Amritsar

Views:
33

India /Punjab /Amritsar /Amritsar

Amritsar is located in Punjab State in, India and attracts a flurry of tourists from all over the world. Amritsar is a major pilgrim site for Sikhs, who come here to pay homage in large numbers. The splendor of the temple is unmatched and one should be a part of the reading of the holy book and the temple complex is worth exploration. Enjoying langar meal here is a unique experience. Other popular tourist spots in the city include various smaller but significant Gurudwaras. There are many attractions in the vicinity of the city. Tourists are advised to excur around and visit many other religious places. The real culture and beauty of Punjab villages can be enjoyed then. The located near to the city is a popular spot and tourists gather here to witness the change of guards’ ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering. Amritsar is located in the heart of Punjab state and is easily accessible from all over the country.

Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab Photos

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 143001

STD Code: 183

Info Website: amritsar.nic.in

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Amritsar history is boasts of a perfect mix of Hindu and Sikh culture. Founded by Guru Ram Das in the year 1547, the city has been the home to various sages and saints. Although the history of Amritsar can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, it also has been referred in the various Puranas and the famous mythological epic Ramayana. According to the legend, this city was the site of the ashram of Rishi Balmiki as well as the birth place of Lord Ram’s son – Luv and Kush. The city boasts of Greek influence under Alexander during 326 BC. However, the Mauryas defeated the Greeks thus possessing the throne of Amritsar. The rulers of the Gupta Empire ruled here from the 4th to the 6th century followed by the rule of Shahi Dynasty and further under the kingship of Sultan Mahmood of Ghazani. Sikh came on the scene of Amritsar in the 16th century when Sikh Guru Ram Das and his successor Guru Arjan Dev established a temple around a small pool. It was during this time, that the city got its name Amritsar. The city is famous for the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in which thousands of people were killed by the British.

Places to VisitAdd

Amritsar Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Amritsar has well developed airport, just 11 km from the main town of the city. Earlier known as Raja Sansi International Airport, it has been recently renamed as Guru Ramdas International Airport. This Airport provides regular service to major cities like Mumbai and Chennai. The travel from airport to the heart of the city, costs only about Rs 100 by taxi. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Phone : 0183 221 4166

By Train : Amritsar Railway Station is well linked to other rail heads in the state and also connected to most of the cities in India. Direct trains are available from Delhi (Swarna Shtbdi), Kolkata (W B Smprk Krnti), Mumbai (Asr Kcvl Expres) and Bhopal Asr Ned Express). It has a connecting railway line to Pakistan as well. This station is centrally located, at a distance of 15 minutes drive to the Golden Temple. Amritsar Railway Station,Enquiry No. 2456072, 2456073, 131, 2456365.

By BUS : Amritsar is located on the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T.Road) also known as National Highway 1. There are regular bus services to several cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, Kulu, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Dehradun and Rishikesh. Amritsar is also connected to Pakistan by a special bus service.

By Taxi : Amritsar is well connected by a road network and national Highway 1 . The tourist can reach to Amritsar by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800
  • Hotel Grace Amritsar ; 35, Braham Buta Market, Opp.Sarai Golden Temple, Amritsar,Punjab,143001. ; Ph – 0183 255 9355 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Doctor on call.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Hotel City Castle ; 216 City Center, Near Guru Nanak Bhawan, Amritsar 143001. ; Ph – 9815698957 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Conference facilities, Laundry, 24-Hour Security, Laundry/Valet Services.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
  • Hotel Akaal Residency ; Chowk Baba Sahib Near Golden Temple, Amritsar. ; Ph – 0183-2540163, 0183-5064595 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Lounge, Massage Services, Sauna, Steam Bath, Banquet facilities, Doctor on call.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
  • WH Ranjit Svaasa ; 47A, The Mall, Amritsar 143001. ; Ph – 0183 329 8840 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, Non-smoking rooms, Beauty salon, 24-Hour Security, Catering Services, Concierge, Flower shop, Gift Shop, Sauna, Shopping Arcade, Steam Bath, Wedding Services, Banquet facilities, Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

  • Crystal Restaurant ;  52,Cooper Road, Joshi Colony, Amritsar, Punjab-143001. ; M –  0183 222 9999 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.
  • Kesar da Dhaba ;  Anant Seth Wala Church, Passian, Shastri Market Amritsar. ; M –  0183 255 2103 ; Food Serve :  Indian.
  • Temptation Restaurant ;  Circular Road, Near PF Office, Opp. Basant Avenue, Amritsar, PB 143001. ; M –  098 55 552098 ; Food Serve :  Multi Cuisine.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

  • khandas, Karas (sikh relegious bangle), swords, daggers ; N.A. ;  The shops close to the Golden Temple. ; Ph/M:  N.A.
  • Punjabi hand made embroidered dresses. ; Chawla Boutique ;  A/308-a Ranjeet Avenue, Amritsar. ; Ph/M:  91-9417056161.
  • Woollen blankets and sweaters. ; N K Woollen Mills ;  Bazar Malkan,Katra Ahluwalia, Amiritsar, Amritsar – 143001. ; Ph/M:  (0183) 2543426

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

  • Behind The Bars ; Hotel Golden Tulip Amritsar, 8, GT Road, Model Town, Amritsar- 143001. ; Ph/M: (0183) 5069991, (0183) 5069994 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Food Serve : N.A.

SpaAdd

  • Cleopatra Spa ;  Defence Colony, Ranjit Avenue Amritsar, PB 143001. ; Ph/M – 0183-2500609, 5070703, 5070704 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Services –  Body Polish, Body Wrap, Spa Essentials, Wellness spas, Signatured Spa, Spa Facials, Hair Spa, Hand & Foot Spa.
  • Fishy Spa ;  Grand Trunk Rd,Amritsar, Punjab 143006. ; Ph/M – N.A. ; Cost:  N.A. ; Services –  Beauty Spa, Beauty Spas For Men, Beauty Spas For Women.

FestivalAdd

Ram Tirath Fair ; Venue:  Ram Tirath temple ; Period :  November ; Details:  One of the most major festival in Amritsar is the Ram Tirath Fair. It is organised at Ram Tirath temple, which is a very revered pilgrim spot at Amritsar. The festival takes place two weeks after Diwali and continues for five consecutive days. People come from far wide to Amritsar to celebrate this festival and pay homage to the almighty at this revered spot. A wide variety of activities and cultural programs happen in the festival. Some of the most enjoyable ones are tulla floating, acrobat shows, wild animal exhibition, magic show etc.

Basant Panchami ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January ; Details:  Basant Panchami is a very popular festival in the city of Amritsar. It is celebrated among all the inhabitants of the place with much enthusiasm. The prime attraction of this occasion of Basant Panchami is the fair at Chheharta Sahib Gurudwara of Amritsar. On this sacred festival Langar is arranged for the devotees arriving at the Gurdwara. The festival is mostly followed by all the Sikh community. However, people of all religions, castes and creeds come to Amritsar to celebrate the Basant Panchami. The ritual of kite flying play on this day is exceptionally enjoyable. The sky covered in the huge colorful kites is an awesome sight to catch. Basant Panchami is celebrated in the Hindu month of magh, that according to the English calendar falls in the starting of February and end of January.

Guru Nanak Jayanti. ; Venue:  Golden Temple ; Period :  October – November ; Details:  Guru purabs are religious special events and celebrated by all Sikhs in Amritsar, with the anniversary of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh being the most prominent ones.

 

Safety / WarningEdit

  •  Beware of pickpockets as Amritsar is a major tourist city in India.
  •  Keep a copy of your passport/visa separate from the original.

HelplineEdit

  • Amritsar Police Control Room : (0183) 2702286
  • Ambulance : 102
  • Fire Brigade : 101
  • Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day 1
9:00 am – Golden Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
11:00 am – Golden Temple ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
2:00 pm – Chand Baori ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:00 pm – Maharajah Ranjit Singh Panorama ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
7:00 pm – Wagah Border ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 2
10:00 am – Jallianwala Bagh ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
12:00 pm – Attari Border Crossing ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
2:00 pm – Kaiser Bagh Park ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
5:00 pm – Akal Takht ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
Day 3
10:00 am – Durgiana Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
2:00 pm – Mandir Mata Lal Devi ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
5:00 pm – Gurudwara Baba Atal ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

Gallery