
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara
A magnificent Sikh temple and community hub, renowned for its stunning architecture and the practice of selfless service through its free Langar.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Guided tours available

Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara
Best Time
Guided tours available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Sikh temple and community hub, renowned for its stunning architecture and the practice of selfless service through its free Langar.
"Absolutely stunning architecture which has you in awe as soon as you're pulling in towards the car park."

🧥 Modest Dress Required
Cover your head and wear modest clothing. Shoes must be removed before entry. :dress:
🙏 Respectful Conduct
Maintain a peaceful demeanor. Avoid loud conversations and be mindful of prayer times. :pray:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magnificent Architecture
Main Darbar Hall
Awe-inspiring design with a golden domed Palki and iconic stained-glass windows.

Serene Prayer Halls
Main Sanctum Sanctorum
Find peace and connect with divinity in a tranquil and meditative atmosphere.

Community Langar
Langar Halls
Savor delicious, free vegetarian meals served daily as part of the spiritual practice of Seva.

Sports & Community Facilities
Sports Hall & Grounds
Explore boxing, basketball, karate, and football facilities, plus community services.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Etiquette
Free Langar (Community Kitchen)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Modest Dress Required
Cover your head and wear modest clothing. Shoes must be removed before entry. :dress:
🙏 Respectful Conduct
Maintain a peaceful demeanor. Avoid loud conversations and be mindful of prayer times. :pray:
👟 Shoe Removal Zone
Designated areas for shoe removal are clearly marked. Keep your footwear tidy. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hand Washing Stations
Ample facilities for hand washing are available, a key part of the culture. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Modest Dress Required
Cover your head and wear modest clothing. Shoes must be removed before entry. :dress:
🙏 Respectful Conduct
Maintain a peaceful demeanor. Avoid loud conversations and be mindful of prayer times. :pray:
👟 Shoe Removal Zone
Designated areas for shoe removal are clearly marked. Keep your footwear tidy. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hand Washing Stations
Ample facilities for hand washing are available, a key part of the culture. :droplet:
🍽️ Enjoy the Langar
Partake in the free, delicious vegetarian meal served daily. Donations appreciated. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful when taking photos, especially during prayer ceremonies. Ask permission if unsure. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the magnificent architecture and the serene, peaceful atmosphere of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. The free Langar service is a highlight, offering delicious vegetarian meals and embodying the spirit of selfless service. However, a few visitors have reported negative experiences with staff rudeness, which contrasts with the otherwise welcoming environment.
"1st time visited out side India
Gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent, England
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One of the biggest and longest Gurdwara
Best place to visit..................................
Apart from prayer hall. There is also a sports hall, including boxing, basketball and karate. The very big grounds are used for outdoor sports including football.
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Gopesh Kumar
"I visited for the first ever time for a wedding. Absolutely stunning architecture which has you in awe as soon as you're pulling in towards the car park.
The beautiful visuals continue as you enter the Gurdwara, and more importantly of course, the peaceful aura of where you are, in a home of divinity.
Sadly, the same positivity can not be extended to the people involved with running things here.
After paying my respects to SGGS, I was leaving but a relative briefly stopped me to speak to me. In this moment I had a lapse of thinking and forgot I still had my back turned to SGGS for around 10-20 seconds. I fully admit my mistake.
I felt a firm shove in my back and turned around to see one of their administrators who then rudely and aggressively told me to get out because they wanted to empty the hall quickly for the next event. Out of surprise, I instinctively replied "sorry?". He repeated himself again, this time in English, and more disrespectfully than before, but now added that I'd also had my back turned to SGGS and reprimanded me for it.
Out of shock and respect for the surroundings, I quietly left without resorting to responding in the same manner. My father (who has taken amrit) was furious when he heard about this, and said I should've retaliated.
I must also mention that the Anand Karaj and the rest of the ceremony was by far the lengthiest I've ever sat through. Everyone was amazed by how long it was drawn out, so if it's about business and venue turnover, he should look at the lack of efficiency there.
I later found out the same man had angrily reprimanded a photographer for getting the groom to pose in front of the building outside, because of his back being to the Gurdwara. At this point I would suggest walking backwards when you're leaving.
In all honesty, this kind of approach is going to drive people in this area away from Sikhi. For the part where I absent-mindedly made a mistake, there are much better ways of handling it. If he does this to the wrong person, there will be a jaloose incident which will make the community look terrible.
Such a bitter end to what had been a lovely day here."
Dal
"Beautiful place and architecture they made me feel very welcome. Te place is very clean, you must remove your shoes before entering to the temple and cover your hair… They’re are many places where you can was your hands I think is part of the culture. Food is served for free I could not believe that and it was delicious vegetarian curries . The toilets were clean. They have parking and nice grounds to walk around"
Ljubica Banic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is located in Gravesend, Kent, UK. It's also noted as being in Dubai and Montreal, Canada, indicating multiple prominent Gurdwaras with this name. Always confirm the specific location you intend to visit. The Gravesend location is noted as the largest in the UK and Europe.
The Gravesend Gurdwara is accessible by public transport and car. Ample parking is available on-site. Specific public transport routes can be found on local travel websites.
Yes, the Gurdwara has parking facilities, including two car parks. This is a significant advantage for visitors traveling by car.
Yes, guided tours are offered at weekends, making it easier to learn about the history and significance of the Gurdwara.
The Gurdwara welcomes school and educational visits, providing an opportunity to learn about Sikh culture and traditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Gurdwara is free. It is a place of worship and community service, open to all. Donations are welcome but not mandatory.
While specific hours can vary, Gurdwaras are generally open from early morning to late evening. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate timing information, especially for specific prayer services or events.
Yes, visitors must cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering. Modest clothing is also recommended.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful, especially during prayer ceremonies. Avoid intrusive photography and always be mindful of others' privacy.
No, the Langar is a free community meal. It's a fundamental part of Sikh practice, offering sustenance to all visitors regardless of their background.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is a significant spiritual and community center, known for its impressive architecture and the practice of Seva (selfless service), particularly through the Langar.
Beyond prayer halls, the Gurdwara boasts sports facilities like boxing, basketball, and karate, as well as grounds for football. It also offers various community services.
Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as serene, peaceful, and divine, offering a space for meditation and spiritual connection.
Absolutely. The main sanctum sanctorum is a perfect place for meditation and connecting with your spiritual self.
Key practices include covering your head, removing shoes, and participating in the Langar. Respectful behavior and a quiet demeanor are highly valued.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Gurdwara serves a free vegetarian meal called Langar daily. It's a delicious and wholesome experience.
The Langar typically serves simple, delicious vegetarian dishes, often including curries, rice, and bread.
Langar is served daily, usually at set times. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check their schedule for exact timings.
Donations are always welcome and help support the free meal service. However, participation in the Langar is free for everyone.
Depending on the specific location, there may be various restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. However, experiencing the Langar is a unique and recommended part of visiting a Gurdwara.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but always be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors. Avoid flash photography during prayer times and be mindful of privacy.
The main Darbar Hall with its intricate architecture, stained-glass windows, and golden domed Palki are particularly stunning. The exterior architecture is also very impressive.
While not always explicitly stated, it's best practice to avoid photographing individuals without their consent and to refrain from disruptive photography during religious services.
You can photograph the Langar hall and the food, but be considerate of the people serving and eating. Focus on the communal aspect rather than individual portraits unless permission is granted.
Photos often highlight the grand architecture, the peaceful interiors, the communal Langar, and sometimes wedding ceremonies held there.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photographers and Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Gurdwara
These Gurdwaras embody the core Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service) and Sangat (congregation). The Langar, or community kitchen, is a central feature, offering free vegetarian meals to all visitors, regardless of their background. This practice promotes equality and communal harmony. Beyond spiritual services, many Gurdwaras, including Guru Nanak Darbar, offer extensive community programs such as Punjabi classes, health and wellbeing services, and youth activities, making them vital centers for social cohesion.
Architectural Grandeur and Spiritual Ambiance
The peaceful aura within the Gurdwara is a recurring theme in visitor experiences. This tranquil environment is conducive to introspection and allows visitors to connect with their inner selves and the divine. The combination of impressive architectural design and a deeply spiritual atmosphere makes visiting the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara a profoundly moving experience for many.
Community and Sports Facilities
In addition to sports, these Gurdwaras serve as hubs for various community services. These can range from educational programs like Punjabi classes and Gurmat Sangeet (Sikh music) to health and wellbeing initiatives. This holistic approach ensures that the Gurdwara supports not only the spiritual needs but also the social, educational, and physical development of its community members.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit