Amritsar - Punjab

Tourism

Golden Temple

Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmander Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib is located in the holy city of Amritsar. Its foundation was laid in 1588, by the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev ji on a small island in the waters of Amrit Sarovar and was consecrated on August 16, 1604. The temple was virtually destroyed in 1761 by Ahamad Shah Abdali, an Afghan invader. It was restored between 1803 and 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a Great Sikh ruler. The dome is carved out of pure gold. The temple was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who used 400 kg of gold leaf to build the upper half of the building. Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar (water tank). Darshani Deori, the northern gateway with two splendidly carved silver doors is the main entrance. Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. The Central Sikh Museum has paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who contributed a lot to the enhancement of Sikh Religion. Akal Takhat located at the right side, preserves a number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes. Towards south a nine-storeyed tower Baba Atal is located. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers cooked food 24 hours to all visitors. Guru Ram Das niwas and Guru Nank niwas offers accomodation facilities to the pilgrims. While visiting the Golden Temple you need to cover your head.

Wagah Border

Wagah Border is an another prominent tourist attraction in Amritsar on the international border between India and Pakistan. Wagah is 28 kilometers from the Amritsar main town touches international frontier with Pakistan. Every evening, the change of guard among the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) is an enchanting spectacle. Lot of people only comes to see the change of guard’s ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities. All the activities performed with great skill and precision by the Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervor rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is a sign of unforgettable history of Indian freedom struggle. It is located near Golden Temple and built in the memory of the unarmed people who died in an open firing by General Dyer on April 13, 1919. The place holds historical significance. People jumped into the well to escape the death from the hands of foreign power. The place still resonates of the tragedy that registers itself as one of the cruelest in the history of humanity.

Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji

Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji about 30 km south east from Amritsar and within easy reach from Goindwal Sahib is a Samadhi of the second Guru. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 A.D.

Jama Masjid Khairuddin

Jama Masjid Khairuddin built by Mohd. Khairuddin in 1876, this masjid is a place of architectural beauty situated in the Hall Bazar. This is the holy place from where a call against the British rule was given by Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari.

Durgiana Temple (Lakshmi Narain Temple)

Amritsar has wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga built in the third decade of the 20th Century, not a 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. Great political leaders Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya laid its foundation stone. This temple also offers puja to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana.

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar on November 24, 1969 under an Act to mark the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The university in its eventful history of 36 years has taken long strides in spreading the message of the Guru and promoting education in the fields of science, art, management, information technology, industrial technology, environment, planning and architecture. It is both a residential and an affiliating university.

Khalsa College, Amritsar

The premier and most prominent institute of higher learning, was established by the leaders of the Singh Sabha Movement in 1892. They were inspired by the lofty ideals of the great Gurus. They planned it to be a growing institution which would strive forever to achieve high degree of excellence of mind and body for the welfare of the youth. The architectural grandeur of its buildings and layout of its campus clearly demonstrate the ”will” of the founders. The campus also houses Khalsa College of Education, Khalsa College for Women, Khalsa College Girls High School, Khalsa College Boys Senior Secondary School and Khalsa College Public School. The eminence of its teaching faculty and fascination of its well-stocked library, high tech laboratories, extensive playing-fields and recently renovated hostels are its main attractions. A sense of grandeur and beauty pervades the campus.

Ram Tirth is around 11 kms. from Amritsar. It is believed to be the site Ashram of Maharishi Balmiki, the legendary sage who composed the great epic Ramayana. Sita, the consort of Lord Rama stayed at the Balmiki’s Ashram and gave birth to the twin sons, Luv and Kush. The pilgrim center has an ancient tank and many temples. A hut marks the site where Luv and Kush were born and there is also the hut of Rishi Balmiki. An annual four day fair is held here, starting from the full moon night in November.

Hall Bazar Hall Bazaar offers a wide variety of all type of products like electronics related items, ornaments goods, books or magazines, handicrafts goods and ready-made garments. Gandhi Gate is very import place in this Hall Bazaar which is used as a entry point to the this Bazaar. This gate is also known as Hall Gate.

Katra Jaimal Singh Katra Jaimal Singh market is famous for beautifully designed handicrafts such as Phulkari, jewelry and woodwork goods etc in Amritsar. This market is the main point of attraction for all visitors. This market also offers pieces of artistry, eye catching shopping things , pickles, jellies and jams.This market also shows the traditional look of Punjab.

Excursions of Amritsar

Baba Bakala is 45 kms from Amritsar. This famous gurudwara at Baba Bakala marks the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is said to have revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee. Large number of pilgrims come here on every amavas (no moon night) and over one lakh devotees assemble here during the annual fair held on the rakhi festival known as Rakhar Punnea.

Beas is the headquarters of Radha Soami Satsang, which has a huge following all over the world. Baba Jaimal Singh has established this Dera over here, after coming from Agra. Millions of followers visit the Beas every year and imbibe the teachings from their living master. The well organized Dera is also known for its state-of-the-art charitable hospital.

Hari-Ke-Pattan Sanctuary this is a popular picnic spot near the confluence of rivers Beas and satluj is located at the midway between Amritsar and Firozpur. Over 350 species of migratory birds flock to the wetland during winters. It is also one of India’s leading inland sweet water fish market.

Khadur Sahib was the main centre of Sikhism during the life of Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru.

Taran Taran the famous golden domed Gurudwara was built by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. The water of the holy pool is said to possess miraculous powers, especially for those suffering from leprosy. Guru Arjan Dev used to run a lepers home over here.

Goindwal Sahib the Sikh pilgrim site near Tarn Taran was the main centre of Sikhism during the time of Guru Amar Das ji, the third Sikh Guru. An 84 stepped well called Baoli at the Gurudwara is considered to be very sacred.


How to reach Amritsar

By Air: Amritsar is a major city in north India. The city has an airport, which has recently been upgraded to an international one. Majority of the public and private airlines operate flights regularly to and from Amritsar linking it to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai by air.

By Rail: The city has a Railway Station, which is regularly serviced by important Express, Mail and Passenger Trains linking it to the different parts of the country. One can approach to Amritsar by rail from any part of India. It is also connected to Lahore in Pakistan by Rail.

By Road: The city is well connected by road to major cities of north India. Amritsar lies in a drivable distance from Delhi, Chandigarh. Amritsar is considered as the base for exploring further in the northern India by road.