PLACES OF INTEREST

If you take a short walk around the Golden Temple, you can visit several other Gurdwaras that trace their links with the Gurus. Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib and the Shahidi martyr’s shrine are important religious centers, each with its own history.

Amritsar played a pivotal role in India’s quest for independence, and no national monument has more significance than Jalianwala Bagh, a solemn, grim reminder of one of the bloodiest chapters of India’s freedom movement. The 2000 Indians killed and wounded here in the indiscriminate firing by the British on Baisakhi in 1919 was carnage that had nationwide ramifications, shaking and enraging the whole country. Jalianwala Bagh commemorates the martyrs, keeping the tragic episode in its historical context. 

Today, one finds a small gallery with photos of key personalities involved, the well into which the crowds jumped to escape the murderous hail of bullets and a simple memorial at the site that shaped India’s destiny.

In Short : The Golden Temple , Durgiani Temple Complex, Jallianwallah Bagh

EXCURSIONS

Within an hour’s drive from Amritsar are several interesting places to visit. Several historical Gurdwaras like Baba Bakala, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Baba Sahib, attract the devout. The drive takes one through the heart of rural Punjab with lush green paddy fields, tiny villages, and robust farmers.

The Amritsar that greets visitors today is a bustling, busy city with a distinct ‘frontier’ atmosphere, nestling as it does within breathing distance of the Indo-Pakistan border.

A popular outing is to the Wagah checkpost on the Indo-Pakistan border where crowds throng to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering, all done with great skill and precision.

ACCOMMODATION

The Ritz Hotel was one of the first hotels in the city. It is being renovated and expanded and more rooms are coming up.

Hotel Ritz Plaza, The Mall
Tel: 0183-562 836
Popular for both food and stay. Five minutes from the popular Lawrence Road shopping complex. Big rooms, neat toilets.

Mohan International Hotel, Albert Road
Tel: 0183-227 801 (8 lines)
Centrally located. Very popular with VIPs and state guests.Mohan International Hotel is also air-conditioned.

Astoria Hotel, 1 Queens Road
Tel: 0183-566 414
Just 7 km from airport, close to railway station.
 

Gurdwaras offer free accommodation to all pilgrims. 

Budget accommodation options are aplenty around the Golden Temple.