Amritsar

Join the Hipporoller Challenge

Help the Travel Guide reach 20,000,000 characters and we'll donate 63 hipporollers worth over $6000. Read more.

On Travellerspoint

• 3 Amritsar Hotels

Contributors

• arif_kool (37%)
• Utrecht (27%)
  from http://utrecht.travellerspoint.com
• arida (25%)
  from www.indiatravelplan.co.uk

as well as dr.pepper (10%)

Help contribute to this article to share the ad revenue.

Introduction

Pilgrims

© All Rights Reserved LuisDafos

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural nerve centre of the Sikh community in India. It is a busy and bustling trading centre and has a population of over 1 million people.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

The Golden Temple

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine to Sikhism. Previously and more commonly referred to as the Golden Temple, it was infact officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in 2005. The temple was completed in 1604 by the fifth Guru, Arjan Dev Ji, but it all began much earlier in 1577 when the fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank in 1577 which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning pool of the nectar of immortality), thus giving its name to the city that grew around it.

When visiting the temple it is important that you follow protocol. You will need to leave your shoes in the designated area (you will be given a token in exhange), cover your head and bathe your feet on the way in. The other restrictions are that visitors must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or take drugs on the premises. Perhaps unlike many other temples in India, here you feel genuinely welcome and there is no pressure to take out your wallet or pay for a guide and there is no entrance fee. The welcoming information office to the left of the main gate gives helpful advice and information, as well as booklets on Sikhism.

The temple (or gurdwara, meaning doorway to god) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as a popular tourist attraction where all faiths are welcome. It also offers food and rest for weary travellers and pilgrims within its complex. When visiting the gurdwara you will notice catering quarters on a grand scale where food is being prepared and delicious smells will make your mouth water. Hundreds of people are fed for free every day here.

The Golden Temple almost appears to float in its "pool of nectar"and is reflected beautifully in the still waters. It gleams and sparkles in the sunshine and after dark, when it is illuminated, it is equally beautiful and yes it is clad in real gold!

Jalianwala Bagh

Jalianwala Bagh (Garden) is a place which holds an important place in the India's struggle for independence from the British rulers. It reminds us of the brutal killing of hundreds of innocent people on April 13, 1919 by General Dyer, a British General. Thousands of people had gathered from nearby places to celebrate Baisakhi festival on that fateful day, when General Dyer moved his troops in and ordered them to fire resulting in the life of innocent people. General argued that a circular was issued a day before banning any public gathering and meeting but the message could not be communicated to the common people. Today this place has become an important tourist attraction with a memorial with an eternal flame dedicated to the martyrs.

Wagah Border

Wagah, located around 28 Kms from Amritsar is the international border of India and Pakistan. In the evening people visit the border to witness the famous " Retreat" ceremony in which soldiers from India and Pakistan perform a flag march. The flags of India and Pakistan are brought down. The border gates are opened and soldiers from both the sides perfom some drill. The most interesting aspect is the constant cheering by crowd gathered on both the sides to boost the morale of the armed forces of their sides. People are even allowed to walk up to the main gates and take pictures.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Amritsar has a climate typical to the entire northern plains of India. Summers (April to June) can be quite hot with temperature reaching in excess of 40º C and winters (November to February) can be cool and moderating with day time temperatures around 15-20º C.

The best time to visit Amritsar is from October to March when temperatures are moderate and there is little rain.

Getting There

By Plane

Amritsar is served by an International Airport which is located around 10 km from the city centre. Domestic flights are available from most other major cities of India. Recently international flights have also started from some cities in Europe and Asia.

By Train

Amritsar is a major terminus station of Indian railways. Trains link Amritsar to all parts of the country and there is also an international service to Lahore. Superfast trains like the Shatabdi and Rajdhani type trains are also available on this route. Computerised reservation offices are available at the station through which it is possible to book tickets on any route on the Indian railways.

By Car

Amritsar has excellent connections with the nearby towns like Jammu, Chandigarh, Ambala, Jalandhar, Delhi, etc. Some of the indicative road distances are:

• Jammu - 216 Kms.
• Ferozpur - 160 Kms.
• Chandigarh -235Kms.
• Delhi -435 Kms.
• Wagah - 29 Kms.

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

Organised public transport is still in a developing stage in Amritsar. However city buses do ply on certain specific routes but there are no metros and trams. Other modes of transport are cycle rickshaws and taxis. Check the rates with the locals before hiring a rickshaw or taxi so that you are not over charged.

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post