Location : In the
north Indian state of Punjab.
Tourist Attractions : The Golden Temple, Jalianwala
Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Ram Bagh, Wagah Border, Baba Bakala, Tarn Taran.
Best Buys : Woolen tweeds, suiting, blankets, shawls in
traditional weaves, ivory, swords in different designs, jutties (traditional
embroidered shoes) and carpets.
Best Hangouts : The Golden Temple, Ram Bagh
Best Activity : Shopping
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chandigarh, Ludhiana,
Delhi, Lahore (Pakistan).
When to Visit : Any Time of the Year
About Amritsar
Amritsar, meaning the "holy pool of nectar" is one of the major
cities in the state of Punjab.
It
is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. The legend has
it that this was the place where, Luv and Kush, the twin sons of Lord Ram,
got education and were taught the Ramayana by the learned sage Valmiki,
before Sikhism came into existence and present city came to be known as
Amritsar. The city was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas.
With the respect of the pilgrims that pulls into Amritsar, the city has
become the symbol of Sikhism. Today, Amritsar has evolved as a historical
place and a religious hub of the Sikhs. A major part of the city's history
revolves around the Golden Temple, which is the prime and distinct
attraction in Amritsar.
Major Tourist Attractions in Amritsar
The Golden Temple
Sri Harimandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple is
named after Hari(God) the temple of God. Sikhs from all over the world come
here to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit
Saras Kund for spiritual purification. The Golden Temple is the major
landmark of the place. Founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das,
the Golden Temple is a two storey marble structure, with an imposing dome of
pure gold.
Jalianwala Bagh
Jalianwala Bagh reminds us of the brutal killing of the innocent people on
April 13, 1919 by general Dyer, a British general. The mass massacre took
lives of over 2000 unarmed people, who gathered there for meeting. This
garden commemorates the martyrs, keeping the tragic episode in its
historical context. Today, this site of brutal massacre, encloses a memorial
with an eternal flame, dedicated to the martyrs.
Durgiana Temple
Located outside the Lohagarh gate of the old city, the temple is dedicated
to Goddess Durga and is a centre of pilgrimage for devout Hindus. Other
attractions of the city are Baba Atal Rai Tower, Ram Bagh garden, Fatehabad
Mosque, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Wagha Border.
Getting There
Air : The Rajasansi airport at Amritsar is well linked by flights
from all over India. Recently, it was upgraded to be an international
airport.
Rail : There are direct links from Delhi to Amritsar by train.
Road : Buses also ply regularly between the two cities.
Accommodation
You won't face in any difficulty here. There are numerous respectable
accommodations available here with world class facilities and services.
Hotels are available in wide range, varying between luxury to budget and
cater to every tourist's interest. There are accommodation for luxury
seekers as well as for budget travelers.
