Amritsar is an important city in Punjab known for being a major commercial, cultural and religious center of Sikhism. Some of its most important places to visit include the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh memorial, Durgiana Temple, Wagah Border and Akal Takht. It has a population of over 1 million people and its local cuisine and culture reflect Punjabi traditions like bhangra dancing. Visitors should respect religious customs at gurdwaras and seek permission before photography in certain areas.
3. Amritsar
Amritsar is an important
city of Punjab lying about
25 km east of the border
with Pakistan.
Amritsar derived its name
from the Amrit Sarovar
that surrounds the famous
Golden Temple.
Amritsar city is a major
commercial, cultural, and
religious center of Sikhism
globally
AREA 114 sq. km
POPULATION 11,32,761
LANGUAGE Punjabi, Hindi,
English
CLIMATE Semi Arid
BEST SEASON October to
March
4. History
The city origin lays in the village of Tung,
and was named after the lake founded by
the fourth Sikh Guru Ram Das in 1574 on
land bought by him for 700 rupees from the
owners of the village of Tung.
6. Golden Temple
The Harmandir Sahib
also Darbar Sahib
informally referred to as
the Golden Temple.
Built by the fifth Sikh
guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in
the 16th Century.
7. Jallianwala Bagh
The Jallianwala Bagh
massacre took place in
the Jallianwala
Bagh public garden on
13 April 1919. The
shooting that took place
was ordered
by Brigadier-General
Reginald E.H. Dyer.
Officials estimated that
the fatalities were 379,
with 1,100 wounded.
8. Durgiana Temple
Situated outside the
Lohgarh Gate it is built
after the design of the
Golden Temple and
attracts sages and scholars
in Hindu scriptures from
all over India.
9. Wagah Border
Wagah is the only road
border crossing between
Pakistan and India, and
lies on the Grand Trunk
Road between the cities
of Amritsar and
Lahore, Punjab in
Pakistan.
10. Akal Takht
The Akal Takht is the
highest seat of temporal
authority of the Khalsa.
The Akal Takht is
located in the
Harmandir Sahib
complex.
Built by the Guru
Hargobind Sahib,
stands witness to the
Sikh idea of sovereignty.
11. Other Places to Visit
Ram Tirath
Ram Bagh
Garden
Jama Masjid
Khairuddin
Pul Kanjari
12. Fairs and Festivals
Ram Tirath
Fair
Basant
Panchami at
Chheharta
Sahib
Lohri
Baishakhi
Gurubarp
13. CUISINES
The popular cuisines of
Amritsar include tanduri
kulchas, channa bhatura, multi-
layered parathas, marmalades,
puirs, mutton tikka, seekh
kabab, barbecued chicken and
fried fish among several others.
There are a number of dessert
and sweet options too that are
available in Amritsar. From gur
ka halwa and balushahis to
pinnis, Amritsar present a wide
array of lip-smacking
delicacies.
14. DANCE
BHANGRA:-This is a dance which is
celebrated on the harvest of crop.
This dance is also performed on the
beats of the drums. This dance is
performed in the circle in the
laughing and leaping caper. This is a
dance which is performed by the men.
This dance is performed at all sorts of
the celebrations, festivals, marriages
and parties.
GIDDA:- In this dance the dancers
ratify the verses which are known as
the bolis. The bolis represent to the
folk poetry. This is a dance which is
performed on the beats of the drums.
Besides the drums the performer also
gives the rhythm by clapping the
hands.
15. Things to buy?
Sikh symbols and religious paraphernalia like khandas,
Karas (sikh relegious bangle), swords, daggers etc from
the shops close to the Golden Temple.
Guru Nanak knick-knacks.
CDs of temple recordings, chants, and Punjabi music
in the shops along the front of the temple.
16. Things to buy
Punjabi Juttis (shoes) from the tiny shops near the
Hall Bazaar flyover.
Warian (spicy pulses ground with spices)
from Hall Bazaar
Phulkaari is a form of embroidery which
literally means “flower making”.
17. Do’s And Don’ts
Always carry basic medical kit with your luggage.
If you are travelling in summers (April-August), carry only
cotton garments, shorts, light colored clothing.
In winter season (October-February) woolen clothing is
must as the often touches zero levels or below that.
Don’t carry much cash with you , carry traveler's cheques
and get them converted when needed with through
authorized travel agents.
Don’t use cabs without Tourist License Plate (white color
Registration Plate) they are illegal cabs; use only Yellow
License Plate Cabs for your safe holidays.
18. Do’s And Don’ts
When you visit a Gurudwara particularly, make sure you
leave your footwear out and cover your head properly with a
piece of cloth. Respect the religious feelings.
Before shooting pictures of a Gurudwara, a historical
monument , museum or a palace, ensure beforehand if
Photography is not prohibited.
If you are not conversant in the local dialect and you re
using Public transport like cabs or auto rickshaws for
internal commuting ,make sure you ask a few people
around you get into one.
Do find out the fare before you agree on a price with the
driver to avoid being cheated.
19. How to Reach
By Train- Well connected with major cities like Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangaluru and Hyderabad.
By Road- Connected with NH-1. Regular bus services
to several cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla,
Dehradun etc.
By Airplane – Sri Guru Ramdas jee International
Airport operates both domestic and international
flights.
20. Where To Stay
Virasat Haveli , Amritsar, Punjab
A 250 years old building made with Nanakshahi bricks,
Virasat Haveli was renovated in 2003 with ultra modern
facilities. It is an ancient architectural marvel, offers
panoramic views of lush green fields. The Haveli is
situated at G.T. Road on the outskirts of holy city
Amritsar famous for sanctum sanctorum “The Golden
Temple”.
Green Acres Haveli, Amritsar, Punjab
Green Acres Haveli is nestled among fruit orchards and just
minutes from both the Amritsar city and the International
airport. It combines heritage charm and modern comforts in
an oasis of nature and serenity.
Its architecture and style is typical of the village homes of
Punjabi landlords built between late 19th and mid 20th
century, with a central courtyard, high walls, and a large
gate.