North India Tourist Destinations
Amritsar - The Golden Temple
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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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