Amritsar

Fast Facts
Location : Punjab
Attractions : Golden Temple, Jaliwanwala Bagh, Ram Bagh and Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Best Time To Visit : October to March

Introducing Amritsar
One of the most important city for Sikhs, Amritsar is second largest city of Punjab after Chandigarh. In fact, you can consider Amritsar second capital of Punjab because of being the hub of commercial activities. For tourists, Amristar is an important tourist destination of North India. Despite the politico-religious turbulences time and again, the intrinsic charm of the city continues to lure the visitors in large numbers every year.

Since last few centuries, Amritsar has remained an important seat of Sikh history and rich culture. Golden temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism is the main attraction for tourists and devotees. Besides, there are a number of Sikh shrines and historical sites in and around the city that equally attract the visitors. Amritsar's exotic food and warm hospitality are other things to make your travel to Amritsar memorable.

So, plan a trip to the enchanting city of Amritsar this vacation, visit the holy shrines, historic sites and savour delectable cuisines. You will surely remember the visit to Amritsar for a long time.

How to Reach Amritsar
By Air : Amritsar has its own airport, which is an important airport of North India. Recently the airport has been upgraded to an international airport. A number of Airlines operate flights to and from Amristar to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. By Train : Amritsar railway station is served by several express and mail trains. Trains are available to Amritsar from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other important parts of the country. Amritsar is also connected to Lahore railway station in neighbouring country of Pakistan.

By Road : Amritsar is on the G.T. Road (Grand Trunk Road, NH1) so it is well-connect with major cities of North India. Amritsar is easily accessible by road from Delhi. The city also makes the ideal base for exploring further in the northern India by road. Road distances of some of the important places from Amritsar are Wagah (29 kms), Ferozepur (160 kms), Jammu (216 kms), Chandigarh (235 kms) and Delhi (435 kms).

Local Tranport : Tourist taxis, buses, rickshaws and auto-rickshaw are modes of local transport in Amritsar.

Places Where You Can Stay
Amritsar is dotted with a good number of hotels ranging from luxurious to budget hotels. Equipped with the modern amenities and well-appointed rooms, the luxurious hotels of Amritsar provide a pleasant stay to guests. Budget and economic hotels of the city also offer comfortable stay alongwith warm hospitality. Some of the famous hotels of Amritsar are :

Luxury Hotels : Hotel Ritz Plaza, Mohan International Hotel, Hotel Swarn House and M K Hotel

Heritage Hotels : Ranjit's Svaasa

Economic Hotels : Hotel Royal Castle, Hotel Grand Legacy and Hotel Kumar International

Budget Hotels : Hotel Astoria, Grand Hotel, Hotel Suncity Towers and C J International Hotel

Tourist Attractions in Amritsar
Golden Temple : Golden Temple also called Harmander Sahib is the most popular attraction of Amritsar. An important shrine for Sikhs, the temple drawing lakhs of pilgrims from far and near every year. Main structure of the temple rises from the centre of the sacred pool and it is approached by a long causeway. Golden temple houses the holy script of the Guru Granth Sahib and owes its name from the gold-laden dome upon a marble base. Remember to cover your head with a handkerchief or a scarf before entering the temple. Close to the temple there are a number of Gurudwars. Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib and the Shahidi martyr's shrine are important religious centers.

Jaliwanwala Bagh : Amritsar has played an important role in India's struggle for independence. Jaliwanwala Bagh of the town is always remembered for a tragic incident of freedom struggle. In the year 1919, the British Police opened fire on a peaceful assembly of people gathered in demand of freedom. About two thousand of people were killed in the fire including the women and children. Still the Jalianwala Bagh commemorates the martyrs and you can see the photos of key personalities involved in a small gallery and the well into which the crowds jumped to escape the bullets.

Ram Bagh : A beautiful garden, Ram Bagh is named after Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore, the garden houses the summer palace of Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839). Ram Bagh also has a lifesize statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse. The garden is closed on Wednesdays.

Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh : Situated in the middle of Ram bagh, the summer palace is now a museum. In the museum you can see the weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of the ruling houses of the Punjab and a replica of the diamond 'Kohinoor'. Oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons relating to the Sikh period are also in display inside the museum. Tourist Attractions Around Amritsar
Tarn Taran : Just 22 km south of Amritsar, Tarn Taran is a town founded by Sri Guru Arjan Dev in 1590. Tarn Taran is home to an important Sikh shrine built in honor of Guru Ram Das. Architecture of the temple is inspired by the Golden temple. It is believed that the holy lake inside the shrine can heal leprosy. Fairs are held at Tarn Taran on every 'Amavas' dark night of the month, birth anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus and festivals of Baisakhi and Diwali.

Wagah Border : Wagah Border, the famous army post on Indo-Pak border is situated at a distance of 29 kms from Amritsar. Everyday in the evening, large number of people reach the Wagah border to watch the ceremonial parade and the lowering of the national flags by Indian and Pakistani armymen. As the parade begins, crowds cheer the India's BSF men and the Pakistani Rangers. Patriotism and nostalgia run high at Wagah border, as history and emotion come together in one unforgettable mix.

Baba Bakala : Baba Bakala is located 45 kms east of Amritsar on the Batala road. A magnificent Gurdwara lies at Baba Bakala, which is visited by thousands of devotees on every amavas (moonless night). Baba Bakala is the place where Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana.An annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day at Baba Bakala.

Harike Wetland : Harike Wetland is situated mid way between Amritsar and Ferozepur. The wetland formed at the point of confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej, was declared a national wildlife sanctuary in 1982. Every year in winters around 350 odd species of birds reach Harike Wetland from China, Siberia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Shopping in Amritsar
For the avid shoppers, Amristar is a paradise. Punjab is famous for rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms, you will find these items in markets of Amritsar. You may check out beautiful handicraft items like phulkari (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, jewelry and much more. While shopping in Amritsar do not forget to buy the typical Punjabi shoes, Patiala salwar, hand-woven carpets, blankets and woolen garments. You should also buy famous jams, jellies and pickles of Punjab. Amritsar has a number of shopping centres, but the old city markets are best places for traditional Indian. You will also find several shopping malls having top brand shops. Cooper Road, Mochi Bazaar, Guru Bazaar and Shastri Market for some of popular markets in Amritsar.