Located at the sight of great turmoil, the glistening white monuments stands tall as a testimony. Its white walls shine like the rays of the sun falls softly on its roofs, and covers the entire structure in a holy glow. Pilgrims from all over India and Pakistan deftly entire the shrine and quietly pay their tributes, as the solemn truth of their separation hangs over them. Truly, the famous Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib is a sight of sorrow, love, and tragedy.
Kartarpur is a little village, which was once located in Punjab (before the Partition). It is in this village, that Guru Nanak, spent 18 years of his life, making this a pilgrimage site for the Sikhs.
Bearing the brunt of the Partition, Kartarpur saw many riots, bloodshed and tears, however, in the current times, this place now holds a great strategic position in politics. Initially, Indian citizens needed passport, visa and have to register 10 days before their trip to secure a visit to this gurudwara. However, in the current times, these restrictions are lifted for the Sikh pilgrims. Sikh pilgrims can now come and go without a passport and a visa. Thus, making the Kartarpur corridor quite accessible for pilgrims. So, with such a piece of sacred news, here are some of the things that you will witness at Kartarpur.
There is quite a lot to unpack when you are visiting Kartarpur. There is so much to figure out, that for a person visiting for the first time, it can get a little challenging. The best way to plan your pilgrimage to Kartarpur is to talk to a travel guide and to chart out all the nitty-gritty.
Here are a few details that will help you get some clarity about your trip:
The Shrine
As you cross the Indo- Pak and enter into Pakistan, you will find the beautiful Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib staring back at you. The architecture is marvellous, and you will feel the divinity of the gurdwara captivating you and pulling you closer. The entire place is so peaceful, it is like you have entered heaven.
The shrine is always filled with pilgrims, giving it a more mystical and sacred look.
Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib is one of the most important pilgrimage spots for the Sikhs, and they must visit it at least once in their lifetime. Pilgrims first visit the Dera Baba Sahib located in India, and then head off to Kartarpur to visit Gurudwara Shri Kartarpur Sahib, thus completing their holy journey. The corridor is like a friendly bridge between the two countries, and at this shrine, you will only find love and warmth. The shrine is also visible from the Indian side, and you will find pilgrims in hordes crossing the border. It is quite a sight to see, as so many pilgrims come together in devotion and cross the border with only love and respect in their hearts.
Other Places to Visit
When you reach Kartarpur, you should not just visit the Kartarpur Sahib, there are a few more places that you must visit to fully explore Kartarpur:
- Gurdwara Tahli Sahib
- Moorish Mosque
- Jagatjit Palace
- Devi Talab Mandir Temple
- Jang-e-Azadi Memorial
- Tulsi Mandir Temple
Online Registration
While India Sikh pilgrims can skip this step, Indians from all the other faiths willing to visit Kartarpur will have to go through online registration. You need to register yourself about 10 days before they travel.
Where To Say
Since Kartarpur is the most important place for Sikhs all over the world, it is quite well equipped with hotels and guest houses. You will find both luxury and budget options depending upon your budget. Try and get a guest house in the city centre, since there are many other places beyond Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur that are worth exploring.
How To Reach
Here are a few ways that you can reach the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib of Kartarpur-
By Air: If you wish to travel by air, then the nearest airport is Amritsar Airport. From here you can hire a cab or bus and reach Gurdaspur to commence your journey to the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib of Kartarpur.
Train: If you do have the luxury of time, then you can easily board a train to any of the stations in Punjab, Delhi, and even Dalhousie. From all of these places, you will get either a cab or a bus to Gurdaspur.
By Road: If you wish to travel by road, then you can do so from cities like Amritsar (75km), Delhi (462 Km), Chandigarh (216 km) and Jalandhar (100 km)
Kartarpur is one of the most iconic and revered sites for Sikhs. However, it is also a must-visit place for non-Sikhs just to feel the grandeur and warmth here. It is quite something to visit the Kartarpur corridor, which is far away from the political turmoil and unites the two countries. Here you will only find brotherhood, love and respect as the marvellous gurudwara glistens in the background.
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