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INTRODUCING AMRITSAR
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State |
Punjab |
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City |
Amritsar |
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Population |
10,11327 ( Aprrox)
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Area |
114.95 sq
km. |
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Attitude |
234.1
meters |
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STD Code |
0183 |
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Best time |
Oct to March |
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Languages |
Punjabi, Hindi, English |
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Weather |
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Introduction to city Amritsar - In Punjab
Amritsar, as the name suggests, is rightfully a pool of nectar. Located in
the state of Punjab, Amritsar is one of the most important pilgrimage
centres especially for the Sikhs in the country. The city is characterised
by some of the must visit religious, historical as well as contemporary
sites of importance. The Golden Temple, where Sikhs from all over the
world come to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in
the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification is
the major landmark of the place. Amritsar is also characterised by the
hard working and warm-hearted people.
Places of Interest
Golden Temple
Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited
tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterized by its four entrance doors
(called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated
shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes
everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning
sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly
clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.
Jalianwala Bagh
A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the
independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in
Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by
British General Dyer. Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr's
Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during
winters.
Durgiana Mandir
Amritsar also houses a wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess
Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Mandir also
offers puja to deities of Lakshmi and Narayana. Supposedly built during
the 16th century AD, the temple lies in the middle of a medium sized lake
giving it a wonderful overall view. The temple, a massive structure, was
built on the style of the nearby Golden Temple. Worth a visit.
Baba Atal Rai Tower
Located at a distance of few kilometres from the main town, Baba Atal Rai
Tower is also a site worth visiting. It is believed that Guru Har Gobind
died at this spot. Named after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine
storied building is an important landmark of the place. Climbing on to the
top gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. The first floor of the
tower houses some of the miniatures related to Guru Nanak's life and his
preaching. Makes a must visit.
Wagah Border
One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border.
Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometres from the
Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see
the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering
activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border
security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.
Amritsar Excursion: Places nearby Amritsar
Amanat Khan Serai
Amanat Khan Serai is famous for its ornamental gateway and glazed tile
decorations. A must see, it is located at a distance of 38 kilometres from
Amritsar.
Baba Bakala
Located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Amritsar, Baba Bakala is an
important site to visit around Amritsar. The magnificent Gurudwara here is
dedicated to the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Dharamsala
Located at a distance of 200 kilometres from Amritsar in the state of
Himachal Pradesh is Dharamsala, a popular hill station. It is also famous
as the present home of Dalai Lama. This wonderful and picturesque hill
station is characterised by magnificent deodar and pine forests, tea
gardens and beautiful hills. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres to
1982 metres, there are many spots to visit in and around the town. Mc
Leodganj (10 km), the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, Bhagsunath (11
km), St. John's Church (8 km),the Kunal Pathri (3 km) and the War Memorial
(2 km from the town centre) are some of the major places to visit in
Dharamsala. Dharamsala also provides access for a visit to some of the
other nearby exotic destinations.
Gobindwal Sahib
Located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Amritsar, the Gobindwal Sahib
is another place to visit during your excursion from Amritsar. Here you
can also have a look at the final resting-place of Guru Angad Devji that
stands nearby.
Tarn Taran
Located at a distance of 25 kilometres from Amritsar, Tarn Taran is a
famous excursion point. One of the important spots to see here is the
sacred tank, which is believed to have curative powers. It is believed
that if a leper successfully swims across the tank, he or she can be cured
of the disease. Tarn Taran also has a highly revered Gurudwara built by
Guru Arjan Dev in AD 1768. This Gurudwara is built in memory of Guru Ram
Das. It is amazing to see how the architecture of the Golden Temple has
influenced the other significant structures. The Gurudwara of Tarn Taran
is also made in the same architectural style.
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