Formally known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden temple is the prime attraction of Amritsar. This sacred Sikh shrine attracts pilgrims from different parts of the world. This two-storied structure built over marble has a fully golden dome from which the temple got its name.
AMRITSAR
Jewel of Punjab
Visiting Punjab shall be a holy experience because this state is known for its religious diversity. Many religious movements initiated from this incredible state in India. If you are planning a tour in this state, then Amritsar is a must-see destination in Punjab. Popularly known as the ‘Jewel of Punjab’, this ancient city is home to many historical sites and religious centers.
When you hear about Amritsar, the first thing that comes to your mind may be the Golden Temple. This must-visit place in Punjab is the spiritual capital of the Sikhs. It not only attracts Sikhs but travelers from different parts of the world visit this destination in order to offer prayers at the temple and enjoy its beauty. Apart from religious and historical sites, Amritsar is also famous for lip-smacking street food. Plan a food tour in this city for tasting its spicy street food and delicious cuisine.
The Golden Temple – the Pride of Punjab
The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, initially built a pool where the temple stands but the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan designed and built this shrine. A great attraction of the Golden Temple is that the holy Granth Sahib keeps in this temple during the daytime. However, it keeps in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne at night.
Cultural heritage tours are exciting because it takes you beyond the luxuries of travel and makes you happy with authentic experiences. Many people visit the Golden Temple to do voluntary services apart from Sikhs and pilgrims. Interestingly, the number of travelers who visit this temple is equal to or more than those who visit the great monument of Taj Mahal in Agra.
This temple looks arresting at night when it lit up everywhere. Travelers will be delighted to see the alluring gold dome of this temple got illuminated at night. The most attractive feature of the Golden Temple is its Langar.
It is a community kitchen where anybody can visit to taste the free food they offer. With a capacity to feed up to 1, 00,000 people per day, it is the largest free community kitchen in the world.
Jalianwala Bagh – A great monument with historical importance
People who visit the Golden Temple prefer to visit the Jalianwala Bagh as it is only one kilometer away from this Sikh Shrine. It is a place with great historical and national importance. Jalianwala Bagh was a beautiful public garden where functions and public rallies organized. But this garden witnessed cruel massacres in 1919.
Each Indian who visits this symbol of sacrifice remembers the sad massacres occurred during the freedom struggle. There is a monument in this garden to symbolize the sacrifices of so many Indians who killed in the massacre which is open for the public every day from 6 am to 9 pm during summer and 7 am to 8 pm in the winter months.
Reaching this tourist attraction is pretty easy as the city of Amritsar is well-connected by different modes of transport. The nearest Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is only 11 kilometers away from Amritsar.
Wagah Border – Visit to witness the beating retreat border ceremony
Wagah Border is another favorite hangout for travelers to Amritsar which is only 29 kilometers away from this city. It is the dream of each Indian to visit the Wagah Border one day to witness the beating retreat border ceremony between India and Pakistan.
Situated near the popular Radcliffe Line on the outskirts of Amritsar, many people visit this place every day to witness this ceremony. Each visitor admires the amazing folk performance along with the patriotic songs as pre-ceremony entertainment.
Then stern-looking Soldiers march towards the gate and soldiers of both countries salute each other before lowering the flags. Soldiers get back and fold their flags. The gate at the Wagah Border closes with a loud sound on both the sides.
You can hear the sounds of trumpet towards the end of this ceremony and soldiers return with their country’s flag to their respective position. This zealous ritual occurs every evening with exciting military precision. You will certainly feel proud looking at the Indian soldiers who guard the borders.
Akal Takht- One of the five Takhts of the Sikhs
Akal Takht is another great Sikh shrine in Punjab located at the premises of the renowned Golden Temple. Considered as the highest seat of earthly authority of Khalsa, it is one of the five takhts of the Sikhs. Guru Hargobind Sahib built this beautiful shrine in 1606.
This marble building has five floors and a gold-plated roof. The 19th- century murals of this shrine are very captivating. Akal Takht also houses a museum of holy weapons. You can see a Victorian Clock at the top of the main entrance. Each visitor to Amritsar finds this marble structure as a resplendent sight.
Durgiana Temple – A popular Hindu Shrine
If you are looking for an amazing experience of spirituality in Amritsar, include the sacred Durgiana Temple in your travel itinerary. It is one of the most popular Hindu shrines in Amritsar. Harsai Mal Kapoor built this temple in 1908.
Travelers can easily reach this temple from the Golden Temple as it is only 1 ½ kilometer away from it. A great feature of this temple is that it looks almost like the Golden Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple has several sub-deities such as Mata Shitla, Lord Hanuman and Lakshmi Narain.
Tarn Taran – An important Sikh pilgrimage site
Tarn Taran is another great pilgrimage center for Sikhs located almost 22 kilometers away from the Golden Temple. Located in the Tarn Taran District, this beautiful Gurudwara was built by Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru.
There is a pond in this site which is believed to be the largest among all the Sikh Gurudwaras. Devotees from different areas of India visit this holy site of Sikhs especially on the New-Moon day every month to offer prayers.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – A museum dedicated to the Lion of Punjab
Amritsar is not only famous for its religious diversity and holy sites but it also has many other tourist attractions. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is one such must-visit place in this vacation destination. Dedicated to the Lion of Punjab’, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this museum is located in Lawrence Road of Company Bagh near Amritsar.
Visitors can watch several artifacts in additions to several displays of the courageous activities of the Maharaja. Try to watch the light and sound show at this museum as the state-of-the-art sound effects take you to the past and get a feeling of the real war.
Hall Bazaar – for a memorable shopping experience
If you are a shopping enthusiast, you love to visit the Hall Bazaar in Amritsar. This busy market lies almost 1 kilometer away from the Amritsar railway station and people can easily reach it from there by hiring a local auto-rickshaw or on foot.
They can find almost everything in this market from shoes, shawls, dress materials, carpets, and electronic items. Chinese lamps, Pakistani juttis, and cloth materials with Phulkari embroidery work are some other items that people prefer to buy from this market.
You can also find some of the best restaurants and food joints in Amritsar in this place. Hall Bazaar lies in close proximity to some of the attractions like Company Bagh, Gandhi Gate, and Town Hall.
Heritage walks to know the culture of the city
Amritsar is an incredible city in Punjab rich in its culture and heritage. The astonishing narrow streets of this city have many traditional things to offer.
One of the great things that you can do in this holiday hideaway is to plan a heritage walk through its narrow streets. We, Colourful Indian Holidays arrange local guides for your heritage walk so that you can explore the mysterious streets of the city conveniently.
It shall be a wonderful experience for the travelers to walk through the numerous attractions of the city such as its Havelis, hattis, Katras, and Akhara Bungas. This walking tour also helps you to watch several age-old crafts and trade of the city.
The craftsmen in this city make beautiful items by following the same way they were done it centuries ago. You will admire their dedication to preserve the culture of the city over generations.
Nightlife in Amritsar
Although there are no legal nightclubs or discotheques in Amritsar, some good restaurants and social clubs allow you to chill out at night. These outlets and restaurants are known for fine dining and great cocktails with a good collection of liquors. Visit one of them if you are looking for some nightlife in Amritsar.
