A land of myriad cultures and many religions, India is worth visiting any time of the year. Whether you visit the palaces, Himalayas, or the many holy sites across India, the beauty of its nature and culture will always make your Indian sojourn memorable. The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak and today we have devotees of Sikhism spread across India and the world. India also has many historic Gurudwaras across its many states and each one is mesmerizing with its unique beauty. A holy site of the Sikhs, a Gurudwara, however, can be visited by people of any other religion or nationality. Guru Grant Sahib or the holy book of the Sikhs is kept at all Gurudwaras and it is here that prayers are chanted. Visiting a Gurudwara always brings a sense of peace and calmness to all visitors. And in today’s fast-paced life, spending a few hours listening to the holy chant at a Gurudwara can be really therapeutic.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

In the northern state of Punjab lies the famous Gurudwara known as the Golden Temple. Situated in Amritsar at a flying distance of close to 2 hrs from New Delhi, visiting the Golden Temple is very doable. Among the best Gurudwaras in India, the Golden Temple got its name because the top portion of this wonderful temple is made out of gold which gives it an amazing simmering look that will leave you awestruck. It has a man-made pond called a sarovar where people take a holy dip. Taking a dip in this pond is believed to be auspicious, and you will see many devotees taking bath in this holy pond.

The Golden Temple is also known to have the largest community kitchen in the world. Every day over 100,000 people are served free meals, and the food cooked by well-trained chefs is healthy, hygienic, and tasty. It can be a life-changing experience to partake in this community meal, and if time permits, one should try this for a real-Indian experience.

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, New Delhi

One of the best Gurudwaras in northern India, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in the heart of New Delhi, the capital city of India, is a great place to visit. One is supposed to take off one’s shoes and wash their feet before entering the Gurudwara. You will also be given scarves to cover your head before entering any Gurudwara. Once you enter this holy place, the Gurudwara in white marble is a sight to behold. In the central hall of the Gurudwara, the holy book of the Sikhs is kept and this is where prayers are chanted throughout the day. Do take some time out to sit and listen to the melodious chant. Despite the language being alien, you will find the chanting taking over your senses. While you come out of the central hall, you will be served ‘prasad’ – food served to the Gods. It is a sweet delicacy called ‘halwa’ made out of semolina, and while having the prasad is considered auspicious in Indian culture, you will get to taste a slice of India, which is known for its sweet tooth.

Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand

Perched at a height of around 13,650 feet, Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. What makes a visit to this Gurudwara a must-do is its picturesque location. Set in the midst of high mountains, it is the highest Gurudwara in India with fantastic Himalayan views. Built out of white marble and concrete, the star-shaped Gurudwara is unique in its style and is set in the midst of the Hemkund sarovar (lake). Summer is a great time to visit the Gurudwara as the weather here is cool and the nearby mountains are covered with wildflowers. The whole experience of travelling to the Gurudwara is amazing as you will pass through the mountain roads lined with tall trees and small villages. One can also choose to take charter flights, which offer an amazing view of the mountains below. The Gurudwara is closed to the public in the winter months as the place is mostly snow-covered, and travelling to the Gurudwara becomes impossible.

Hazur Sahib, Maharashtra

One of the famous Gurudwaras in India, the Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, is visited by thousands of devotees every day. Spread over a huge open area, the Gurudwara is situated on the banks of the Godavari river, which adds to the mesmerizing beauty of the place. This Gurudwara holds special significance in the hearts of all Sikh followers because it is the place where Guru Govind Singh, the last Sikh guru, breathed his last and was cremated. There are two separate buildings that form the Gurudwara complex, with one side housing the place where Guru Govind Singh Ji was cremated. Spend some time in the main complex where prayers are held and then explore this wonderful Gurudwara. There is a Light & Sound show every evening, which is worth watching

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib, Karnataka

One of the most popular Gurudwaras in south India, Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is situated in Bidar, Karnataka. A train ride away from Bangalore – India’s Silicon Valley, this Gurudwara can also be reached by flight. It is believed Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, visited Bidar at a time when the hamlet was going through a major water crisis. Seeing the suffering of the people, Guru Nanak blessed the city with spring water which is still serving the people with a constant water supply. One can enjoy the delicious langar (holy meal) served here every day.