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Amritsar is a historically significant city situated in Majha region of the Indian State of Punjab. In Punjabi the word Amritsar mean Nectar of Immortality. Formerly known as Ramdaspur, Amritsar is located at a distance of 135km from Chandigarh and 456km from New Delhi. The nearest hill station from Amritsar is Manali of Himachal Pradesh which is located at distance of 395km. Home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine and one of India’s most serene and humbling sights, Amritsar has emerged as a pilgrimage centre for many devotees. Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, Amritsar has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY. Being interlinked with many historical event there are many places to visit in Amritsar which till date holds the remnants of those times.
Built around an artificial water body is the most sacred destination of Amritsar called Harmandir Sahib. Completed in 1604, Harmandir Sahib is popular for its Golden Temple. Floating at the end of a long causeway, the Golden Temple with its impeccable blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles has enthralled the mind of many travelers and devotes. The elegant marble lower level of Golden Temple is adorned with delicate flower and animal motifs in pietra dura work. The dome of Golden Temple is coated with more than 750kg of pure gold. The trip of Amritsar is incomplete without the visit to this idyllic place.
Established in 1951 by the Government of India is a public garden of Amritsar called Jallianwala Bagh. The garden was built to commemorate the memories of people who died during the massacre of 1919. Located near the holy Golden Temple there is only a single entry and exit route for Jallianwala Bagh. On 13April 1919 (Punjabi New Year) the ground of Jallianwala Bagh was covered with the blood of 20000 innocent civilian. Many decades has passed but till date the evidence of the gruesome day can be seen in Jallianwala Bagh. Visitors can see the bullet holes on the wall of Jallianwala Bagh while visiting Amritsar.
Housed within the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum of Amritsar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is the first ruler of the Sikh Empire. The museum showcases articles related to the Regal Heritage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh like arms and armors, antique paintings and century old coins and manuscripts. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum Timings: 10am to 5pm (Tuesday to Friday) and 10am to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Partition Museum is a public museum located in the Town Hall of Amritsar. Inaugurated on 24th October 2016, the Partition Museum of Amritsar is one of the popular tourist interest points of Amritsar. The walls of the Partition Museum are covered in story boards and newspaper clippings describing the event leading to and after the partition of India during independence in 1947. Here, visitors can learn about the tragic history about the largest human migration. The Partition Museum Timings: 10am to 6pm
Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland of Northern India situated along the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district of Punjab. Harike also known as Hari-ke-Pattan was entitled as a bird sanctuary in 1982. Located at a distance of 2km from the city centre of Amritsar, Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is famous for housing a exquisite collection of avifauna and aqua fauna. Endangered species like Testudines Turtle, Indus dolphin and Smooth Indian Otter, are spotted in the wetland of Harike Amritsar. The best time to visit Hari-ke-Pattan Bird Sanctuary is during winter season. At this time visitors can spot more than 200 species of migrating birds in Hari-ke-Pattan Bird Sanctuary.
How to Reach Amritsar: Located on the National Highway 1, Amritsar is well connected with the major cities of India. Amritsar has its own International Airport and train station so visitors can either board a plane or train towards Amritsar.
Best time to visit to Amritsar: Winter season (November to February) when the weather is most soothing is considered the best time to relish the sacred and historical sites of Amritsar.
