Are you a history buff? If so, you might be aware that the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is one of the darkest chapters in India’s struggle for freedom. It is a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters of India. In memory of this historical event, the Jallianwala Bagh Garden was established and it is in Amritsar, Punjab. The garden stands as a solemn memorial to the lives lost on the 13th of April 1919.
Through this blog post, I would like to take you through the historical importance of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. You can learn how to pay homage to the freedom fighters of India by visiting this garden from this post:
Jallianwala Bagh Garden – An Introduction
In memory of the historic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, a public garden named Jallianwala Bagh was established in Punjab. It has gained historical importance as the site of a brutal massacre that happened during British Rule in India. On the day of Baisakhi, the 13th of April 1919, thousands of protestors gathered peacefully to oppose the Rowlatt Act. In response to this gathering, General Dyer ordered his troops to carry out an open fire. As a result, thousands of protestors were wounded and hundreds were killed. Today, the site is safeguarded as a memorial. It stands as proof of the sacrifices made by hundreds of lives for Indian Independence.
If you love visiting dam sites, do not forget to check out my post on Bhakra Nangal Dam.
The History of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The combination of events that led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was motivated by the discontent spread across India against British Rule. This is when the British introduced the Rowlatt Act of 1919. This Act gave permission to the British to detain Indians without any trial. It incited protests across India. On the 13th of April, thousands of people gathered to protest against the Rowlatt Act peacefully. They were prepared to discuss their grievances with the British.
Thousands of people gathered without being aware of the fact that public gatherings were banned under Martial Law. Due to the presence of this law, those who gathered became easy prey to General Dyer, a British Military Officer. The officer started to see this crowd as a challenge to the British Authority. So, he ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed group gathered. The firing started without any warning and continued for 10 minutes. The firing killed a lot of people and the number of freedom fighters to have been killed during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is estimated to be somewhere between 379 and 1500. Above all, more than 1200 people were injured, which includes 192 people, who were seriously injured. The massacre shocked the nation. It acted as fuel to India’s freedom struggle.
How to Reach Jallianwala Bagh?
You can choose one of the following modes of transportation to reach Jallianwala Bagh Garden. This garden is located in Amritsar, which is well-connected to different parts of India by different modes of transportation.
By Bus
Amritsar is well-connected by state-run and private buses to nearby cities like Ludhiana, Delhi and Chandigarh. The bus terminal is about 2 km away from the garden. So, you can hire a taxi or auto to reach the garden from the Amritsar bus terminal.
By Train
The Amritsar Railway station is a major hub that connects to cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. From this station, Jallianwala Bagh is only three km away. You can cover this distance by travelling by an auto or taxi.
By Flight
Amritsar International Airport, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Airport is located around 12 km from the garden. The airport received regular flights from major cities in India and also international destinations. From the airport, you can reach the garden by app-based cabs or prepaid taxis.
By Car
If you are travelling from Delhi, you can drive your car to Amritsar, which will take around 9-10 hours. However, remember that vehicle parking space near the garden is limited. So, make sure to plan your drive accordingly. The distance between Delhi and Amritsar is nearly 500 km.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Jalliamwala Bagh offers visitors an opportunity to delve into the history. You can pay respects to the great souls of our nation, who sacrificed their lives. Some of the key attractions in the place, where the Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place include:
The Matry’s Well
The wall stands as a tragic symbol of the massacre as many jumped into the well to escape the bullets of British forces. The well is now enclosed and preserved as part of the memorial. After the open fire, nearly 120 dead bodies were recovered from the well. Apart from a wire mesh, the well is surrounded by a temple now to preserve it.
The Flame of Liberty
Outside the narrow entrance of the Jallianwala Bagh and in the centre of a busy road is a memorial erected in honour of the Indian martyrs, who lost their lives. It has been set on a plinth etched with the names of those who lost their lives. It has a column of faces in the shape of a flame. This is why the sculpture has been named The Flame of Liberty.
Bullet Marks
In memory of the tragic event, the bullets on the walls of the Jallianwala Bagh still stay there. These bullet marks stand as a gentle reminder of the fateful day.
The Martyr’s Gallery
You can find a gallery in this garden. It showcases accounts, historical documents and photographs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. From this gallery, you can gain detailed insights into the sad event that happened on the said day.
Light and Sound Show
A mesmerizing light and sound show is conducted at this place. As you can judge, the show narrates the story of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. However, this show is conducted only in the evenings and you should not miss out on this show.
These are key attractions in the Jallianwala Bagh Garden. Apart from these attractions, you can visit other places near the garden within a few minutes of walk. Here are a few of them you can visit in Amritsar:
- Akal Takht – 6 minutes walk from Jallianwala Bagh
- Golden Temple – 8 minutes
- Gurudwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib – 7 Minutes
- The Partition Museum – 11 Minutes
- Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree – 9 Minutes
- Heritage Street – 7 Minutes
- Santokhsar Sahib – 9 Minutes
- Central Sikh Museum – 9 Minutes
- Gurudwara Guru Ka Mahal – 9 Minutes
- Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai – 10 Minutes
- Gurudwara Lachi Ber – 9 Minutes
- Saragharhi Memorial Gurudwara – 14 Minutes
- Baba Deep Singh Ji Memorial – 14 Minutes
My post on the top things to do in Amritsar can help you.
Best Time & Season To Visit
As Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Garden is located in Amritsar with extreme winters and summers, selecting the right season is important to plan your trip. By selecting the right season, you can expect the best experience:
- From October to March: This is the winter season in Amritsar. It is the best season to visit with pleasant weather. So, you can explore the spot comfortably.
- From April to June: This is the summer season in Amritsar. The climate in this season can be harsh with temperatures soaring more than 400 However, you can manage by exploring places early in the morning or late in the evening.
- July to September: This is the monsoon season. During this season, you should expect occasional rains. The city gets more vibrant and greener during this season. But, you should go with a raincoat or an umbrella as it can rain at any time.
Duration to See
Mostly visitors spend two to three hours in this memorial. Nevertheless, if you are planning to attend the light and sound show, you should plan to spend an additional hour on the show.
Best Restaurants and Cafes Around
- Masala Darbaar
- Golden Grain
- Mc Donalds
- Neelam’s
- Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale
- Brother’s Amritsari Dhaba
- Zyka
- Tasty Bites
- Sharma’s Food Point
- Khubi Ram Sweets and Namkeen
Here, my post on the best restaurants in Amritsar might help you choose the best restaurants.
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Best Western Ah1 Amritsar
- 5 States Resort
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western Heritage Walk
- Hotel Golden Blessings
- Hotel Golden Lagoon
- Regal Hotel
- Hotel Krishnas By Urban Galaxy
- Radha Krishan Home Stay
- Blossom Inn B&B
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
There is no entry fee for visitors to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. However, if you wish to participate in the light and sound show, a small fee might be applicable.
FAQ
Are There Any Statues Outside the Jallianwala Bagh?
Yes, outside the garden, you will see a statue of Udham Singh. He was a freedom fighter and he assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. To honour Udham Singh, his statue has been established by the locals outside the garden.
Is there An Amar Jyoti in the Garden?
Yes, Amar Jyoti is nothing but a flame that does not go off. The flame is on 24/7 honouring the souls of those who lost their lives in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Can I Find a Historical Lane Near Jallianwala Bagh?
Yes, it is the only narrow entrance to the garden. It is the same path that General Dyer and his troops used. When walking through this lane, you can imagine what if it is blocked just like it happened on a black day in Indian history.
Here are my other posts related to Punjab:
Visiting Golden Temple at Night – A Blissful Experience
Exploring the Country Side of Punjab – My 5 Best Experiences!
Jallianwala Bagh – Revisiting A Sad Chapter in Indian History
