Table of Contents
India’s diversity is its greatest gift, especially reflected in its majestic Gurudwaras, the holy shrines of Sikhism. Home to about 95% of the Sikh population, India boasts numerous Gurudwaras spread across the nation. These sacred places are unique because they welcome people of all religions and faiths. Each Gurudwara has a distinct history and significance, making them important sites of worship and pilgrimage for the Sikh community. If you’re in India, visiting a Gurudwara offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Sikhism. Here’s a list of the 25 best Gurudwaras in India that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
1- Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

Many Gurudwaras are in Punjab, the birthplace of Sikhism. One of the most famous is the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji or Sri Darbar Sahib Ji, in Amritsar. This is the holiest Gurudwara and a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Built over 400 years ago in the 16th century by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, the Golden Temple has stood the test of time. It represents the strength and faith of the Sikh community. Made of marble and gold, a pool of holy water surrounds the temple. It is a magnificent shrine with a large tank at its center and has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims from around the world visit the Golden Temple to worship.
- Location: Amritsar in Punjab, India
- Weather: Amritsar has a subtropical climate. Winters are mild and dry, though nights can get cold. Summers are hot and rainy. The monsoon season lasts from July to mid-September.
- Best time to visit: From November to March
- How to reach: You can reach Amritsar by air, road, or rail.
2- Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji, Delhi

The most visited Sikh Gurudwara in Delhi is Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib Ji, one of India’s most popular Sikh shrines. Located in the heart of downtown Delhi at Connaught Place (CP), it was built in memory of the 8th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Harkrishan Ji. This Gurudwara is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide and is also well-known among tourists from 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: From October to March
- How to reach: You can reach Delhi by air, road, or rail.
3- Gurudwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib Ji, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Gurudwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib Ji, located in the busy markets of Chandni Chowk, is an important shrine built in memory of the 9th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
- Location: Delhi, India
- Weather: Delhi has an extreme climate, with very hot summers from April to July and very cold winters in December and January.
- Best time to visit: From October to March
- How to reach: You can reach Delhi by air, road, or train.
4- Gurudwara Shri Rakab Ganj Sahib Ji, Delhi

Gurudwara Shri Rakabganj Sahib Ji is close to Parliament House in New Delhi.
- Location: Delhi, India
- Weather: Delhi experiences extreme weather, with hot summers from April to July and cold winters in December and January.
- Best time to visit: From October to March
- How to reach: You can travel to Delhi by air, road, or train.
5- Gurudwara Shri Jyotisar Ji, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Gurudwara Shri Jyotisar Ji is situated in Kurukshetra, Haryana, and was constructed to honor the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
- Location: Kurukshetra in Haryana, India
- Weather: Kurukshetra has a warm and temperate climate. Summers receive more rainfall compared to winters.
- Best time to visit: From September to March
- How to reach: You can reach Kurukshetra by air, road, or rail.
6- Gurudwara Shri Dera Baba Nanak Ji, Gurdaspur, Punjab

Gurudwara Shri Dera Baba Nanak Ji is situated in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and was constructed in honor of the founder of the Sikh faith, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Location: Gurdaspur in Punjab
- Weather: The region has a subtropical climate with dry and mild winters, featuring cold nights and hot and rainy summers.
- Best time to visit: From November to March
- How to reach: You can travel to Punjab by road, rail, or air.
7- Gurudwara Shri Damdama Sahib Ji, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab

Gurudwara Shri Damdama Sahib Ji is situated in Talwandi Sabo, Punjab, and was constructed to honor the fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Arjan Dev Ji.
- Location: Talwandi Sabo in Punjab, India
- Weather: The region has a subtropical climate with dry and mild winters, cold nights, and hot and rainy summers.
- Best time to visit: From November to March
- How to reach: You can reach Punjab by road, rail, or air.
8- Gurudwara Shri Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji, Nanded, Maharashtra

Gurudwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib Ji is situated in Nanded, Maharashtra, and was constructed in honor of the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This Gurudwara is also where the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was declared the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
- Location: Nanded in Maharashtra, India
- Weather: Maharashtra has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Summers are hot, and winters are chilly.
- Best time to visit: The winter season (from November to February)
- How to reach: Nanded has its own Hazur Sahib Railway Station, which is well-connected by road to various places in 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

Located in Garkhal, Kasauli, in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji is one of the oldest Sikh shrines. The Gurudwara also provides accommodation facilities for devotees.
- Location: Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh, India
- Weather: Kasauli generally has a warm and temperate climate. Summers are mild and moderate, while winters are very chilly. The monsoon season is humid and oppressive.
- Best time to visit: The ideal 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 small town, does not have an airport. The nearest one is in Chandigarh. The closest railway station is in Kalka.
10- Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji Gurudwara is among the most sacred Sikh pilgrimage sites.
- Location: Chamoli in Uttarakhand, India
- Weather: Chamoli, Uttarakhand’s weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Temperatures can reach up to 34 degrees Celsius in summer and drop to freezing point in winter.
- Best time to visit: From November to March and from July to August
- How to reach: Access from Govindghat on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.
Conclusion
These 10 Gurudwaras across India offer profound spiritual experiences and cultural richness. Whether the serene Golden Temple in Amritsar or the historic Hemkund Sahib Ji in Chamoli, each Gurudwara holds deep significance for Sikhs and visitors alike. Plan your journey to these sacred sites to immerse yourself in the vibrant Sikh heritage and find inner peace.
FAQs
Q1: What are Gurudwaras?
Ans: Gurudwaras are Sikh places where Sikhs gather for congregational worship and to offer prayers.
Q2: What makes these Gurudwaras special?
Ans: Each Gurudwara has its unique significance, whether historical, architectural, or spiritual. They often commemorate events or places associated with Sikh history and culture.
Q3: Where are these Gurudwaras located?
Ans: The 10 best Gurudwaras in India are spread across different regions, from Punjab to Delhi, Maharashtra, and even Uttarakhand.
Q4: Can non-Sikhs visit Gurudwaras?
Ans: Gurudwaras are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Visitors are welcome to participate in prayers and experience Sikh hospitality.
Q5: What should I wear when visiting a Gurudwara?
Ans: Visitors are required to cover their heads with a scarf or handkerchief before entering the Gurudwara. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is also recommended out of respect for the religious place.
Q6: Are there any specific rules to follow inside a Gurudwara?
Ans: Yes, some common practices include washing your hands and feet before entering the main hall, refraining from smoking or consuming alcohol on the premises, and maintaining silence during prayer times.
Q7: Do Gurudwaras serve food to visitors?
Ans: Almost all Gurudwaras have a community kitchen known as “Langar,” where free meals are served to all visitors, irrespective of their religion, caste, or creed.
Q8: What is the significance of Langar in Gurudwaras?
Ans: Langar symbolizes equality and the importance of community service in Sikhism. It allows people to come together, eat a meal, and serve others.
Q9: Are there guided tours available at these Gurudwaras?
Ans: Many Gurudwaras offer guided tours for visitors, especially those interested in learning more about Sikh history, culture, and traditions.
Q10: Can I donate to Gurudwaras?
Ans: Gurudwaras rely on donations from the community and visitors to maintain their operations and support charitable activities. Donations are voluntary and can be made in cash or in kind.