Beautifully representing India’s partition history, northern cultural traditions and delectable cuisines, one should explore Amritsar beyond the ever favourites Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. While conventional itineraries take you on a day trip to all the historic spots, Amritsar’s lively culture hooks you to explore more in the heritage city. It is said that the fourth Guru of the Sikh community, Guru Ram Das, founded the city in the fifteenth century which evolved into the country's most spiritually important and historically rich city. Amritsar’s name derives from ‘Amrit Sarovar’, which literally translates to ‘pool of nectar’ in Punjabi.
Beautifully representing India’s partition history, northern cultural traditions and delectable cuisines, one should explore Amritsar beyond the ever favourites Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. While conventional itineraries take you on a day trip to all the historic spots, Amritsar’s lively culture hooks you to explore more in the heritage city. It is said that the fourth Guru of the Sikh community, Guru Ram Das, founded the city in the fifteenth century which evolved into the country's most spiritually important and historically rich city. Amritsar’s name derives from ‘Amrit Sarovar’, which literally translates to ‘pool of nectar’ in Punjabi. Worldly renowned for The Harmandar Sahib or Golden Temple, thousands visit this pilgrimage site to witness the history attached to the place. Many further explore Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border to see the impact of British rule in the country. However the city entices everyone with its hospitality, relishing cuisine and unique handicrafts. Amidst visiting the historic sites it is best to indulge in food that replenishes the soul. The Punjabi cuisine with its sumptuous flavours is bound to leave an impact on you leaving you wanting more. While enjoying the street food you cannot miss on the vibrant local handicrafts. Every street side adds a colorful twist to your journey and you’ll be happily detouring from your itinerary to make one more stop at a local store to buy the traditional cloth or authentic Amritsari footwear. After a troubled past, the city has thrived on its deeply rooted culture offering a cultural experience to its visitors. You may explore attractions like Partition Museum, Tarn Taran, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum,, Akal Takht, Gobindgarh Fort, Durgiana Temple, Attari Border Crossing, Partition Museum, Tarn Taran, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, apart from the well renowned ones. Here is a look at all the major attractions in the city.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Amritsar
Golden Temple
One of India’s most visited spiritual destinations, the Harmandir Sahib or popularly known as the Golden Temple is said to be the holiest shrine in the Sikh community. Thousands from across the world irrespective of their background visit the Golden Temple to experience its spiritual tranquility. The golden dome and its massive architecture speaks of the grandeur of the temple that hosts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The shrine housed in the main temple is surrounded by
One of India’s most visited spiritual destinations, the Harmandir Sahib or popularly known as the Golden Temple is said to be the holiest shrine in the Sikh community. Thousands from across the world irrespective of their background visit the Golden Temple to experience its spiritual tranquility. The golden dome and its massive architecture speaks of the grandeur of the temple that hosts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The shrine housed in the main temple is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, a water reservoir that adds to the beauty of the place. The museum at the entrance gate signifies the struggle of the Sikh community under the reign of Mughals and Britishers. Another significant aspect of the temple is the Langar (community kitchen) that serves free food to the visitors. The kitchen known for its massive production is said to feed over 50,000 individuals from all over the world on a daily basis. Only a visit to the temple helps one understand the sanctity of the place and why it's an epitome of peace over the years. All the visitors are also given a Kada Prasad made of purified butter, sugar and wheat which has a unique taste because it is served from a spiritual place. A crown jewel of the North, its tops one of the must see places in India.
Wagah Border
Marking a historic moment in the story of India’s independence, Wagah border instills a new level of patriotism for any traveller. The border that runs along the Grand Trunk Road is the most prominent place from the partition of India and Pakistan. Just 22 kms from Lahore and 28 kms from Amritsar, the border hosts an enchanting Beating Retreat Ceremony every day that is a sight to behold. The zeal and enthusiasm of the visitors invigorates a different kind of patriotism in one
Marking a historic moment in the story of India’s independence, Wagah border instills a new level of patriotism for any traveller. The border that runs along the Grand Trunk Road is the most prominent place from the partition of India and Pakistan. Just 22 kms from Lahore and 28 kms from Amritsar, the border hosts an enchanting Beating Retreat Ceremony every day that is a sight to behold. The zeal and enthusiasm of the visitors invigorates a different kind of patriotism in one and all. As the soldiers retreat the flags for the day, crowds witness the spirit of friendship and patriotism amidst the two countries. The ceremony has been held every day since 1959 by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers. While the total trip to Wagah Border and back takes about 2-3 hours, it is an exciting ceremony to witness.
Jallianwala Bagh
Visiting the Jallianwala Bagh memorial is like seeing a historic moment frozen in time. As many gathered on the festival of Baisakhi in a small enclosed park, General Dyer ordered open fire that killed many civilians just protesting peacefully. Now the place has been turned into a memorial dedicated to the victims of that tragic day in 1919. The saddening incident shocked the country and instilled a new direction to India’s independence struggle. A memorial tablet at the entrances
Visiting the Jallianwala Bagh memorial is like seeing a historic moment frozen in time. As many gathered on the festival of Baisakhi in a small enclosed park, General Dyer ordered open fire that killed many civilians just protesting peacefully. Now the place has been turned into a memorial dedicated to the victims of that tragic day in 1919. The saddening incident shocked the country and instilled a new direction to India’s independence struggle. A memorial tablet at the entrances informs about the historical record of the event. Inside there are a number of structures that have stayed intact since the incident. From the walls even highlighting the bullet marks, to the wells where people jumped to protect from the bullets, the memorial is a reminder of a horrific moment. However, The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust that manages the site has transformed it into a beautiful park where people can deepen their knowledge on the incident and pay respect to the lives lost. Just a few minutes away from the Golden Temple, you can easily walk through the markets and reach the site which has no entry fee and is open all days of the week.
Akal Takht
Partition Museum
Located at the Town Hall, the Partition Museum was established by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), as part of Amritsar's Heritage Street that runs from the Golden Temple to the Town Hall. With artifacts dating back to 1947, the museum houses a collection of stories, memoirs, art and relics highlighting the period before, during and after India’s partition. Everything from newspaper clippings, photographs, personal objects contributed by people who lived through the
Located at the Town Hall, the Partition Museum was established by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), as part of Amritsar's Heritage Street that runs from the Golden Temple to the Town Hall. With artifacts dating back to 1947, the museum houses a collection of stories, memoirs, art and relics highlighting the period before, during and after India’s partition. Everything from newspaper clippings, photographs, personal objects contributed by people who lived through the partition have been brought together under one roof to take people down memory lane and describe India’s independence story. The museum also pays homage to the victims and survivors of the partition as it was tough for the people for both the countries. The rare objects emphasize on the lives of the people and how vastly they were affected during the partition. All the history lovers will surely enjoy it here as they get to see glimpses of our country’s historic past.
Activities Not to Be Missed in Amritsar
Mouthwatering Meals of Amritsar
Delicious food is the soul of this city with every street and corner offering a delectable dish that simply increases your appetite. The variety and richness of Punjabi cuisine in the city has given it the title of the ‘Culinary Capital of India’. Conversations over tea, or visiting the Golden Temple
Delicious food is the soul of this city with every street and corner offering a delectable dish that simply increases your appetite. The variety and richness of Punjabi cuisine in the city has given it the title of the ‘Culinary Capital of India’. Conversations over tea, or visiting the Golden Temple and having langar, or even enjoying the street snacks while shopping for souvenirs in the local markets, every activity in Amritsar somehow brings you closer to their food. From Amritsari kulchas, sweet jalebis, enriching lassi, fish tikkas, every dish strengthens your love for this country and its cuisine.
Langar
Starting your culinary journey in Amritsar, don’t forget to miss out on the Langar from the community kitchen of the Golden Temple. Early
Starting your culinary journey in Amritsar, don’t forget to miss out on the Langar from the community kitchen of the Golden Temple. Early in the morning when the holy book is brought into the inner sanctum in the morning, you can finish the prayer and head to the langar hall. A basic meal of pulses (dal), roti (indian bread), sabzir (vegetables), kheer (sweet dish) is prepared everyday with some minor changes in the menu and it is the most delicious meal to begin your day with. Simple yet flavourful, the kitchen serves around 50,000 to 100,000 meals a day.
Amritsari Kulcha
Originating from Amritsari, the ever famous Kulcha soon spread like wildfire across the northern regions. However, to taste the authentic
Originating from Amritsari, the ever famous Kulcha soon spread like wildfire across the northern regions. However, to taste the authentic Amritsari Kulcha one must dine in the city. A form of hot flaky Indian bread stuffed with potatoes and generously topped with ghee, this dish is best enjoyed with chole (chickpeas) and a spicy chutney. It is the best meal to begin your day along with a glass of Lassi (sweet buttermilk) that simply elevates the taste of the entire meal.
Aloo Poori
Another favourite among breakfast lovers is Aloo Poori, fried indian bread served with potato curry. The puris served with chole and a zesty
Another favourite among breakfast lovers is Aloo Poori, fried indian bread served with potato curry. The puris served with chole and a zesty potato stew are fried in pure ghee which adds to the authentic taste. Another northern delicacy is sweet Pinnis, made with lentils and jaggery, rich in taste. They are best enjoyed with a glass of warm milk on a winter morning. Moving forward one must also try the mah ki daal (black lentils) along with the lachha paratha or butter naan, a different layered Indian bread that tastes heavenly along with the dal. There are many old restaurants originally from Pakistan that reopened after the partition following recipes to cook the dal over 12 hours to gain that rich taste.
Fish tikkas
Not just vegetarian dishes, Amritsar has numerous varieties of fish and mutton that will surprise your taste buds. The seasoned fish tikkas along
Not just vegetarian dishes, Amritsar has numerous varieties of fish and mutton that will surprise your taste buds. The seasoned fish tikkas along with chutneys make for the best snacks in the day. Ghee Roast Chicken cooked in special spices makes up for perfect appetizing dinner. You can also try the Mutton Chaap as many queue outside shops to try this northern delicacy.
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