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 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(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 have in their own way contributed a lot to the enhancement of Sikh Religion. The place has mythological significance, Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana here. Akal Takhat located at right side preserves a number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes. To the 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. Street sellers sell bandanas outside the temple at cheap prices.

Wagah Border

Wagah Border another prominent tourist attraction in Amritsar is a daily event. 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 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 forces of both the countries. 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 sign of unforgettable history of Indian freedom. 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 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. 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 such fields as science, art, management, information technology, industrial technology, environment, planning and architecture. It is both a residential and an affiliating university. University would make provision for imparting education and promoting research in the humanities. Studies and research on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, working towards the promotion of Punjabi language and spreading education among educationally backward classes and communities were the main commitments. Physical Education has in all 35 departments under their aegis. Among these the Departments of Chemistry and Human Genetics have been accorded international recognition. The University is running highly professional courses. Carefully nurtured by illustrious academicians, the University has carved a place for itself on the academic a map of India. The University was the first in Northern India to get FIVE STAR Accreditation from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in April 2000. According to the UGC rating, GNDU is India's fastest growing university denoting its dynamic enterprise and multifaceted outlook. The university has won the Maulana Abul Kalam Trophy for Inter-varsity sports, a record number of 18 times since 1978. Sports itself is an integral part of campus life along with academics. The University has facilitated for recreational and all round development of its students.

Khalsa College, Amritsar

The premier-most 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.

Excursions of Amritsar

Ram Tirth is around 11 kms. from Amritsar. It is believed to be the site Ashram of Maharishi Balmili, the legendary sage who cimposed 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.

Baba Bakala is 45 kms from amritsar. This famous gurudwara at Baba Bakala marks the site where Guru Tegh Bahadurji is said to have revealed himself to Malkhan shah Labana, a Sikh devotee. Large number of pilgrims come here on every amavas (o moon night) and over one lakh devotees assemble here during the annual fair held on the rakhi festival.

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

Hari-Ke-Pattan Sanctuary this popular picnic site 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 Sri 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.

Govindwal 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 or bauli at the Gurudwara is considered to be very sacred. It is said that of this world, by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine composition of Guru Nanak Dev ji, at each after bathing in the baoli.

Aam Khas Bagh the royal palatial mansion is the main attraction of Sirhind. Its construction was started by Hafiz Khan during the rule of Akbar, as a serai(highway inn) for the weary travelers and a retreat for the royalty. Later, Jehangir and Shah Jahan further developed this graceful structure. It was been converted into a tourist complex. The Aam Khas Bagh is noted for its beautiful murals, hot and cold air conditioning facilities and unique hydraulic system used for operating the fountains.