There is no dearth of articles written on Amritsar. There is no dearth of travelling options available to Amritsar (Trains, Bus, Flights combined), which is why it is perhaps one of the most visited Tier II cities in India (after Agra of course). For anyone going to Amritsar, even on a repeat visit, a major attraction to the place remains the monolithic and the super attractive Golden Temple (not to miss the warmth that immediately envelops you as you enter the holy place). The streets buzzing with shopper’s delights, the crowds cheering ‘India! India!’ on the Wagah Border stands, the historic feel that surrounds you in Jallianwala Bagh and the quintessential ‘Amritsari Kulche and Lassi’ – all of it together makes the city of Amritsar a tourist’s paradise.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Being born and brought up in Delhi, I am used to seeing the Sikh people around me. They are part of my friends’ group, social circle, office colleagues – basically everywhere around me. Still when you step in Amritsar, there is warmth in the air that is unmissable and one that immediately envelops you in its embrace. Since we were doing a completely tourist gig, we didn’t have a transport at hand and decided to check out the ‘Ola’ option and voila! It works like a pro in the city.
Enroute our hotel, the driver, obviously guessing we are tourists in the city for the long weekend, suggested we see the Golden Temple in the night glory and keep the day after to go to Wagah Border, which he obviously offered us to at a ‘VIP price’. Following his advice, we rested for a while at our hotel, and then got dressed to see the Golden glorious monument, which we had heard so much about.
Golden Temple
When it comes to places to visit in Amritsar, number one is Harmandir Sahib. Also known as the Golden Temple, this Gurdwara is at the centre of the Sikh religion – and the centre of the city. A large percentage of people in Amritsar (and Punjab) are Sikh, and of course many more are drawn to the city to visit this astounding place. I had long wanted to go, and was not disappointed when I finally visited. It lived up to all my expectations and more.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than description.
As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of AmritSarovar (Holy Tank) in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru ArjanDev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first head priest.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
Dinnertime @ Bharawan da Dhaba
Located in close proximity to The Golden Temple, Bhrawan Da Dhaba is a must visit place to taste some of the most delicious delicacies of Amritsar. It is one of the oldest restaurants of Amritsar and thus holds intact its tradition of quality food. The place is little constrained, however that can be disregarded once you have eaten here. Some of the famous delicacies are Dal Makhni, Karahi Paneer, Kulchas and Amritsari Chole. Don’t forget to taste the quintessential ‘Punjab ki Lassi’ at this popular food joint.
Jalianwala Bagh
We started our next day with a visit to an important landmark in history – Jallianwala Bagh. The Jallianwala Bagh is located about a quarter of a mile from the Golden Temple. It is the Memorial which commemorates the sacrifices of hundreds of men, women and children who were victims of ruthless firing of the British forces. The incident took place on April 13, 1919, when thousands of people had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to voice their feelings against the repressive policies of the British Government. General Dyer tried to silence the gathered crowd with volleys of bullets which, according to official estimates, took a toll of 397 lives and wounded another 1,200 persons.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre accentuated political awakening in India and brought Mahatma Gandhi to the forefront of Indian political life. The bullet marks can be seen to this day on the boundary walls of the garden. Jallianwala Bagh has been turned into a spacious and well-laid park where people from all parts of the country come to visit.
The historic Rambagh Garden outside the City is a big attraction in the evenings when people throng its green parks to relax and breathe fresh air. This garden is laid out in the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore.
Durgiana Temple Amritsar
Make a quick stop-over at the momentous Hindu Temple in Amritsar, Durgiana, which is in the region of one and half kilometre from the Golden Temple and looks like a copy of the same. Devoted to Goddess Durga, the temple was built in 1908 by Harsai Mal Kapoor. The temple compound encloses the seats of Lord Hanuman, Mata Shitla, along with Lakshmi Narain.
Wagah Border
After a sumptuous lunch, it is time to bring out the nationalist in you with a visit to the famous Wagah – Atari Border, i.e., the international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. Attari Border is located about 28 km from Amritsar and is the oldest border crossing between India and Pakistan. It’s an interesting experience to visit this place, especially at sunset when the ‘Retreat’ ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. The ambience of this place is tough to describe in words and should best be experienced by making sure you visit this place while in Amritsar.
Partition Museum
Finish off your visit with a trip to the Partition Museum in the Town Hall, just like we did. This unique museum is dedicated to the memory of the Partition of the subcontinent in 1947 – its victims, its survivors and its lasting legacy. In one of the greatest and most painful upheavals of contemporary history, over twenty million people migrated to a new homeland on the other side of a quickly demarcated border, leaving behind precious memories. In August 1947, when independence was granted to the former imperial domain of British India, it was partitioned into two nation states, India and Pakistan. The drawing of the boundary proved to be the biggest cause of fear, uncertainty and eventual death and destruction. Thousands of families suddenly found themselves strangers in the land where they lived for generations. Law and order broke down and massacre and looting started as families left their homeland to trudge across to where their ‘new nation’ was. Millions of lives were uprooted, thousands lost. Families abandoned their ancestral properties and crossed boundaries forced to find a new life as refugees. Back and forth across Punjab and Bengal went the human flow with much misery. It is their untold stories which are recorded here at the Partition Museum.
Shopping in Amritsar
Shopping in Amritsar is a delightful experience for the avid shopper. The state of Punjab has a fairly rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms. The state is noted for exquisite handicrafts like phulkaris (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, jewellery etc. These are the items you should look for while shopping in Amritsar. Also go for the Punjabi jutis (shoes), which are typical of this region. Hand-woven carpets, blankets, woollen garments and of course Patiala salwar (the traditional Indian garments with a Punjabi twist in design) are hit with those who want to do some shopping in Amritsar. The versatility of shopping in Amritsar lies in the fact that there is something for everybody. Traditional handicraft, handloom items, kitchen household-utensils, leather, quilts and blankets, textiles, jewellery, sports goods, flowers and furniture. Papads (a thin Indian wafer or flatbread) and waddian are quite famous and are available in Amritsar in galore. Do not forget to pick up a bottle of pickle or two along with some dry fruits while winding-off your trip in the city and heading back home.
