings enormous crowds and a festive atmosphere, which some travellers love and others find overwhelming, so check the dates if you want to see it or avoid it. Other times of year are quieter and more contemplative. Summer is hot and the winter mornings can be cool and foggy, so dress in layers. The museum is large and deserves a couple of hours, so ask your guide to prioritise what you want to see, whether that is the museum, the gurdwara or the surrounding shrines.

For travellers with a particular interest in Sikh history, it is one of the most meaningful excursions from Amritsar, and a natural complement to the Golden Temple, showing the faith's later development and the origin of the Khalsa.

Carry a scarf for covering your head, modest clothing and a small bag for your shoes, since cloakrooms can be busy. If you are prone to travel sickness, plan the journey with breaks and consider taking medication beforehand, as the road includes winding stretches as you approach the hills. The reward is a spiritually rich day far from the usual tourist circuit.