What You Should Know About Amritsar?

Amritsar is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Punjab and the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. Located in the north-western part of the country, Amritsar is home to the Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple), which is one of the most sacred places for Sikhs.Visiting Amritsar can be an experience you will never forget. Not only is the city filled with unique culture, history, and monuments, but it also possesses markets full of vibrant colors and scents. There’s no question that Amritsar should be on your must-visit list!In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Amritsar – from its history to its attractions and experiences. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Amritsar

The history of Amritsar stretches back to around 500 BCE, when it was part of the great Indus Valley Civilization. The city was later ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Mauryan Empire, the Indo-Greeks, the Kushans, the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Mughals.During this time, Amritsar was an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Amritsar emerged as an important center of Sikhism. At this time the fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das Ji, established a settlement here. He then instructed his son, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, to build a pool called “Amrit Sarovar”, which in turn led to the city’s current name: “The Pool of Elixer or Amritsar”.Guru Arjan Dev Ji also built a temple on the banks of Amrit Sarovar, which is now known as Harmandir Sahib, popularly called the Golden Temple. It is one of the most sacred places for Sikhs all over the world and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year from different parts of the globe.

What Are the Things to Do in Amritsar?

As mentioned earlier, Amritsar is home to some of the most significant sights in India. Here’s a look at some of the must-visit places in Amritsar:

The Golden Temple

The Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) is Amritsar’s most popular attraction. The temple’s dome is covered in gold and is reflective in a lake filled with fish. The temple is also surrounded by a compound that consists of several other buildings such as a museum and art gallery. Visitors should also stop by Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai and Dukh Bhanjani Beri for a spiritual and historic experience.

The Jallianwala Bagh

The Jallianwala Bagh memorial marks a historic tragedy. In 1919, British forces opened fire on peaceful protestors killing hundreds of innocent people at this location. Today, it stands as witness to this terrible event and serves as a reminder of our past. Visitors can explore the gardens, view galleries and monuments dedicated to The Heroes of Jallianwala Bagh, and pay respects to those who lost their lives due to the massacre.

The Wagah Border

The Wagah Border between India and Pakistan is another major attraction in Amritsar. Thousands of tourists visit this place to witness the grand flag-lowering ceremony which takes place every evening at sunset. Tourists can also visit several other Indo-Pak border check posts such as the Sadqi border check post and Rattoke border check post.

Shopping Markets

Amritsar provides a great shopping experience for tourists and locals alike. From traditional jewelry to beautifully textured fabric, shoppers can find everything they need at this holy city’s many markets. The Hall Bazaar is especially popular for its traditional handicrafts and clothes. Another popular market is Katra Jaimal Singh Market which offers delicious street food, clothes, jewelry, furniture, and electronic items.

How Can I Get to Amritsar?

Amritsar can be reached by air, train, bus or car.

By Air

The Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport (ATQ) is located 11 kilometers from the center of Amritsar and is connected to some major international destinations like Delhi, Mumbai and Dubai. Several domestic airlines such as GoAir, IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate regular flights to and from Amritsar.

By Train

Amritsar is well connected to other major cities in India by rail. The city has two main railway stations: Amritsar junction (ASR) and Raja Sansi junction (RSI). Express trains run from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh etc to Amritsar.

By Bus

Traveling to Amritsar by bus is another option available to tourists. There are regular buses running from Delhi and Chandigarh and other major cities in India such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Lucknow etc. You can easily find replacement buses should they break down during your journey.

Conclusion

Amritsar is an amazing city with a rich history and culture. From holy sites such as the Golden Temple to vibrant markets full of colors, there are plenty of things to explore in this holy city. Whether you’re visiting for religious purposes or to just explore a new destination, you are sure to experience something unique and unforgettable in Amritsar. If you want to experience genuine hospitality mixed with history & culture – then head out to this amazing destination today. For more detailed information about Amritsar click here.