Gobindgarh Fort

Gobindgarh Fort is a historic fortified complex in central Amritsar, Punjab, originally built in 1760 by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and rebuilt and fortified between 1805-1809 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who named it after Guru Gobind Singh. Spread over 43 acres, it served as a military stronghold under Sikh and later British rule and is now developed as a live heritage museum and cultural theme park showcasing Punjab's history, warfare and arts.

Visitors can expect a restored fort complex with massive bastions, gates and colonial-era bungalows housing themed museums including the Pagdi Museum, Warfare Museum and Ancient Warfare Museum. The fort offers curated galleries, live cultural performances including bhangra and gatka, a light and sound show (Whispering Walls), 7D show, craft bazaar (Haat Bazaar) and food streets serving Punjabi cuisine within a pedestrian-friendly heritage precinct.

Originally built as Gobindgarh by Gujjar Singh Bhangi in 1760, the fort was rebuilt and strengthened by Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1805 and 1809 with French General Jean-Baptiste Ventura overseeing fortifications. Named after Guru Gobind Singh, it served as a key military arsenal and treasury for the Sikh Empire. After 1849 it was occupied by the British who added the Darbar Hall and other colonial structures. It remained under military control until being opened as a heritage tourism site in 2017.

The fort is a symbol of Punjab's Sikh heritage and military history, named in honour of Guru Gobind Singh. As a live museum it preserves and presents Punjabi culture through turban-tying traditions, martial arts, folk dance, music, crafts and cuisine, serving as a cultural hub for visitors to experience the region's heritage.