Read More on Gobindgarh Fort
History
The history of this fort dates back to the 18th century when it was built by a local chieftain of the Bhangi Misl named Gujar Singh Bhangi built as a mud fortress in the 18th century, hence the name. However, Gobindgarh was conquered and renovated in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort had five cannons which included the famous two Zamzama cannons. After the country’s independence, it became a bastion of the Indian army and remained inaccessible to civilians for a long time. On 10th February 2017, the fort was opened to the public as a live heritage museum.
Architecture
The fort is made of bricks and lime and is laid out in a square. Each of the fort’s corners has a parapet and two doors. It originally had 25 cannons mounted on its ramparts and has four bastions. There are four strategically located bastions inside the fort premises, each displaying the Anglo-Sikh style of architecture. The fort also has an underground tunnel that leads towards Lahore and a deep moat that encircles the walls.
Activities
- Sher-e-Punjab - It is A 7D show based on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh that provides you a glimpse of the history of the 19th century in an immersive way
- Toshakhana, Coin museum - This museum once stored the coveted Kohinoor diamond, and is now a converted coin museum for old and rare coins. It also houses the replica of the Kohinoor as it was worn by the Maharaja.
- The Bungalow, Ancient Warfare museum - The Anglo Sikh Bungalow within the premises, has now been converted into an Ancient Warfare museum which has several replicas of instruments and attires of warfare.
- Spirit of Punjab - A stage show that keeps the fort alive all day long with live performances of bhangra, gidda, comedy, etc.
- Whispering Walls - It is a show using state-of-the-art projection mapping technologies and laser lights. It is held every evening post-sunset. Each day, there is a Punjabi as well as an English show.
Tips for visiting
- You take a guided tour to understand the history of the place.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk to explore the place.
- You must visit the fort a little in the evening as the Whispering Walls show takes place post-sunset every day.
Best time to visit
Amritsar has an extreme climate, which is very hot summers and very cold winters. Therefore the best months to visit are October and November, February and March when the temperature is pleasant and cool.
Nearby Atractions
- Wagah Border
- Partition Museum
- Akal Takht
- Central Sikh Museum
Nearby market/ shopping places
Visit these places on your next trip to Amritsar for an affordable shopping -
- Lahori Gate Market- This market offers everything from ladies’ wear, cotton suits, and dress materials to Pashmina shawls.
- Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar- This market has a variety of shops that has a huge collection of sarees, Pashmina shawls, footwear, woodwork, jewelry, Phulkari design dress materials, wedding attire for men and women, and handicraft items.
- Hall Bazaar- This market has a wide collection of Juttis, Phulkari designer dresses, Electronic items, and Lamps.
Nearby Hotels
- Hotel Golden Lagoon
- One Earth GG Regency
- Hotel City Park
- Golden Tulip
- Hotel Darbar View
Interesting Facts About Gobindgarh Fort
- The fort was originally built during the Bhangi Misl era and was seized and renovated first by the Sikh Empire and later by the British.
- After independence, it became a bastion for the Indian Army.
- On 10th February 2017, the fort was opened to the public as a live heritage museum.
- The fort has quite a few tourist attractions within its premise such as Sher e Punjab (A 7D show based on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh), and Toshakhana. Coin Museum, The Bungalow – Ancient Warfare museum, Spirit of Punjab (A stage show), etc.