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India’s diversity stands as its greatest strength, especially evident in its magnificent Gurudwaras, the sacred shrines of Sikhism. Home to nearly 95% of the global Sikh population, India is blessed with numerous Gurudwaras scattered across the country. These revered places are remarkable for their inclusivity, as they welcome individuals of all religions and beliefs. Each Gurudwara holds a unique history and deep significance, making them essential sites of worship and pilgrimage for the Sikh community. If you find yourself in India, a visit to a Gurudwara offers a profound insight into the rich history and vibrant culture of Sikhism. Here’s a list of the 25 best Gurudwaras in India that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
1- Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
Many of the most important Gurudwaras are in Punjab, the birthplace of Sikhism. The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, is the holiest Gurudwara and a major pilgrimage site in Amritsar. Built over 400 years ago by Guru Nanak, the temple is made of marble and gold, surrounded by a sacred pool of water. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolises the strength and faith of the Sikh community, attracting pilgrims from around the world.
- Location: Amritsar, Punjab, India
- Weather: Amritsar experiences a subtropical climate. Winters are mild and dry, with cool nights. Summers are hot and accompanied by rainfall, with the monsoon season stretching from July to mid-September.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- How to reach: Amritsar is accessible by air, road, and rail.
2- Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji, Delhi
The Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji is the most visited Sikh Gurudwara in Delhi and one of the most renowned Sikh shrines in India. Situated in the heart of downtown Delhi, near Connaught Place (CP), it was established in honour of the 8th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji. This Gurudwara is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide and also attracts numerous tourists from both India and abroad.
- Location: Delhi, India
- Weather: Delhi experiences an extreme climate, with hot summers from April to July and cold winters in December and January.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: Delhi is accessible by air, road, and rail.
3- Gurudwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib Ji, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Gurudwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib Ji, situated in the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, is a significant Sikh shrine built in honour of the 9th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
- Location: Delhi, India
- Weather: Delhi experiences an extreme climate, with intensely hot summers from April to July and bitterly cold winters in December and January.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: Delhi is accessible by air, road, or train.
4- Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib Ji, Delhi
Gurudwara Shri Rakabganj Sahib Ji is located near the Parliament House in New Delhi.
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Weather: Delhi experiences extreme weather, with scorching summers from April to July and chilly winters in December and January.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: Delhi can be accessed by air, road, or train.
5- Gurudwara Shri Jyotisar Ji, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Gurudwara Shri Jyotisar Ji is located in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and was built to honour the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Location: Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
- Weather: Kurukshetra experiences a warm and temperate climate, with summers receiving more rainfall than the winters.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- How to reach: Kurukshetra is accessible by air, road, or rail.
6- Gurudwara Shri Dera Baba Nanak Ji, Gurdaspur, Punjab
Gurudwara Shri Dera Baba Nanak Ji is located in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and was built to honour the founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Location: Gurdaspur, Punjab
- Weather: The region experiences a subtropical climate, with dry and mild winters, characterised by cold nights, and hot, rainy summers.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- How to reach: Punjab is accessible by road, rail, or air.
7- Gurudwara Shri Damdama Sahib Ji, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab
Gurudwara Shri Damdama Sahib Ji is located in Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, and was built to honour the fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Arjan Dev Ji.
- Location: Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, India
- Weather: The region experiences a subtropical climate, with dry and mild winters, cold nights, and hot, rainy summers.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- How to reach: Punjab is accessible by road, rail, or air.
8- Gurudwara Shri Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji, Nanded, Maharashtra
Gurudwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji is located in Nanded, Maharashtra, and was built to honor the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This Gurudwara is also the sacred site where the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was declared the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
- Location: Nanded, Maharashtra, India
- Weather: Maharashtra experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Summers are hot, while winters are cool and pleasant.
- Best time to visit: The winter season (November to February)
- How to reach: Nanded has its own Hazur Sahib Railway Station, which is well-connected by road to various locations within Maharashtra. The nearest domestic airport to Nanded is Aurangabad Airport, while the closest international airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
9- Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji, situated in Garkhal, Kasauli, in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the oldest Sikh shrines. The Gurudwara also offers accommodation facilities for devotees.
- Location: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Weather: Kasauli experiences a warm and temperate climate. Summers are mild and moderate, while winters are quite chilly. The monsoon season tends to be humid and oppressive.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, is during the summer when the days are pleasant and the skies are clear.
- How to reach: Kasauli, a quaint town, does not have its airport. The nearest airport is in Chandigarh, while the closest railway station is in Kalka.
10- Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji Gurudwara is one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites.
- Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India
- Weather: The weather in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, stays pleasant year-round. Summer temperatures can soar up to 34°C, while in winter, they can drop to freezing levels.
- Best time to visit: November to March and July to August.
- How to reach: Reachable from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.
Conclusion
These 10 Gurudwaras across India provide deep spiritual experiences and cultural richness. From the tranquil Golden Temple in Amritsar to the historic Hemkund Sahib Ji in Chamoli, each Gurudwara holds immense significance for both Sikhs and visitors. Embark on a journey to these sacred sites to immerse yourself in the vibrant Sikh heritage and discover a sense of inner peace.
