One of the largest and most important cities of Punjab, Amritsar is popular around the world as one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The city is full of many tourist attractions and there is plenty for tourists to explore. The first on the list has to be the glorious Golden Temple. The most sacred pilgrimage sight for Sikhs renowned for its golden dome. This two-storey structure is set amid the sacred pool. The central Sikh Museum here exhibits the paintings of the martyred Sikh leaders. The temple also has a famous “langar” which serves free meals to devotees at all times of the day. Minutes away from The Golden Temple lies Jallianwala Bagh which reminds us of the British atrocity as devotees were fired upon in the broad daylight on the day of Baisakhi.
There are several other attractions in Amritsar like the Partition Museum, Wagah Border, Taran Taran, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Gobindgarh Fort, War Memorial & Museum, Durgiana Temple etc. Amritsar also has many markets which would give you plenty to buy your favourite stuff at budget-friendly rates. Amritsar is also known as the foodie city of India and as such you would get a wonderful opportunity to sink your teeth in some of the most lip-smacking cuisines in the country.
If you want to enjoy the colourful spectacle of life then it is this Punjab city you should be heading to. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport conducts several international flights from cities London, Toronto, Birmingham and Singapore besides several domestic flights. All that you need to do is purchase tickets for the flights to Amritsar and visit one of the most colourful and vivacious cities in the country.
Places to visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple
One of the most important identities of Amritsar, the Golden Temple is the most important pilgrimage spot for the Sikhs. The temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib and is thronged by devotees all year round. The architecture of the temple is a cynosure’s delight. Golden plates surround the upper floor and the dome of Harmandir or Darbar Sahib which is regarded as the most sacred part of the temple complex. It is embroidered with beautiful marble sculptures as well as a holy lake known as the “Pool of Nectar”. Golden temple, like other Gurudwaras, also conducts langar which offers free food to the devotes at all times of the day.
Jallianwala Bagh
A historical garden, close to Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is the evidence of British tyranny. It was here that the innocent devotees were fired upon by the British troops killing many and injuring even more. This 7-acre garden boasts a museum, gallery and numerous memorial structures which remind us of the sacrifices made by Indians to break British rule. Jallian Wala Bagh is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust which is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.
Wagah Border
It is another great attraction for all those visiting Amritsar. People just throng to witness the fabulous Beating Retreat Border Ceremony. The ceremony is held daily and is a big draw amongst the tourists. The ceremony is performed by the soldiers of both countries as they move towards the gate when it is opened. The ceremony also witnesses the lowering of the national flags of both countries as soldiers salute each other. The entry here is provided after a thorough security check so it is best advised to reach an hour early so that you can grab the best seat from where you can enjoy the spectacle without any obstruction. The ceremony is jointly organized by the soldiers of BSF and Pakistani Rangers.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
A war museum named after one of the most valiant rulers of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is located amid the beautiful Ram Bagh Garden. The museum is renowned for throwing valuable light on historical battles as well as for showcasing a posse of weapons, armour & uniforms. The museum is one of the best in the entire Punjab and is a source of great attraction for tourists.
Guru Ka Mahal
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amritsar, Guru Ka Mahal falls close to the Golden Temple just across Guru Bazar. One of the most well-known and revered Gurudwaras in Amritsar, it was once the residence of Sri Guru Ram Das, the founder of Amritsar which was later transformed into a Gurudwara. The basement of Guru Ka Mahal is a meditation room where Sikh gurus meditated and composed sacred hymns.
Hall Bazar
One of the oldest marketplaces in Amritsar, Hall Bazar is also one of the busiest. Be it electronic goods or books, or, apparel or jewellery you can find them all over here. The market is renowned for selling traditional phulkari embroidery and Amritsari juttis. Hall Bazar is also home to some of the most beautiful old architecture which includes the Mughal archway entrance. There is no dearth of some of the best restaurants and food stalls in Hall Bazar where one can enjoy lip-smacking Punjabi cuisine.
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