Amritsar is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, 28 km from the border with Pakistan.
The largest city in Punjab is probably most well-known as the home to the holiest shrine of Sikhism — the spectacular "Golden Temple". It’s well worth spending some time exploring the sprawling complex, but don’t stop there. Amritsar isn’t just about sacred sites. The holy city is also a must-stop street food destination, and home to plenty of museums, forts, and bustling bazaars and markets.
● Best places to explore in Amritsar :-
1. GOLDEN TEMPLE ( Sri Harmandir Sahib ) :
One of the most spiritual places in India, the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in all of Sikhism. Located right in the heart of Amritsar and being easily reachable from any part of the city, the stunning golden architecture of the temple and the daily Langar (community kitchen) attract a large number of visitors and devotees each day. The temple is open to devotees of all faiths and serves over 100,000 people free food from all walks of life.
2. WAGAH BORDER :
Located at a distance of 22 km from Lahore, Pakistan and 28 km from Amritsar in India, the Wagah Border marks the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day before sunset, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship.
3. JALLIANWALA BAGH :
Located near the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that also houses a memorial to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British forces. Spread over 6.5 acres of land, Jallianwala Bagh is associated with one of the saddest days in Indian History when thousands of innocent people were killed on the orders of General Dyer as they gathered for a peaceful celebration of Baisakhi. The place has now been turned into a beautiful park and is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust.
4. PARTITION MUSEUM :
The Partition Museum in Amritsar is a museum housing a collection of stories, memoirs, art and artefacts that hold the memory of the time before, during and after the partition of British India. Located at the Town Hall in Amritsar and developed by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), the museum is a part of the newly inaugurated Heritage Street at Amritsar, which begins from the Golden Temple and ends at the Town Hall. The exhibits at the Partition Museum include newspaper clippings, photographs as well as personal items that were donated by people who had witnessed and lived during the Partition.
5. GOBINDGARH FORT :
The Gobindgarh Fort is a historical museum and cultural theme park showcasing the history of Punjab and Punjabi culture in all its glory. There are various museums featuring collections of traditional Punjabi attire, household items and even weapons of war from the olden days. The light and laser shows such as Sher E Punjab and Whispering Walls showcasing the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the story of Gobindgarh respectively are quite popular among tourists.