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Amritsar Tourism

The Golden Temple, Amritsar

Home To The Most Sacred

Amritsar, being the administrative center of Punjab is probably the most noted city of all in the state. With instructions from Guru Amar Das, the city was founded by Guru Ram Das in the year 1574. Nestling on the northwestern side of India, Amritsar name means 'The Ocean of the Nectar of immortality'. The city is most famous for the renowned Harmandir Sahib famously known as The Golden temple. This has made Amritsar the most sacred place for Sikh pilgrims. In fact, you will be amazed to know that The Golden Temple attracts more visitors than Taj Mahal in Agra.

The city of Amritsar has a colorful culture, a noted history and many magnificent places to validate this. Being one of the most advanced cities in Punjab, it is one of the best places to shop in. Along with big brands, there are shops that sell items made in different corners of Punjab and brought to Amritsar. The best time to visit Amritsar is during winters from November to March.

Attractions - Worth Your Every Second

Though there are innumerable places to visit in Amritsar, all are left unnoticed as Amritsar is home the world famous Golden Temple and the historical Jallianwala Bagh.

The Golden Temple

Situated in the heart of Amritsar, The golden Temple is the most sacred and the most magnificent Sikh Shrine. Originally called the Harmandir Sahib, it became famous as The Golden temple because of its gold plated exteriors. The Golden Temple is considered holy as Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest literature of Sikhism is kept inside the gurudwara. The foundation for the gurudwara was laid by a Muslim saint called Hazrat Mian Mir Ji in the year 1588. The work of the temple was completed in the year 1601. It was Guru Arjan Dev who installed the sacred Guru Granth Sahib in the premises. It is built on a 67 feet square platform situated right in the middle of Sarovar (tank).

Jalianwala Bagh

Now a pleasant garden, Jalianwala Bagh was once the spot for most gruesome massacre in the history of India. On April 13, 1919, when most of Punjab was soaked in the celebrations of New year, many people gathered inside Jalianwala Bagh for celebration. Under the command of General Dyer, many soldiers were marched into Jallianwala Bagh and asked to open fire at the gathered public. It is said that there were more than 1000 casualties and many more injured on the day.

Jallianwala Bagh today is converted into a memorial for all the people who lost their lives on that fateful day. There is a path that leads to the lawns. At the entrance, there is a plaque that narrates the incident. On the northern side of the park, there is a well where many people lost their lives who jumped into it in an attempt to hide from the firing. The main memorial is on the east side of the park. Jallianwala Bagh can be visited from 6 AM to 7 PM in summers and from 7 AM to 6PM during winters.

Wagah Border

Situated nearly 28 km from the city of Amritsar, Wagah Border is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. There is a road that runs across the border around which there are few buildings. The main attraction of Wagah border is the evening ceremony of the called 'Beating the Retreat'. It is a show where the performers are the soldiers from both the sides. Border Security Force on Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan Side put up a colorful, well coordinate and thunderous show. There are stadium seats on both sides of the border which generally fill up quite quickly. The atmosphere created durind the ceremony is simply electrifying.

Accommodation in Amritsar

Amritsar being the administrative center of Punjab, has some big and luxurious hotels. Apart from big branded hotels, there are many budget hotels too near The Golden Temple. Along with pilgrims, Amritsar also receives a lot of business travelers. To accommodate them and provide them with the best staying facilities, many hotels have world class business facilities. The most well known hotels in Amritsar are The Hotel Shiraz, Raj Continental, hotel Khyber continental and Hotel La Cascade.

How To Reach Amritsar

By Air

Amritsar has its own international airport which receives more than 150 flights a week. It is connected to all the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore with regular flights operated by major flight operators like Air Sahara, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines.

By Rail

There is a railway station in Amritsar that is situated right in the heart of the city. All major trains have a stop at Amritsar.

By Road

Amritsar is well connected to all the major cities by a series of well laid out roads. There is bus service to all cities of Punjab and to other nearby states like Haryana and Delhi.

Local Transportation

For commuting inside Amritsar, apart from buses, you can also hire taxis auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws which are easily available at all times of the day.