Amritsar
Amritsar is the most important sacred place of Sikh community, every Sikh try to visit the Golden temple and bathe in the holy sarovar (pool) at least once in the lifetime. Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity.
Amritsar was established by Guru Ram Das, Sikhism's famous fourth guru, in 1577, Amritsar rose to become the most sanctified city in Punjab and a major trade and industrial centre under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself. A vital pawn in the game between the Sikhs and the Mughals, in more recent times it was the venue of the traumatic Operation Bluestar initiated by the then PM Indira Gandhi to flush out Bhindranwale, who spearheaded the movement for an independent Sikh nation. Today, as you follow the procession of the Guru Granth Sahib to the Akal Takht, those traumas are scattered to the winds. What remains is the air of deep devotion and ceremonial splendor.
Plunge into the heart of the city's spiritual core, then let your spirit soar amidst the dusty back streets and cobbled alleyways in search of the perfect channa bhatura and delectable jalebis. When the day is done, head out for the Wagah Border for a bit of zealous hurrahing for your country as the guards change duty in the last rays of the setting sun.
Main Attraction - The Golden Temple
The temple is the most important sacred shrine for the Sikhs, who travel from all parts of the world to enjoy the blissful environments and offer their thanks by giving prayers. In addition, the sacred shrine is increasingly becoming a tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. Here Sikhs from all over the world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund for spiritual purification, is the major landmark of the place. It was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das. The Golden Temple is a two storey marble structure, with an imposing dome of pure gold. The original copy of the Granth Sahib, which is kept in the Golden Temple during the day, is ceremoniously returned to the Akal Takht, at night.
What to See in Amritsar
Jalianwala Bagh - It is a poignant memorial of the freedom movement. This garden commemorates the martyrs, keeping the tragic episode in its historical context. General Dyer, a British general ordered firings against innocent people on April 13, 1919, which took lives of over 2000 unarmed people. Today, this site of brutal massacre, encloses a memorial with an eternal flame, dedicated to the martyrs.
Durgiana Temple - Located outside the Lohagarh gate of the old city, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is a centre of pilgrimage for devout Hindus. Other attractions of the city are Baba Atal Rai Tower, Ram Bagh garden, Fatehabad Mosque, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Wagha Border.
Mata Mandir temple - A grand old pious lady developed this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh, on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra (Jammu), the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu families.
Ram Tirath Temple - On the outskirts of Amritsar is this significant historic birthplace of Lav and Kush. It is the spot where sage Valmiki's ashram stood and this is a sacred place for the Hindus where we get a glimpse of statues illustrating scenes from the Ramayana.
Where to Eat in Amritsar
Amritsar is famous for food and it's taste.... If you are in the Golden Temple then it's is interesting to join the pilgrims for a common kitchen food known as "GURU KA LANGAR" and you don't have to pay for this, it's free for everyone, other than this there are number of places where you can have Punjab's delicious food.
Best Time to Travel to Amritsar
Best time to travel Amritsar is between October to March.
