Jallianwala Bagh: A Memorial of the Amritsar Massacre
A memorial garden in Amritsar commemorating the 1919 massacre, a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence; a somber and reflective experience.
Jallianwala Bagh, located near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is a site of profound historical significance in India's struggle for independence. On April 13, 1919, British troops under the command of General Reginald Dyer opened fire on a large, peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians. This brutal event, known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, left a permanent scar on Indo-British relations and fueled the Indian independence movement. On that fateful day, a crowd of at least 10,000 people had gathered in the Bagh to protest the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of pro-independence leaders. The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to arrest and detain individuals without trial, sparking widespread outrage. Many villagers had also come to Amritsar to celebrate Baisakhi, a spring festival. The Jallianwala Bagh was enclosed by walls with only one narrow exit. Dyer's troops blocked the exit and, without warning, opened fire on the crowd, continuing until their ammunition was nearly depleted. Hundreds were killed and many more wounded. Today, Jallianwala Bagh stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives. Visitors can walk through the garden, see the bullet marks on the walls, and reflect at the Martyrs' Well, where many jumped to escape the gunfire. The site includes a memorial structure, a museum, and a gallery that commemorate the tragic incident. The Jallianwala Bagh is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and a place to honor the lives lost.
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Photography is allowed, but be respectful and refrain from taking selfies in a disrespectful manner.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Check for any special events or commemoration ceremonies that may be taking place during your visit.
A brief summary to Jallianwala Bagh
- Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Jallan Wala Bagh, Katra Ahluwalia, Punjab, IN
- Monday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6:30 pm
Getting There
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Walking
Jallianwala Bagh is located very close to the Golden Temple. From the Golden Temple, exit the main entrance and walk west along Golden Temple Road. Jallianwala Bagh is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. There are clear signs directing you to the entrance. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
If arriving by bus to Amritsar, the Amritsar Bus Stand (also known as the Inter State Bus Terminus or ISBT) is about 1.8 km from Jallianwala Bagh. From the bus stand, you can take a local bus towards the Golden Temple, which is a short walk from Jallianwala Bagh. Local bus fare is minimal. Alternatively, a free bus service is available from the bus depot to the Golden Temple. From there it is a short walk to Jallianwala Bagh.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Amritsar. From nearly anywhere in Amritsar, you can hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing app to get to Jallianwala Bagh. A short taxi ride within the city will typically cost between ₹122 to ₹190 INR. Ensure the driver knows the location, as it's a well-known landmark.
