Amritsar is home to the most important religious building to Sikhs, Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple. Amritsar, which translates to 'Pool of the Nectar of Immortality', is a city in the north-western part of India and is the administrative headquarters of Amritsar district in the state of Punjab, India. Amritsar is 32 kilometres east of Lahore, Pakistan, and only 14 kilometres from the Indo-Pak border and, therefore, very vulnerable to medium and long-range howitzers. It has a population of 1.5 million. This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra and is the leading destination for non-resident-Indians in the whole of India.
The Golden Temple is a stunning complex, always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India and the world. The complex is open almost 24 hours (from 6.00am until 2.00am) and is worth visiting twice; once during the day and once at night, when it is beautifully lit up. The Temple comprises Darshani Deori, the main entrance; Amrit Sarovar, the giant pool of water; Harmandir Sahib, the temple; Akal Takht, where the Guru Granrh Sahib is kept and the Central Sikh Museum is located; Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden; Mata Temple, a labyrinthine Hindu temple; Baba Atal Rai Tower; Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum; Ram Tirath; Maha Kali Mandir; Purshotam Das Mandir; Gopal Mandir; Ramtirth and the Longaa Wali Devi Madir-Katra Jaimal Singh.
Where to Stay:
There is enough accommodation in Amritsar to suit every budget. There are a number of star category hotels catering to the needs of tourists planning to stay overnight. The best of class are the Ista Amritsar, Ranjit's Svaasa, Grand Legacy and a few more. The Hotel Sita Continental, Tourist Guesthouse and the Sharma Guest House are from the higher grade, with the Hotel Sapphire, CJ International, Heritage Inn and Hotel City Heart more middle grade hotels. You can also stay at the Temple Lodge itself, where you will be fed all meals. Although it is gratis, a small donation of Rs.50 (about $1) is de rigeuer.
Where to Eat:
The Golden Temple has a dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all. The Crystal Restaurant, Bharavan da Dhaba, Pizza Hut, Bobby Dhaba and a host of other eateries are also available.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, although temperatures do drop to 2-3°C in winter.
Demographics:
Sikhs form the majority in Amritsar consisting of about 74% of the population, with Hindus being the largest minority at 26%. The average literacy rate is 75%. The main spoken language in Amritsar Maajhi, or Standard Punjabi. Other languages spoken in the city are Hindi and English.
Modernisation:
Amritsar is currently witnessing rapid urban growth. Amritsar has had a spurt in high-end residential property and multiplex development, courtesy of the government's decision to set up a special economic zone there. Leading property developers from north India have lined up a series of townships comprising villas, luxury apartments, service apartments and penthouses. About a dozen malls are also in various phases of completion. A new city convention centre has been planned, as are four 5-star hotels by the Radisson group, the Taj group of hotels, the Holiday Inn group and the Marriott group.
How To Get There
By Air:
Amritsar has an international airport, the Raja Sansi International Airport, on its outskirts. There are regular flights to London, various central Asian republics and to select destinations in Europe. It is well connected domestically, with a number of daily flights.
By Rail:
Amritsar is an important railhead in Punjab and has a fair number of trains either originating there or transiting through. The bus service from the railway station to the Golden Temple is free.
By Road:
In Punjab, all roads lead to all major cities and Amritsar is no exception. Most Indian tourists prefer to see Amritsar by bus, travelling overnight from Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh or Ludhiana. The roads are well maintained. Amritsar is located on the historic Grand Trunk Road, also known as National Highway 1.
