Amritsar, the city of the Golden temple is one of the most important pilgrimage for the Sikhs. The city is located at a distance of about 234 kms from Chandigarh and is one of the most fertile lands in India producing wheat grain, sugarcane and cotton. There are chemical and textile industries which make it an economically important city of India. Apart from being a major pilgrimage, Amritsar is also a standing testimony of the Jallianwalah Bagh massacre during the Indian freedom struggle. The people of Amritsar are very hard working and warm-hearted as they welcome every guest to their holy city.
The city of Amritsar has been named after the Amrit Sarovar or the pool of nectar, the holy tank that surrounds the Golden Temple and a dip in which is supposed to wash away all your sins. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple. If you are 'doing' north India, Amritsar is a city you should not miss. It's easy to travel there from Delhi by road and by rail. It is easy to navigate through the city; few guides bother you as tourism is not the most important commercial activity here.
HOW TO GET THERE
AIR - Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Shrinagar.
Road - Amritsar is connected by rail with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other places in India.
Train - Amritsar is connected by bus with Ambala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ferozepur, Jammu etc. Some of the road distances are as follows:- Jammu 216 kms, Ferozepur 160 kms, Chandigarh 235 kms, Delhi 435 kms and Wagah 29 kms.
Local Transport - Cycle Rickshaws, Taxis, City buses and Auto Rickshaws.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
As in the other parts of North India, so in Amritsar the best time to visit is from October to April/ May. The temperature in Summer (April to September) is Max. 34 and min.15 degrees celcius. The temperature in Winter (October to April) is Max.18 and Min.0 degrees celcius.
Visitors are advised to wear light cotton clothes in the summers and woolens are required in winters.
Places of Interest
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in the heart of Amritsar is the most important pilgrimage of not only the Sikhs all over the world, but also believers of other religions, as the doors of the Gurdwara are always open for everyone irrespective of their religion, caste and creed.
The temple is famous for its full golden dome, which was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh using approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The temple is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. The majesty of the Golden Temple has to be seen to be believed. It has to be seen at different times of the day and night and only then, one can truly appreciate its beauty. It is one of the most tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, which speaks about the devotion and sensibilities of the devotees. The sound of the Gurbanis (traditional Hymns of the Sikhs) going on throughout the day, are very pleasant to hear and are like soothing balms for disturbed souls.
Hari Mandir
Hari Mandir, situated inside the Golden Temple complex is a 52-meter, square-based structure. Inside the Temple, the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of the Sikhs) is placed on a palanquin set with emeralds, rubies and diamonds with silver poles and a golden canopy.
Akal Takht
Akal Takht is the headquarter of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee or the Sikh Parliament. It is also the place where Guru Granth Sahib is kept during the night.
Guru ka Langar
The langar (community kitchen) at the Golden Temple is another major attraction. Here volunteers prepare free meals for thousands of people everyday and everyone is offered the food. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to around 20,000 people everyday. The number shoots up to 100,000 on special occasions. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The temple is less crowded in the early mornings on weekends.
Jalianwallah Bagh
Jalianwallah Bagh is at a distance of five minutes from the Golden temple, where in April 1919, a lot of innocent people were massacred due to the irresponsible and fanatic behavior of a British General. The walls bear the bullet marks, the narrow entrance which was blocked by the general and his troops, and from where they stood and fired at the gathering and the well into which a lot of women and children fell due to panic, have been marked and bears testimony to all that happened there years ago. A memorial has been built to pay homage to all those who lost their lives there.
Durgiana Temple (Lakshmi Narain Temple)
Built in the third decade of the 20th Century it echoes, not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple and, in a similar manner rises from the midst of a tank and has canopies and the central dome in the style of the Sikh temple. This temple is dedicated to the Godess Durga and hence the name. One of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, laid its foundation stone. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures.
Wagah Border
The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. 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 fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. Four Star Hotels.
Khalsa College
On the drive back from Wagah Border one cannot miss the majestic building of the Khalsa College which has successfully completed one hundred years of its existence. It has over this period carved for itself a unique niche on the educational map of the country. The high administrative acumen, unflagging zeal and sincerity of purpose of the teachers has steered the college to attain high academic laurels.
The History of the college is practically the history of renaissance among the Sikhs. There is hardly any eminent educated Sikh of the other generation who had not at one time or the other been connected with this reputed institution.
The Institution has a big hand in elevating the community to its present enviable position in the field of education and social upliftment. With the establishment of the college in 1892, began a movement for the education of Sikh boys and girls on an extensive scale.
Ram Bagh and the Museum of Maharahah Ranjit Singh
Ram Bagh are the green open gardens outside the summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. To commemorate the memory of his valour, Ram Bagh on its one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a winsome posture. In those days the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate which still exists in its original form and is just on the periphery of the garden.
In the precinct of the garden, is the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh which has been converted into a museum which speaks volumes about his times. On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and a replica of diamond "Kohinoor".