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Amritsar is a city with a splendid blend of tradition and culture. With important religious centers and historical sites, the city reveals a magnificent past and a promising future. The city is known as the Jewel of Punjab. There are several heritage and religious attractions in Amritsar. Some of the major attractions are as follows
Golden temple (Harmandir Sahib)
It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots for Sikhs. The temple derives its name from its fully golden dome. The temple is built over marble and is two storied high structure. Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhs had initially built a pool here which currently houses the Temple. It is the epicenter of Sikhism.
The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during day time and at night it is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne. The Akal Takht also contains the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. There is also a Central Sikh Museum atop the clock tower. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to approximately two thousand people everyday with number going up to one lakh on special occasions. A visitor to the temple must cover his or her head all the time while in the temple premises.
Durgiana Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and its structural design resembles the golden temple. The temple dates back to 16th century. Detailed carved paintings of the Goddess in her different incarnations are displayed in this shrine. Various other deities are also found in the interiors of the temple. The temple has a remarkable splendor and elegance of its own.
Wagah Border
The international border between India and Pakistan is located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar. The ceremonial display of the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard makes it an extraordinary spectacle. The soldiers from both countries demonstrate great enthusiasm and spirit as nationalistic fervor rises amidst roaring applause.
Jallianwala Bagh
In 1919, the British under the command of General Dyer fired randomly on a peaceful gathering of people in demand of freedom, resulting in hundreds of men, women and children killed on the spot. The bullet marks on the boundary walls bring alive the agonizing tale of cruelty of the British rule. This event was one of the major incidents of India's freedom struggle. The memorial well is also present here in which some people jumped to escape the firing. The story of the massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site.
Ram Bagh
Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden and is a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Famed as the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it has now been converted into a museum which exhibits weapons from Mughal times to portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and the replica of "Kohinoor" diamond.
Ram Tirath
Located at a distance of 12 Km from Amritsar, the place has an ancient tank and several temples. It is the site where Goddess Sita gave birth to her sons Luv and Kush. A four day fair takes place here, starting on the full moon night in November.
Mata Temple
This labyrinthine type of Hindu cave temple is dedicated to the female saint, Lal Devi. Women who wish to become pregnant visit this temple to pray. The twisty route to the shrine passes through low tunnels, ankle-deep waterways, walkways, staircases and caves.
Tourist Places around Amritsar
Dalhousie (190 km)
It is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh famous for its picturesque beauty, pleasing climate and serene surroundings. The hill station has an old charm and embraces the reflections of British Raj.
Dharamshala (196 km)
Dharamshala is another wonderful and picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh and has lots of temples and monasteries, making it a good spiritual choice for devotees to visit.
Chandigarh (229 km)
The capital city of Punjab is a green, clean and affluent city. With its proper organized sectors and roads designed by Le Corbusier, Jane Drew, Pierre Jeanneret and Maxwell Fry. The city is very different from other cities in the country.
Ludhiana (142 km)
The city of Ludhiana is situated in Punjab and is well-known for being the manufacturing capital of Punjab. There are many religious and historical sites which makes the city appealing to tourists.
Bhatinda (188 km)
The city is among the oldest cities in Punjab. The bustling heritage and culture attracts many tourist both local and foreigners to Bhatinda. There are also many places of religious significance in this city.
Last Updated on 05/19/2014
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