Where is Amritsar?
The city of Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab in the northwestern
part of India. The city lies at a distance of 480 km from New Delhi and 75
km east of Lahore, Pakistan.
What is the city famous for?
The city is known far and wide for its magnificent Golden Temple. The
temple is the most sacred shrine for the Sikhs who arrive here from all
corners of the world to seek blessings and to offer prayers to their Gurus.
How will you gain access?
Amritsar (480 km from New Delhi) has its own domestic and international
airports connecting it to the major parts of India and abroad. The rail
routes of Amritsar link it to cities like Delhi, Bhopal, Kolkata, Jaipur,
Lahore, Baroda, Lucknow and Mumbai. The city has a well-defined road-network
as well.
What does the climate say?
Summers, extending from April to June, are very hot with temperature rising
to a maximum of 46 degrees centigrade. November to March is the winter time.
The temperature during the winters ranges 18 degrees centigrade to about 0
degrees centigrade. July to September is the time of the monsoons.
What magnetises people?
» The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is the chief attraction of the city of Amritsar. The
splendid temple is a 3-storey structure. The top has a canopied gilded dome
flanked by golden turrets. Exquisite filigree and enamel work in gold can be
seen inside the temple. On the birthday anniversaries of the Gurus and on
the night of Diwali the temple turns wears a magnificent look as it is
illuminated.
» Jallianwala Bagh
About a quarter of a mile from the Golden Temple, lies the very famous
Jallianwala Bagh. It stands as a memorial to all the men, women and children
who were ruthlessly killed here by the British forces. The Jallianwala Bagh
massacre created a furore among the Indians, finally bringing Mahatama
Gandhi to the forefront of Indian political life.
» Durgiana Temple
The
Durgiana Temple is a reproduction of the Golden Temple. It is located
outside the Lohgarh Gate. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and
therefore invited several thousands of Hindus from all around the country.
» Harike Wetland
The Harike Wetland lake lies at the confluence of Beas and Sutluj rivers at
Harike Ford. The place was declared a national wildlife sanctuary in the
year 1982. The sanctuary, in winters, is home to about 350 species of
migratory birds from far off places like China, Siberia, Afghanistan,
Pakistan etc.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Hotel Mohan International, a 4-star, is located on the Albert Road. It
provides with good restaurant, swimming pool and deluxe rooms. M. K. Hotel,
in the Ranjit Avenue, is a sister concern of the
Hotel Mohan International and has a swimming pool, a good
restaurant, a bar and deluxe rooms. Hotel Palace Pegasus is a budget hotel
lying opposite to the railway station. Hotel Bharat near the railway station
and Hotel Aroma on the Queen's Road are other budget hotels of the city.
Where should you shop?
Woollen blankets and sweaters are cheaper in Amritsar than anywhere else in
India. For buying jewellery one should head to the Guru Bazar. Pratap Bazar
is famous for wholesale readymade garments. The other chief marketplaces of
the city include names like Shastri Market (woollens and Sarees), Katra
Ahluwalia (cloth market), Majith Mandi (dry fruits and spices) and Daj and
Wari (marriage suiting).
