Being born in Punjab, I am always connected to the roots of Punjab. The culture of Punjab has always fascinated me, whether it is the festivals we celebrate, like Lodhi and Baisakhi, or the foods we eat, like the most famous Sarso ka saag and Besan ki Roti. Each festival has its own significance. Recently, I have been to Amritsar, and I was amazed when I learned about the history of it. In this article, I will cover essential tips for your Amritsar visit, all the attraction sites, and where to stay in Amritsar.
Overview
Amritsar, colloquially known as Ambarsar, is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Punjab after Ludhiana. Amritsar, meaning “Pool of the Nectar of Immortality”. It is the major spiritual and cultural center of the Sikhs. Amritsar is not only famous for the Golden Temple, but this place has many stories related to partition that give anyone goosebumps.
History of Amritsar
Foundation: Amritsar was founded in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism, in 1577. He started the excavation of the sacred pool, which eventually became the Amrit Sarovar (the pool of nectar). The city was named after this pool, as “Amrit” means nectar and “Sar” means pool.
Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most iconic and revered religious site in Amritsar. It was constructed in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of Sikhism, and is the central religious and cultural hub of Sikhism. The temple is famous for its stunning architecture and is covered in gold leaf, which gives it its distinctive appearance.
Partition of India: Amritsar played a significant role in the partition of India in 1947. The city is located near the India-Pakistan border, and during the partition, it witnessed violent clashes, including the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, when British troops under General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Indians.
Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence in 1947, Amritsar became part of the Indian state of Punjab. The city continued to thrive and grow as an important center of Sikh culture and religious activities.
Sikhism and Culture: Amritsar is often referred to as the “Spiritual and Cultural Capital of the Sikhs” due to its religious and cultural significance. The city is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs, attracting millions of visitors each year. Apart from the Golden Temple, there are other historical Sikh shrines and museums in the city.
India-Pakistan Border: Amritsar is located near the India-Pakistan border, and the Wagah Border, about 30 kilometers away, is famous for the daily flag-lowering ceremony, known as the Wagah-Attari border ceremony, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit Amritsar
Ideally, the best time to visit Amritsar is from October to December and then from January to March, with a minimum temperature of 5 degrees and a maximum temperature of 15 degrees, and in the summer it reaches 40–45 degrees. So, one should plan for winters instead of summers and monsoons.
How to reach Amritsar from Delhi
There are many options available to reach Amritsar.
By Bus: Many Volvo bus services are available from different parts of Delhi, but the most famous are Majnu ka Tilla and the ISBT bus stand. Both private and government options are available. I chose Zingbus services for my Amritsar trip, and the ticket cost was around 800-1000 INR.
By Train: Amritsar is well connected to Delhi by train, and taking the train can be a more convenient and cost-effective option. The Amritsar Shatabdi Express is one of the fastest and most popular trains on the route. There are also other express and superfast trains available, such as the Swana Shatabdi, Amritsar Mail, and Shan-e-Punjab Express. The train Journey takes around 6 to 7 hours.
By Flight: The fastest way to reach Amritsar from Delhi is by taking a domestic flight. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is well connected to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Several airlines operate daily flights between these two cities, and the flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can take a car from Delhi to Amritsar. The distance between the two cities is approximately 450 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most common route is via National Highway 1 (NH1).
Places to visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple: People also know Golden Temple as Harimandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. It is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. This Gurudwara is surrounded by a man-made pool, also called Amrit Sarovar. This place is an open house of worship for all people from all walks of life and faiths. They provide Langer Seva, which offers a vegetarian meal to all visitors without discrimination. The temple remains open 24*7. So, you can visit at any time.
Jallianwala Bagh: This historical site is infamous for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. When British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, The park now serves as a memorial to the martyrs and has a museum showcasing the events of that fateful day. This place is closer to the Golden Temple. The time to visit this place is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day. It doesn’t have any entry fees.
Wagah Border: Located about 30 km from Amritsar, the Wagah Border is the Indian-Pakistan border crossing. Every evening, a flag-lowering ceremony takes place, which is a popular and spirited event that attracts many visitors. You will get goosebumps, and you will feel love for your country. There are many activities going on before the flag-lowering ceremony, like dancing to the patriotic songs Prade performs by the BSF. If you want to visit this place, try to reach it between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM because, due to the many visitors, sometimes it’s difficult to get seats. This ceremony happens every day.
Partition Museum: This Partition Museum represents the events of the partition that happened in India in 1947. It features exhibitions, photographs, and personal accounts that provide insight into the historical and emotional impact of the partition. They have also kept a few of the original letters as proof in the museum. Photography and videography are not allowed inside the museum. The ticket cost is around 30 INR for Indian citizens and 250 INR for foreigners. Timings are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and remain closed on Monday.
Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal: According to Hindu mythology, Valmiki’s ashram was located at this site, where he composed the Ramayana. The ashram is said to be the place where Lord Rama’s twin sons, Lava and Kusha were born. It is approximately 13 kilometers away from Amritsar. The main attraction of the site is the Valmiki Temple.
Durgiana Temple: This is a Hindu temple, but its architecture is like the Golden Temple. According to the Ramayana, this is the place where Lava and Kusha bound Hanuman after the captured challenge horse of the Ashvamedha yajna. One of the famous festivals, ‘Langur Mela’ happens during the 10 days of Navratri and Dussehra. Pilgrims in large numbers throng to the Bada Hanuman temple, with their children dressed as Langur, to offer prayers in this temple, situated in the Durgiana temple complex.
Gobind Garh Fort: It is a historic fort that has been recently restored and opened to the public. It offers a glimpse into the military and cultural history of the region.
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