Amritsar – The Holy Place

Amritsar

Amritsar – The Holy Place

Welcome to Amritsar

A journey to the holy city of Amritsar is like a dream come true. Amritsar, the largest city in Punjab, is one of India’s most profoundly spiritual cities. Every day, thousands of devoted Sikhs and tourists from other cultures visit the destination with one goal: to see the world-famous Golden Temple. Nothing compares to exploring the gleaming building and sharing a meal from the temple’s enormous, volunteer-run kitchen with other visitors.

As you explore more of this vibrant, passionate city, you’ll have many exciting experiences that intrigue your senses and make you fall in love with this destination. You can take a trip to Pakistan’s border to observe the daily Wagah Border Ceremony, indulge in a mouth-watering Punjabi meal, explore the Mandir Mata Lal Devi, which resembles a funhouse, and visit the Gobindgarh fort Amritsar. Additionally, Amritsar is a great place to buy Indian textiles.

How To Get There

By Air: Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport is well connected to major cities of India and offers international flights to cities like London, Toronto, Dubai etc.

By Train: The railway junction of the destination has excellent connectivity across the country. There are numerous choices from cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Delhi. Additionally, Amritsar has excellent rail connections with places like Mumbai and Jammu, making the train to Amritsar a highly reasonable choice.

By Road: Local state buses commute to this city’s destinations like Rishikesh and Dharamshala. There are numerous local and private bus service operators for other North Indian cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Shimla, and Jammu, making the journey easy.

Getting Around Amritsar

Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are very popular and affordable modes of transportation in this small city. 

Bus: The Golden Temple Trust runs a free bus service between the railway station and the Golden Temple. You can also use the city bus service to travel around the city.

Car: You can rent a car to get around and within the city. Numerous automobile rental agencies in the town offer both chauffeured and self-drive rentals. 

Places Of Interest

golden temple Amritsar

Golden Temple (the Harmandir Sahib)

Amritsar located in the Punjab state of India is home to the iconic “Golden Temple,” one of Sikhism’s most spiritually significant and most-visited Gurudwaras. The temple initially started building in 1581 and took eight years to complete, but later in 1762, a dispute between the Sikhs and Muslims saw the temple destroyed. In 1809 the temple was rebuilt with gold and copper. It is known as the site of the Sikhs’ principal place of worship, and the Gurdwara is a “door to the guru” where people of all faiths are welcome and offered “Langar” (free vegetarian food). Book tour here.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh, commemorates the massacre of Amritsar which occurred on 13th April 1919, where General Dyer and his British troops fired into a large protesting crowd of unarmed Indians. It is now a historic garden and ‘memorial of national importance’ preserved in the memory of those wounded and killed. Make sure to book your Jalianwalla Bagh Travel for your next trip. Book tour here.   

Gobindgarh fort Amritsar

Gobindgarh Fort

The fort is over 250 years old and has become one of the most recognizable places, dating back to when small principalities were divided throughout the Indian subcontinent and ruled by rajas. Approximately 12,000 warriors once protected the fort.

Gobindgarh fort is now a museum showcasing the city’s history and culture. Four museums are housed in the complex, including a Sikh Art Museum, a Turban Museum, and a Warfare Museum. Keep an eye out for the fascinating light and sound shows projected onto the Colonial Bungalow of the fort after dark. Book tour here.

mandir mata lal devi Amritsar

Mandir Mata Lal Devi

The Mata Lal Devi Mandir is elegant and as strange as the Harmandir Sahib, depicting a Hindu temple primarily devoted to the female saint Lal Devi and the women who visit there would experience boosted fertility. However, the labyrinthine attraction looks like a funhouse to non-devotees.

Visiting here will give you a new perception of Hinduism and the spiritual practices of its adherents. It’ll also turn out to be among the most enjoyable activities in Amritsar.

Wagah Border Ceremony

Wagah Border Ceremony

Every afternoon at sunset, an exciting border closing ceremony happens at the Wagah border. The Beating Retreat Ceremony, is full of pomp featuring an elaborate display of goose-stepping guards from the Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force saluting each other, lowering and folding their flags, and shutting the border gates.

Even though the ceremony is only 45 minutes long, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell for days.  Click here to learn more.

Where To Stay

The city is rich in legacy, culture, and cuisine; many hotels reflect this throughout Amritsar. There are numerous options depending on your requirements and budget:

Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Amritsar

De Manora Homes:

This luxurious resident, De Manora Homes, offers all the conveniences of a home, located for ease in the city centre.  

Mid-Range Hotels

Amritara Sadka Amritsar:

A boutique hotel located in the heart of Amritsar, offering comfortable and stylish accommodation, delicious cuisine, and easy access to local attractions such as the Golden Temple.

Budget Hotels

Hotel Hongkong Inn:

Enjoy a relaxing stay spacious room with modern facilities, a spa treatment to unwind, and a wide range of other services to calm your mind and soul.

Courtyard by Marriott:

Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar is a luxury hotel located near the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, offering stunning views of the city and comfortable accommodations with modern amenities.

 

MK Hotel:

MK Hotel in Amritsar is situated close to the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, making it an ideal location for exploring the city’s historical landmarks. The hotel’s specialty lies in its comfortable accommodations and excellent service.

 

Hotel Puri Palace:

The hotel is located 2 kilometres from Amritsar railway station and 13 kilometres from the airport. The popular tourist destinations of the city are easily accessible from the residence.

Where To Eat

The world drools over the butter-loaded, spicy, and aromatic food the city offers. Indulge in specialized culinary treats with a variety of delicacies that are sure to delight both your stomach and your soul:

Bharawan Da Dhaba: You must pay at least a short visit here before leaving the city. The kitchen and meals of the Dhaba strike harmony in the stomach and the heart. This delicious food will be one gourmet adventure, with lip-smacking parathas, delectable dahi bhallas, dal makhani, and chole.

Kulcha Land: You do not need a menu while visiting here as the kulcha land serves various kulchas. The mouth-watering crunchy kulchas lassi will make your day. Unquestionably, Kulcha Land is among the top restaurants in Amritsar.

Crystal Restaurant: One of the best restaurants in Amritsar, serving various foods like roasts, steaks, and grills. The Murgh Tawa Frontier, just chicken, dipped in a hot and thick onion sauce, is the most highly regarded delicacy.

Kesar Da Dhaba: The Dhaba ranks among the city’s most renowned restaurants for innovative dal recipes. It’s a modest eatery, lacking pomp and pageantry, despite being so popular. Ensure to get kali dal or dal makhani if you visit Kesar Da Dhaba. It requires careful planning and slow cooking for over 12 hours as part of the preparation phase.  

Final Thoughts

Amritsar is a beautiful city, and the town’s people are charming. Amritsar has incredible things to do, from a spiritual visit to the Golden Temple in the morning to witnessing the Wagah Border ceremony in the afternoon. So, whether you are a history buff, foodie, or an architecture fan, you can easily discover many beautiful experiences.

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