Amritsar is a world famous pilgrimage center for Sikh across the world. The city has derived its name from the holy pond around the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Turn the pages of history and you would find Amritsar as one of the most ancient cities of India, existing since the 15th century. It is believed to have been founded by Guru Ram Das in 1574 on land bought by him for Rs 700 from the owners of the village of Tung. This city of Amritsar is prominently known worldwide, for it is the abode of the world-famous Sikh shrine, Golden Temple, which is visited by millions of devotees every year from all over the world. Apart from the Golden Temple, it has numerous other tourist attractions like Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Mandir, Baba Atal Rai Tower and Wagah Border. Read on the following lines, to get detailed information on the places to see in Amritsar.Tourist Attractions In Amritsar
The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is beautifully located in the heart of the city of Amritsar. A world renowned Sikh shrine, the temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, and was believed to be laid by Sri Guru Das in the 14th century. It is an incredible blend of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The temple has a gigantic dome made of pure gold. The shrine is encircled by a large sarovar named as Amrit Sar (Lake of Holy Water), which is also from where the city has derived its name. It has an entrance from four sides signifying the equality and value of acceptance and openness. The temple has an arrangement for Guru Ka Langar (lunch/ dinner) which is open for everyone, regardless of age, color, and caste of the person.
Jallianwala Bagh
Established in the year 1951, Jallianwala Bagh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, which has a strong historical background. The sight marks the black day of April 13, 1919, when thousands of innocent Indians were viciously killed in a massacre by the British General Dyer. The garden is home to Jallianwala Bagh Martyr's Memorial built in the memory innocent lives sacrificed in the deadly massacre without any reason.
Shri Durgiana Temple
Shri Durgiana Temple is a prominent pilgrim place in Amritsar. The temple, also called Shree Durgiana Tirath or Sitla Mandir, is situated outside the Lohgarh Gate in Amritsar. It was built in the third decade of 20th century and boasts of an architecture that is similar to the Golden Temple. It is a well known repository of Hindu scriptures. The temple is situated at a walking distance away from the Amritsar railway station and bus stand.
The Wagah Border
The Wagah Border is the only international road border crossing between India and Pakistan and lies on the historic G.T.Road between the cities of Amritsar (India) and Lahore (Pakistan). It is famous for the daily evening retreat ceremony also known as “Lowering of the Flags”. The ceremony has been held since 1959. Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border between Amritsar and Lahore, is a highly structured complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. As the sun goes down, patriotic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Sri Akal Takht Sahib is a famous pilgrimage place for the Sikhs in Amritsar. It is the central altar for Sikh political assembly. Akal Takht literally means the Eternal Throne. The place forms a significant part of the Golden Temple complex. It is situated on the other end of the causeway, connected to the Harmandir Sahib and faces the Darshani Deohari.
Ram Bagh
Ram Bagh Garden used to be the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) during his kingdom. The palace has maintenance-free in-built cooling system, which is an architectural marvel and attracts a lot of tourists every year. The garden has a lively statue of the ruler with his horse in a winsome position. The garden had been renamed by the ruler on the name of the founder of the city.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib is one of the important tourist spots of Amritsar. It was built during 1778-1784 and describes the rich culture and tradition of Punjab. The Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib is one of the important tourist spots of Amritsar and is in an octagonal shape bearing a height of forty meters approximately.