Martyrs' Obelisk: A Somber Memorial
A solemn memorial in Amritsar commemorating the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the lives lost in the fight for Indian independence.
The Martyrs' Obelisk, a towering red stone pillar, stands as the central memorial within Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. This garden serves as a permanent reminder of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, a horrific event that occurred on April 13, 1919. On that day, British troops opened fire on a large, peaceful gathering of unarmed Indians, killing hundreds. The obelisk, erected in approximately 1961, is a 45-foot-tall flame-shaped pillar. It was built to pay homage to the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives in the massacre. The memorial stands as a solemn testament to the sacrifices made during India's struggle for independence. The site is saturated with the blood of thousands of Indian patriots who were martyred in a nonviolent struggle to free India from British domination. Visitors to Jallianwala Bagh can also see the preserved bullet marks on the walls and the well into which many people jumped to escape the gunfire. The garden also houses a Martyr's Gallery, with portraits of freedom fighters. The entrance to the memorial is through a narrow passage called the “martyr's gallery,” which leads to the main garden area. It is surrounded by high walls on all sides.
Local tips
- Allow ample time for reflection to fully appreciate the gravity of the site.
- Photography is prohibited in the Martyr's Gallery.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Golden Temple for a comprehensive Amritsar experience.
A brief summary to Martyrs' Obelisk
- JVCJ+36F, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Jallan Wala Bagh, Katra Ahluwalia, Punjab, 143006, IN
Getting There
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Walking
From the Golden Temple, the Martyrs' Obelisk is approximately 1.3 kilometers away. Exit the Golden Temple complex and walk along Golden Temple Road. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transport
Local buses and auto-rickshaws frequently ply the route between the Amritsar Railway Station and Jallianwala Bagh. From the railway station, take a bus or auto-rickshaw towards the Golden Temple. Jallianwala Bagh is located adjacent to the Golden Temple. Bus fare is approximately INR 10-20. Auto-rickshaws may cost INR 50-100 depending on your negotiation skills.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Amritsar. A taxi from the Amritsar Airport (ATQ) to Jallianwala Bagh is approximately 13.5 km and takes about 14 minutes. Taxi fares generally start at INR 10.60 per kilometer. A typical taxi ride from the airport to Jallianwala Bagh will cost between INR 110-140. From the Amritsar Railway station, a taxi to Jallianwala Bagh will cost approximately INR 122.
