AMRITSAR-a hub of tourists

In 1958, Guru Ramdas ji , the fourth guru of the Sikhs , excavated a tank , which was regarded as the ‘Pool of Nectar of Immortality’ came to be known as Amritsar. Amritsar is considered a holy city and is flooded by tourists throughout the year as it has a number of historical sites which attract the tourist from all over the world. It is one of the largest cities of Punjab in India and has many shrines and monuments like- Golden Temple , Jallian Wala Bagh , Durgiana Temple , Wagah Border , Akal Takht , Gobindgarh Fort , Partition Museum , Chand Baori and many more gurudwaras.

1. Sri Harmandir Sahib , the abode of gods or Golden Temple , the holiest gurudwara of Sikhism , was completed in 1577 by Guru Ramdas ji . This spiritual and cultural heritage attracts more than hundred thousands visitors alone on weekdays This Sikh shrine also houses the Akal Takht , the chief center of religious authority of Sikhism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh after founding the Sikh empire , rebuilt it in marble and copper in 1809 and overlaid the sanctum with gold foil in 1830 , after it was destroyed by the Mughals in 1762. The temple complex has also been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Wagah Border is another prime tourist destination. It is the only road between India and Pakistan which is separated by two heavy gates. It is also called ‘Berlin Wall of Asia’. The famous ‘Beating The Retreat’ ceremony takes place every evening and attracts many patriots and visitors. This ceremony is often compared to ‘Changing of The Guards’ in London. The retreat  includes long and brisk strides , foot stamping and crisp salutes to outdo the other with respect to the sound of footsteps and speed , between the BSF and Pakistani Sutlej Rangers. It has been conducted every day since 1959. On the side of the Wagah Border , there is a large gate that has encryption of ‘Swarn Jayanti Dwar’ .

3. Situated near The Golden Temple , Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden , established in 1951 by The Government of India , to commemorate the massacre that took place on Sunday , April 13 , 1919 , on the auspicious day of Baisakhi , the main Sikh festival. The British Indian Army opened fire on the public that had assembled for celebrations and a meeting , under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer. It was estimated that about 1000 were dead and 1200 got wounded. This brutality stunned the whole nation. The Jallianwala Bagh is 6-7 acres in size and is walled on all sides with five entrances.

4. Gobindgarh Fort , a historic fort located in the center of the city. It was built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi. It was later conquered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh , the most powerful leader of the Sikh Empire. He was popularly known as ‘Lion of Punjab’. He renamed it after the 10th guru of Sikhs , Guru Gobind Singh ji and the fort was called Gobindgarh Fort. It has been opened to the public from February 2017. Numerous attractions have been added to make Qila Gobindgarh a live museum , Sikh martial history and treasury of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.  Like-                                                                                                * Sher e Punjab- A 7-D show showing the glorious history from the past through technology which transports you back to 19th century. It entices , enlightens , educates , enthrall and inspires the viewers.                                                                                     * Toshakhana or Coin Museum- The Toshakhana once stored the Kohinoor diamond , is now a coin museum which houses old and rare coins. It also includes a replica of the Kohinoor as it was worn by the Maharaja.                                               * Ancient Warfare Museum- The Grand Building of the Anglo Sikh Bungalow has now been converted to an Ancient Warfare Museum that has the replicas of the instruments and attires of warfare.                                                                                          * Spirit of Punjab- A stage that keeps the fort alive with live performances of dance , comedy etc all day long.                          * Ambarsari Zaika- People here engage in the various food stalls and shops of different variety of cuisines.                                * Haat Bazaar- A well located bazaar that offers fares from phulkaris , shawls , antiques etc for you to purchase.                      * Whispering Walls- A breath taking show held every evening post sunset , Whispering walls is a show using state of the art projection mapping technologies and laser lights. There’s a Punjabi as well as English show each day.

5. Durgiana Temple , Lakshmi Narayan Temple , Durga Tirath or Sitla Mandir , was built in 1921 by guru Harsai Mal Kapoor. It is built in the center of a sacred lake. It is a premier temple in the city and its architecture is quite similar to Golden Temple. This temple derives its name from the goddess Durga , the chief goddess defied and worshipped here. This is often referred as Silver Temple because of its exquisitely engraved silver doors.

6. Chand Baori is one of the most spectacular step well situated in the heritage city. It was constructed around 800 AD. It was designed for efficient water supply system. It is 13 stories deep and has 3500 narrow steps. It is one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. This step well is not explored much as many people do not know about it.

Tourism in Amritsar is increasing day by day. As of the last year , twenty five million four hundred sixty two thousand six hundred and twenty seven people visited Amritsar ( 25,462,627). Apart from being a historical and cultural city , it is also a place for foodies. We can indulge in the authentic dhaba food and culture and put on some weight eating the world famous kulchas , moong dal laddoos , lassi , chaat and the other mouth watering street food. Numerous restaurants and hotels are stretched across the walled city. People from all parts of the globe specially come here to taste the sumptuous food. Its also a place for night animals , with a number of pubs , bars and discos. Its also a fashion city as people here are up to date in fashion and they squander their wealth on the clothes. People show an ostentatious display of wealth through lavish marriages , parties etc. The Punjabi people are very hospitable and regard a guest as divine. The people are respectful towards each other and are very helpful. They follow their culture and traditions and are dance , music and art lovers. All these things make Amritsar a complete and perfect tourist destination , for patriots as well as pilgrims.