Amritsar

Amritsar is one of the most ancient and sacred cities of India. Amritsar, the abode of the famous Golden Temple, is the centre of Sikh history and culture. Amritsar is also a prime and popular pilgrim destination in India.

Amritsar is situated in the Langar district of the state of Punjab in the north – western part of India. Amritsar is at a distance of about 217 km from Chandigarh and 32 km from Lahore of Pakistan. The best time to visit Amritsar is from October to March.

Amritsar was once the gateway to those people who travelled to India through overland route from Central Asia. But nowadays, the ancient city of Amritsar is remembered mostly by its grim political history. The tragic episode of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that took place on 13th April, 1919, when India was under British Rule, changed the destiny of India. Amritsar also witnessed Operation Blue Star in the year 1984 under the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.

With the rise in tourism and hospitality industries, Amritsar witnessed a rapid urban growth. It became a prominent hub of commercial activities and Medicare for North India.

Hari Mandir, or the Darbar Sahib, or the Golden Temple is the chief tourist attraction of Amritsar. The Golden Temple was founded by Guru Ramdas who was the fourth Guru of the Sikhs. The construction of the Golden Temple, however, was completed under the supervision of Guru Arjan Dev, who was the successor of Guru Ramdas.

The Golden Temple is a large complex with many sections in it like Darshani Deori, Amrit Sarovar, Harmandir Sahib, Akal Takht and Central Sikh Museum. The Central Sikh Museum houses a huge collection of paintings that depicts the history and culture of the Sikhs.

Jallianwala Bagh Garden near the Golden Temple, which is the silent monument of the massacre of 1919, is also a tourist spot. Other popular attractions of Amritsar are the Mata Temple and the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Various historical and religious sites in Amritsar make it a prime travel destination. There are many popular Gurudwaras near Amritsar which are Baba Bakala, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran and Baba Sahib. An outing to the Wagah checkpost on the Indo-Pakistan border has also become a popular activity in Amritsar. A trip to the lush green countryside of Punjab can also be taken from Amritsar.

Area : 114.95 sq. Kms.
Best Time to Visit : Between October and March.
Climate : Amritsar has extreme climate with very hot summers and very cold winters.
Main Languages : Punjabi, Hindi and English.
Population : 25,03,165.
Temperature : Summer - Max : 34 Min : 15.
Winter - Max : 18 Min : 0.