Amritsar is home of important Sikh shrine, Golden temple which is traveled by more tourists than Taj Mahal. Amritsar located in Punjab is a city that showcases its glorious past, culture and heritage proudly to entire world.
Tourists who travel Amritsar thinks that the city is all about Golden Temple. This is not correct since there's plenty to see and do in Amritsar. Apart from Golden Temple, there are plenty of temples to travel in Amritsar. The city has been home to some of the very historic incidents in the history of India. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre by the British Army in Amritsar was an important event in the freedom struggle of India.
For the tourists the most charming thing about Amritsar is its people. Welcoming and hospitable, the people of Amritsar loves to help tourists any way possible. While traveling to Amritsar, tourists should not miss the opportunity of tasting some delicious Punjabi Cuisine. Surely a visit to Amritsar is a unique spiritual experience that you will never forget.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Amritsar has typical North Indian climate. During summer (April to June) temperature could reach as high as 40 degree. The best time to travel Amritsar is October to March due to ideal weather conditions. During December and January, temperature in the city stays less than 10 degrees, therefore it is recommended to pack some woolen clothes.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Golden Temple - The stunning gold platted gurdwara, Golden temple is the main attraction of Amritsar. This gurdwara is among the most important pilgrimage spots for Sikhs. During weekdays over 100,000 devotees visits the temple. Golden Temple allows entry of Non Sikhs people as well. The local people will be more than happy to tell you about the rituals and customs of the temple. The gurdwara is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, a giant water pool where one can see amazing reflection of the temple.
Jallianwala Bagh - The garden is 5 minute walk from the Golden Temple. Jallianwala Bagh is famous for the massacre by the British Army. On April 13, 1919, British Army open fire on the unarmed men, women and children. The firing lastest for 10 minutes and killed over 1579 people. One can still see bullet marks on the walls of the park. This incident played major role in the freedom struggle of India. Several notable freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, became active in the freedom movement after this incident. India's first President Dr, Rajendra Prasad inaugurated a memorial at the garden in 1961. The well inside the garden is protected monument. During the firing several people jumped in the well to save their lives.
Mata Temple - The temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Lal Devi. Women who wishes to get pregnant prays at this temple. This cave temple has several low tunnels and inclined walkways that may be difficult for some tourists.
Summer Palace - Located in Ram Bagh Park, Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh today houses a museum that showcases oil paintings, coins, weapons from Sikh period.
Fort Gobind Garh - The fort was built by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh to protect the city from Afghan invaders. The fort is now under the control of Indian Army. Tourists are not allowed to enter the fort, however you can view the remarkable architecture from outside.
Ram Bagh - The garden has got its name from the founder of Amritsar, Guru Ram Das. This beautiful garden houses Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Ram Tirath Temple - The temple is located 11km frm Amritsar. It is believed that after Lord Rama left Sita, she was sheltered by the Maharishi Valmiki at this place. Mata Sita gave birth to her children Luv Kush at this place.
Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary - Harike Pattan is home of some endangered bird species. During winter over 93 species of birds takes shelter in Harike Pattan Bird Sanctuary. Winter is also the ideal time to visit this sanctuary for birdwatching.
Durgiana Temple - Dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga the Durgiana Temple is sometimes referred as Silver Temple due to remarkable resemblance of the temple's central dome to the Golden Temple. The caved doors of the temple are made of Silver.
AMRITSAR HOTELS
Being an major city in Punjab, Amritsar has plenty of hotels of various budget options. Some popular hotels in Amritsar include Ista Hotel Amritsar, Hotel CJ International Amritsar, Country Inn & Suites Amritsar, Clarks Inn Amritsar, Hotel Shiraz Castle Amritsar, Hotel City Castle Amritsar and Hotel Grand Legacy Amritsar.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - International tourists can get direct flights to Amritsar thanks to Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport. Several airlines like Jetair, Air India offers flights to Amritsar from cities like Toronto and London. Domestic flights are also available to the Amritsar from major Indian cities.
By Train - Amritsar Railway Station is one of the most important and well connected railway stations in Northern India. From Delhi you can take super-fast trains like Shatabdi Express (12013 & 12029) and Shan-e-Punjab Express (12497). Trains available from Mumbai are Golden Temple Mail (12903) and Paschim Express (12925). From Kolkata are Akal Takht Express (12317) and Howrah - Amritsar Mail (12053).
By Car - You can also drive to Amritsar of hire taxi from Delhi. It would take around 7 hours to Amritsar from Delhi via NH- 1. The city is well connected from other cities in Punjab like Jalandhar, Pathankot City and Chandigarh.
By Bus - There are direct buses to Amritsar from Jammu, Dharamshala, Delhi, Chandigarh etc.
