Amritsar is the city of Punjab, considered the holiest city in India. The city is the cultural and religious center of Punjab. After the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is the most visited tourist place in India. The Golden Temple is the heart of Amritsar and the spiritual center of the Sikh religion. The city has witnessed many dangerous and historical events. Such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its proximity to Wagah Border.
Amritsar is not only famous for its historic values. But also for its delicious food and rich dollops of well-known Punjabi hospitality. It is said that Amritsari street food is the best food in Punjab. However, the truck drivers passing through the Grand Trunk Road stop on the Dhaba’s for fresh hot meals at cheap rates. Cooking in Dhaba is the specialty of the city. The two must-visit dhabas are – Kesar Da Dhaba and Bharavan Da Dhaba.
How to reach Amritsar
Being in the northwestern region of India the city is well connected to the major locations. Including the cities as Delhi, Shimla, Surat, Mumbai, Ludhiana, and Patiala via roads and railway networks. Thus travelers can easily reach Amritsar by their cars and can also opt for inter-state buses as suitable.
At the distance of 11 km from Amritsar. The city has its own airport known as Shri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. The airport hosts both international as well as domestic flights, therefore travelers can also take flights for visiting.
Major attractions of Amritsar
- The Golden Temple:- Located in the old city and the most famous tourist attraction of Amritsar. Tourist from across the world comes to see this gurudwara. It is a two-story structure, covered with layers of gold and surrounded by a holy lake. The Golden Temple is not only a tourist attraction but the most sacred religious place for Sikhs around the world. It is also known as Harmandir Sahib.
- Jallianwala Bagh:- This is a must-visit historical location in Amritsar and is related to the Indian Freedom Movement. Jallianwala Bagh is the public garden that symbolizes the death of thousands of people shot by the British soldiers. On 13 April 1919, the incident was termed the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Therefore, there is a Martyr Gallery that tells the story of horrific days. Hence the walls of the garden still hold traces of gunshots.
Other two attractions of Amritsar
- Wagah Border:- It is a place in Amritsar about 25 km away from the city. This is an open India-Pakistan border where the Beating Retreat and Guard Changing ceremony takes place. Here an event of 45 min takes place daily on the border. In which the gates are flung open. The soldiers from each side approach each other. After that, they shake hands and begin to lower the respective flags of their nations. The Lowering the Flag ceremony is one of the musts to see things of Amritsar. Therefore, it is important to reach an hour before the ceremony to hold the seat.
- Hall Bazar:- It is one of the oldest markets in India and the most crowded marketplace in Amritsar. This market is situated in the heart of the city. You can buy traditional clothes, and arts and crafts. Hall Bazar is popular for its old architecture. The well-known Mughal entrance, The Gandhi Gate has a clock subtitled “Amritsar – Sifti Da Ghar”. This market is home to various food stalls and restaurants.
Best time to visit Amritsar
The best time for visiting Amritsar is between the months of October to March. During the winter season because at this time the weather here is cold and pleasant. So, one can easily wander around the city to explore the old streets stuffed with tasty food and traditional market places.
Conclusion
Amritsar is a city where you can enjoy the rich culture of Punjab and its lively vibes. The city offers many experiences from soulful spiritual temples to its delicious street foods. At last when you take a few pages from history with a scent of spirituality. And blend them with the vibrant lifestyle, rich culture, and lip-smacking cuisines of Punjab. Thereafter, you will find that you are Amritsar. The city has won the hearts of many. Not only because of its spiritual values but because this frenetic city has tons of amazing things to experience.
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