Ram Tirath Temple
The ashram of sage Valmiki where Sita took refuge and Luv and Kush were born, according to the Ramayana — 5,000 years old.
Ram Tirath sacred tank and temple where Luv and Kush were born
What to expect at Ram Tirath Temple
Twelve kilometres west of Amritsar on the Chogawan road, Ram Tirath is one of the oldest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Punjab. Tradition holds that Maharishi Valmiki composed the Ramayana here, that Sita gave birth to the twins Luv and Kush at this ashram after being exiled by Rama, and that Hanuman later fought them here. The complex includes a hut said to mark the birthplace, a well dug by Valmiki, and a tank whose waters are considered sacred.
A 12-metre statue of Valmiki dominates the site, and the annual four-day mela around Kartik Purnima (November full moon) attracts nearly a million visitors, mostly rural Punjabi and Haryanvi Hindus. Outside the mela the site is quiet with only local pilgrims. Reach it by shared taxi from Amritsar's Golden Gate area (about $3 return with waiting) or by auto-rickshaw for around $8. Best combined with the Wagah border ceremony in the same afternoon.
Questions about Ram Tirath Temple
Free entry to the entire complex.
Always free.
Two hours to see the main shrine, hut, sarovar and Valmiki statue.
Open daily 05:00-21:00 year-round.
None needed. For the November mela, arrange transport in advance.
Amritsar Junction, 12 km east; shared taxi $3, auto-rickshaw $8, or take the Chogawan-bound bus from ISBT.
Hotels near Ram Tirath Temple
More museums
All museums
From the journal
All posts
Comparisons & rankings
Hotels with pools in Punjab, ranked
A working shortlist of 9 hotels across Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Mohali where the pool is genuinely usable — not a puddle behind the generator shed.
Comparisons & rankings
Family-friendly hotels in Punjab, ranked
Ten hotels across the state where kids under 10 will not lose their minds and parents will not either — with real notes on pools, kids' menus, and connecting rooms.
Comparisons & rankings
Hotels with free parking in Punjab, ranked
If you are driving into Amritsar or Chandigarh, 7 hotels where parking is genuinely free, secured, and does not involve a valet tip that turns into $10 a night.