The iconic and holistic city of Amritsar was historically known as Ramdaspur. Founded in the year 1574 by Guru Ram Das, it is the chief pilgrimage destination of Sikhs around the world. Popularly known as the ‘Golden City’ after the famous Golden Temple or Harmindar Sahib, the beautiful city portrays the rich culture of Punjab.
Explore the rich culture and sacred places in Amritsar
The glorious city of Amritsar plays a vital role in standardising Punjabi language and folk literature. The city speaks loudly about its chivalric history and number of battles which were fought for its independence. People, here, are highly patriotic and have greatly contributed to the freedom struggle. Gidda and Bhangra are the special folk dance and the popular festivals celebrated here include Vaishakhi, Guru Purab, Hola Mohalla and Basant Panchami. Famous temples of the city include:
- Golden Temple: It is known as the holiest shrine for the Sikhs which signifies sacredness and religious fervour. Despite several demolitions, it was built again by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from pure gold. The centre point is the tank or Amrit Sarovar. The city is named after this tank. The tranquillity of the place is divine which can only be felt.
- Akal Takht: Regarded as the ‘Throne to the Immortal,’ it holds great significance to religious and political history. It was built by the sixth Sikh Guru named Guru Hargobind and was built within the complex of Golden Temple.
- Mata Lal Devi Temple: Popularly known as the Mirror Mahal or Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, women from all over the country visit here to seek blessings from God to bear a child. The temple is famous for uplifting the fertility rate in women.
Other popular temples worth visiting include Mukteswar Mahadev Temple, Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai, Shri Durgiana Temple, Gurdwara Mata Kaulan and so on.
Historical places of Amristar
Jallianwala Bagh: Located in the Central Amritsar, it is the living memoir of the drastic tragedy in the Indian history commemorating the biggest massacre of April 1919. On the auspicious day of Baisakhi, 13th April 1919, a public meeting was held where the British open fired killing more than 1000 people without any escape. Bullets mark can be seen until today.
- Wagah Border: Located in GT road between Amristar and Lahore, it is the road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Since 1959, a grand ceremony named lowering of flags is held every evening. Indian and Pakistani soldiers in their uniforms perform an energetic parade which is an astonishing scene.
- Ram Bagh: This is the beautiful garden surrounding the famous summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This is the finest garden separated into different sections by water channels and beautiful fountains on it. One can find rare botanical species like Coniferous trees.
- Partition Museum: this is the first-ever museum revealing the trauma and bloody consequences faced by millions of people during the ruthless partition of India and Pakistan.
Experience shopping and lip-smacking food in Amritsar
One can experience the rich culture in the delicacies of Amritsar. The famous Guru ka Langar served at Gurudwaras, Makki ki roti is eaten with sarso-da-saag, Amritsari kulcha or stuffed pita bread and spicy chole are its few vegetarian delicacies. Well, the versions of Chicken tikka and kebabs are highly delicious. The famous rajma chawal and a Lassi to digest all such heavy stuff should be tried. Grab the handicraft products from the local shopping markets. Embroidered shoes, handcrafted textile products and the local salwar suit for women are few things one should buy here.
Blissful experience at Golden Temple during night
A night at the Golden temple is sure to rejuvenate your soul and mind. Peaceful temple environment, experiencing the hopping of fishes in the Amrit Lake which glimmers brightly due to the golden lights is highly mesmerising. Take a visit to the kitchen where Langar is being prepared. One can enjoy the tasty stuff at a huge hall free of cost. The complete ambience is so charming that you would not like to return.
Famous places to visit in Amritsar
Apart from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, there are many more places which one should surely visit. These include:
- Hall Bazaar: Hall bazaar has a famous Mughal style gate where one can purchase unique ornaments, handicraft and beautiful readymade clothes, best quality books and many more.
- Khair-ud-din Masjid: This mosque was established by Mohamad Khairuddin and is famous for its unique architectural design. It was this place from where the waging of war against the British was announced by Shah Attaullah Bukhari or Tootie-i-Hind.
- Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree: Considered as the most sacred tree of Amritsar is known as the ‘eradicator of suffering.’ The pond beside the tree is believed to cure a person of their pain.
- Gobindgarh Fort: This is the perfect place to know about the past stories of Punjab. It describes 257 years reign starting from Bhangi Misl era and ending with the Indian Army.
- Bliss Aqua World: The perfect water park to eliminate the scorching heat offers varieties of water rides both for adults and children.
How to reach Amritsar?
The city is well connected with other states through different transportation modes. Amritsar International airport connects it from other Indian states and International cities. Check out the best deals at Air India flight booking online portal. It is well connected with the rest part of India through Northern Railway. Several inter-state buses run daily. However, you can even hire a cab or taxi from Patiala, Delhi, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and many more.
Where to stay in Amritsar?
From luxurious to budget hotels, there are many options for all kinds of people. There are options of 5 star, 4-star hotels and Amritsar resorts who want a luxurious stay. Well, the budgeted hotels are also good to stay without any lack of comfort. Be it the stay, food or places to visit, Amritsar welcomes its visitors with a great heart and in a grandeur way.