Visit Gobindgarh Fort to know more about Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Amritsar

After visiting Durgiana Temple we headed off to Gobindgarh Fort through walking. It is located at a walkable distance from Durgiana Temple but you can take Auto also (Rs.150-200/-). On the way to my surprise we saw cow herd and horse carts carrying woods. After crossing Bhagawan Chowk we walked little bit to find Quila Gobindgarh nameplate (in English called Gobindgarh Fort).

At the entry gate you have to get the tickets. There are several options available – Sher-e-Punjab ticket, Whispering Walls ticket, Maharaja ticket, Sawari ticket. With Sher-e-Punjab ticket (Rs.199/- for Indians, Rs.400/- for international visitors) you get to see Sher-e-Punjab 7D, Monument areas and Pagri Museum, Punjabi Rang Raunak (Live folk performance) (complimentary). With Whispering Walls ticket (Rs.199/- for Indians, Rs.400/- for international visitors) you get to see Kanda Boldiyan Ne (Whispering Walls), Monument areas and Pagri Museum, Punjabi Rang Raunak (Live folk performance) (complimentary). With Maharaja ticket (Rs. 358/- for Indian and Rs.720/- for international visitors) you get to see Sher-e-Punjab 7D, Kanda Boldiyan Ne (Whispering Walls), Monument areas and Pagri Museum, Punjabi Rang Raunak (Live folk performance) (complimentary). With Sawari ticket (Rs.175 for Indians and Rs.350/- for international visitors) you get horse or camel ride or tandem, segway or two traditional rides, one skill game. We opted for Sher-e-Punjab ticket. Later we bought ticket for Coin Museum and Arms Museum/Warfare Museum @ Rs.30/- for each person from Arms/Warfare Museum. The tickets are valid till 4pm.

Then walk towards the main gate. The guard infront of the canon will ask to show the tickets and let you in. I found few people were dancing (bhangra) with the traditional music in front of the main gate.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh named this Fort as Quila Gobindgarh after 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. The walls are made of bricks and lime. There is a fountain and you will see pigeons before you enter through another gate guarded by two Sikh soldiers’ statues by the side of two canons.

If you want to buy Punjabi clothes, Amritsari chappals (shoes), Punjabi handicrafts or taste Punjabi cuisines, there are shops opened inside the Fort complex and you can choose your favorite from Hut Bazaar and Ambarsari Zaika.

Then climb the stairs to visit Gobindgarh Art Gallery. Learn about the history of Amritsar city, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s relation with Harimandir Sahib or Golden Temple, Gobindgarh conservation (earlier it was not open to the public) etc. Gobindgarh Fort was called Bhangi Misl earlier as originally it was built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi, a local chieftain in 18th century. Then it was enhanced and improved by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in early 19th century and named it after 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The British took the charge of the fort later and improved it architecturally and technologically as new artillery technology was adopted .

Then visit Pagdi Museum. Believe me before visiting this museum I had no idea that there are so many types of “pagdi” or “pagg” or turban. Today it may be a fashion but earlier it was considered a matter of great esteem. In Sikh culture women are equally allowed to wear a “pagg”. Take a look at few of different types of turban photos:

Then we visited Toshakhana or Coin Museum. It was opened to the public on 27th November 2018. You cannot use phone or electronic gadget in Coin Museum. Show your ticket at the entry. Inside Toshakhana there is replica of Kohinoor – the famous diamond (once upon a time real Kohinoor was there on the turban of Maharaja Ranjit Singh). There are replicas of Gold coins and Silver Coins. The letters used on the coin are of Pharsi. There are coins of Kashmir and other nearby places which were used during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Then we visited Arms Museum. Great building of Anglo Sikh bungalow is now converted to Warfare/Arms Museum. It has collections of arms used in the war mostly during Maharaja Ranjit Singh like various types of guns, bows and arrows and other replicas of instruments of warfare. One special gun got my attraction because of it’s name. It’s Camel Gun (Zumbak probably?). The staff told me that soldier used to operate the gun after it is mounted on camel. Then there is a big statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh riing on horse. There are statues of Rajput Warrior, Gurkha Warrior, Maratha warrior, Mysore Warrior etc. Photography and Videography are not allowed inside.

After visiting the museums we watched the view of the fort under the trees. Then we moved on and found a deep well. Two camels were taking rest and nearby people were taking part in balloon shooting and other fun games. If you wish you can choose camel ride when you buy the ticket. But we did not opt it as I think camel ride is better in the desert 🙂 Children can enjoy wooden horse ride! We were thirsty. Bottled water under the brand name Quila Gobindgarh quenched my thirst. We had our lunch at a restaurant with a fountain view near King of Five Rivers (Sher-e-Punjab Show).

Climb the stairs to watch Sher-e-Punjab 7D Show. We waited for nearly half an hour and after other visitors showed up one man explained little bit history of Punjab. We were given special 7D glass. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s life is showed in 7D. After you sit on the chairs the images you will see in front of you and chairs move as per the situation. After this show one cartoon show for children (also in 7D) is showed. I was so happy after I came out of the show. This is the best part of Gobindgarh Fort visit. At the entry gate (where you purchase tickets) you’ll find famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and other celebrities praising this 7D show.

You cannot enter inside the detention cell but seeing it from outside itself gives goosebump!

While coming out I found the fort is surrounded by deep way, probably it was once upon a time small artificial tunnel to save the fort from foreigners. One of the wall had a large painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh riding an elephant alongwith his soldiers.

According to the authority of Gobindgarh Fort the bell states patent. It is believed that this Steel Bell a cast made in Sheffield, UK in order to make other bells for the city of Amritsar in 1863AD. by Naylor Vickers & Co. There are many canons (according to Gobindgarh Fort authority 25nos.) which guarded the fort from the invaders during 18th and 19th century AD.

Gobindgarh Fort visit can be done in a day trip and as it is located in the centre of Amritsar best place to stay is nearby Golden temple to visit all major attractions of Amritsar. Gobindgarh Fort showcases the bravery of the soldiers who fought to save their land from the invasion of foreigners. It is a must visit place while you are in Amritsar!