North India Tourist Destinations
Amritsar - The Golden Temple |
  
The most holy city of Sikhs, Amritsar City derived its name from the water
pool (Pool of Nectar), the 4th saintly teacher of the Sikh faith constructed that.
The Sikhs holiest temple, the exquisite Golden Temple is also situated
in the city of Amritsar decked with real gold leaf on its dome. The town is also
known globally due to the occurrence of massacre, in the historic Jallianwala
Bagh by the British General Dyer's. He exhibits his oppression by firing on thousands
of innocent people not even sparing children, women and old people. The added
charm of the place is gorgeous Ram Bagh Garden.
Main
Attractions of Amritsar City
Golden Temple
Golden
Temple is the most sanctified temple of the Sikhs constructed by Maharaja Ranjit
Singh. The lower portion of the temple embodied with white marble inlay work and
the upper portion is decorated with copper coated over by gold plate. Devotees
from all walks of life irrespective of their cast and creed pay homage to the
temple, there are continuos echoes and the chants of the spiritual recitation
inside the main complex. The other attractions inside the shrine is the Guru Granth
Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs and the 24 hr running non-stop kitchen feeds
almost 10,000 pilgrims every day, the kitchen is run on a voluntary basis.
Jallianwal Bagh
The Jallianwal Bagh now a memorial built in eternal
flame has witnessed the massacre on 13th April 1919. About 1500 to 2000 innocent
people were killed by the British General Dyer who were attending a peaceful meeting.
Elizabeth II the Queen of England with her husband visited the sight to pay their
homage to the people who lost their lives in the tragedy, on 14 Oct.' 1997 while
on a trip to India.
Akal Takhat
The Sikhs 6th Guru, Sri Har
Gobind, constructed Akal Takhat in 1609 as a seal of authority epitomizing the
oneness of religious and a transitory life.
Ram Bag
Ram Bag
a most exquisite garden consists of a beautiful palace called as the summer place
of erstwhile Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the city of Amritsar. The garden treasures
'Darshani Deorhi' a magnum opus, with its unique architectural splendor. There
is also a beautiful museum named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh exhibiting unique
oil paintings, miniatures, coins, weapons and objects relating to the Sikh period.
Important Excursions
Taran Taaran
Taran Taaran- 22 km
lies at the south of Amritsar is a small town established by Sri Guru Arjan Dev
in 1590. Many cultural fairs are organized in the town every month on every 'Amavas'
night a worth visiting sight.
Gobindwal Sahib
Gobindwal Sahib-
30 km from Amritsar is a town of Goindwal. The place is acclaimed as a center
where Guru Amaar Das preached Sikhism. People from all walks of life come here
to pay their homage at Gobindwal Sahib.
Baba Bakala Gurudwara
Baba Bakala Gurudwara a holy shrine of Sikhs is located just 45km, making an excellent
excursion from Amritsar. The devotees throng the place especially during every
amavas (moonless night). The place comes into limelight during an annual fair
held on Raksha Bandhan day on full moon in August.
Festivities
Lohri (January) starts with huge bonfire surrounded by people all around. People
throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorns into the fires singing popular folk songs
in their native language, a worth watching sight.
Baisakhi (13 April)
Baisakhi is the first day of the Sikhs New Year and also the anniversary of the
Khalsa foundation. It is also the harvest festival, the thrill at an plenteous
harvest is depicted in the dances and folk songs of farmers. It is also one of
the most desired and multicolored festivals of Punjab with fairs organized at
different places.
Shopping In AmritsarS
Shopping in Amritsar
has its just fabulous with its colorful bazaar. Hall Bazaar is the main shopping
complex of Amritsar showcasing the products of diverse ranges including Electronics
goods, Readymade Garments, Handcarts, Ornaments and many Bookshops. Dharam Singh
Market another market offering wide variety of Products.
Mode of
Transport
Air: Amritsar is connected by airways with Delhi and
Shrinagar, from airport travelers can get auto rickshaw or the taxi to reach the
town.
Rail: The town has well-connected railway network to Delhi,
Varanasi, Wagah (Attari Border) and some other places in India.
Road:
Amritsar is also well linked by an excellent road network to cities like Chandigarh,
Delhi, Jammu etc. Some of the road distances are as follows: - Jammu 216 km, Chandigarh
235 km and Delhi 435 km.
To move in and around the city Rickshaws, Meter
Taxis and City buses are easily available.
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