Holy City of Amritsar

Amritsar is the holy city of Sikhs. It is located in the Northern state of Punjab and derives its name from 'Amrit Sagar', the ocean of nectar of immortality. Major attraction of Amritsar is Golden Temple, which is also known by the name of Harmandir Sahib. Amritsar is one of the famous tourism and pilgrimage destinations of all religions, which attract visitors from all over India and abroad. Another important attraction of Amritsar is Jallianwala Bagh, the massacre memorial.

Founded by Guru Ramdas Ji in 1574, Amritsar is very close to the international border between India and Pakistan. The city of Amritsar is a home to several prominent Sikh Gurudwaras.

Climate of Amritsar

Amritsar has the extreme climatic conditions. It witnesses scorching summers and chilling winters. Mercury rises upto 46 degree celsius in summers and dips into minus during winters. Monsoons hit Amritsar in the beginning of July and continues till September. The best period of making a tour to Amritsar is from October to April.

Main Attractions of Amritsar

Golden Temple

Golden temple or Harmander Sahib was completed in 1604 AD in the city of Amritsar, which was started by Guru Ramdas Ji. It is considered the holiest place of Sikhs as Sri Gru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal Guru of Sikhs, is placed inside the Golden temple. It literally means 'House of God'. It was also attacked by Afghan forces of Ahmed Shah Abdali in mid 18^th century, where the Afghan forces were defeated by Sikh army. It was rebuilt in 1760 because of the damages during the attack.

Golden temple is surrounded by a man made lake known by the name of Amritsar or lake of holy water of immortal nectar. Its architecture displays the beauty of both Muslim and Hindu styles and exhibits a huge golden dome in the centre of the temple. Golden temple has got four entrances which signify its openness to all religions.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is located near to Golden Temple and is one of the sought after places during Amritsar tour. It was the site of bloody massacre during British Raj. General Dyer ordered his forces to carry out firing on peaceful people who were celebrating Baisakhi on 13 April 1919. Around 2000 people were killed in this tragic incident.

Akal Takht

Akal Takht was constructed in 1609 by Guru Har Gobind Ji, the sixth Guru of Sikhs. It is located directly opposite to Golden Temple. It literally means 'timeliness' and the highest council of Sikhs sits here. The Guru Granth Sahib is taken to Akal Takht in the night time from Golden Temple. It is a must visit site during Amritsar tour.

Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh is another major attraction for tourists during Amritsar tour. It is the place where summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was built. One can also visit the museum named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh here, which houses ancient weapons, paintings, ancient coins and miniatures. There is a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh seated on his horse, which can be spotted in Ram Bagh.

Sanjeev Verma