AMRITSAR-The Holy City

Golden temple in "holy pool of nectar"

The name of the city,Amritsar, derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple and means "holy pool of nectar" (Amrit: elixir; Sar: 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).

Best time to visit :

Between October and March

Main attractions:

Golden Temple, Jallianvala Bagh, Matha Temple, summer palace of Maharaja Ranjith singh, Ramthirth and Wagah border

How to reach:

By Air: Amritsar International airport is about 11Km away from the city .Domestic and international flights are available here. Almost all domestic flights are connected with Delhi. Direct flights from ….are also available to Amritsar. International flights from London, Doha, Toranto, Bergama, Barcelona, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Birmingham, and Bratislava operates to Amritsar.

By Rail: Amritsar is well-connected with Indian cities by rail. For train schedule, seatavailability,fare etc. please visit  http://www.indianrail.gov.in/between_Imp_Stations.html

By Road: Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a day’s drive.  JALANDHAR is about 80 kms from here, KAPURTHALA (royal city) is about 65 kms from here. There are daily direct buses to Delhi, Jammu,Srinagar,Katra, Chandigarh etc. You will also get luxury/Volvo buses from  Delhi, Chandigarh and Katra to Amritsar. Best HAVELIS (hotels) are on the way from Delhi to Amritsar.

Wagah Border in Ceremony

Large number of hotels and guest houses are in Amritsar with comfortable rooms to suit your budget. Some budget hotels are given hereunder.

Hotel PR residency

Akal Residency Hotel

CJ international Hotel

Singh International Hotel

Shiraz Regency

City Heart Hotel

Hotel Teg Royal

Grand Hotel

Many web sites are available for hotel review and booking. As far as possible, book hotels directly after seeing the review. You will get phone number and site address of hotels from the sites.

Jallianvala Bagh

Things to Remember:

If you are travelling in summer (April-June), carry only cotton garments, shorts, light colored clothing. A trip in winter season (October-February) necessitates woolen clothing as the temperature often touches sub-zero levels.

Budget travelers can minimize their expenses by eating as often as possible at the Langar (The Common Kitchen) in the Golden Temple and other gurudhwaras.

When you visit the Golden Temple, make sure you leave your footwear out and cover your head with a piece of cloth. Visit the temple early morning so as to avoid long waiting.

Jallianvala bagh is very near to the golden temple at walkable distance.

Wagah border is 27 Km away from Amritsar. To get seat for seeing border ceremony, you should reach there by 3.30 PM