Amritsar
Amritsar was founded by Guru Ram Das the fourth guru of Sikhs in 1577. It’s the spiritual capital of the Sikhs and gained its name Amritsar, meaning “Holy Pool of Nectar”, from the water-body near the Golden Temple. Amritsar travel guide is our endeavor to let you know the destination better.
[usrlist “Location:5” “Accessibility:5” “Accomodation:4.5” Engagement:4.5]
Amritsar is a real dream city immersed in history and culture, Amritsar is also a home to some of world’s most intriguing sites like the Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh. So go on, visit Ambarsar and come back mesmerized!
History and Significance
One of the most important Sikh shrines in the world, Golden Temple is magnificence personified. Pray, eat or simply choose a corner to sit and watch the day go by at the Golden Temple.
Home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, Harmandir Sahib, better known to the world as the Golden Temple, Amritsar is a city steeped in history, culture and religion, which leaves every single one of its visitors in absolute awe.
The magnificent Golden Temple, also known as Darbar Sahib, is known all over the world and not without a reason. The sprawling temple complex houses the magnificent gurudwara and the placid sarovar; the lake with the holy water.
The upper section of the Golden Temple is crowned with a dome which is shaped like an inverted lotus. This dome is gilded with about 100 kgs of pure gold, hence the name ‘Golden Temple’.
The entrance to Harmandir Sahib is through an archway adorned with beautiful, intricate work. One can offer prayers inside the temple, where the sacred Guru Granth Sahib is placed, take a dip in the sarovarand ‘purify’ oneself or simply pick a corner; watch people go by and take in the splendid scenes and the divine atmosphere.
Apart from the Golden Temple, other landmarks of the city include the tragic yet significant Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, the only road border between India and Pakistan.
Both sites evoke fascinating emotions of passion and patriotism. While the former takes you back in time to India’s struggle for freedom, the latter displays its present day camaraderie with a controversial neighbour.
From delicious, hearty meals at Bharawan Da Dhaba to shopping for beautiful traditional Indian wear with Phulkari designs; food and shopping are essentials to any visit to Amritsar. Amritsar is a rich city; rich in culture, history and everything else to woo tourists from across the globe. If you do not believe hearsay, then go ahead and pay a visit to this charming city. You’ll be enchanted, for sure.
Wagah Border
Witnessing the lowering of the flags ceremony at the India-Pakistan Wagah border is a must visit, when in Amritsar, especially if visiting for the first time.
The camaraderie between arch rivals India and Pakistan at this border point is really unparalleled in this world.
Travel Options
How to reach
- Through air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is located in Varanasi. It is nearly 22 KM from the city center.
- By rail: Amritsar railway station is well connected with major Indian cities including Delhi
- By road: Direct buses till Delhi and other major cities in Punjab and Haryana
Best time to visit: Best months to visit are October and November, and February and March. The winters are cold and summers are very hot.
Things to do: Visit to Golden temple, Wagah Border, the famous border ceremony between arch rival India and Pakistan
