Gobindgarh Fort

Amritsar, Punjab

Gobindgarh Fort – the very symbol of Punjab. A character of the times when Punjab was forged. Spread across a grand 43 acres, right in the heart of Amritsar city, this magnificent heritage site has a glorious history of its own. It spans 261 years, right from the era of the Bhangi Misl to Maharaja Ranjit Singh to the British East India Company to the Indian Army. Now finally, it opens its gates to the people of Punjab.

Despite being under restoration, the Gobindgarh Fort has gained popularity in such a short time and has become one of the best tourist places in Punjab. Due to
its importance in Amritsar’s history. Many visitors have already declared it one of India's best places.
Discover the grand stories of the past. Discover the history of one of the best historical places in Punjab.

The Punjab region in the 18th Century was ruled by clans called Misls. In the 1760s, Gujar Singh Bhangi, a local chieftain, built this as a mud fortress and came to be known as “Bhagian da Qila”. They owned it till 1809 or for almost 49 years. However, the financial position of the misl deteriorated over time, and by 1809 a minor ruler Gurdit S. Bhangi, a descendent of Gujjar Singh, was ruling Amritsar with the help of his mother, Mai Sukhan. Mai Sukhan asked Arur Mal, a sahukar (trader) of the Bhangi township, to pay nazrana(Tribute). Not wanting to do so, Arur Mal migrated to the township of the rival Kanhiyas misl to avoid payment. At that time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a rising star belonging to the Sukerchakia Misl. Arur Mal conspired with Shaikh Kamaluddin, a leading citizen, and they invited Ranjit Singh to take over the Fort and the territories of Gurdit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was looking for just such an opportunity. He called Mai Sukhan to surrender a giant cannon known as the Zamzama Cannon, “Bhangian di Tope”. Maharaja Ranjit Singh claimed that he had the right to the cannon as it was the Sukerchakia Misl’s share of the spoils of the war with the Afghan king, Ahmad Shah Durrani, in 1765. Zamzama means “the Taker of Strongholds.” Mai Sukhan refused. Ranjit Singh thereupon entered the city through the Ahluwalia gate. The Bhangies could not hold up again Ranjit Singh’s colossal force..

Fakir Azizuddin Bastion

3 Halls interconnected through the arches, adding a unique charm, far beyond the flat convention hall of a 5-star cookie-cutter approach. You can hire one of the halls or if your event is larger, you can hire all three the interconnected ones. This Bastion has a large open-paved platform too that you can use to combine the outdoor with indoor Total Area: 467 Sq. Mtr Adjoining Open Area: 221 Sq. Mtr Capacity: 100-150 pax Dining: 50 Entry Points: 4.

SARDAR MAHA SINGH LAWN

The Sardar Maha Singh Lawn stands at the very forefront of the central courtyard and has the colonial bungalow with its imposing staircase made on a Sikh plinth, at one end. It also has a ready-made 174 sq. mtr. stage and is in-fact the venue for the now famous projection mapping show whose exclusive show can be arranged for your guests. Total Area: 2295 Sq. Mtr Adjoining Open Area: 1314 Sq. Mtr Capacity: 500-1000 pax Dining: 250 Entry Points: 3

Diwan Mokham chand bastion

3 Interconnected Halls with gently sloping magnificent ramps leading to a big landing platform, this Bastion is located in the North-West of the Maharani Sada Kaur Lawn. Total Area: 466 Sq. Mtr Adjoining Open Area: 384 Sq. Mtr Capacity: 150-200 pax Dining: 75 Entry Points: 4

MAHARANI SADA KAUR LAWN

The Maharani Sada Kaur lawn with the dramatic back drop of Keeler Gate on one end, two Imposing Bastions, on either sides and the colonial bungalow's impressive staircase on the other end- provides a remarkable ambiance. We can make custom designed stages against any backdrop to suit your needs. Total Area: 4178 Sq. Mtr Adjoining Open Area: 4983 Sq. Mtr Capacity: 1500+ pax Dining: 500+ Entry Points: 3

Kesariya Darbar

Inspired by the din of battles, long campaign trails and resplendent durbars, Kesariya Darbar presents a cauldron of rare recipes, curated after intense research and gleaned from the finest kitchens, khansamas, practices and influences. Recreating the unique flavours from the fertile and productive lands of the five rivers of extended Punjab – Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej; the lands where Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire extended. Cuisine fused with the strong locally grown staple foods of Punjab, making Punjabi cuisine an interesting mélange of Punjabi, Indo-Mughal, Persian, Afghani, Iranian and Turkish tastes.

Zaika Gali

Best places to eat in Amritsar, sit under a canopy in summer next to beautiful hand-painted wooden carts made by the artisans of Punjab or sit inside air-conditioned comfort and a bonfire in winter. Try our special ‘Gol-Gappe’, ‘Tikki’, ‘Chat’, ‘Kulfi’ and the famous “kulchas” galore. There are many more delicious foods too- some not from Punjab for those who prefer otherwise. No set menus. No compulsions. Complete freedom to satisfy all your tastes – sweet, spicy, tangy or sour .

SHER-E-PUNJAB SHOW (7D)

Numerous high-tech shows make the fort one of the best tourist places in Amritsar and have taken the defence to the top of the list of Punjab’s famous monuments after the Golden temple. A 7D show on Maharaja Ranjit Singh in a never-before-seen format in Punjab will transport you to the 19th century in an immersive way. The show will leave you enchanted. A preview will introduce you to the ages just before the Maharaja forged the mighty empire of Punjab. Internationally renowned film director Mr Ketan Mehta has directed this show.

WHISPERING WALLS

A show on the story of Gobindgarh against the backdrop of the original façade of the Colonial Bungalow–a wall 100 ft. x 50 ft. see a Multi-Media sound and light show with laser lights, computer animation and Projection mapping technologies, immerse yourself in the legend of Gobindgarh Fort where these seemingly mute walls, have a story to tell of the sweep of history. This infotainment show, brought to you with 20,000 lumens projectors and 7.1 surround sound, will mesmerise you as you sit on the historic open lawns of the fort and revel in the gorgeous evenings of Amritsar.

MUSEUM

WARFARE MUSEUM : See the rare instruments of war from the old times- including a replica of the Maharaja’s sword and his war attire. A specially made image of the celebrated 14.3 ft. big Bhangian di Tope or The Zamzama– the most extensive canon has been recreated especially for your viewing.

PAGDI MUSEUM (TURBAN MUSEUM) : In the NE Bastion’s Gobindgarh Art Gallery, a new Pagdi Museum (Turban Museum) depicts the exciting forms of the pages of Punjab, both Sikh and Non-Sikh. Info-boards give unique insights about this distinctive headgear- from its evolution to today's modern “NRI styles “.