ABOUT AMRITSAR:

• The ‘Spiritual Capital of Punjab’ is one of the most important Sikh pilgrim centres in the country.
• It was founded in 1577, by Guru Ram Das and was later named as Amritsar, after the sacred pond – Amrit Sarovar or the ‘Pool of Nectar’.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), Amritsar, 12 kms away from Amritsar city centre.
• Rail: Amritsar Railway Station, Amritsar, 2 kms away from Amritsar city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit  https://amritsar.nic.in/tourism/

ATTRACTIONS OF AMRITSAR

Golden Temple Complex:

• Magnificent temple complex set in the ‘heart’ of Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.
• Its foundation was laid in 1588, by the fifth Sikh Guru Arjun Dev ji on a small island in the waters of Amrit Sarovar and was consecrated on August 16, 1604.
• Temple was virtually destroyed in 1761, by Ahmad Shah Abdali, an Afghan invader.
• It was restored between 1803 and 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a great Sikh ruler.
• Gurudwara complex is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture and is regarded as one of the most tastefully decorated shrines of the world.
• Darshani Deori, the northern gateway with two splendidly carved silver doors is the main entrance.
• It also houses the central Sikh Museum.
• Main shrine called as Harmandar or Darbar Sahib is set in the middle of sacred Amrit Sarovar pond.
• Original copy of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs is kept covered under a jewelled canopy at the Darbar Sahib during the day and is returned ceremoniously to the Akal Takht at night.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the dome of the shrine in gold and embellished the interiors with lavish decorations.
• Guru-ka-Langar, the massive community kitchen overlooking the eastern entrance of the temple complex is a must visit site.

Jallianwala Bagh:

• Beautiful walled garden near the Golden Temple complex is a major landmark in the history of India’s struggle for independence.
• Martyr’s Memorial built in the shape of an eternal flame of liberty has become a pilgrim site for every Indian.
• On April 13, 1919, Gen. R. Dyer ordered firing on a peaceful gathering here.
• A section of wall with bullet marks is still preserved.
• The exact number of deaths is still unclear, but the official figure show only 379 people killed and 1,200 injured.
• The small Martyr’s Gallery exhibits the pictures and newspaper reports as well as other first-hand accounts of this ghastly event.

Durgiana Mandir or Lakshmi Narain Temple:

• This important shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga resembles the famous Golden Temple.

Ram Bagh Garden:

• Small palace surrounded by a beautiful garden was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• It houses a museum displaying weapons dating back to Mughals and portraits of various dynasties of Punjab.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND AMRITSAR

Ram Tirth:

• 11 kms away from Amritsar city.
• It is believed to be the site of the Ashram of Maharishi Balmiki, the legendary sage who composed the great epic Ramayana.
• Sita, the consort of Lord Rama is said to have stayed here and gave birth to the sons, Luv and Kush.
• The pilgrim centre has an ancient tank and many temples.

Tarn Taran:

• 22 kms away from Amritsar city.
• Famous golden domed Gurudwara at Tarn Taran was built by Sri Arjan Dev ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
• The water of the holy pool is said to possess miraculous powers, especially for those suffering from leprosy.

Wagah Border:

• 28 kms away from Amritsar city.
• Spectacular ceremony of “Beating the Retreat” held every evening at Wagah border near Attari has become an important tourist attraction on both sides of the Indo-Pak border.