Tourist places in and around Amritsar
Golden Temple (Harimandir Sahib)
Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterised by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.The Golden Temple is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. The temple was gilded with 165 kg of gold by the Great Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, hence the name Golden Temple. Another feature of this shrine is the presence of its four entrance doors (deoris) in all four directions, a symbol of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance characteristic of the Sikh faith.
Encircled by the pool Amrit Sarovar which gave the town its name 'Amritsar', the Golden Temple is open to all. The temple brilliantly mirrored in the stunning expanse of water, creates an atmosphere which is particularly powerful from before dawn to early light. The Holy Scripture, the Granth Sahib, which was installed in the Temple in 1604, is brought in a vivid procession from the Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs) in the morning to the Temple, to be returned at night. Music is essential to Sikh worship and hymns from the Granth Sahib are recited by way of Kirtans, creating a celestial atmosphere captivating the devotees.
Also called Harmandir Sahib, this is the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites, visited by countless tourists all year through. Located centrally in Amritsar, this structure is built in marble and is half-covered in real gold, which sparkles brilliantly when the rays of sun touch it. The temple is situated in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar or the Holy Pool of Nectar and is accessible by clean marble walkways and pavements. The temple is open to all visitors, irrespective of religion – the only condition being that meat, alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited in the complex. You must remove your shoes and cover your head before entering the temple and wash your feet in a shallow pool. The temple is reached by the marble walkway or Guru's Bridge, which is especially beautiful because of the silver-door Darshini Deorhi, by following the parikrama or clockwise direction. The Hari Mandir is the most sacred part of the temple and is the gold-covered building with copper carvings and white marble walls encrusted precious stones in a floral pattern. The entire structure is covered with verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. Once inside the Hari Mandir, you would find devotees immersed in prayers, as devotional songs are sung and scriptures from the holy book are read beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. The book is fanned by a chauri and devotees pay respects by touching their heads to the temple floor and walls. Every night the royal procession takes place along the Guru's Bridge, when the Guru Granth Sahib is carried to the gold-plated five-floored Akal Takht or Eternal Throne, seat of Sikh Parliament. It also houses a Museum, which has images and memorabilia of Sikh Gurus and warriors. Also located within are several smaller shrines as well as an old jujube tree called the Ber Baba Buddha. An interesting feature of the temple complex is the Guru ka Langar, a dining hall, which actually feeds around 35000 people daily! Open from: 7.00 am-8.00 pm in summer and 7.00 am-7.00 pm in winter Note - The closing procession takes place at 11.00 pm in summer & 9.30 pm in winter The Golden Temple is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate and hence it was given a new name the Golden Temple. It houses the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib. Free Kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions, the scripture is unique, it contains the Divine message received by saints, bhagats and pirs of all the faiths of India.
The Golden Temple or ‘Hari Mandir', situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most sacred temple of the Sikhs. The site of the temple was sacred to the Sikhs since the time of the 4 th Guru, Ram Das. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. All Sikh people try to make a visit to the temple and take bath in the holy tank of the temple.
Around the tank has grown up the Sikhs' holiest shrine, the Darbar Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple*** The bridge between Hinduism and Islam which Sikhism set out to create is symbolized by the foundation stone, laid by a Sufi (Muslim) mystic, and the four gates indicating openness to all for castes of Hinduism.
The main shrine in the tank, the Harmandir Sahib, was built by Guru Arjun Dev, Guru Ram Das's successor. The white marble temple acquired its gilt copper cladding, and hence its name, in 1802 courtesy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the man who founded the secular Sikh state. The original of the Sikh holy book, the Granth Sahib, is kept here, and priests maintain a continuous reading from later copies of the work. The atmosphere in this delightful building belies the extraordinary bloodshed and destruction it has witnessed over the years.
The tank is surrounded by a broad Jaipur marble pavement, offices, and lodgings for visitors, mostly the different Sikh communities. The Akal Takht (Eternal Throne), facing the bridge to the Harmandir, was constructed by Hargobind, Guru Arjun's son and the sixth guru. Razed to the ground when the temple was desecrated by Afghans in 1761, it was rebuilt and the upper three storeys added by Ranjit Singh. This is the council hall of Sikh elders.
The 16th century Durgiana Temple, dedicated to Durga, is situated 2 km north east of the Golden Temple.
Golden Temple Complex
The magnificent temple complex set in the ‘heart' of amritsar is the holiest shrine of the sikhs. Its foundation was laid in 1588, by the fifth sikh Guru Arjan Dev ji on a small island in the waters of Amrit sarovar and was consecrated on August 16,1604. The temple was virtually destroyed in 1761, by Ahmad shah Abdai, an Afghan invader. It was restored between 1803 and 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit singh, a great Sikh ruler. The gurudwara complex is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture and is regarded as one of the most tastefully decorated shrines of the world. Darshani Deori, the northern gateway with two splendidly carved silver doors is the main entrance. It also house the central sikh Museum. The main shrine called as Harmandar or Darbar Sahib is set in the middle of sacred amrit sarovar pond. The original copy of guu Granth sahib, the holy book of sikhs is kept covered under a jewelled canopy at the Darbar sahib during the day and is returned ceremoniously to the Akal Takht at night. Maharaja Ranjit singh covered the dome of the shrine in gold and embellished the interiors with lavish decorations.Guru-ks-Langar, the massive community kitchen overlooking the eastern entrance of the temple complex is a must visit site.
Jalianwala Bagh
A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer.Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr's Gallery is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in summers and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during winters.
Jalianwala Bagh stands reminder to the dark, gloomy past of Punjab on that fateful day of April 1919. The Martyrs' Memorial built in the shape of the eternal flame of liberty is situated on the outskirts of the Golden Temple. Here, about 1500 to 2000 persons who were attending a peaceful meeting during the freedom movement fell to the bullets of British General Dyer and his troops, on April 13, 1919. The bullet-ridden walls and a well where panic-stricken people jumped in, still stand memory to India's struggle for freedom.
This historical site commemorates one of the most gruesome acts of mass killing committed by the British during India's struggle for independence. Today it has been converted to a beautiful park and the Martyr's Gallery Museum. The well, where people jumped to escape death is also a protected monument within. Two memorials have been erected here - one a tear-shaped structure and the other an eternal flame.
Open from: Martyr's Gallery - 9.00 am-5.00 pm in summers; 10.00 am-4.00 pm in winters Martyas' Memorial built in the shape of eternal flame of liberty is situated on the outskirts of Golden Temple. It is a pilgrim place for every Indian, as it symbolizes India's struggle for freedom. The Jallianwala Bagh was the scene of the Amristar Massacre in 1919, when the British General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a crowd agitating for self- government. 379 were killed and 1,200 were wounded.
This place is noted for its most notorious massacre under the British rule. IT is 400 metres north of the Golden Temple. The British General Dyer was the Lieutenant Governor of the province in 1919. He banned all meetings and demonstrations led by World war I. On 13th April 1919, pilgrims poured into Amiritsar to celebrate the Baisakhi festival, a holiday in the Sikh calendar. In the afternoon, thousands of people gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate Baiskhi. This ground surrounded by high walls on all sides has only a narrow alley for access. General Dyer personally led the troops to the sight and ordered his men to open fire without any warning. This resulted in the death of about 379 people and injured more than 1200. India was outraged by Dyer's massacre. Gandhiji, called for a nationwide strike and started the Non-cooperation Movement, which became an important milestone I the struggle for India's Independence. Today, thisground has been changed to a park and it has a pleasant garden. There is a narrow path between the houses which leads to the lawn of the park. At the entrance, there is a memorial plaque which recounts the history. There is a well on the northern side of the Jallianwala Bagh in which many people who tried to escape from the bullets of the British which many people who tried to escape from the bullets of the British were drowned, and remnants of walls have bee preserved to show the holes. At the east end of the garden, there is a large memorial built in memory of thouse who died here.
Until the making of the film Gandhi the massacre in Jallianwalla Bagh had become a half- forgotten, albeit disgraceful event. Briefly, in 1919 Indian Army troops under the command of General Dyer opened fire on a banned political meeting protesting the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi. The toll was 379 killed and more than 1200 wounded. Today a mute marble memorial stands testimony to the brutal act.
The beautiful walled garden near the Golden Temple complex is a major landmark in the history of India's struggle for independence. The MMArthyr's Memorial built in the shape of an eternal flame of liberty has become a pilgrim site for every Indian. On april 13,1919, Gen. R. Dyer ordered firing on a peaceful gathering here. A section of wall with bullet marks is still preserved. The exact number of deaths is still unclear, but the official figure show only 379 people killed and 1,200 injured. The small Martyr;s Gallery exhibits the pictures and newspaper reports as well as other first hand accounts of this ghastly event.
Durgiana Mandir
Amritsar also houses a wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Mandir also offers puja to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Supposedly built during the 16th century AD, the temple lies in the middle of a medium sized lake giving it a wonderful overall view. The temple, a massive structure, was built on the style of the nearby Golden Temple. Worth a visit.Truly one of the most beautiful temples in Amritsar, it is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, the temple is situated in the midst of a lake and is marked by a dome. The temple is also known as Lakshmi Narayana Temple and idols of Lakshmi, Vishnu, Radha Krishna, Sita and Ram adorn the walls. Other temples within the complex are Shivji Mandir, Bhairon Mandir and Hanuman Mandir, all of which hold interesting festivals including Janamashtami and Diwali.
Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, this temple is located just ourside the Lohgarh Gate of the old city. It is surrounded by a beautiful tank and is the center pilgrimage for devout Hindus.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and dates back to the 16 th century. This Hindu temple also draws its share of visitors. A large temple is dedicated to Hindu deities such as, Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth and Narayana, (The preserver os Universe). All dignitaries visiting the Golden Temple make it a point to visit the Durgiana Temple also.
This important shrine dedicated to goddess durga resembles the famous golden Temple.
Baba Atal Rai Tower
Located at a distance of few kilometres from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is also a site worth visiting. It is believed that Guru Har Gobind died at this spot. Named after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine storied building is an important landmark of the place. Climbing on to the top gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. The first floor of the tower houses some of the miniatures related to Guru Nanak's life and his preaching. Makes a must visit.Named after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine-storied building is an important landmark in Amritsar. It is one of the tallest structures of Amritsar and has walls adorned with miniatures from the Guru's life. This is also the best place to catch spectacular glimpses of the city.
Wagah Border (28 km)
One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.Wagah Border, about 28 km. from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It's an interesting experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian side of the border and the Rangers on the Pakistan side. The changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags is carried out with great ceremony.
Located 28 km from Amritsar, this is the international border between India and Pakistan. Busloads of visitors travel here from Amritsar the spectacular Beating Retreat Ceremony, which is essentially a change of guards and flag hoisting ceremony.
The final frontier, Wagah from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It is an army outpost on Indo- pak border- between Amritsar and Lahore and is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The train connecting Pakistan with India, starting from Amritsar goes till Atari, which is the border town in Pakistan.
The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervor rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
The spectacular ceremony of "Beating the Retreat" held every evening at Wagah border near Attari has become an important tourist attraction on both sides of the Indo-Pak border. A number of buses ply between Amritsar and Attari.
Tarn Taran (22km)
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Amritsar, Tarn Taran is a famous excursion point. One of the important spots to see here is the sacred tank which is believed to have curative powers. It is believed that if a leper successfully swims across the tank, he or she can be cured of the disease. Tarn Taran also has a highly revered Gurudwara built by Guru Arjan Dev in AD 1768. This Gurudwara is built in memory of Guru Ram Das. It is amazing to see how the architecture of the Golden Temple has influenced the other significant structures. The Gurudwara of Tarn Taran is also made in the same architectural style. Gobindwal Sahib This is a much-visited site owing to the popular belief that the tank here has amazing curative powers. The Gurudwara here was built by Guru Arjan Dev in memory of Guru Ram Dass.Twenty two kilometers south of Amritsar is the Gurudwara Taran, a gilt domed structure constructed on the side of a large tank. The water of the tank is believed to be miraculous, especially for the cure of leprosy.
It is an important “Sikh tank about 25 kms south of Amritsar. There's a temple, which predateds Amritsar, and a tower on the east side of the tank, which was also constructed by Ranjit Singh. It's said that any leper who can swim across the tank will be miraculously cured.
The fmous golden domed Gurudwara at Tarn Taran was built by Sri Arjan Dev ji, the fifth sikh guru. The water of the holy pool is said to possess miraculous powers, especially for those suffering from leprosy.
Gobindwal Sahib
Located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Amritsar, the Gobindwal Sahib is another place to visit during your excursion from Amritsar. Here you can also have a look at the final resting place of Guru Angad Devji that stands nearby.A few kilometers away from Tarn Taran is the town of Goindwal, where Guru Amar Das established a new centre for preaching Sikhism. A ‘Baoli' (well) paved with 84 steps was constructed here. The devout believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine ‘Word' revealed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli provides ‘Moksh' or liberation from 84,000 cycles of life of this world.
The south-western part of the city, has been taken over by the Indian army and is now off limits. It was built in 1805-09 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who also constructed the city walls of Amritsar.
Amanat Khan Serai
Amanat Khan Serai is famous for its ornamental gateway and glazed tile decorations. A must see, it is located at a distance of 38 kilometres from Amritsar.Baba Bakala
Located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Amritsar, Baba Bakala is an important site to visit around Amritsar. The magnificent Gurudwara here is dedicated to the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur.Situated about45 kilometers east of Amritsar on the Batala road. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee here. It has a magnificent Gurudwara where people gather in thousands on every amavas (monnless night) and an annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day (night of full moon in August) when about one lakh people visit place.
Akal Takhat
Akal Takhat or the Immortal Throne was established by Guru Har Gobind Singh in the early 17th century. This is the supreme seat of Sikh temporal authority.Tower of Baba Atal
This tower is built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, the son of the sixth Guru, Sri Hargobind Ji. It is an octagonal nine- storeyed structure, with a magnificent view over the city. The inner walls are decorated with frescos on the life of Guru Nanak. The Adigranth is enshrined within.Khadur Sahib
Khadur Sahib is 32 kms. south- east of Amritsar city and close to Goindwal. During the life of the second Sikh prophet, Guru Angad Dev, it was the Centre of Sikhism.Ram Tirath (11km)
16 Kilometres west of Amritsar on Choganwan road is Ram Tirath, a site where Maharishi Balmiki had his Ashram and where mother Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush (of the epic Ramayana). A big fair is hele here on every Kartika Purnima.The place gets special mention in the great Hindu epic,'Ramayana'. IT is the place where Maharishi valmiki gave shelter to Sita, the wife of Rama when she was abandoned after the victory of Rama in Lanka. It was here that she gave birth to the twins, Lava and Kusha. There is a temple built here in the memory of Sita and her twin sons.
It is believed to be site of the Ashram of Maharishi Balmiki, the legendary sage who composed the great epic Ramayana. Sita, the consort of Lord Rama is said to have stayed here and gave birth to the twin sons, Luv and Kush. The pilgrim centre has an ancient tank and many temples.
Mata Mandir
This Hindu temple situated at Rani Ka Bagh is similar to the Mata vaishno Devi temple at Katra (Jammu). The temple draws a large number of devotees from far and near.Dharamshala
Located at a distance of 200 kilometres from Amritsar in the state of Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala, a popular hill station. It is also famous as the present home of Dalai Lama. This wonderful and picturesque hill station is characterised by magnificent deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres to 1982 metres, there are many spots to visit in and around the town. Mc Leodganj (10 km), the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Bhagsunath (11 km), St. John's Church (8 km),the Kunal Pathri (3 km) and the War Memorial (2 km from the town centre) are some of the major places to visit in Dharamshala. Dharamshala also provides access for a visit to some of the other nearby exotic destinations.Ram Bagh Garden
This was once the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and is created in a pattern similar to the Shalimar Bagh in Lahore. This garden is named after the founder of Amritsar, Guru Ram Dass and houses a huge statue of the Maharaja seated on his horse. Also located within the garden is a Museum, which has on display weapons, images of governing houses of Punjab and a replica of the famous Kohinoor Diamond.Open from: Museum - 10.00 am-5.00 pm, Mondays closed Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden around the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden was named after Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city of Amritsar.It has now been converted into a museum. On display are weapons dating back to the Mughal times, portraits of ruling dynasties of Punjab and a replica of the diamond "Kohinoor". In those days the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate which still exists in its original form on the border of the garden.
Outside the old walled city of Amritsar are the Rambagh Gardens which surround Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Summer Palace. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up in the palace which displays oil painting, miniatures, coins and weapons relating to the Sikh period.
This beautiful garden is named as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city of Amritsar. It is situated in the new part of the town and has museum I the summer palace by the Sikh Maharaja, Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the ‘Lion of Punjab'. The museum contains weapons dating back to the Mughal times and some portraits of the ruling houses of Punjab, including a replica of the diamond, ‘Kohinoor'. To commemorate the memory of his valour, Ram Bagh has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse. However, this remains closed on Wednesdays.
The small palace surrounded by a beautiful garden was built by Maharaja Ranjit singh. It houses a museum displying weapons dating back to Mughals and portraits of various dynasties of Punjab.
Gurudwaras
Together with the Golden Temple, there are several other gurudwaras that dot the landscape of the town. Among these are Gurudwara Lohagarh and Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak, which has a copper-gilded throne and a canopy of white marble. The Gurudwara Khadur Sahib is built in white marble and is situated on a raised platform. Goindwal Sahib was constructed by Guru Amar Das Ji and has an 84-step baoli. Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib is known for the 6-wheeled well in the complex. Gurudwara Manji Sahib is located on the banks of Sarivar Ramsar and is dedicated to the fifth Sikh Guru.Gurudwara Tarn Taran, 22 km south-east of Amritsar, was built by Guru Arjun Dev in memory of Guru Ram Das. The dome of this Gurudwara is covered with copper gilt. What is most fascinating about its location is the big tank whose water is known to cure leprosy.
Harike Bird Sanctuary
National wet land and wild life sanctuary situated mid- way between Amritsar and Ferozpur. The rivers Beas and Sutlej meet here. It is a good picnic spot. In winter (November onwards) nearly 350 species of migratory birds come here from as far as Siberia.Located almost 40 km from Amritsar, Harike is one of the finest virgin bird sanctuaries in the country. It is sited at the confluence of Beas and Sutlej and is home to a host of migratory birds as well as several species of wild animals. Also called Harmandir Sahib, this is the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites, visited by countless tourists all year through. Located centrally in Amritsar, this structure is built in marble and is half-covered in real gold, which sparkles brilliantly when the rays of sun touch it. The temple is situated in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar or the Holy Pool of Nectar and is accessible by clean marble walkways and pavements. The temple is open to all visitors, irrespective of religion -the only condition being that meat, alcohol and cigarettes are strictly prohibited in the complex. You must remove your shoes and cover your head before entering the temple and wash your feet in a shallow pool. The temple is reached by the marble walkway or Guru's Bridge, which is especially beautiful because of the silver-door Darshini Deorhi, by following the parikrama or clockwise direction. The Hari Mandir is the most sacred part of the temple and is the gold-covered building with copper carvings and white marble walls encrusted precious stones in a floral pattern. The entire structure is covered with verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. Once inside the Hari Mandir, you would find devotees immersed in prayers, as devotional songs are sung and scriptures from the holy book are read beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. The book is fanned by a chauri and devotees pay respects by touching their heads to the temple floor and walls. Every night the royal procession takes place along the Guru's Bridge, when the Guru Granth Sahib is carried to the gold-plated five-floored Akal Takht or Eternal Throne, seat of Sikh Parliament. It also houses a Museum, which has images and memorabilia of Sikh Gurus and warriors. Also located within are several smaller shrines as well as an old jujube tree called the Ber Baba Buddha. An interesting feature of the temple complex is the Guru ka Langar, a dining hall, which actually feeds around 35000 people daily! Open from: 7.00 am-8.00 pm in summer and 7.00 am-7.00 pm in winter Note - The closing procession takes place at 11.00 pm in summer & 9.30 pm in winter
Situated about 45 km east of Amritsar on the Batala road is the famous Baba Bakala. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee here. It has a magnificent Gurudwara where thousands of people gather on every amavas (moonless night).