Amritsar: Places of Interest

The city of Amritsar with its rich Sikh and Punjabi heritage has a lot to offer to a tourist. The by lanes of the walled city has the antediluvian charm of an era gone by. The sparkling Gurudwaras or the Sikh shrines are paved with the finest marble from Makran and Rajasthan. The walls of all the Gurudwaras are adorned with murals depicting the sacrifices made by the Sikh Gurus and their families. Amritsar is the Mecca of Sikhs.

The Golden Temple

Also known as Harminder Sahib, it is the most revered shrine of the Sikhs. The name Golden Temple originated as the sanctum sanctorum Akal Takht has its roof covered with pure gold plates. The Sikhs from all over the world come to visit the shrine at least once in their lifetime. The four gates in four cardinal directions are an open invitation to all to visit the shrine.

Khalsa College

The oldest college of Amritsar was established in distinctive mix of Mughal and Sikh architecture in the year 1892 by the Singh Sabha Movement. The college campus is spread over more that 300 acres and has that distinctive charm with red minarets and domes against the lush green backdrop.

Jallian Wala Bagh

It gained its place in the annals of the Indian freedom struggle when British General Reginald Dyer mercilessly gunned down hundreds of innocent men, women and children who had gathered in the park on the day of Baisakhi in 1919. The park symbolizes the atrocities committed by the British on the Indian soil.

Fort Gobind Garh

The fort was constructed by Maharaja Ranji Singh in the early 18th century. The construction and design of the fort was to defend against the attacks of the Afghans. The fort is not open to public now. It has been taken over by the Indian security forces.

Durgiana Temple

The 16th century temple of goddess Durga is located in the heart of the walled city just half a mile from the Amritsar railway station. The complex houses Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir with a huge pond on its periphery. The water of River Ravi was diverted to fill it up. In the night the Temple lights shimmering in the water present a heavenly sight.

Ram Bagh

The landscaped garden with a palace in the center was the summer retreat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Maharaja later named it Ram Bagh. It has a museum with relics of Mughal era and hand drawn sketches and portraits of the ruling Sikhs.

Mata Mandir

This is the temple built by a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is must visit shrine for all the Hindus visiting Amritsar.

The Main Market of the Walled City

It sure is an interesting place to visit. The main mode of transport is the three wheeled rickshaw. The market has countless shops selling Amritsar memorabilia to the modern electronic gadgets. The fascination of the Punjabis with milk and sweet can be seen here. You will find a sweet shop at every corner and the distinctive shallow utensils filled with simmering thickened milk. A glassful of this health drink served in the characteristic style will unquestionably rejuvenate you.