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Amritsar

Spiritual and the cultural centre of the Sikh religion.

General Information
District: Amritsar, State: Punjab, India
Area: 114.95 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Punjabi, Hindi and English
Long Distance Code: +91-183
Importance: Famous for the Golden Temple and nearest to the border of Pakistan
Best Time to Visit: October to March
International Access: Raja Sansi International Airport, Amritsar

Description
One of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India, Amritsar is one city of India which has witnessed the worst and the best in recent years. Literally meaning the Pool of Nectar, Amritsar was founded by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. <BR>From a sacred village pond into a spiritual temporal centre of Sikh culture, Amritsar is the soul of Punjab. This ancient city has seen and witnessed many a turbulances over the past 400 years. It has the Akal Takht, or the seat of Almighty in the pious Golden temple. Be it the demolition of the Akal Takht by the Afghan rulers or the donations by the Mughal Kings to restore it; or be it the massacre of the Jallianwala bagh or the riots during partition. Amritsar has experienced the worst and come out of it as though the Phoenix, becoming one of the major agriculture producing cities of India. <BR>More recently it witnessed the internal terrorist activities which took lives of many young people. But today Amritsar is a city thriving with business and tourism.
Location
Located in the North west borders of India, Amritsar shares the international border with pakistan in the west which is also the only active road bosrder between India and Pakistan. In the north it has district Gurudaspur, East is Kapurthala district and in the south it shares its borders with Ferozepur district.

Golden Temple

Har Mandir Saheb, popularly known, as the Golden temple is the holiest shrine for the Sikhs, so called because the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate. The architecture of the Golden Temple, is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles.\r\nThe principle of universal participation was extended to the planning and execution of the project. All Sikhs in all congregations had a role in building this noble edifice to their faith. Their participation took two forms: voluntary labor (sewa) at the site, and a donation (daswandh) of ten percent of their income to support the construction. In 1589 by Guru Arjun Dev - Nanak V (1563-1606) was laid down the foundation of the temple. Mir Mohammed Muayyinul Islam, popularly known as Mian Mir was requested to lay the foundation stone. The great Sikh secular leader, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, donated 100 kg of gold to the temple and thus gold was applied to the copper sheets on the roof and the exterior of the building. The construction of the temple was completed in late sixteenth century. The Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1803, rebuilt it. It is a two stores marble structure, with an imposing dome of pure gold. The architecture of the Temple is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The golden dome is meant to represent an inverted lotus flower and the interior of the temple is decorated with semi precious stones, frescoes and glasswork. The gnarled old Jubi Tree in the northwest corner of the compound is believed to possess special powers. The Golden Temple's first high priest, Baba Buddhaya, planted it. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen is towards the eastern entrance of the temple complex providing free food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, or caste.

Jalianwala Bagh

The huge ground, a reminder of the martyrdom of innocent Indians and the brutality of British General Dwyer, is Jalianwala Bagh. A historical monument today, once was the ground smeared with blood of hundreds of inncocent young and old Indians, men, women and children who had gathered on the new year day for the Punjabis on April 13, 1919, to denounce the rowlatt act. As the few of the speeches got over General Dwyer along with his troupes landed there with full force. He ordered his troupes to open fire without any warning. The bullets kept firing and ended only when the ammunition finished. \r\nA memorial to the martyrdom of the innocents and the bullet marks on the wall tell this tragic incident. A must vist place to see the brutality of the British genral Dwyer.

Durgiana Mandir

Amritsar also houses a wonderful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Easily accessible from the Golden Temple, it is an ancient temple built during the 16th century. It is situated on an island in a small Lake, thus giving it a commanding atmosphere and stupendous view.

Baba Atal Rai Tower

Located at a distance of few kilometers from the main town, Baba Atal Rai Tower is believed to be the very spot where Guru Har Gobind died. Named after the son of Guru Har Gobind, this nine-storied building is an important landmark of the place. Climbing on to the top gives you a panoramic view of the entire area. The first floor of the tower houses some of the miniatures related to Guru Nanak's life and his preaching.

Tarn Taran

It is an important Sikh tank located about 25 km south of Amritsar, said to have healing properties and a corrective effect on minor skin ailments. The Parikrama around the still waters of the tank takes much longer, it is built along the same lines as the Golden Temple. There's a temple, which was constructed by Ranjit Singh. \r\nAnother gurudwara, Guru Arjun Dev, in the town of Tarn Taran, holds fairs every new moon night. Though there is no scientific evidence that the water cures leprosy, it is said to have healing properties. It is believed that any leper who can swim across the tank will be miraculously cured.

Wagah Border

The final frontier, Wagah about 28 kms from Amritsar is the border crossing between India and Pakistan. The borders are famous for their marching retreat at sunset everyday when a large numbers of tourists come to witness this spectacular site from both the sides. The changing of guards, lowering of flags, everything is done in perfect symphony and harmony from both the sides. One can see the side of Pakistan, once a part of India and the people from the other land to witness the ceremony. As the soldiers from both the countries march in perfect drill one can also feel the national fervour building up at bot the ends.

Ladakh Himachal Tour
(11 Days / 10 Nights)

On Request

Details

Ladakh Himachal Tour / PI-0175 (11 Days / 10 Nights)
Leh-Alchi-Leh-Sarchu-Jispa-Manali-Dharamshala-Amritsar-Delhi

During the tour you will visit the most popular and famous monasteries of the Ladakh region built by different rulers. In this tour you are reaching the highest motor able road in the world. Here the landscape assumes fantastic view of the mountains. Visiting the most charming and beautiful Kulu valley spread out its charm on either side of the river Beas. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colorful hand made shawls. We take you to Dharamshala known as Little Lhasa in the gorgeous Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh in North India.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Leh
Day 2 : Leh
Day 3 : Leh
Day 4 : Leh - Alchi - Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Sarchu
Day 6 : Sarchu - Jispa
Day 7 : Jispa - Manali
Day 8 : Manali
Day 9 : Manali - Dharamshala
Day 10 : Dharamshala - Amritsar
Day 11 : Amritsar - Delhi

Himalayan Tour
(24 Days / 23 Nights)

On Request

Details

Himalayan Tour / PI-0456 (24 Days / 23 Nights)
Delhi-Amritsar-Paragpur-Dharamshala-Palampur-Manali-Keylong-Sarchu-Leh-Lamayuru-Uletokpo-Ridzong-Alchi-Likir-Leh-Nubra Valley-Leh-Leh Delhi fly-Agra

The Himalayas have attracted the adventurous and the travel passionate for years. Himalayas offers one of the most enriching travel experiences for the travelers. The place has snowcapped mountains, thrilling adventurous treks, wonderful natural scenes and fresh mountain treks for the nature lovers. The rich Himalayan culture and the welcoming nature of the people makes the trip all the more exciting and thrilling.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Amritsar
Day 3 : Amritsar - Paragpur
Day 4 : Paragpur - Dharamshala
Day 5 : Dharamshala
Day 6 : Dharamshala
Day 7 : Dharamshala - Palampur
Day 8 : Palampur - Manali
Day 9 : Manali
Day 10 : Manali - Keylong
Day 11 : Keylong - Sarchu
Day 12 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 13 : Leh
Day 14 : Leh
Day 15 : Leh
Day 16 : Leh - Lamayuru - Uletokpo
Day 17 : Uletokpo - Ridzong - Alchi
Day 18 : Alchi - Likir - Leh
Day 19 : Leh - Nubra Valley
Day 20 : Nubra Valley
Day 21 : Nubra Valley - Leh
Day 22 : Leh
Day 23 : Leh Delhi fly -Agra
Day 24 : Agra

Amritsar, India Tours