Amritsar Travel Guide:
Amritsar is a small but the young-at-heart, fast-growing and progressive city in India, and is the administrative headquarters of Amritsar district in the state of Punjab. Amritsar is 32 kilometers east of Lahore, Pakistan and therefore, very close to India's western border with Pakistan. Amritsar is home to Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. Although Amritsar is famous for Golden Temple and Gurudwaras, but there are also many other recreational places in Amritsar. These places include; Gandhi Gate, Hall bazaar, Town hall, Company Bagh, Pul Kanjari, Serai Manta Khan, Jagdev Kalan, Kotli Sultan Singh, Samadh of Guru, Jallian Wala Bagh, Mata Mandir, and Fort Gobind Garh.
Golden Temple:
Golden Temple also called Sri Harmandir Sahib is located right in the middle of the old part of the city. This temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is known as one of the holiest sites of Sikhs. It is the biggest of all tourist attractions in Amritsar. The temple itself is topped by a golden dome contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who rebuilt the shrine. It came to be called the Golden Temple after this. This 2-storeyed marble structure is said to be embossed with pure Gold. The best time to visit Golden Temple Complex is at night. The last prayers are done by 10 pm and on a full moon night one can marvel at its grandeur.
Jalianwala Bagh:
The word Bagh’ means “Park”. This park noted for its most notorious massacre under British rule. This place reminds of the black incident where 379 people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured by General Dywer's troops during British Raj. Till date it serves as one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar.
Wahga Border:
Another prominent tourist attraction in Amritsar is not a monument but a daily event. The ‘change of guards ceremony’ every evening draws a good many spectators. This ceremony involving military personnel marching around the path that leads to the border gate and hoisting the national flag is indeed very impressive. Literally defining the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah Border is just 28 km from the main town of Amritsar. The place is open to visit, however getting there earlier would ensure better seating.
