DESTINATION GUIDE INDIA - AMRITSAR

ABOUT AMRITSAR CITY

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.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES  - AMRITSAR CITY

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.

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.

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.

Wagah Border

The final frontier, Wagah about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It’s an interesting experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony is carried out with great pomp.

Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervor rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
 

HOW TO REACH

» Air :  The Rajasansi airport at Amritsar is well linked by flights from all over India. Recently, it was upgraded to be an international airport.

» By Train: There are direct links from Delhi to Amritsar by train.

» By Road: Buses also ply regularly between the two cities.