Amritsar is synonymous with the breathtaking Golden Temple. The spiritual nerve centre of the Sikh faith built around the holy pool amrit sarovar from which Amristar draws its name. You cannot, but, be drawn into the magic that this temple weaves like the suns rays reflecting off it. It is a haven of peace amidst an essentially congested city. But nonetheless, it leaves you spellbound?it leaves you with a sense of awe?it leaves you with a feeling of supreme contentment?
It brings you a step closer to God.
Punjab?s second largest town was a traditional junction for trade routes. And this is very evident when you see different people from varied cultures and their footprints in the composite of culture and heritage which reflects in almost every aspect of Amritsar.

Long back, Amritsar was the paramount city of the Orient, surpassing even Lahore in cultural greatness and prosperity. The city has been, over centuries been witness to several violent revolutions. Scars remain, but it has outgrown them and has now evolved into a gateway to Punjab and northern India. It is also the entry point for travelers coming into India by land from Central Asia. A fast developing hub for commercial activities, Amritsar continues to maintain its charm and hospitality, thanks to the friendly and hearty Sardarjis.

You cannot, but help falling in love with Punjab and Amritsar, with its all encompassing love for life and vibrancy and color seems to draw you into its magic and even before you realize, you are half in love with the place and the people.
How to Reach
Air
The Raja Sansi airport, about 11 km from town, is connected by domestic flights to Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh. You can get to town by a pre-booked rented car, taxis or auto-rickshaws.

Rail
Amritsar is connected by direct trains to major Indian cities like Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Puri. The bi-weekly train to Lahore in Pakistan, the Samjhauta Express, also rolls out from here.

Road
You can drive into Amritsar from the neighbouring states. Bus services connect the city to most north Indian towns, including Chandigarh (235 km), New Delhi (450 km), Shimla (322km) and Jammu (219km). There is also a bus service to Lahore (35 km away), which is the only overland connection between India and Pakistan.
What to see
» Religious Places
Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
Located in the heart of Amritsar, the Golden Temple Complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras that house one of the busiest markets in India. The Temple sits on a rectangular platform in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar. A dip in this holy pond is believed to cleanse both mind and body. The brownie points that one dunk here fetches you is considered equivalent to that earned by visiting various holy cities. The temple is surrounded by a white marble corridor, which is encircled by pilgrims visiting the shrine. A narrow causeway leads to the Harmandir, or Darbar Sahib, the main temple. The archway at the entrance is decorated with intricate inlay work. Verses from the Granth Sahib are inscribed on the doorway. Unlike the temples in the South, the Golden Temple is open to all faiths.

You can leave your shoes, socks, sticks and umbrellas outside at the cloakroom at no charge. Visitors should wash their feet outside the entrance. Best to go early in the morning as the marble on the floor gets too hot by noon. Dress appropriately and cover your head in the temple precincts. Head scarves are available during the day, but not at night; a handkerchief should suffice. Avoid sitting with back towards the temple. You may wish to visit the community kitchen for breakfast (dawn to 0900) before visiting the temple. The Information Office near the main entrance is very helpful.

Akal Takht
Next to the Harmandir is the religious governing body of the Sikhs, called the Akal Takht. The Adi Granth, Bible of the Sikhs, is housed in the ground floor of the building and is taken out in procession every morning to be placed at the Harmandir Sahib. Again at night, it is brought back to the Akal Takht. A very moving and somber ceremony that leaves you sniffing into your tissue. If you miss the early morning or evening processions, the palanquin that bears the Adi Granth can be viewed in the treasury room of the Akal Takht.

Tower of Baba Atal Rai
Built in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Har Gobind Ji, the sixth guru , this octagonal nine-storeyed structure is best known for its beautiful frescoes, all depicting the life of Guru Nanak.

Majaar Baba Sheikh Braham
The only place in India where Pakistani citizens are allowed to make an annual and unofficial visit without a visa. Baba Sheikh Brahamji's tomb is situated in Mian Wala Village (Tehsil Khemkaran). A big fair is organised towards the end of the monsoons when people from both sides of the border come to pay their respects at the majaar. It is believed that a wish made here is always fulfilled.

Ram Tirath Temple
On the outskirts of Amritsar, this is believed to be the spot where sage Valmiki's ashram once stood, and where Lord Rama?s sons Lav and Kush were born. The temple has sculptures illustrating scenes from the Ramayana.

» Historical Places
Jallianwala Bagh
About half a kilometer north of the Golden Temple, it is here that on 13th April 1919, British troops led by General Dyer fired mercilessly at a group of peaceful protestors. A plaque at the entrance recounts the history of the massacre. A martyrs? memorial stands on the eastern end, while the well (into which many jumped in the desperate attempt to escape death) and bullet-ridden walls remain mute but horrifying testimonials to the ruthless massacre. There is the Martyr's Gallery here which is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and from 10 am to 4 pm during winter.

Ram Bagh
This beautiful garden contains the summer palace of the erstwhile ruler of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden?s pride is the Darshani Deorhi, the main entrance which is architectural marvel. There is a museum showcasing oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons.

Pul Kanjari
A small village on the Amritsar-Lahore road, it was an important trading centre during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is said that during the Raja?s stay here, a dancer regularly entertained him. One day, while crossing the canal, one of her shoes fell into the water.

It was on her insistence that the Maharaja built a pul or bridge over the canal. The village was captured during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, but recaptured after some fierce fighting. There is a memorial built in memory of the brave jawans who lost their lives in the 1971 war.