Amritsar (Punjabi: ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ Aṃmritsar) is a city in the state of Punjab, India. It is the holiest city in Sikhism. Amritsar is one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Punjab and is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. Sikhs are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship), the Golden Temple. Amritsar is today a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs and a tourism centre for anyone.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The name Amritsar name derives from the pool around the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Sahib) and means "holy pool of nectar" (Amrit elixir; Sar, short for sarovar which means "lake"). No visit to Amritsar is complete without a visit of the Golden Temple, including a community meal, a bath in the pool, potentially a night in the temple and if you are keen a volunteering session in the community kitchen, as well as the participation in the Flag lowering ceremony at the Wagah (Attari) border. 1 Punjab Tourism Office, Railway Station, Outer Gate, Railway Station (opposite Irrigation Department), ☏ +91 78 376 13 500, dtoasra@gmail.com.
Amritsar has a public bus system although timings and frequency are uncertain. E-rickshaws are abundant in the city. They are the cheapest and ubiquitous mode of transport in Amritsar. An auto-rickshaw from the train station to the temple should cost around ₹20, while a cycle-rickshaw will cost about ₹30. Electric rickshaw between the Golden Temple area and the bus stand are ₹10. If you have your own car to get around Amritsar then simply confirm the directions with a local guide. In case you don't have your own car then there are several travel agencies that can offer you the car of your choice. Renting a car is less time-consuming and affordable.
1 Jallianwala Bagh (A 5-min walk east from the Golden Temple). Daily 6AM-6PM (summer), 7AM-5PM (winter). The site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre, turned into a park memorial. On April 13 of that year, British Indian Army soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. The firing lasted about 10 minutes and 1650 rounds were fired, killing 1579 people. A memorial was built on the site and inaugurated by the then-President of India, Rajendra Prasad, on 13 April 1961. The bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings.
Amritsar Heritage Walk. Despite visiting Amritsar and Golden temple several times, visitors find Heritage Walk experience extremely enjoyable and informative. Old City Shopping. As you move through narrow path of old city and some other heritage buildings, you can see stalls selling everything from jootis to roasted sweet potatoes. 1 Flag lowering ceremony – The ceremony at the Wagah (Attari) border involving a lot of nationalistic cheering, Monty-Pythonesque silly walks by soldiers, the lowering of the flags of both the countries (India and Pakistan), and the closing of international gates Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru is classe…
Amritsar is famous for Amritsari Kulcha, a flatbread cooked in tandoor which is usually eaten with pindi chhole (chickpeas) for breakfast. 1 Golden Temple Community Kitchen. 24/7. A dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then follow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the floor. Servers come by with large buckets of dal, chapatis and rice. Make sure to finish everything on your plate (wasting food isn't an option here) then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head.
Lassi is a popular and traditional yogurt-based drink which originates in the Punjab region. It is made by blending yogurt with water and Indian spices. Traditional lassi (also known as salted lassi, or, simply lassi) is a savoury drink sometimes flavoured with ground roasted cumin while sweet lassi, on the other hand, is blended with sugar or fruits instead of spices. Bar One, Comfort Inn GSK Hotel Amritsar, 110, Albert Road. Empire Lounge, Welcom heritage Ranjits Svaasa, 47a, Mall Road Area. Glassy Junction at Surya Residency, Dist. Shopping Complex Ranjit Avenue. Nimos Restaurant and Bar, Green Avenue, Amritsar.
The sectarian strife of the 1980s is just a bad memory and Amritsar is a safe and welcoming city, if a little polluted. Don't leave cash or any valuables in the hotel room. Cross check all hotel, restaurant and lounges bills for errors. Never pay anyone for anything upfront, including taxi drivers. Do not exchange money in the black market. Ask for a receipt when exchanging money at any authorised currency exchange centre.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Amritsar typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 20 rainy days.
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