Encircled by the pool Amrit Sarovar which gave the town its name 'Amritsar', the Golden Temple is open to all and is reached by a walkway. The temple brilliantly mirrored in the stunning expanse of water, creates an atmosphere which is particularly powerful from before dawn to early light. At this time the radiant white marble causeway Parikarma which surrounds the temple is still cold under feet and the gold begins to shimmer in lightening water. The Holy Scripture, Granth Sahib, which was installed in the Temple in 1604, is brought in a vivid procession from the Akal Takhat (the highest temporal seat of the sikhs) in the morning to the Temple, to be returned at night. Singing is essential to Sikh worship and is a feast for the soul when hymns from the Holy Scripture are recited by way of Kirtans, creating a celestial atmosphere captivating the devotees.

Ram Bagh -Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden with the summer Palace of Maharana Ranjit Singh in its centre. To commemorate the memory of his heroism Ram Bagh on its one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a winsome stance. The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city of Amritsar. Now the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum which speaks volumes on his times. On display are weapons dating back to the Mughal times, portraits of ruling dynasties of Punjab and a replica of the diamond "Kohinoor". In those days the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate which still exists in its original form and is just on the border of the garden.

Tarn Taran - Situated at a distance of 22 km south-east of Amritsar, Gurudwara Tarn Taran was built by Guru Arjun Dev in memory of Guru Ram Das. The dome of this Gurudwara is covered with copper gilt. What is most fascinating about its location is the big tank whose water is known to cure leprosy. In addition, a big fair is held every year on an amavas (moonless) night.

Baba Bakala - Situated about 45 kilometers east of Amritsar on the Batala road is the famous Baba Bakala. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadurji, revealed himself to Makhan Shah Labana, a Sikh devotee here. It has a magnificent Gurudwara where thousands of people gather on every amavas (moonless night) and an annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan day (night of full moon in August) when about one lakh people visit the place in Amritsar, India.

Wagah Border - The Wagah border, about 28 kms. from Amritsar is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It’s an interesting experience especially at sunset when the 'Retreat' ceremony takes place with the BSF on the Indian Side of the Border. The changing of the guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags is carried out with great ceremony.

Activities in Amritsar

Other than visiting places of historical interest, you can stroll along the line of shops selling dry-fruits, tea, condiments, woolen tweeds, suiting, blankets, shawls in traditional weaves, ivory, swords in different designs, oils, scents, jutties (traditional embroidered shoes), cut glass, and carpets. There is a whole range to choose from. Delight your taste buds with the traditional and unmatched Punjabi cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, especially its pickles and murabbas (Indian jams) and sweetmeats which are famous worldwide. Accommodation is not a problem, as there is a wide range of hotels in Amritsar, India. For more information on tour packages and hotels in Amritsar, please write to us at: info@makemytrip.com.

Getting There & Away

	The Raja Sansi Airport is just 10 km from the main city of Amritsar and taxis are easily available to and from the airport. There are connecting flights from Amritsar to Delhi - London and Delhi - New York.
	Amritsar is well connected by rail, to almost every part of the country. There are direct trains to Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Puri and other places. The Samjhauta Express also connects Amritsar to Lahore in Pakistan.
	Amritsar is well connected to all the major cities of northern India. Important destinations include Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kullu, Manali and Jammu. It is at a distance of 234 km from Chandigarh.

Getting Around Amritsar

Though there are local buses, we don't recommend them. They are frequent and almost regular and pack as many people as possible. Try the local taxis instead - these are generally metered. And if you are the one who enjoys a slow and patient local tour, hop on to the cycle rickshaws.