Amritsar Travel Tips

Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion.


Amritsar Travel Tips

About Amritsar

Amritsar is a frontier city at Indo-Pak border. The Indo-Pak link road leads through Amritsar. Border Check Post is at Attari 25 km to the west of the city. India and Pakistan on either side are in peaceful coexistence, with a 5 ft wide no man's land in between. The disciplined formal rituals of the army from sunrise to sunset are main features at Wagha border. Every day during sunset the ceremonial flag down is a treat to watch. In the evening at Wagha borders (18-45) the gates of the both the states are opened, National flags are brought down with military honour. The flag is hoisted on the next morning. Tourist visit the border buses, autos & taxis are available from Amritsar.

Features
  • Bangra Dance - Amritsar
  • Surrounded by a fertile region, Amritsar is well-known for its agricultural produce, textiles and has a thriving chemical industry.
  • Amritsar is also well-linked to the rest of India by air, road and rail, and is the gateway to neighbouring scenic states like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
  • These states offer fantastic nature, breathtaking mountainous landscapes, and a rich diversity of culture and history.

Location

Amritsar, located in northwestern Punjab, has been the capital of the Sikh religion since the 16 th century and the Golden Temple is the most outstanding attraction in the city. Other tourist attractions include the Ram Bagh, a beautiful garden named after the city's founding father and the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which has a museum showcasing weapons dating back to the Mughal. Visitors will be drawn to the exciting colours and rhythms of this vibrant city.

The local handicraft is a feast for the eye - from the unique and intricate Phulkari flower embroidery work to beautiful woollen carpets and shawls. Visitors should also check out the beautifully handcrafted furniture with ivory inlay work as well as the intricately embroidered leather shoes (juttis). Amritsar PunjabVisitors will also be mesmerized by the famous Punjabi folk dance - Bhangra, while swinging to the dazzling dance movements, and energetic rhythms of the dhol drums. No trip will be complete without a truly gastronomic Punjabi dining experience – tempting curries, tandooris, paneer (cheese), rounding off with a glass of refreshing lassi, a traditional drink made from butter milk, yoghurt and fruit.

Trains from Amritsar arrive Lahore in Pakistan in about 3 hrs & bus from Delhi goes to Lahore from Delhi 4 days in a week via Amritsar. Though Chandigarh is the capital of the state, still Amritsar is the main centre of Sikh religion and culture. It is the principal holy place of the Sikhs. The second largest city of the state, Amritsar at a height of 234 m has a population of about seven lakhs. The people are so active and industrious that the problem of refugees did not affect their society as it happened in Bengal. Amritsar was on the ancient Silk-Route and the city thrived on trades as well as welcomed exchanges of ideas and cultures. It's eminence as the principal pilgrimage for Sikhs has turned the city into a major political cultural hub of the country. Though the actions of extremists demanding Khalisthan are under control yet the people even today are panicky.

In 1980 Golden Temple, i.e. Harmandir was turned into a fort by the extremists under the leadership of Sant Jamail Singh Vindranwalle. In order to break the seize within, Indian army started operation 'Blue Star' inside the Golden Temple on 4 June, 1984 and rescued the temple on 6 June amidst great losses and damages. Vindranwalle was killed at the Basement of Akal Takht, in an undeclared war between army and foJlowers of Vindranwale after a 3 day seize of the Golden Temple. After this bloodshed and damage though extremism was to some extent under control, after 4 months on Oct 31, 1984 Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi was assassinated in her residence by her own Sikh body-guard. In 1986 the Golden Temple again went under the control of the extremists. This time Punjab Police advanced operation Black Thunder and freed the temple with assistance from the army without blood shed. At last in 1988 Constitution was amended in order to stop political activities in religious places. In last two decades, Punjab has limped back to normalcy after the secessionist Khalistani movement lost the steam due to back of Public support as well as noholds bar army and police action. Amritsar is now normal and one may visit the place.

To the South East of Amritsar railway station is the dusty and congested old city, crowded with shops. The new city is being developed to the North-East part. Rambag, Mall, and other posh areas of Amritsar are in this newly developed part. However Golden Temple is in the heart of the old city. The walls of Ranjit Singh's time had been demolished to construct a ring-road around the city. 1 km to the east of bus std is State Tourism Office 2231452, at youth Hostel, Mail, G T Rd. Rickshaws, autos, buses & taxi service vailable in the city.

Tourist Attraction

Amritsar, literally meaning the 'Pool of the Nectar of Immortality', is one of the major cities of the Punjab state. The administrative headquarters of the Amritsar District, it is the major spiritual and cultural centre of Sikhs. The city, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, is mostly inhabited by the Sikhs. Amritsar has grown from a sacred village pool into a spiritual centre of Sikh culture. The original pool site by which the Golden Temple is built was granted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1761 Ahmad Shah Durrani sacked the town and destroyed the temple, which was rebuilt in 1764. One of the ancient and charming cities of India, Amritsar is an important distribution centre of dry-fruits in the country. Apart from an important pilgrimage centre, the city is also famous for producing some exquiste items like carpets, fabrics, handicrafts etc.

Gloden Temple - Amritsar
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The Golden Temple wa build on 1577. A royal mandate was issued by Emperor Akbar allowing to build acity, the 4th Sikh Guru Ramdas following a request from built this city. Now to the S-West of the Amritsar Railway Station, the old city encircled with the wall with entrances. The city is now surrounded by circular road instead of wall. Alarge Sarovarorwater-reservoirwas dug up by Guru Ramdas at the heart of the city, which was started in 1573.

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Wagah Border
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The final frontier, Wagah about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It's an interesting experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony is carried out with great pomp.

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Ram Tirath Temple
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The Shri Ram Tirath complex is a holy place on the Amritsar-Chogawan road, where Valmiki Maharaj composed Ramayana. The temple site is also the place of birth of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama when Sita spent some time there.

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Mata Mandir Temple
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A grand old pious lady developed this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh, on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra (Jammu), the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu families.

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Gobind Garh Fort Amritsar
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Fort Gobind Garh Amritsar is located in the south-west of the city, has been taken over by the Indian army and is now off limits.Leaving Durgiana on the South West of the city, the road leads straight to Govindgarh Fort. The fort built during 1805-09 stands as a guard of the city. In the past it was under the control of Bhangi Sardar, Maharaja Rajit Singh took over it in 1802. Now it is under the control of Indian army.

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Jallianwala Bagh
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Jallianwala Bagh is located at a stones throw from Golden Temple. It is a witness of the tragedy called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. As the history goes, during the time of freedom struggle, when Mangal Pandey blew the bugle for commencing the struggle for independence, General Dyer made a law that no Indian will be allowed to hold gatherings or processions.

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Fairs & Festivals in Amritsar


Family Related Ceremonies
Nam Karan Ceremony(Naming of Child)

A grand old pious lady developed this Hindu temple situated at Rani ka Bagh, on the lines of holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi at Katra (Jammu), the temple draws crowds of devotees from far and near. Festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. An evening visit to the temple gives an opportunity to the visitors to observe the life styles of Hindu families.

Funeral Ceremony

In Sikhism, display of grief over death is discouraged. After the death, the body is bathed and clothed by family members. Before taking the body to the cremation grounds, it is taken to the Gurudwara, to pay the last homage but it is not taken inside the premises. During the cremation process Kirtan Sohila is recited followed by Ardas. The ashes are disposed of in the river For Ten days Guru Granth Sahib is read at home or in the Gurudwara.

Other Ceremonies
Amrit Sanskar, Baptism, Amrit Chakna

To become a Khalsa Sikh, one participates in the sacred ceremony. After becoming Khalsa Sikh one has to recite the hymns of Japji, Jaap, Ten Sawayyas, Bainti Chaupai and 6 verses from Anand Sahib.

Akhand Path

Akhand Path is performed on all occasions be it joyous or sad. It is a non-stop reading of the Holy Book Guru Granth Sahib. At the conclusion (Bhog), Karah Parsad is offered.

Gurupurbs

The birth and deaths of Gurus are celebrated as Gurupurbs. First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, Birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November), Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) are celebrated with great zeal in Golden Temple

Baisakhi

On Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Guru gathered thousands of people at Anandpur Sahib to found the Khalsa order by baptizing 5 brave Sikhs who were willing to give their life for the Guru. This day is celebrated as birthday of Khalsa.

Sangrand

It marks the beginning of a new month. At the Gurudwara, portions of Bara Maha, Song of the 12 Months are read.

Maghi

In the memory of the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals, Maghi is celebrated. Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed them salvation and cremated them at Muktsar.

Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla falls on the Holi Festival of the Hindus. Military exercises swordsmanship and horse riding like are displayed by Nihang Singhs. Various competitions of Poetry and Music are held to celebrate this day.

Ram Tirath Fair

Ram Tirath Fair is celebrated at Ram Tirath, located at a distance of 11 kilometers to the west of Amritsar. The fair is celebrated about a fortnight after Diwali. Pilgrims visit the Temple to plunge in the sacred tank of the Temple in the early hours of the Puranmashi (full moon night). After the plunge the pilgrims take a circumambulation of the tank along with incantations. Women light lamps of pure ghee (deshi ghee) or mustard oil (sarson ka tel) made from kneaded flour and put them in tank by placing them on leaf plates. It is believed that this ceremony absolves one's sins and is known as tulla toarna (meaning floating of tullas). Throughout the ceremony devotional songs and hymns are recited.

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Golden Temple. It is celebrated even after three days of Diwali. It is believed that during the reign of Jahangir, after his release from Gwalior fort Guru Ram Das reached Amritsar on Diwali. People greeted him by illuminating lamps.
Basant Panchami at Chheharta Sahib is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magh or Maghi (end of January or beginning of February). The celebrations commence early in the morning and end the next day afternoon. Whole night kirtan darbar (chanting of hymns, poems belonging to Sikh literature) is held. On the eve of Basant Panchami kites are flown and kite-flying competitions are held.

Gurupurbs

Gurupurbs are celebrated throughout the world. These are celebrated on the occasion of the birthdays and martyrdoms of Gurus. In Amritsar, Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib are celebrated with great religious fervor and devotion.

Amritsar Location


Amritsar is the city of the Golden Temple the holies shrine of Sikhism. Apart from that the beautiful city has many other Sikh temples and tourist attractions which draw a large number of visitors every year.
Belonging to the state of Punjab, Amritsar boast of a strategic location. Communication network to and from the city is quite convenient.

By Air

Your query of transportation access to Amritsar by air is duly answered by the accessibility of various air services to and from the Raja Sansi Airport which is hardly 10 km from the main city. You can avail of connecting flights from Amritsar to Delhi - London and Delhi - New York. Lately, plane services to and from the Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) have gained popularity. Taxis are easily accessible to and from the airport.

By Rail

Your query of transportation access to Amritsar by air is duly answered by the accessibility of various air services to and from the Raja Sansi Airport which is hardly 10 km from the main city. You can avail of connecting flights from Amritsar to Delhi - London and Delhi - New York. Lately, plane services to and from the Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) have gained popularity. Taxis are easily accessible to and from the airport.

By Road

A good roadway set-up links the different corners of the city of Amritsar. Other cities of the state of Punjab are easily approachable by means of road transport. Grand Trunk Karnal Road links Delhi to Amritsar. Regular bus services are accessible from I.S.B.T. Delhi to Amritsar. In case you are wondering how to reach Amritsar by road, you will have at your disposal ample good options.

Important Road
Distance From Amritsar
Pathankot
112km
Jammu
210km
Dalhousie
190km
Dharamshala
250km
Jalandhar
65km
Chandigarh
284km
Ludhiana
136km
Bhatinda
145km
Kurukshettra
291km
Ambala
255km
Attari
26km
Ferozpur
103km
Patiala
393km
Mandi
320km
Manali
430km
Shimla
342km
Haridwar
460km
Dehradun
440km
Delhi
441km
Agra
646km
Jaipur
707km

Travelers Document

All visitors to India are required to carry a passport valid at least for the next 6 months. Visas are mandatory but exemptions include:

Features
  • Bhutanese and Nepalese visitors who are staying for less than 3 months
  • Nationals from the Maldives, if they are staying for a maximum of 90 days (this includes any periods they may have spent in India up to 6 months prior to the visit in question)
  • Transit passengers who have a follow-on ticket within 72 hours of arrival as long as they are not going to leave the airport.

Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals.

Currency and Cost

The Indian rupee is available in denominations of Re1, Rs.2, Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs. 1000. One rupee is split into a hundred paise , available in denominations of 10p, 25p and 50p. There are coins for Re.1, Rs.2, Rs.5 and Rs.10.

A healthy budget in Punjab is about $35 a day that will see you sleep in decent clean beds and wake up to an attached bathroom for morning ablutions. It'll fetch you three decent meals, a spot of shopping and some auto-rickshaw rides. The dollar goes a long way in the country (the pound sterling, longer). The bare minimum is just under $15 a day, while a top end holiday could reach the skies.

Banks & Money Changers

Banking in Punjab is becoming easier. There are a sizeable number of ATMs in Chandigarh and Amritsar. Banking hours usually are 10 AM to 2 PM Monday to Friday and 10 AM to 12-noon on Saturdays. Changing money can be a tedious process so change substantial amounts at a time. The banks accept travellers' cheques or currency. Changing money anywhere but at accredited bureau is illegal.

Save up all exchange receipts (encashment certificates); these are required for visa extensions and other formalities, and when you want to convert rupees at the end of your trip

Business Guide

Punjabis are by nature street-smart business people. Aggressive and great go-getters, the people trade in fields of agriculture, bicycles, woollen garments, dairy products, hosiery and textiles. With increasing liberalisation at both the economic level and at the societal level, business protocol has begun to adhere to western standards. In the big cities expect thorough professionalism when dealing with private companies and high-ranking bureaucracy. Keep appointments, be punctual (though that's a value that Indians are only now picking up), and shake hands if one is offered or greet with hands folded in 'namaste'. You'll most likely be asked questions about family and home not because anybody wants to pry but because many Indians believe that curiosity conveys concern.

Dress formally for business meetings. Women would probably be more comfortable in trousers than a skirt. Men should wear formal cotton shirts with a tie and trousers if the weather is warm. Otherwise a business suit is appropriate.

Health & Safety

The major risks to your health from the armies of mosquitoes are malaria, encephalitis, kala azar and dengue . Cover your arms and legs; be liberal with the repellent and in problem areas sleep under a mosquito net. Traveller's diarrhoea is another running problem and year after year traveller after traveller gets the ' loosies '. Ensure it's nothing nastier by avoiding green salads, uncooked food, and water that you haven't sanitised by dropping an iodine pill into.

Slightly more serious is the risk of contacting AIDS, Hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases. For your sake and the sake of the people you're visiting always use a condom. Have safe responsible sex.

The quality of health services is not consistent. Urban centres, Chandigarh and Amritsar have good hospitals with proficient doctors, 24 hour chemists and diagnostic centres but it is not the same in the rural and semi-rural areas. The only alternative is to head to Chandigarh or Amritsar or Delhi if you anticipate trouble and if you have already encountered a problem then you could be airlifted. Medicines are fairly cheap in India and readily available in Punjab.

Travellers from yellow fever areas are required to have a certificate that declares that they are free of it. Prior inoculation for poliomyelitis is recommended .

Safety

Cases of mugging, theft and worse aren't completely unheard of but by and large serious crimes against travellers are few and far between.

Basic Precautions
  • Keep your money and travel documents close to your body (perhaps in a pouch slung around your neck, tucked out of sight under your shirt).
  • Keep several photocopies of your passport, insurance, travellers' cheques etc. scattered through your luggage
  • Do not use a waist pouch, it may as well be a transparent plastic bag: it's that fragile and that obvious!
  • Do not put all your money in one place
  • Be extremely alert in the dark. The multitudes who are around in the day, disappear into their homes at night, and you go from having a huge thick safety quilt to a flimsy sheet! Try your best to be in a familiar area when it gets dark. If you are not, at least know how you can get to that area from wherever it is that you happen to be.
  • Many women travellers wear the long tunic and loose pyjama dress of Indian women called the salwar-kameez and find that it substantially dissuades unwanted male attention. If you are travelling alone, do not advertise it.
  • If you lose your passport, lodge a First Information Report at the local police station and contact your embassy

Shopping

Rags, woollen garments and carpets made in Amritsar are famous all over India. Prices are also cheap in Amritsar. Himachal Lamb wool products are manufacture in Ludhiana embroidered in Kashmir & Kullu and marketed in Amritsar. Though machine made in Ludhiana, these are sold at large in lots here. Onernay buy from the market near Telephone Exchange or from Golden Temple. Similarly Punjabi leather Chappal of Arabian Nights style may be purchased from the shops around the Golden Temple. Both winter and summer are severe in Amritsar. The tourism season is from Oct to march in Amritsar.