Amritsar is located in the northwest part of India in the State of Punjab, 32 miles (51
km) east of Lahore, Pakistan. Some have taken the name Amritsar to derive Amrit-
sarovar meaning "The Pool of the Nectar of Immortality" though -sar, "Natural pool"
does not derive from sarovar, "Artificial tank or body of water".
Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is now a gateway to North India with Amritsar Flights from Birmingham and London on Jet Airways Flights, Turkmenistan Flights and Air India.
It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities. There are various historical and religious sites - see Amritsar City Map. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.
PLACE TO VISIT
Golden Temple - is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. The complex is open almost 24 hours (from 6 AM until 2 AM) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.
Darshani Deori - This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-
tower.
Amrit Sarovar - The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked off by ropes) are set aside for (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe.
Harmandir Sahib - This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by guards.
Akal Takht - directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning "the Timeless, this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Adi Granth is transferred to the Akal Takht.
Central Sikh Museum - 2nd floor (entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance). Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks from the gurus. Free.
Harike Wetland : The lake formed at the point of confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej at Harika ford, situated mid way between Amritsar and Ferozepur was declared a national wildlife sanctuary in 1982. It is a welcome winter home to about 350 odd species of birds from far flung lands of China, Siberia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Baba Bakala : Situated about 45 kilometers east on the Batala road. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee here. It has a magnificent Gurdwara where people gather in thousands on every amavas (moonless night) and an annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day (night of full moon in August) when about one hundred thousand people visit the place.
Wagha Border : The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Raja Sansi International Airport is about 11 km and a 15-20 minutes drive from the city center. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via Birmingham, and Singapore Airlines flies directly to Singapore. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan).
By train - The Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable way to arrive from Delhi. The journey takes around 5 hours from New Delhi. Amritsar is well- connected to major cities in India through daily trains. Onward/return trains can be booked online, at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking office in the Golden Temple Complex. It's advised to book your onward train ticket as soon as you arrive in Amritsar, or before if you know the exact date, as trains are often heavily booked. Some other good trains are Paschim Express and Golden Temple Mail, but be sure of your reservations on time.
By car - Long-distance taxis are available from most places. It takes around 6-7 hours from New Delhi via NH-1
By bus - Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a days drive. Pathankot is about 2.5 hours away, and there are daily direct buses to New Delhi, Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, Dharamsala (once daily, ~6 hours), etc.You can find Volvo buses from Chandigarh , Delhi and Katra to Amritsar.
