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.
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.
The Wagah border, often called the "Berlin wall of Asia",is a ceremonial border on the India–Pakistan Border where each evening there is a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags', which has been held since 1959. At that time there is an energetic parade by the Border Security Force (B.S.F) of India and the Pakistan Rangers soldiers. Troops of each country put on a show in their uniforms with their colorful turbans. Border officials from the two countries sometimes walk over to the offices on the other side for day to day affairs. The happenings at this border post have been a barometer of the India-Pakistan relations over the years.
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.
Imagine a bustling village in Punjab. Beautiful mud houses, lassi being churned, men busy in animated discussions on their charpais, children climbing trees, artisans creating something beautiful, a woman singing a soulful melody, a group of youngsters breaking into a joyful dance...
Sadda Pind is a Punjabi Village resort spread across 12 acres of land. It brings you a chance to experience authentic culture, colours and flavours of Punjab in one place.
Situated in the holy city of Amritsar, just 8 kms from Golden Temple, Sadda Pind offers a perfect setting for a weekend getaway or a short stay with family and friends.
The Amritsar war memorial, spread across seven acres of land has a 45-metre high iconic sword, fighter aircrafts and battle tanks to boast of. It also has a 7-D theatre, museum, landscaping, history about wars and the names of the heroes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is the temple built by a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is must visit shrine for all the Hindus visiting Amritsar.
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.
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