Top Best Places To Visit In Amritsar
The Golden Temple
This holy place can not be described in a few words. It’s more about experiencing the ambience, peace, purity and spirituality. The clean environment and the Vaani will make you fall in love with this place. It was built in the 16th century. To your surprise, the foundation was laid by a Muslim follower Mian Meer Ji.
The land was donated by the Mughal emperor then, Akbar. The Golden Temple has a unique architecture; The perfect blend of Hindus and Islamic art styles. Shri Hari Mandir Sahib is placed in the centre surrounded by water all around. Shri Darbar Sahib of Harmandir sahib walls is covered with gold. It was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who donated the gold to be built on walls.
The holy book of Sikhs ‘Sri guru Granth sahib is placed inside Shri Harmandir sahib during the day and is taken to Akal Takht during the night. The Langar Seva keeps running for 24 hours. The place where all the categories of people sit together without any status and caste boundary to eat Langar together. Golden temple is home to many needy and poor people.
The shrine is open for 24 hours any time of day or night. There is no entry fee. But Make sure to cover your head and dress appropriately before entering the shrine.
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala bagh is one of the must visit tourist places near the Golden temple. The red coloured historic building is a remembrance of the martyrs who lost their lives in the unfortunate Jallianwala bagh massacre in April 1919. It was the day of Baisakhi when a general meeting was held and general dyer crossed all the boundaries of cruelty. He ordered open fire on the whole crowd including women and children. Many people jumped into the well located inside the park escaping from fire but still, they died.
You’ll still find many fire spots on the wall as the pieces of evidence of the misfortune event. On the entrance of this bagh, you’ll see an Amar Jyoti that symbolizes the infinite sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the martyrs who were killed in that incident.
This place has been turned into a beautiful garden nowadays. There is a museum at the right side of the Jallianwala Bagh that was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the president of India that time. You’ll find phenomenal paintings of the freedom fighters and martyrs and photos depicting the incident that took place on 13th April 1919. This place is worth spending time!
Wagah Border
Wagah border is one of the best places to visit near Amritsar, situated at a distance of 22 km from Amritsar and 28 km from Lahore. It is the Radcliffe line between the India and Pakistan border. A visit to the Wagah border is a must to feel patriotic. Wagah Border is the evidence when migrants from India crossed this border to reach Pakistan and vice-versa in 1947.
The Beating retreat ceremony and flag ceremony is showcased daily in the evening. Soldiers of both countries take part in this 30-minute long event. The event is finished lowering the flags of both countries before the sunset. This practice has consistently been performed since 1959.
There is no entry fee and no booking for seats. So, you have to arrive early to get this ultimate experience. A pair of binoculars will be best to see the other side activities and crowd. The crowd is quite high on weekends and the chanting of the national anthem together will surely give you the goosebumps.
Ram Tirath Ashram
Ram Tirath is situated in village Kaler at a distance of 12 km west of the city. Ram Tirath is connected to Hindu’s mythology Ramayana and Maharishi Valmiki. It is said that after Lord Rama abandoned Sita Mata, she lived here in the ashram of Valmiki Rishi. Both the sons of Lord Rama were born here and educated by Maharishi Valmiki.
People from different states in India visit this place on the day of Puran Mashi after Diwali. A 5-day long fair is organized at this place. Thousands of devotees come to this place to take the bath in pious Sarovar. It is a belief that taking a bath on Puran Mashi day removes all the sins and opens the doors of heaven.
You’ll find various statues of Hindu lords inside the temple, This pilgrimage is built using yellow marbles. The gold plated statue of Rishi Valmiki weighing about 800kg is the centre of attraction.
Durgiana Temple
Durgiana mandir also known as Seetla Devi Mandir or Laxmi Narayan Mandir. It was built by Guru har rai mal Kapoor in early 19’s. It was modelled after the Golden temple. On your visit, you’ll notice the design is much like the golden temple. The main temple is surrounded by a water body. You’ll find a beautiful sculpture of lord shiva inside the water. The main door of the mandir is made up of pure silver with Hindu mantras scripted on it.
Another significant place is bada hanuman mandir i.e. the part of durgiana mandir. Every year many devotees come here in Navratri seeking blessings from Hanuman Ji. This temple’s roots are connected to epic Ramayana also. It is said that sons of lord Rama i.e. Luv and Kush tied Hanuman Ji to a big tree. Now the tree is worshipped by many people.
This place is located at a distance of 1.6km from golden temple. You must pay a visit to durgiana temple to feel that peace in the ambience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amritsar
Q1. Is there any airport in Amritsar?
Ans. Yes, the city has Shri Guru Ramdas Ji international airport with daily domestic flights to all over India. The airport also serves International flights from Australia, Canada, Doha and other parts of the world.
Q2. How to reach Amritsar by trains?
Ans. Paschim Express, Howrah-Amritsar Mail, Shatabdi Express, Akal Takht Express, Golden Temple Mail, Jan Shatabdi Express are some of the trains that connect Amritsar to major cities.
Q3. Is it possible to reach Amritsar by buses?
Ans. Yes, buses are easily available from Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Katra and Dharamshala. You can drive on your own or hire a taxi to reach the holy city.
Q4. Which hill stations are close to Amritsar?
Ans. Himachal Pradesh is the local state to Punjab . You can visit Mcleodganj, Dalhousie, Chamba, Kangra, Kasauli to feel the chilling cold mountains.
