Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar Overview

The Gobindgarh Fort is a historical museum and cultural theme park showcasing the history of Punjab and Punjabi culture in all its glory. There are various museums featuring collections of traditional Punjabi attire, household items and even weapons of war from the olden days. The light and laser shows such as Sher E Punjab and Whispering Walls showcasing the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the story of Gobindgarh respectively are quite popular among tourists.

There are also live shows where performers entertain the audience with artforms such as Bhangra and the traditional martial art known as Gatka. For those who are into art, the art museum houses many paintings of the many saints and warriors across Punjab's history. Once done sightseeing, visitors can head over to the Haat Bazaar, where they can buy traditional items such a Phulkari styled attire and colourful Juttis (footwear).

1. Sher e Punjab

A 7D show on the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will instantly take visitors back to the 19th century in the most enchanting way, leaving them amazed. The glorious history of the great king is depicted (Read More) in a manner meant to educate and inspire visitors using holography and pepper ghost technology. This attraction is aptly called Sher e Punjab.

2. Toshakhana

The coin minting house where old and new coins are displayed now is known as the Coin Museum. The importance of this museum is that the famous Kohinoor diamond which was worn by the Maharaja was once (Read More)stored here. A replica of the Kohinoor is now in the display under the original Nanakshahi brick. The circular structure of the roof, which has remained intact after all these years, continues to amaze visitors.

3. The Bungalow

The building, formerly serving as a residence to the Garrison Commanders, has been converted into an ancient warfare museum. There is a wide display of replicas of warfare instruments and attires alon (Read More)g with lifelike figurines in the museum.

4. Spirit of Punjab

A stage where live performances of bhangra, gatka, gidda, comedy, games, dholi etc are performed all day long. Competitions are held and prizes are given away each day to visitors who take part.

5. Kanda Boldiyan Ne

The mute walls of the fort have a story to tell after being a witness of history. Whispering Wall is one of the kind shows with the famous laser and art projectors depicting Maharaja Ranjit Singh&rsqu (Read More)o;s life using mapping technology. Every evening, the show takes place after sunset, in both Punjabi and English taking the viewers breathe away.

Show Time - Punjabi voice-over at 8:30 PM. English Voice-over at 10:15 PM

6. Ambarsari Zaika

Swaad Gali is where visitors can indulge in authentic Amritsari Punjabi cuisine in the various shops and live counters that impress the taste buds of the tourists.

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The architecture of the Gobindgarh Fort

The glorious fort is built out of lime and bricks, with 25 cannons and 4 bastions in its premises. The main entrance Nalwa Gate is named after Hari Singh Nalwa (Commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army). On the eastern side, one can find a wooden door with fine intricate work called the Darwasa-a-i-Ali, which serves as the main entrance. The intriguing fort has an underground tunnel which leads to the Lohgarh Fort in Lahore. The moats that encircle the fort, measuring 100 metres in perimeter, were influenced by the French military architectural style. The dhab which supplied the water surrounding the moats was called Moti Jhil. Artillery was produced inside alongside a coin minting factory which is converted into a museum.

History of the Gobindgarh Fort

Gujjar Singh Bhangi originally built the historic fort in the 18th century, calling it the Bhangian Da Qila. It was later captured and enhanced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century, renaming it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort was also a witness to the grand wedding of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s grandson Prince Nau Nihal Singh in 1837. Maharaja Ranjit Singh further strengthened the great fort in order to save Harmandir Sahib and the city from any invasion. The revised plans were heavily inspired by French Military for which he took the help of a French architect. A fifty-meter tall water tower, which was completed in 1874, was demolished by the Indian Army after independence.