About the city
The Golden Temple, where Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is the major landmark of the place. Amritsar is also characterized by the hard working and warm-hearted people.There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around Amritsar. However, most of the places are of religious and historical importance. The Golden Temple, which is located in the heart of the city, is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. The Jalianwala Bagh is a memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by the British General Dyer. The Durgiana Mandir is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Baba Atal Rai Tower, just a few kilometres from the main town, is believed to be the spot where Guru Har Gobind died. Wagah (28 km) is on the Indo-Pakistan border where tourists throng to see the change of guards ceremony by the border security forces of both the countries.
Religious Places
Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) Located in the heart of Amritsar, the Golden Temple Complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras that house one of the busiest markets in India. The Temple sits on a rectangular platform in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar. A dip in this holy pond is believed to cleanse both mind and body. The brownie points that one dunk here fetches you is considered equivalent to that earned by visiting various holy cities. The temple is surrounded by a white marble corridor, which is encircled by pilgrims visiting the shrine. A narrow causeway leads to the Harmandir, or Darbar Sahib, the main temple. The archway at the entrance is decorated with intricate inlay work. Verses from the Granth Sahib are inscribed on the doorway. Unlike the temples in the South, the Golden Temple is open to all faiths. You can leave your shoes, socks, sticks and umbrellas outside at the cloakroom at no charge. Visitors should wash their feet outside the entrance. Best to go early in the morning as the marble on the floor gets too hot by noon. Dress appropriately and cover your head in the temple precincts. Head scarves are available during the day, but not at night; a handkerchief should suffice. Avoid sitting with back towards the temple. You may wish to visit the community kitchen for breakfast (dawn to 0900) before visiting the temple. The Information Office near the main entrance is very helpful. Akal Takht Next to the Harmandir is the religious governing body of the Sikhs, called the Akal Takht. The Adi Granth, Bible of the Sikhs, is housed in the ground floor of the building and is taken out in procession every morning to be placed at the Harmandir Sahib. Again at night, it is brought back to the Akal Takht. A very moving and somber ceremony that leaves you sniffing into your tissue. If you miss the early morning or evening processions, the palanquin that bears the Adi Granth can be viewed in the treasury room of the Akal Takht. Tower of Baba Atal RaiBuilt in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Har Gobind Ji, the sixth guru, this octagonal nine-storeyed structure is best known for its beautiful frescoes, all depicting the life of Guru Nanak. Majaar Baba Sheikh Braham The only place in India where Pakistani citizens are allowed to make an annual and unofficial visit without a visa. Baba Sheikh Brahamji's tomb is situated in Mian Wala Village (Tehsil Khemkaran). A big fair is organised towards the end of the monsoons when people from both sides of the border come to pay their respects at the majaar. It is believed that a wish made here is always fulfilled. Ram Tirath Temple,/u> On the outskirts of Amritsar, this is believed to be the spot where sage Valmiki's ashram once stood, and where Lord Rama's sons Lav and Kush were born. The temple has sculptures illustrating scenes from the Ramayana
Historical Places
Jallianwala Bagh About half a kilometer north of the Golden Temple, it is here that on 13th April 1919, British troops led by General Dyer fired mercilessly at a group of peaceful protestors. A plaque at the entrance recounts the history of the massacre. A martyrs' memorial stands on the eastern end, while the well (into which many jumped in the desperate attempt to escape death) and bullet-ridden walls remain mute but horrifying testimonials to the ruthless massacre. There is the Martyr's Gallery here which is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and from 10 am to 4 pm during winter. Ram Bagh This beautiful garden contains the summer palace of the erstwhile ruler of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden's pride is the Darshani Deorhi, the main entrance which is architectural marvel. There is a museum showcasing oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons. Pul Kanjari A small village on the Amritsar-Lahore road, it was an important trading centre during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is said that during the Raja's stay here, a dancer regularly entertained him. One day, while crossing the canal, one of her shoes fell into the water. It was on her insistence that the Maharaja built a pul or bridge over the canal. The village was captured during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, but recaptured after some fierce fighting. There is a memorial built in memory of the brave jawans who lost their lives in the 1971 war.
Festivals
Hola Mohalla (March) It ushers in the spring season, but it has great historical significance as well, for it marks the militarisation of Sikh followers into the order of Nihangs (warriors) by Guru Gobind. Celebrated the day after Holi, the festival makes for a thrilling spectacle. Martial arts like archery, fencing, and horse riding are displayed. Basant Panchami (March/April) Basant Panchami is the most famous of the seasonal fairs and marks the advent of spring. The fields of mustard are in bloom all over rural Punjab during this time. On Basant Panchami day, you can see a sea of bright yellow all over as people don yellow costumes, maintaining the mood of the season. Kite-flying is a major attraction. Baisakhi (April) Baisakhi marks the Hindu New Year. For the Sikhs, it is the day Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Guru, organised the community into the order of the Khalsa (the pure ones). The day is celebrated with great music, dance and lavish feasts. There are countless bhangra dance performances across the city to celebrate the occasion. Guru Nanak Jayanti (October/November) The birth anniversaries of the ten Sikh gurus, including those of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh (December/January) are holy days. People throng to the gurudwaras, shabad (verses from the Granth Sahib) are sung and langars (community kitchens) spring up even in the smallest of Sikh temples to serve everyone, irrespective of religion and caste. Amritsar Heritage Festival (November) Organised by the tourism department, it features shabad kirtans, poetry readings, and plenty of music and dance.
Entertainment
The only culture Punjab knows is Agriculture, it is often joked. This is fast changing. Right inside the Golden Temple Complex, gataka or Sikh martial art performances are held every day. The venue is the roof of the Guru Ka Langar building. On GT Road near Khalsa College is the Naatshala, with a unique revolving stage. It hosts weekend plays and concerts. Besides these, independent local organisations hold musical evenings, especially Punjabi Pop concerts. The city listings of any local daily will give you the details.
Nightlife
If you are an owl who wants to party and stay out late, Amritsar is not the city for you. After a hard day's work, the natives down a few pegs enjoy a hearty meal, and their sleep is precious to them. Among the limited options for some night-time action is Balle Bowl, a small food court with a bar that serves beer, wine, fresh juice and mocktails. A bowling alley, some snooker tables and a few video games have also been placed here. If interested in food, then place you order before 11 pm or be ready to be turned away. Balle Bowl is at: SCO 50-51, District Shopping Centre Ranjit Avenue, Block B Tel: 2508091-94
Kidding Around
Take the kids out to the Ram Bagh. This garden with its art museum is one of the best places to relax. The kids can roam around and play in the sprawling garden. If you are looking for an educative and inspiring experience for your children, a drive to the Wagah border to see the 'closing the border' parade would be well worth an evening. A trip to the Jallianwala Bagh, with its martyrs memorial on the eastern end and the wells, is another place of history that we recommend young people to visit. A trip to the Martyr's Gallery here is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and from 10 am to 4 pm during winte
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How to reach
Road:
You can drive into Amritsar from the neighbouring states. Bus services connect the city to most north Indian towns, including Chandigarh (235 km), New Delhi (450 km), Shimla (322km) and Jammu (219km). There is also a bus service to Lahore (35 km away), which is the only overland connection between India and Pakistan.
Rail:
Amritsar is connected by direct trains to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Puri. The bi-weekly train to Lahore in Pakistan, the Samjhauta Express, also rolls out from here.
Air:
The Raja Sansi airport, about 11 km from town, is connected by domestic flights to Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh. You can get to town by a pre-booked rented car, taxis or auto-rickshaws.
Getting Around:
Cycle rickshaws for short distances; unmetered auto rickshaws, taxis and rented cars for long distances. Chauffeur-driven as well as self-driven vehicles are available for hire, either from the hotel you are staying in or from car rental agencies spread throughout the city. Cars are usually rented on a half-day or full-day charge. Taxis are available around the station. If you wish to travel short distances within the city and don't mind some exercise, bicycles available from the Hide Market are worth trying out.
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Places in and around
Golden Temple Golden Temple
Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterised by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.
Jalianwala Bagh
A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer.
Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr's Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during winters.
Durgiana Mandir
Amritsar also houses a wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Mandir also offers puja to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Supposedly built during the 16th century AD, the temple lies in the middle of a medium sized lake giving it a wonderful overall view. The temple, a massive structure, was built on the style of the nearby Golden Temple. Worth a visit.
Baba Atal Rai Tower
Located at a distance of few kilometres from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is also a site worth visiting. It is believed that Guru Har Gobind died at this spot. Named after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine storied building is an important landmark of the place. Climbing on to the top gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. The first floor of the tower houses some of the miniatures related to Guru Nanak's life and his preaching. Makes a must visit.
Wagah Border Wagah Border
One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.
Tarn Taran
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Amritsar, Tarn Taran is a famous excursion point. One of the important spots to see here is the sacred tank which is believed to have curative powers. It is believed that if a leper successfully swims across the tank, he or she can be cured of the disease. Tarn Taran also has a highly revered Gurudwara built by Guru Arjan Dev in AD 1768. This Gurudwara is built in memory of Guru Ram Das. It is amazing to see how the architecture of the Golden Temple has influenced the other significant structures. The Gurudwara of Tarn Taran is also made in the same architectural style. Gobindwal Sahib
Gobindwal Sahib
Located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Amritsar, the Gobindwal Sahib is another place to visit during your excursion from Amritsar. Here you can also have a look at the final resting place of Guru Angad Devji that stands nearby.
Amanat Khan Serai
Amanat Khan Serai is famous for its ornamental gateway and glazed tile decorations. A must see, it is located at a distance of 38 kilometres from Amritsar.
Baba Bakala
Located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Amritsar, Baba Bakala is an important site to visit around Amritsar. The magnificent Gurudwara here is dedicated to the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Dharamshala
Located at a distance of 200 kilometres from Amritsar in the state of Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala, a popular hill station. It is also famous as the present home of Dalai Lama. This wonderful and picturesque hill station is characterised by magnificent deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres to 1982 metres, there are many spots to visit in and around the town. Mc Leodganj (10 km), the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Bhagsunath (11 km), St. John's Church (8 km),the Kunal Pathri (3 km) and the War Memorial (2 km from the town centre) are some of the major places to visit in Dharamshala. Dharamshala also provides access for a visit to some of the other nearby exotic destinations.
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