Known for the Golden Temple, Amritsar is one of the largest cities of Punjab and is one of the most prominent places of the state that is visited by people from different parts of the World. The city is known as the Jewel of Punjab and attracts the tourists with its remarkable blend of culture and traditions. The city lies on the main Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) from Delhi to Amritsar connecting to Lahore in Pakistan, which was built by Sher Shah Suri and runs through the whole of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent, connecting Peshawar, Pakistan to Sonargaon and Bangladesh. The city is the administrative center for the Amritsar District. With significant religious centers and historical sites, the city offers a glimpse of the glorious past of the most prosperous Indian State of Punjab and is a must-visit city of India. Some of the major tourists attractions of Amritsar comprises the Golden temple, Jalianwala Bagh, Wagha Boarder, Durgiana Temple (Lakshmi Narain Temple) and Pul Kanjari.
Golden temple (Harmandir Sahib)
One of the most sacred pilgrimage spots for Sikhs, the Golden temple derives its name from its dome, which is made of gold. The temple is built over marble and is two storied high structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple. The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, who had initially constructed a pool here, founded Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. It is the epicenter of Sikhism and is thronged by visitors from all over the World to witness this temple.
Jalianwala Bagh
Situated in the vicinity of the Golden temple, Jalianwala Bagh holds a major place in the history of India. This was the place, where in the year 1919, the British under the command of General Dyer fired randomly on a peaceful gathering of people in demand of freedom, resulting in hundreds of men, women and children killed on the spot. A memorial has been built in the spot to commemorate the 2000 martyrs. Later, a flame in honor of the martyrs was lite and since then, it has become the center of political and humanitarian significance. Dignitaries around the world have visited the place to show their heartfeltregrets and respect including Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape. The story of the massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site.
Wagha Boarder
Wagah is the single road border crossing between Pakistan and India between the cities of Aritsar and Lahore cities. The international border between India and Pakistan is located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar. The ceremonial parade of the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard makes it an amazing vision. The soldiers from both countries display great enthusiasm and spirit as nationalistic enthusiasm rises amidst thriving ovation.
Durgiana Temple
The Durgiana Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and its structural design bear a similitude to the golden temple. The temple dates back to 16th century and the detailed carved paintings of the Goddess in her different incarnations are displayed in this shrine. Various other deities are as well worshiped in the interiors of the temple. The temple has a noteworthy majesty and sophistication of its own.
Pul Kanjari
Pul Kanjari is a village situated about 35 km away from Amritsar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been staying here in a Baradari as and when he passed by with his troops. It has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it is said that once when a young dancer was going to Maharaja's Baradari for a dance performance, her shoe slipped into the water channel. To take out take her shoe out as the dancer had then refused to perform till she gets back her shoe, a bridge (pul) was especially constructed and hence this place got its name. Pul Kanjari also houses a temple, a mosque and a Gurudwara that articulates the secular attitude of this place.
Golden temple (Harmandir Sahib)
One of the most sacred pilgrimage spots for Sikhs, the Golden temple derives its name from its dome, which is made of gold. The temple is built over marble and is two storied high structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple. The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, who had initially constructed a pool here, founded Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. It is the epicenter of Sikhism and is thronged by visitors from all over the World to witness this temple.
Jalianwala Bagh
Situated in the vicinity of the Golden temple, Jalianwala Bagh holds a major place in the history of India. This was the place, where in the year 1919, the British under the command of General Dyer fired randomly on a peaceful gathering of people in demand of freedom, resulting in hundreds of men, women and children killed on the spot. A memorial has been built in the spot to commemorate the 2000 martyrs. Later, a flame in honor of the martyrs was lite and since then, it has become the center of political and humanitarian significance. Dignitaries around the world have visited the place to show their heartfeltregrets and respect including Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape. The story of the massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site.
Wagha Boarder
Wagah is the single road border crossing between Pakistan and India between the cities of Aritsar and Lahore cities. The international border between India and Pakistan is located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar. The ceremonial parade of the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard makes it an amazing vision. The soldiers from both countries display great enthusiasm and spirit as nationalistic enthusiasm rises amidst thriving ovation.
Durgiana Temple
The Durgiana Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and its structural design bear a similitude to the golden temple. The temple dates back to 16th century and the detailed carved paintings of the Goddess in her different incarnations are displayed in this shrine. Various other deities are as well worshiped in the interiors of the temple. The temple has a noteworthy majesty and sophistication of its own.
Pul Kanjari
Pul Kanjari is a village situated about 35 km away from Amritsar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been staying here in a Baradari as and when he passed by with his troops. It has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and it is said that once when a young dancer was going to Maharaja's Baradari for a dance performance, her shoe slipped into the water channel. To take out take her shoe out as the dancer had then refused to perform till she gets back her shoe, a bridge (pul) was especially constructed and hence this place got its name. Pul Kanjari also houses a temple, a mosque and a Gurudwara that articulates the secular attitude of this place.