What is Amritsar? A Detailed Guide

Amritsar is a city located in the northwestern region of India, in the state of Punjab. This vibrant city is famed for its unique culture and for its famous Golden Temple, one of the greatest places of worship for devotees of Sikhism. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the country, attracting both Indian and foreign visitors alike. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about Amritsar: its history, culture, sights and attractions, and how to get around.

History of Amritsar

Amritsar is an ancient city and has a long and storied past, with records of it first being mentioned as early as 1520. The city was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru in 1577. Guru Ram Das is known as the ‘father’ of modern Amritsar, with 360 acres of the city being granted to him by Emperor Akbar during his reign (1556-1605).

The structure that is now known as the Golden Temple began construction in 1589 and soon became a pilgrimage site for devotees of Sikhism. The famous Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, was built by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan. It was completed in 1604 and has since become one of the most important religious sites in India.

Culture in Amritsar

Amritsar is home to many cultural institutions and centers of learning, both ancient and modern. The City is a melting pot of cultures and religions with many different groups living in harmony. It is one of the few cities in India with a predominantly Sikh population. While Hindi is the national language spoken in Amritsar, Punjabi is the predominant language.

The culture in Amritsar is centered around its various religious sites, such as the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh Memorial. The Walled City of Amritsar offers additional culture through its vibrant markets and streets. Further cultural attractions are offered through traditional dance and music performances at the many theaters around town.

Places to visit

As the major tourism destination in Punjab, Amritsar has numerous attractions and sights. People from across India and abroad come to visit the city’s day nearby destinations and places like:

• The Golden Temple of Amritsar: One of the most sacred sites in Sikhism and also one of the world’s most beautiful temples.
• Jallianwala Bagh Memorial: A site where the British Army killed hundreds of people peacefully protesting in 1919.
• The Wagah Border: This is the main entry point between India and Pakistan which hosts a daily evening “lowering of the flags” ceremony.
• Durgiana Temple: This temple, also referred to as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus.

The city also offers plenty of other attractions such as gardens, museums, parks and historical monuments.

Shopping

As with any big Indian city, Amritsar is packed full of shops offering everything from traditional apparel to modern electronics. The easiest way to get around town to shop is by tuk-tuk or auto rickshaw – you can also take a shared cab from one end of town to another.

Here’s a list of some of Amritsar’s best shopping destinations:

• Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar: The perfect place to buy vibrant Punjabi jewelry and attire.
• Hall Bazaar: An exclusive market for traditional Punjabi items such as dress materials, souvenirs, home décor pieces and furniture.
• Celebration Mall: Check out this mall for an extensive selection of apparel, toys, electronics, appliances and more.
• Mall Of Amritsar: Offering world class shopping experience featuring multiplex and entertainment activities.
• Fabindia: A popular boutique store offering fashion garments, home decor items, stuffed animals and baby accessories.

How to get around

There are a few different options for navigating around Amritsar:

• Tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws): These are a great way to get around town since they are fast and relatively inexpensive.
• Buses: Amritsar has an extensive network of buses that covers almost all major roads, and the fare is nominal.
• Cabs: Cabs are also available for hire; they are usually more expensive compared to other public transport options but offer a more comfortable journey.
• Taxis: Taxis are available throughout the city but may not be cheap due to high demand.
• Bikes: For visitors staying for more than a week in Amritsar, hiring a bike can be a good option for getting around town: it’s cheap, convenient and fast!

Conclusion

From its ancient history to its vibrant present day culture, there’s no denying that Amritsar is one of India’s most captivating cities – arguably one of its most spiritual ones too! Whether you’re there to explore its religious heritage or to experience some great shopping and entertainment, Amritsar has something for everyone.

The city’s highlight – and one of India’s most recognisable locations – is undoubtedly The Golden Temple, which attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world year round. There’s plenty more to see too: the many bazaars, markets and malls have a great selection of local handicrafts and goods; there are gardens, monuments and museums too; plus traditional performances in theaters all over the city!

Getting around town is no problem; you can choose from tuk tuks (on auto rickshaws), buses, cabs or taxis – or you can even rent a bike – to explore all that Amritsar has to offer!

So why not plan your next trip to Amritsar! There’s something for everyone here – be it religious seekers or shopaholics – or both!