Founded by Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, the Holy city of Amritsar is home to one of the largest Sikh Community in India. With Plethora of spiritual sites, Amritsar holds a significant place as a religious city. It is home to diverse culture, rich traditions, and offers a palatable food scene that works like a delight for travellers. It is truly said that you can never have enough of Amritsarikulcha (Local stuffed bread), and especially when you are in the city itself. Amritsar offers the charm of small city and street shopping. The warm Punjabi Hospitality topped with a chilled glass of Lassi is all what you could have ever asked for. Here we are with top things to do in Amritsar.
Golden Temple – Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, it is surrounded by AmritSarovar a tank of water that gives the city its name. It was built in gold, marble and precious stones. It is the holiest place of Sikhs. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, lies inside the Golden Temple.
Wagah Border – It is the road border that divides Indian and Pakistan on Grand Trunk Road running from Amritsar to Lahore. It is popular for Flag lowering ceremony that is accompanied with a haughty parade, patriotic songs, and chants. People from both country gather in large no. in here.
JallianwalaBagh – Located close to Golden Temple, this garden is built in memory of people that died in a massacre while peacefully protesting against the British Govt. You can also get to see the real bullet holes on walls in this memorial. Over 1000 people had died at this place back in time.
Hall Bazaar – Located off the Hall road, it is busiest market of Amritsar. It is also popular for its Mughal styled gate. It is popular for quality woollen items, carpets, and shawls. You can also find wooden bangles, silver jewellery, embellished shoes and fine textiles, best for souvenirs.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – Formerly the summer palace of first king of Sikh empire, now holds rich history of the city. It exhibits arms, armour, paintings, old coins, manuscripts, and depicts of great battles. It is surrounded by majestic garden, Ram Bagh that also has King’s statues.
Central Sikh Museum – Established in 1958, this museum is built as a tribute and sneak peek into the martyrdom of Sikhs against Mughals, British, and Operation Bluestar. It exhibits life of Sikh saints, warriors and leaders. It is must visit to see and feel the valour of Sikh community.
Gobindgarh Fort – Built by Gujjar King, modified by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, while under British rule Darbar Hall, Hawa Mahal andPhansiGhar were added. The other entrance, Keelar Gate is believed to be connected with tunnel of Lahore. The Toshakhana once stored Kohinoor diamond in here.
Akal Takht – It means ‘Throne of the Immortal’. It’s highest political institution of Sikhs. It used to be a raised platform which now is spectacular 5 storeyed building adorned with marble, golden dome. Built within golden temple complex, it houses Guru Granth Sahib moved from temple every day.
Ram Tirath Temple – It is built as an honour to Luv Kush the sons of Lord Rama, at the place of Rishi Valmiki who also is believed to write Ramayana at this place. The temple built in lime yellow stone, also encloses the guru Kul of Valmiki, and a tank believed to be dug by Lord Hanuman.
Harike Wetland – It is the largest wetland of Northern India located on confluence of Rivers Beas and Sutlej. It spreads acrossKapurthala, Firozepur and Amritsar. Every winter over 200 species of birds visit here. It is also home to 7 species of turtles. It is also a great spot for wildlife spotting.
Shri Tarn Taran Sahib – It was built by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev. It is popular for having the largest Sarovar ‘tank’. The water of tank is believed to have medicinal values, able of curing leprosy. The building of main Gurudwara is plated in gold with a marble inlay.
Partition Museum – It is built recently at the town Hall Amritsar to tell the stories and trauma of people that were part of partition. It contains newspaper clippings, photographs and even personal items from people that witnessed partition. It tells stories of 12 million people, and is must visit.
Khalsa College – Built in the year of 1892, it has highest status amidst Sikh institutes for education. This architectural wonder is built in the Indo-Saracenic style with influences of traditional Indian and Mughal artistry. It also has a twin in Lahore. Exploring this place will require proper permission.
Durgiana Temple – Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and despite being a Hindu religion site it resembles a lot to Golden temple. It has idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating in the tank. Every evening this temple has a fountain show right in front of the main temple.
DukhBhanjaniBer Tree – It is a jujube tree, located on the eastern side of the Sarovar in Golden Temple complex. The name of tree means eradicator of suffering. It is the most sacred tree in Amritsar. The pond around this tree is believed to be miraculous, and devotees plunge in here.
