Amritsar, India, is a great tourist destination for heritage and monument lovers. It is located some 51 km eastwards from Lahore, Pakistan; and 150 Km from Delhi via Jammu. This city is recognized largely as a popular pilgrimage destination. Alleged to be laid in 1574, Amritsar is one of the most ancient cities of the country. There a lots of places to visit while you are at Amritsar. There are several holy shrines, gurudwaras, temples and many more. Every year numerous people from all corners of the world visit this place to have a look at these world renowned attractions. This article lists some of those.
Golden Temple
This colossal masterpiece constructed during the 14th century by the epic Guru Ram Das is a renowned picnic spot in Amritsar. Also called as Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden temple is a famous grand holy shrine for the Sikhs. It is a paradoxical mesmerizing combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. Its big heavily gilded dome is its huge attraction. This temple is also the storage place of the Guru Granth Sahib holy script. The temple also houses a beautiful lake.
Jallianwala Bagh
Another renowned destination in Amritsar is the Jallianwala Bagh. It is located in close proximity to Golden Temple. This popular site pays homage to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre tragedy. It happened in the year 1919 on April 13 when thousands of Punjabis gathered there to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi Day. Unfortunately, the British General Dyer conducted an open fire which killed those innocent lives. The gruesome incident can be reflected on by witnessing the bullet marks on the mull and boundary walls. People visit this aesthetic memorial picnic spot in Amritsar to devote a few minutes to the martyrs.
Wagah Border
It is a well known fact that India shares its border with its neighbor Pakistan. Amritsar is too close to the Wagah Border, just 28 km away from the foreign land! Situated in between Amritsar and Lahore, this famous location- the Wagah Border, is visited by tourists from all over the world. Thousands of people visit this site to view the change of guard ceremony conducted by the two arch rival’s border security forces.
Tarn Taran
Tarn Taran is Sikh holy place constructed in honor of the epic Guru Ram Das. It is located approximately 22 to 24 km south of Amritsar. Situated here is a quaint lake believed to have healing properties for leprosy and other skin diseases.
Shri Durgiana Temple
The aesthetic Shri Durgiana Temple is another renowned place of visits from the pilgrims. Also called as Sitla Mandir or Shree Durgiana Tirath, this spectacular shrine is situated straight outside Amritsar’s Lohgarh Gate.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib
This is believed to be the most significant picnic spot in Amritsar. Constructed in 1778-1784, this monument is a heritage of Punjab. Its Gurudwara, erected over Guru Har Gobind’s death spot is a forty meters tall octagon.
So, plan a visit to the historically affluent city of Amritsar soon to revel in its ancient beauty!