Virasat-e-Khalsa is a museum dedicated to the Sikh religion and its glorious history. The design of this museum resembles a fortress and is connected by a bridge from either side of the ravine. The smaller building, which is a complex situated on the west, comprises of a grand entrance plaza along with a library for research purposes.
Apart from these, the premises of this place also has many exhibition galleries along with a huge auditorium wherein 400 people can accommodate themselves easily. On the eastern side, the complex houses a memorial building, along with galleries.
All the history, art as well as architecture lovers must visit this museum as they would find it to be an incredible experience. In India, Virasat-e-Khalsa has emerged to be the museum with the highest number of footfall in the country and due to this, it has also been listed in the Limca Book of World Records. Here, the tourists get to indulge in and engage with the historical side of Punjab, another good reason to visit this place.
The visiting hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, and every Monday, the museum is closed. Apart from that, any time of the year is suitable to visit Virasat-e-Khalsa. The entry to Virasat-e-Khalsa is free. However, one can also get access to a full-day pass for INR 100.
History of Virasat-e-Khalsa
Established on April 13, 1999, this masterpiece of Sikh heritage and culture took almost 13 years in its making. The museum is situated in the pious city of Anandpur Sahib which was also the birthplace of Khalsa Panth. In this museum, the tourists will get an opportunity to discover what Punjab has been all about, since ages.
Created by Moshe Safdie, a Canadian-Israeli architect, this tourist attraction in Anandpur Sahib Punjab will leave you in awe of its beauty. The highlighting feature of this museum is that it is said to have stored information dating back to 500 years in history. So, while on your trip to Anandpur Sahib, try not to miss visiting this amazing destination.
Major Attractions in and Around Virasat-e-Khalsa
1. Gurudwara Kila Anandgarh Sahib
Located within a km of Virasat-e-Khalsa, the Gurudwara Qila Anandgarh Sahib is fundamentally considered one of the five Quilas which were built by none other than Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is believed that these Quilas were built for the protection of the Sikhs and the other residents from the Mughals.
2. Sri Naina Devi Ji
It is one of the most amazing places to visit, especially with your family. This place has a very significant spiritual vibe. On a yearly basis, you can see a considerable amount of people visiting this place, owing to which it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in India.
3. Mapple Jungle Camp
Visiting this Camp will let the students learn many new things about life. For instance, they learn to live away from the family and as the new life lessons come their way, they tend to grow and enjoy the whole process together.
4. Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji
It is yet another popular Gurudwara which is situated in the heart of Anandpur Sahib. Historically, it is believed that the Khalsa Panth was founded at this very spot. Apart from this, the Khande di Pahul was also initiated here, by Shri Guru Gobind Sahib Ji on Baisakhi.
5. Gurudwara Peer Baba Budhan Shah Ji
It is believed that Peer Budhan Ali Shah Ji was initially born as an Arab man. His Arabi name was Shams-ud-Din which meant Sun of the Faith. There are many who claim that this mystical sage lived on for more than 200 years. On the other hand, many people believe that he was born in present-day Talwandi (also known as Nankana Sahib). Later on in his life, he lived around the region of today’s Kiratpur Sahib.
How to Reach Virasat-e-Khalsa
Virasat-E-Khalsa is a well-known travel getaway to explore in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. It is located at an approximate distance of 314, 1,517, 2,176, 1,417 km from Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai respectively. Here is how you can reach here via the following means of transportation.
By Air
Travelling via air would be a good decision for you. The nearest airport from Virasat-e-Khalsa is Chandigarh airport. From there you will have to catch a taxi or some other means of transportation.
By Road
The road network is quite good. The lush green fields and the plain-sailing roads are the kind of scenes which everyone would want to experience.
By Train
Punjab is well connected via train routes. The nearest train station to Virasat e Khalsa is Anand Sahib. From there, you would have to take a taxi or some other means of public transportation to reach your destination.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
