Amritsar India – Top Tourist Attractions Not to Miss Out
Amritsar is one of the major commercial, industrial and transportation hubs in India. It has several flourishing industries which primarily include the handicrafts industry and that of knitwear. The woolen products and carpets from Amritsar are exported to different countries around the world because of their unique design, innovative prints and vibrant colours. Moreover, the city is also known as a place for gourmets as it offers delicious food which is loaded with desi flavours. Owing to the fact that the city has quite a few religious places, it has given way to the promotion of religious tourism which is one of the major contributors to its economy.
What to expect
Amritsar has very rich cultural heritage so if you ever come to visit the city, you will find a number of places and a lot of new experiences to exercise as it is the place which will not let you get bored and will never cease to amaze you with its culture and beauty. Along with the historical and religious places, one must never miss out the local cuisines. The flavour that the local chefs produce is incomparable to any other that you have tasted before.
There are many places in the city of Amritsar that are worth paying a visit to, but there are a few which should not be missed by any means. They include the following places of historical and religious importance for which the city is basically known:
1. The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, the central religious place of worship and the pride of the Sikhs, is one of the major attractions of Amritsar. It has been a center of attraction for the Indians and foreign travellers since times immemorial. In looks beautiful with its top made purely of gold and the mystic pond in front of it. All the visitors are treated to a delicious halwa (dessert). The people, who are in search of everlasting bliss, visit this temple and get astonished by the humble nature and profound beliefs displayed here.
2. Jallianwala Bagh
Located at a distance of 1 km from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is that famous ground where the British Army carried out the brutal act of public massacre. The monstrous episode took place on the 13th of April, 1919 which was the day of the Punjabi New Year. There is a memorial stone where people, who visit, pay their homage. This is a place which should be visited as it is of historical significance and gives us a view of the past events. This site would primarily interest the tourists who are more inclined to history.
3. Wagah Border
Wagah Border is of the places close to the Golden Temple that visitors should go to. It is here that one can pass the border between India and Pakistan. It is a permanent attraction place for the tourists from both the sides of the border. The ceremony of Beating Retreat and Change of Guard grasp the visitor’s attention. The soldiers on both sides of the border display their patriotism for their country. The ceremony shows patriotic feelings of both armies and people gather here every afternoon to see it.
4. Durgiana Temple
It is an important Hindu Temple in Amritsar. It is 1.5 km from the Golden Temple which it reminds in architecture. Goddess Durga is the chief Goddess deified and worshipped here. This temple was built in 1908 by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor following the pattern of the Golden Temple. The compound of the temple encloses the seats of Lord Hanuman and Lakshmi Narain.
5. Akal Takht
Akal Takht is a chief centre of religious authority of Sikhism built by Guru Hargobind on the ground of the Golden Temple. It is regarded as a place of justice and consideration of temporal issues. It is also known as the superior seat of earthly power of the Khalsa. The word Akal Takht has a literal meaning of “the throne of the immortal,” and it actually represents the political sovereignty of the Sikhs.
6. Tarn Taran
Situated at a distance of 22km from the Golden Temple, Tarn Taran is a pilgrimage site for the Sikhs in the Tarn Taran District of Punjab. The Gurdwara was built by the 5th Sikh Guru Arjan Dev. Tarn Taran is ranked among the well-known and especially favourite Sikh pilgrimage sites of India that are frequented by the Sikh devotees each month on the New-Moon Day – Amavas.
7. Harike Wetland
Harike Pattan or Harike Wetland is the main wetland in northern India. It is special as it is a man-made riverine, lacustrine wetland which spreads out in three districts of Punjab (Amritsar, Ferozepur and Kapurthala). This wetland provides a habitat for several species of turtles, snakes, amphibians and fishes.
8. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
It is a museum devoted to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as ‘the Lion of Punjab.’ The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is situated in Lawrence Road, Company Bagh of Amritsar. The museum is a reflection of the chivalric behavior of the Maharaja which displays the artifacts and the greatest battles he fought with his enemies. The most appealing thing about this place is its light and sound show which creates a scene of a real war and takes you back in time! This is the experience highly recommended in Amritsar.
9. Bathinda Fort
It is the strongest and greatest fort in Bathinda District of Punjab, which stands like a timeless idol, and is located at a distance of around 160 km from the Golden temple. This fort is known for its link to the story of Razia Sultana’s custody. Those who are interested in history, in the life of the emperors should come here and see the historic site in all its beauty. It also has a Gurudwara inside its premises which was built in the memory of Guru Gobind Singh. It is a very powerful architectural landmark, and we believe every visitor to Amritsar should see it.
10. Jamia Masjid Khairuddin
It is located in the Hall Bazar, Amritsar. Jamia Masjid Khairuddin is an epitome of creativity blended with religion. It is the place where Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari held a protest against the British rule. This mosque was built in 1876, by Mohammad Khairuddin. This place should be definitely visited when in Amritsar as it inspires one to the core and inculcates a sense of spirituality.
Tip
Amritsar is known for two things: religious heritage and food. If you ever get to visit this city, do not miss out the temples that the city has as they are genuinely a prodigy of attraction and beauty. The way they reflect religion and depict the spiritual feelings cannot be put in words but only felt in the environment of that particular place. Moreover, try local food that is famous in the city. Starting from the roadside places which sell the meat filled kulchas to the places which sell delicacies such as phirni and falooda, taste them all. In this city of India, the local shops surpass the fancy restaurants in terms of flavour and taste so try them out to entertain yourselves to the fullest. For when you leave Amritsar, you will still have its delicious taste to stay with you wherever you go!
