Attractions in Amritsar you don’t want to miss on your next trip!
Amritsar is a city located in Punjab, in northwestern India, 28 kilometers away from the borders of Pakistan.
This land of iconic history, also known as the “pool of nectar”, got its name from Amrit Sarovar, a holy lake, surrounding the magnificent Golden Temple. Guru Ramdas, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, excavated this pool on the land gifted by Akbar.
This cultural hub has now become the most attractive tourist destination. Some of the famous spots which you shouldn’t miss are -
Golden Temple or Shri Harmandir Sahib
This gurudwara was built around the man-made holy lake, ‘Amrit Sarovar’.
It’s not only the spiritual home of Sikhism but also the land of harmony and unity among the people. Irrespective of religion, caste, and creed, everyone visits the golden temple to get the blessings of the god.
Its architecture is neither traditional Islamic nor in Hinduism style. It’s a unique artwork by Sikh artists.
The whole temple is built with glittering gold and splendid marble. The domes of the temple, its inner walls, inner roofs, and door panels are all made of 24-carat gold.
The marble walls are chiseled with designs like animals, birds, and flowers and then filled with colorful semi-precious stones.
Before entering the temple, one specific ritual that everyone has to follow is covering their head. Men have to wear either a turban or a scarf, which is sold at the nearby shops. Women have to cover their heads with their shawls or saree
Every soul, not only the Sikhs, would feel the spirituality, visiting this temple.
Jallianwala Bagh
It was a park wherein, hundreds of unarmed innocent people, who gathered to protest against the Rowlatt Act, were brutally fired by the order of General Dyer held on April 13, 1919. After this tragic incident, Motilal Nehru led the campaign to build the memorial, to commemorate the massacre of innocent lives.
It was closed for renovation for nearly one and half years and the newly renovated monument was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28th, 2021. After which, it’s re-opened for public view with some new enhancements.
At the entrance, you walk through the “Heritage Alley”, a lane where General Dyer gathered soldiers before firing. The wall of this lane is now elegantly painted and engraved with sculptures of those who died in the ruthless firing.
The main memorial welcomes you with a new lotus pond and four new galleries with images and videos of historical legends and events.
“Martyrs’ Well”, in which the innocent victims jumped to death trying to escape the firing, was previously covered with a grill. It is now cleaned and covered around with a wall and glass shields.
In the evening, you’re entertained by music and light shows.
Other iconic things of this monument are
“Bullet Marked Wall” has its own historic significance, with 28 fired bullet marks
Salvation ground
Eternal flame
Durgiana Temple
It is a Hindu temple and goddess Durga is the chief goddess here. It is also popularly known as “Lakshmi Narayan Temple”. It is located near the Lohgarh gate. Its foundation was laid by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya which was re-built in the 20th century.
Though, Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to that of the Golden temple. It’s also called the “Silver Temple” as its doors are made of sparkling silver.
It is built amidst a lake, the same as the golden temple. Its central dome is made of gold and the rest of the building is made of marble.
It’s a repository of Hindu scriptures. It has carvings of the different forms of Lord Krishna upon the golden frame. There is an idol of Lord Shiva built on the lake. It has the magnificent idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman.
Unlike the Golden temple, this temple is less crowded and calm.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama
It’s a museum located in Rambagh Garden, 4 km from the Golden Temple. It’s one of the best museums in Punjab. This panorama is developed by the National Council of Science Museums, the Ministry of tourism and culture, Government of India.
It was initially a summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first emperor of the Sikh kingdom, who was popularly called the “Lion of Punjab”.
The museum is embellished with paintings, sculptures, arms, and armor, portraying the life history and heroic deeds of the king.
Some of the renowned achievements of the monarch, depicted in the sculptures are:
Acquisition of the “Zamzama”, the giant cannon, from Mai Sukhan in 1802
His elegant wedding with Mehtab Kaur
Conquer of Kashmir, defeating the Mughal ruler Zabbar khan, in 1819
Gobindgarh Fort
This is the fort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This awe-inspiring symbol of Punjab has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. This heritage site has its own history.
It was Captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Mai Sukhan in the 18th century, mainly to protect Amritsar and Shri Harmandir Sahib, from the Afghan invaders. It was then acquired by the British after the Anglo-Sikh war in 1849. After independence, it was preserved by the Indian Army in 1947.
For almost a century, it had been hidden and inaccessible to the public. After realizing its historical significance, the government of India handed it over to the Government of Punjab, in 2006. It has been preserved and conserved as an archeological monument by the Punjab government.
The main entrance, “Nalwa gate” welcomes you to the fort. It was named after Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Khalsa Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The courtyard appeases you with the magnificent “Zamzama” cannon demonstrating the valor of the monarch.
The prominent icons established for your astonishment are -
The Coins Museum, preserving the ancient Sikh coins, used in the 18th and 19th century
Pagdi or Turban Museum, having statues of people wearing both modern and ethnic turbans and Sikh outfits.
General Dyer’s residence, where he received the order for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Chloronome House / Phansi Ghar, a colonial building, was built in 1853 for the treatment and purification of water by chlorination.
War museum, holding statues of armed soldiers depicting different kinds of weapons and martial arts.
Amritsar is a city of art and culture with several historical monuments that are totally worth visiting. The holy city cannot be relished all at one go. Staying for a couple of days while visiting each place and enjoying the experience the city has to offer is the perfect way to spend your trip to Amritsar.
My last visit to Amritsar was flawless mainly due to the wonderful stay option I chose. Bloom Boutique by Stayblooms is an amazing luxury hotel with a variety of rooms that cater to each of your requirements. It effortlessly blends with the city’s grandeur and culture as the rooms are highly sophisticated and comfortable.
The best part about Stayblooms is how they provide luxury on a budget. You won’t be able to find such posh rooms at their prices. Furthermore, cleanliness being the signature of Bloomrooms would also be fulfilled here in the best way possible.
For more information, visit
https://staybloom.com/hotels/amritsar/bloom-boutique-ranjit-avenue
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip! Book your tickets! And get traveling! :)
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