Location : Punjab
Tourist Attractions : Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple,
Jallianwala Bagh
Local Tongue : Punjabi, Hindi
STD Code : (91) - 183
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year
About Amritsar
Amritsar or the city of nectar pool was founded by the fourth Sikh saint,
Guru Ram Dass. One of the most revered places for the Sikh's since the
founding of the Sikh religion, Amritsar has with time developed into an
industrially developed city with several textile and machinery units being
set up over time, which form one of the major parts of its economy besides
the main stay agriculture. Commemorated for events like the Jalianwala Bagh
massacre in which thousands of innocent men, women and children were killed
by British soldiers, the city is best known as a place of pilgrimage, being
the house of the magnificent Har Mandir Sahib, better known as the Golden
Temple.
Climate & Best time to Visit
The climate in Amritsar is typical of the north Indian region, being very
hot in summers and extremely cold in winters. The monsoon season receives a
good amount of rainfall. While the place can be visited anytime of the year,
the best time would be the months of October/November, which is also the
time of Guru Nanak Jayanti (the birthday of the first Sikh saint, Guru Nanak
Dev). While heavy woolens are recommended during the winters, cotton
clothing is appropriate during summers.
Religious Places in Amritsar
Golden Temple
The most important holy site in Amritsar is the Golden Temple, built by
Guru Arjan Dev. The golden temple witnessed numerous attacks by Muslim
rulers, being
destroyed many times, yet rebuilt each time by the Sikh devotees in an even
better way. During the eighteenth century reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,
the dome of the temple was covered with 100 kg of pure gold, thus lending it
the name Golden Temple.
Durgiana Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the ancient temple is an important Hindu
pilgrimage. The huge temple consists of beautiful murals on its walls and an
opulent idol of Goddess Durga. The temple is situated outside the Lohagarh
gate of the old city.
Tarn Taran
Situated just 22 km from Amritsar, Tarn Taran is a holy Sikh shrine built
in remembrance of Guru Ram Dass. The structure resembles the golden temple
in its architecture and draws numerous tourists and pilgrims.
Other
Tourist Attractions
Jallianwala Bagh
The Jallianwala Bagh is a cruel reminder of how thousands of innocent
Indian men, women and children were killed by general Dyer and a group of
British soldiers while in a peaceful demonstration against British policies
during pre-independence period. The event took place on April 13, 1919 and
since, the place has been converted into a national monument with its walls
still bearing the bullet marks from that fateful day.
Ram Bagh
The sprawling Ram Bagh gardens houses the opulent palace of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh. The beautiful architecture of the palace draws awe and admiration
from the visitors. A museum situated inside houses a rare collection of
miniature paintings, old coins, weapons and other artifacts relating to the
past.
Govindgarh Fort
Built during the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the fort was
intended to protect the residents in case of attacks from the neighbouring
Afghan infiltrators. The massive walls of the fort and the special defensive
techniques ensured complete protection from the enemy. At present, the
structure is under the control of the Indian paramilitary forces.
Stay At
Amritsar boasts of a number of quality hotels that provide the best in
luxury and comfort for its guests. Among the best in Amritsar are Hotel
Kumar International (3 star, situated on Albert Road just 15 km from Airport
& 0.5 km from railway station), Hotel Royal Castle (3 star, situated on
Albert Road just 9 km from Airport, 0.5 km from railway station & 3 km
from bus stand), M.K. Hotel (4 star, situated in Ranjit Avenue just 7 km
from Airport, 3 km from railway station & 4 km from bus stand), Mohan
International Hotel (4 star, situated on Albert Road just 15 km from Airport
& 0.5 km from railway station) and Ritz Plaza (3 star, situated on The
Mall just 11 km from Airport & 0.5 km from railway station & 4 km
from bus stand).
Getting There
By Air : The Rajasansi airport is situated at a distance
of 10 km from the main city. Indian Airlines and other private flight
operators provide regular services between Amritsar and other major Indian
cities including Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis and local buses are easily
available from the airport to reach Amritsar city.
By Rail : Amritsar railway station connects the city with
Delhi and other major Indian cities through regular express, super fast and
passenger trains. Several trains operate daily between Delhi and Amritsar.
The journey takes about 10 hours.
By Road : Punjab State Road Transport Corporation (PSRTC)
operates regular services between Amritsar and other cities of Punjab. Buses
are also available from Delhi to Amritsar.
Distance from Major Cities
- Ambala : 255 Km
- Chandigarh : 217 Km
- Delhi : 447 Km
- Ludhiana : 142 Km
- Jalandhar : 83 Km
- Pathankot : 112 Km
- Shimla : 322 Km
