About Amritsar |
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| The city of Amritsar is located in the northwest of India, having derived its name from the Amrit Sarovar that surrounds the famous Golden Temple. Some of the prominent attractions are brilliant Gurudwaras and temples. Amritsar partially shares borderlands between India and Pakistan at Wagah, a half hour drive from town. Amritsar Tourism enjoys a distinct place in the tourism industry of India. |
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Introduction:
Amritsar is a city in the northwestern part of India and is the administrative headquarters of Amritsar district in the state of Punjab, India. It is home to Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the spiritual and cul-tural center of the Sikh religion. Amritsar is also known for the incidents of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919 under British Rule. The main commercial activities include tourism, carpets and fabrics, farm produce, han-dicrafts, service trades and light engineering. The city is popular and known for its food and culture. |
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Sightseeing:
The various tourist attractions in Amritsar are discussed as follows: |
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Golden Temple:
Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple is acclaimed as the holiest sites of the Sikhs. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe. The golden temple compound is stunningly beautiful and is always full of devotees in number of thousands from all over the country.
Jalianwala Bagh:
Sited near the Golden Temple, it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre at the time of the rule of the British Raj. A congregation, attended by several Punjabis on the occasion of Baisakhi (New Year) celebrations on 13 April 1919 was set on fire by General Dyer. Till date it serves as one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar.
Durgiana Mandir:
Located close to the Golden Temple, this temple, modeled in the style of the Golden Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. However, it also offers prayers to de-ities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Believed to have been built in the 16th century AD, the temple stands in the center of a lake.
Baba Atal Rai Tower:
Situated not far from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is believed to have been the place where Guru Har Gobind died. Christened after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine-storey building gives you a panoramic view from the top. The first floor of the tower preserves some of the trinkets that bear associations to Guru Nanak’s life and his teachings.
Wagah Border:
Literally defining the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is just 28 km from the main town of Amritsar. The ‘change of guards ceremony’ at sunset draws a good many spectators. |
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Shopping:
Shopping in Amritsar is a delightful experience for the avid shopper. The state is noted for exquisite handicrafts like phulkari (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, je-welry etc. Also one can go for the Punjabi jutis (shoes), which are typical of this region. Hand-woven carpets, blankets, woolen garments and of course Patiala salwar (the tra-ditional Indian garments with a Punjabi twist in design) with those who want to do some shopping in Amritsar. The market places the lanes, the bazaars, the squares, the plazas-hum with activity. The main shopping areas are the Hall Bazar, Katra Jaimal Singh and Lawrence Road. The city offers traditional souvenirs along with modern brandwear at all locations. |
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