amritsar travel guide - ... · amritsar amritsar beckons every tourists with its myriad charms. be...

AmritsarAmritsar beckons every touristswith its myriad charms. Be it, thepompous ceremony by troops atthe Wagah border, the dazzlingopulence of the Golden Temple, orthe soul stirring experience at theJallianwala Bagh, Amritsar offers allthis and much more.

Some of the places that can’t bemissed in Amritsar are GoldenTemple, Jallianwala Bagh, AkalTakht, Durgiana Temple andWagah Border.

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Famous For : Weekend GetawaysCity

Amritsar is the nucleus of the Sikh religionand the lavish and legendary Golden Templeis Amritsar's main claim to fame. Thisdazzling Gurudwara sits in the midst of theholy Harmandir Sahib pool and Amritsar isnamed after this pool. The number ofdevotees of different faiths visiting this placeis said to outnumber the number of peoplevisiting Taj Mahal. Besides the GoldenTemple, visitors also flock to the infamousJallianwala Bagh, which represents one ofthe blackest episodes of British colonial rule.Amritsar has been a popular bollywooddestination for the setting of a culturalbackground of Punjab. Yash Chopra’s epiclove story ‘Veer-Zara’ was shot at Wagahborder and Khalsa college of Amritsar. Theother two romances that were shot herewere ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ and ‘Gadar’. ‘RangDe Basanti’, a soul inspiring movie starringAamir Khan also had few scenes shot at theGolden Temple, Jallianwalah Bagh, andKhalsa College of Amritsar.The satiating food and generous dollops of

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legendary Punjabi hospitality furtherconnive to cast a spell upon the visitor. Don’tforget to treat your taste buds to some ofthe world-famous dishes of Amritsar such asAmritsari Kulcha, Amritsari Fish, flavouredlassi, kulfi and last but not the least, Sarsonka saag and makki di roti. Also, dhabas arethe USP of Amritsar and the city has anumber of vegetarian and non-veg dishes,each serving delicious specialities. Some ofthe famous ones are Bhrawan da Dhaba,Kundan da Dhaba, Bubby Dhaba, Pal daDhaba, Surjit da Dhaba and Kesar da Dhabaamong others. Even though these dhabasmay not score 100% when it comes to decor,ambiance, and service but you will simplylove the food at these places.The festive calendar of Amritsar remainspacked with various celebrationsthroughout the year and it will be a goodidea to visit the city during these festivitiesto enjoy the real flavour of Amritsar. Someprominent festivals of Amritsar are BasantPanchami, Ram Tirath Fair, Baisakhi andLohri to name a few. All these festivals arecelebrated with much pomp and grandeurand people from every nook and corner arepart of these grand celebrations.

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-amritsar-lp-1199856

JanVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 11.5°C Min:

4.099999904632568°C

Rain: 24.0mm

FebVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:13.800000190734863°C

Min:7.099999904632568°C

Rain: 33.0mm

MarCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:18.700000762939453°C

Min:11.399999618530273°C

Rain: 48.0mm

AprCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max: 25.0°C Min: 16.5°C Rain: 29.0mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:29.899999618530273°C

Min:22.200000762939453°C

Rain: 25.0mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max: 32.0°C Min:

25.100000381469727°C

Rain: 62.0mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.200000762939453°C

Min:25.799999237060547°C

Rain: 231.0mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.

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Max:29.700000762939453°C

Min:25.200000762939453°C

Rain: 187.0mm

SepPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:28.399999618530273°C

Min:22.600000381469727°C

Rain: 79.0mm

OctCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:23.700000762939453°C

Min:16.100000381469727°C

Rain: 18.0mm

NovCold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:17.899999618530273°C

Min:9.600000381469727°C

Rain: 6.0mm

DecVery cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen.Max:12.899999618530273°C

Min: 5.0°C Rain: 18.0mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-amritsar-lp-1199856

1 Golden Temple

Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India

Golden Temple is one of the most importantand key religious places for Sikhs inAmritsar. The Gurudwara blessed withimmense spiritual bliss and tranquillityreally forms the centre and soul of Amritsar.It also holds the Granth Sahib which is a holyscripture for the Sikhs. The upper floors ofthe Gurudwara are completely covered withgold and hence the name.

It is a symbol of brotherhood and equalityas it was built with the aim that people fromall walks and religions of life would visit theplace for religious blessings. Over a lakhpeople visit the Golden Temple for holyblessings. The beautiful Sarovar in thecentre of the Gurudwara, where thousandsof people take a holy bath is literally the soulof this holy place. Every holy event iscelebrated with great enthusiasm here. Thesoulful Gurbani adds to the charm whileinculcating good moral and human values inthe worshippers.

Bathing in the Amrit Sarovar is of course anancient tradition. The water is believed tohave healing powers, and so draws the sickand ailing from all faiths. Bring a towel alongif you want to go in for a dip. There is awalled-off portion where women may bathe;the men, in the mandatory boxer shorts,have the rest of the pool to themselves. Onthe eastern side of the tank is the DukhBhanjani Beri, which is where the originalnatural pool was located.

2 Wagah Border

Wagah Border, National Highway 1PB, Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India

Wagah Border in Amritsar between Pakistan and India is the only roadborder between the two countries.Apart from its national significance it isvisited with great patriotism and enthusiasmfor the ceremony that happens every daybefore sunset. The highlight is lowering ofthe flags of the two countriessimultaneously. It lies on the Grand TrunkRoad between the cities of Amritsar, Punjab,India, and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Theborder is located 22 km from Lahore and 28km from Amritsar.The flags are folded andthe ceremony ends with a gesture thatinvolves a brusque handshake betweensoldiers from either side which is followedby the closing of the gates. The spectacle ofthe ceremony attracts many visitors fromboth sides of the border, as well asinternational tourists for its high energy andenthusiastic ceremonial practice. Thischeckpoint at

Wagah Border inAmritsar draws plenty of globalattention and affords a stage for Indian andPakistani paramilitary forces to strut theirtough stuff. Each sunset, there are noisypartisan crowds cheering on the BSF andthe Rangers as they present arms with muchstagemanaged, in-your-face ceremony, eachside trying to outdo the other. On specialoccasions, liberals on both sides take outcandle-lit processions.

3 Gobindgarh Fort

Old Cantt Road, Vijay Chowk,Lohgarh, Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar,Punjab 143001, India

The Gobindgarh Fort, built in 1809, was amassive structure of limestone and brickwith iron-studded gates. Much of it nowstands in ruins. A portion was deliberatelydemolished by the British, always anxious to

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decimate traces of the foe’s grandeur, afterthe two Anglo-Sikh Wars. Indeed, most ofthe fortifications that Ranjit put in place inAmritsar were ‘de-militarised’ by the British.

Gobindgarh Fort at Present-

SHER E PUNJAB:- A glorious history from the past depictedthrough the means of technology, to entice,enlighten, educate, enthrall and inspire. A7D show based on the life of MaharajaRanjit Singh that transports you back to the19thcentury in an immersive way leavingyou enchanted and is aptly called Sher ePunjab

WHISPERING WALLS:- Kanda Boldiyan Ne or Whispering Walls is ashow using state of the art projectionmapping technologies and laser lights. Ashow of this quality has never before beenseen pan India and we can certainly statethat it will surely take your breath away. Thisshow is held every evening post sunset.There is a Punjabi as well as an English showeach day. There are several other activitiesto entertain and keep the old and youngoccupied, such as horse rides, camel rides,

horse carriage, trampoline, rock climbing,etc. The evenings here at Gobindgarh Fort aresimply magical and the entire fort comesalive with the beautiful ambient lighting. Thechange in the mood and activity isnoteworthy. Kanda Boldiyan Ne orWhispering Walls is a show using state ofthe art projection mapping technologies andlaser lights. A show of this quality has neverbefore been seen pan India. 

TOSHAKHANA- COIN MUSEUM:- The Toshakhana, which once stored thecoveted Kohinoor diamond, is now a coinmuseum for old and rare coins including areplica of the Kohinoor as it was worn by theMaharaja. The circular structure of the roofthat was made by the use of the originalnanakshahi brick is intact till date and quiteawe inspiring.   THE BUNGLOW – ANCIENT WARFAREMUSEUM:- The grand building of the Anglo SikhBunglow has now been converted to anAncient Warfare museum and today hasseveral replicas of instruments and attires ofwarfare. It has many real, lifelike figurinesthat are so realistic they seem they wouldcome alive if touched.   SPIRIT OF PUNJAB:- A stage that keeps the fort alive all day longwith live performances of bhangra, gatka,gidda, comedy, games, dholi etc. Several

prizes are here to be won each day.   AMBARSARI ZAIKA:- People here engage themselves in thevarious food shops and stalls that offer thechoicest of Amritsari and Punjabi cuisinealong with some other eatery options aswell.    HAAT BAZAAR:- You can feast your eyes as you roam thewell located Haat Bazaar that offers faresright from phulkaris, juttis, shawls, antiquesetc. for you to purchase from.

4 Jallianwala Bagh

Golden Temple Road, Amritsar,Punjab 143001, India

Jallianwala Bagh is a grim reminder of theworst massacres that took place on Indiansoil during the freedom struggle. It was herethat the British General Reginald Dyermercilessly ordered fire on the innocentcivilians gathered for

Baisakhi celebration. Spread over an area ofover 6 acres, Jallianwala Bagh is situatedalmost adjacent to the Golden Temple

. The memorial is managed by theJallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust,which was established in 1951. Thememorial dedicated to the massacre victimsis the most prominent site in the garden.You can still find bullet-marks on the walls,the remaining symbols ofGeneral Dyer's tyranny. The entry to thegarden is a narrow one, and there is noentry fee charged from the visitors. Theoriginal boundary walls have also beenpreserved, complete with the dents circledin white paint and labelled “bullit mark”.

5 The Central Sikh Museum ofAmritsar

Central Sikh Museum, GoldenTemple Road, Amritsar, Punjab,143001, India

The  Central Sikh Museum in Amritsardisplays the paintings of Sikh gurus,warriors,

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saints, and other prominent Sikh leaderswho have contributed to the developmentof Sikh religion. The museum wasestablished in 1958. It holds a rich collectionof coins, old arms and ancient manuscripts.Some of the rare preserved musicalinstruments in the museum are Saranda ofBaba Sham Singh and rarest stringedinstrument, guns of Sikh Raj, WoodenCanopy supporters covered with silver ofMaharaja Ranjit Singh times.You will alsofind the wooden comb (Kangha) of GuruGobind Singh, Arrows and Bow, IronChakras (circles) worn on the turban bywarrior and a iron jacket made of wires(Sanjoe) there, which are worth seeing.Onecan avail guide service on request. It isbelieved that that a visit to Harmandir Sahibis not complete if someone is not visitingThe Central Sikh Museum. So next time dospare some time to visit the museum andrespect the sacrifice of our freedomwarriors.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-amritsar-lp-1199856

1 Bhrawan Da Dhaba

Town Hall, Amritsar, Punjab 143001,India

+91-183-2532575|+91-99888-01912|+91-98141-01912

Located in close proximity to The GoldenTemple, Bhrawan Da Dhaba is a must visitplace to taste some of the most deliciousdelicacies of Amritsar. It is one of the mostoldest restaurant of Amritsar and thus holdsback its tradition of quality food.The place islittle constrained, however that can bedisregarded once you have eaten from thisplace. Some of the famous delicacies are DalMakhni, Karahi Paneer, Kulchas andAmritsari Chole.

2 Kesar Da Dhaba

Chowk Passian, Near TelephoneExchange, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab143006, India

+91-183-2552103 | +91-183-3195000| +91-98155-76117

Providing you the real essence of Punjab’sculture, Kesar Da Dhaba is one of thefamous eateries in Amritsar. The dhaba hasoffers a seating capacity of upto 150 peopleand is home to two air-conditioned callswhere you can savour the traditional flavourof Punjabi food. From plain parathas to daltadka and 'firni', this dhaba serves adelicious menu on your table!

3 Brother's Restaurant

Brothers Dhaba, Town Hall Chowk,Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India

Rs. 85

+91-98141-01912|+91-183-2532575|+91-98884-11226

This famous award winning place has beenserving traditional and authentic Punjabifood since 1921. The food is prepared inpure Desi Ghee without an overload of it,hence its light on the stomach as well as onthe pocket. The place offers delicious andtempting dishes and is truly a delight forfoodies. Try their specialities like AmritsariNaan, Cheese Tomato, Thali, Rajma Chawaland Kheer. The Dhaba has now become amulti cuisine restaurant but they still call itDhaba to keep the charm intact. Gorge onrich breakfast, snacks and mouth-wateringmain course meals anytime from 8am to11:30 pm on any day of the week.

4 Crystal Restaurant

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Crystal Chowk, Queens Road,Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India

+91-183-2225555/9999/7788

Rated as Amritsar’s classiest restaurant, itserves Indian as well as internationalcuisine. The place has been split into twodue to family issues, but you can go in anyand you will appreciate whatever you eat ordrink. Because of the delectable food andpopularity it’s usually full, so, to avoidwaiting either start early or book a table inadvance. For the first timers, opt for Indiandishes as it is the best among other cuisinesin the restaurants. Their menu has a widevariety and the non-vegetarian dishesspecially are worth going.

5 Kundan da Dhaba

125, Opposite Bus Stand, City Centre,Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India

+91-183-5098539|+91-98880-64049

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-amritsar-lp-1199856

SeeA: Golden TempleB: Wagah BorderC: Gobindgarh FortD: Jallianwala BaghE: The Central Sikh Museum of Amritsar

AccommodationF: Johlz Home StayG: Jugaadus' HostelH: Farm Stay AmritsarI: Johlz Home StayJ: Jugaadus' HostelK: Farm Stay AmritsarL: Johlz Home StayM: Jugaadus' HostelN: Farm Stay Amritsar

FoodO: Bhrawan Da DhabaP: Kesar Da DhabaQ: Brother's RestaurantR: Crystal RestaurantS: Kundan da Dhaba