'''Amritsar''' is a holy city in the state of Punjab, India.

Understand

The name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Sahib) and means "holy pool of nectar" (''Amrit:'' elixir; ''Sar:'' (short for ''sarovar'') lake). It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship). The Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdaas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism center.

Get in

Best time to visit Amritsar is in the winter, between October and March

Airport

'''Raja Sansi International Airport''' ({{IATA|ATQ}}) [http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/amritsar_generalinfo.jsp] is about 11 km and a 15-20 minutes drive from the city center. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via Birmingham and Air Slovakia flies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan).

By train

Amritsar ('''IR station code : ASR''') is an important railway station and is well connected to major cities in India through daily trains. Onward/return trains can be booked online [http://www.irctc.co.in/], at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking office in the Golden Temple Complex.

Here are some useful trains to get to Amritsar:

{| class="wikitable", border="1" !Train Number !Train Name !You may board at !You may alight at

It's advisable to book your return train ticket as soon as you arrive in Amritsar, or before if you know the exact date, as trains are often heavily booked.

''Also see Rail travel in India''

By car

Long-distance taxis are available from most places. It takes around 6-7 hours from New Delhi via NH-1.

Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a days drive. Pathankot is about 2.5 hours away, and there are daily direct buses to New Delhi, Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, Dharamsala (once daily, ~6 hours), etc.You can find Volvo buses from Chandigarh , Delhi and Katra to Amritsar.

From Pakistan

If coming from Wagah at the Pakistani border, take a cycle-rickshaw (Rs 15, 3km) to the Attari station, where you can catch a '''local bus''' to Amritsar (Rs 15, 25 km).

'''Taxis''' also use this route and charge around Rs 200 for the entire vehicle.

Get around

  • An '''auto-rickshaw''' from the train station to the temple should cost around Rs 40, while a '''cycle-rickshaw''' will run about Rs 20.
  • There is a free bus service from the train station to the golden temple
  • By Car (Local)

    You can easily visit Amritsar through Car. There are many Car Rental Companies available which Provide world Class Services.

  • '''Enterprises Car Rental'''.
  • '''Savaari Car Rental''', Savaari Car Rental Amritsar [http://www.savaari.com/user/amritsar-car-rentals/car-rentals-amritsar.php] has a reputation for providing quality luxury car rentals Amritsar. For more information on online booking of Rental Car in Amritsar, check the website.
  • '''Hertz Car Rental'''
  • See

    Golden Temple

    The '''Golden Temple''' [http://www.sgpc.net] is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. The complex is open almost 24 hours (from 6 AM until 2 AM) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.

    As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandannas to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir for Rs.10, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the entrance itself. Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the left of the entrance, wash your feet at the entrance and head in.

  • '''Darshani Deori'''. This is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower.
  • '''Amrit Sarovar'''. The giant pool of water that surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked off by ropes) are set aside for (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe.
  • '''Harmandir Sahib'''. This is the Golden Temple itself, floating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. This is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge from the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by guards.
  • '''Akal Takht''', directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning "the Timeless, this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht.
  • '''Central Sikh Museum''', 2nd floor (''entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance''). Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks from the gurus. Free.
  • All Sikhs are expected at some point in their lives to volunteer for a week at the temple, and everyone you see working here is fulfilling that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you feel so inclined - you could start by chatting up the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.

    Amritsar massacre memorial

    ''' Jallianwala Bagh'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallianwala_Bagh_massacre] (Garden) is a short 5-minute walk from the Golden Temple, and is the site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre. On April 13 of that year, British Indian Army soldiers opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. The firing lasted about 10 minutes and 1650 rounds were fired, killing 1579 people.

    A memorial was built on the site and inaugurated by the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on 13 April 1961. to this day the bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings. The well into which many people jumped and drowned attempting to save themselves from the hail of bullets is also a protected monument inside the park.

    Do

    Learn

  • The Golden Temple has a massive library where tourists/visitors can get books on Sikhism for free or at almost very little cost.
  • Almost every Sikh at the temple will be willing to talk to you about the temple and their religion and culture. Go there with an open mind and you'll leave with a smiling heart. Some of the kindest people on Earth.
  • Buy

  • Guru Nanak knick-knacks. His face graces all kinds of goodies.
  • CDs of temple recordings, chants, and Punjabi music in the shops along the front of the temple.
  • Punjabi Juttis (shoes) from the tiny shops near the Hall Bazaar flyover.
  • Warian (spicy pulses ground with spices) from Hall Bazaar
  • Sikh symbols and relegious paraphenelia like Karas (sikh relegious bangle), swords, daggers etc from the shops close to the Golden Temple
  • Eat

  • '''The Golden Temple''' has a dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all... A definite must for visitors. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then follow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the floor. Servers come by with large buckets of dal, chapatis and rice. Make sure to finish everything on your plate (wasting food isn't an option here!) then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head.
  • '''Crystal Restaurant''', around the corner of Bhandari Bridge serves up great Indian, Italian, Continental and Chinese food.
  • '''My Kind of Place''' offers fast food such as pizza, burgers, and chips. It offers Chinese & Continental food also.
  • ''' The Brothers or Bharavan the Dhaba''', is place situated near to Golden Temple where you can eat traditional food or chinese, continental where you can enjoy taste of your choice at affordable prices.
  • '''New Punjabi Rasoi''', around the corner from the temple it's one of the most popular restaurants in town and serves up great Indian food including tasty masala dosas. Meals ~Rs 40-60.
  • '''Neelam's''', a few doors down from New Punjabi Rasoi, offers pizza and other basics. Meals from Rs 30.
  • '''Pizza Hut''', Yes, the American chain. about a 30 - 50 Rs Auto-Rickshaw ride from the golden temple. Most auto-rickshaw drivers know where it is, or can get directions. Good if your stomach needs a western meal for a change. Comes with customer service that one would expect in a four-star restaurant in the west.
  • kesar da dhaba. near golden temple offers good punjabi food made in pure ghee. Daal Makhni is truly Awsome Dont forget to try a glass of lassi after a heavy meal
  • Bubby Dhaba. pposite Golden Temple. ust opposite the main entrance of Golden Temple. serves authentic Punjabi food at a very reasonable cost and ideally located, just few meteres from the main entrance of the Holy Golden Temple

    Drink

    Lassi is the good Yogart(Curd) Drink there in Amritsar.

    All indian and imported alcoholic drinks are available at the omnipresent licenced liquor stores with prices ranging from Rs 100 for a local english whisky to Rs 1000 for good scotch whisky like teachers.

  • '''Food & Beverages''', near Hotel Mohan International. Imported wines, beers and other liquors.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''The Golden Temple''' offers free accommodation to pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. While free, donations are expected ''(Rs 50-100 minimum per person per night is appropriate)''. You should also remain quiet and respectful of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction. Alcohol and smoking are ''strictly forbidden'', not only within the temple complex but anywhere within eye-sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay - watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere. Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Niwas, as opposed to the guards who will ask you for it when checking out.
  • '''Hotel Sita Continental''', Sheran Wala Gate, Ph +91-183-5002840 is 10 minutes walk from Golden Temple. Its basic, new, and clean. Rates for double bed-room vary between Rs. 550-650.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Hotel Sapphire''', [http://www.hotelsapphire.in] Hotel near Golden Temple having view of Golden Temple from Hotel Rooms. Rs 1250.
  • '''Hotel CJ International''', 2544 3478, [http://www.cjhotel.net]. A newer hotel just behind and with views of the Golden Temple. Rs 1200.
  • '''Hotel Heritage Inn''', 0919876631047, [http://www.hotelheritageinnamritsar.com]. Next to Golden Temple. Rooms are well furnished and decorated. Rs.1350.
  • '''Royal Castle''' A nice hotel located in the city about 15 min from the Golden Temple. Though they claim to be a 3 star hotel 2 is more like it. They have decent rooms for around Rs 2,100 a night.
  • '''Hotel City Heart''', [http://www.hotelcityheartamritsar.com] Hotel near golden temple and jallian wala bagh. Offers views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 800-1550.
  • '''Hotel Indus''', [http://www.Hotelindus.com] Hotel right opposite to Golden Temple. Offers direct views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 1450-1650.
  • '''Hotel Sarovar Plaza''', [http://www.hotelsarovarplaza.com], Bazar Maisewan near Golden Temple, phone="0183-2535354-5, Rs. 1000-2850, Very neat and clean rooms, 24hrs room service and panaromic view of Golden Temple
  • Splurge

  • '''Hotel P.R. Residency''', 4 Kms from Railway Station, Ranjit Avenue +91-98141-76567, 2502666. Located in the most porsh area, it has undoubtedly the best rooms and view in the town. Along with the most modern equipped suites, it is a great local favourite for dining for its hospitality n memorable stay. Dont forget to try out Golden Fried Chicken and continental cuisine. Rooms starting at 2000 to 4000 for suites.
  • '''Ranjit_fs Svaasa''', 47-A The Mall (opposite the Ebony Mall, down a little side street) [http://www.svaasa.com/ranjit/index.htm]. The only boutique hotel in town, and a comparative oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Ranjit's is set in an old colonial house, and has been nicely refurbished with understated style - the place looks at its best at night. There is also a spa and small restaurant attached. Must be Amritsar's most expensive hotel with rooms starting at around Rs.5,000 per night.
  • '''Grand Legacy''', 8 G.T. Road (''near railway station''), tel. +91-183-5069991, [http://www.grandlegacy.net/]. Claims to be Amritsar's best hotel and the public areas look nice enough, but the rooms (and especially the bathrooms) don't quite pull it off. Avoid the restaurant downstairs, or face amoebic dysentery. Single/double from Rs. 2000/3150.
  • '''Ritz Plaza''', 45 The Mall, 256 2836, [http://www.sarovarparkplaza.com]. A more classy hotel also located in the city with good rooms and service and a swimming pool. Price starts at approx Rs 2,500 a night.
  • '''MK Hotel''', Ranjit Ave, 250 7911, [http://www.mkhotel.com]. Slightly out of town, but a nicer more upmarket option with great service. Doubles from Rs 3000, suites available.
  • '''ONKAR CREATIONS''' baba deep singh colony/ 2556462 the only boutique in a city famous for stiching,embrodiary,painting,with exclusive suits,dresses and material located just 2 mins walking distance from gurdwara shaeed baba deep singh and 7 mins walking distance from golden temple
  • Contact

    Internet

    There are quite a few good internet surfing facilities in Amritsar. '''Reliance WebWorld''' and '''Sify Internet''' kiosks are located at strategic locations.

  • '''Cyber Swing''', (''above New Punjabi Rasoi restaurant''), has several machines and a decent connection. Rs 40/hour.
  • '''Cyber Pub''', Opposite District Courts on Airport Road. Scanner and printer available.
  • Stay safe

    The sectarian strife of the 1980s is just a bad memory and Amritsar is currently a safe and welcoming city, if a little polluted.

    Respect

  • You should remain aware and respectful of the Sikh religion anywhere near the Golden Temple complex.
  • Inside the complex both men and women are required to cover their heads (scarfs are widely available throughout the town for Rs 10, or a box of them are free to use at the entrances to the temple).
  • Smoking and alcohol are forbidden not only within the complex but anywhere within eye-sight of the temple. Lighting up a cigarette on the busy street out front may not seem strange but will definitely attract negative attention, as will spitting near the temple.
  • Photography is allowed on the outside ring of the holy lake, but not inside the actual temple itself.
  • Get out

  • Visit the '''Pakistan border''' at Wagah to see the border closing ceremony. Indian and Pakistani soldiers do a march-off every evening, a popular and fun event. Taxis leave from the backside of the Golden Temple. It's a 45 minute ride, and you should leave Amritsar by around 3:30PM.
  • Lahore – armed with a visa, take the plunge into this bustling gateway city, one of the cultural hubs of Pakistan