Visiting Amritsar
Amritsar is located in Punjab, a state in northern India. It is the spiritual capital of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the 16th century by gurus. Sikhism emphasizes peace and equality. This is why the Golden Temple, the city's centerpiece, features four entrances, symbolizing openness to everyone regardless of faith or background. Construction on the Golden Temple began in 1573. It sits in the middle of a sacred pool that gave the city its name. In Punjabi, Amritsar means "pool of nectar."
Learning about Sikh culture in Amritsar
You will see many people wearing turbans while walking through Amritsar, as it is a primary symbol of the Sikh faith. Start your visit at the Golden Temple, a stunning religious structure inlaid with gold that houses the sacred Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth. Visitors must follow a specific ritual: cover your head, remove your shoes, and walk around the temple complex in a clockwise direction. The temple operates on a community model, managed by volunteers who run a large communal kitchen where you can share a meal.
Beyond the Golden Temple, Amritsar has plenty to see, and most sites are within walking distance of each other. Climb the Baba Atal tower, dedicated to a Sikh guru, for a panoramic view of the city. To understand the region's history, head to Jallianwala Bagh. This memorial commemorates the hundreds of victims of a massacre carried out by the British colonial army in 1919.
Exploring the history of India
Other cultural sites are worth the trip, such as the Partition Museum, which chronicles the 1947 division of the country. Another significant landmark is the 250-year-old Gobindgarh Fort, which once protected the city from invasions. It now houses several museums focused on local arts and history.
For something different, head out of the city center to the Khalsa College, a university campus that has served as a filming location for several Bollywood movies. The Maja Sheetla Temple is a unique cave temple worth exploring. Finally, travel a few miles outside of Amritsar to the Wagah border post. It is the only land crossing between Pakistan and India, and it hosts an impressive daily flag-lowering ceremony each evening.
When to go
The best time to visit northern India is between October and March. Be aware that December and January can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F).
How to get there
You can fly into Amritsar from New Delhi or Mumbai, or take a train from New Delhi. The city is also well-connected by road, with frequent bus and car services available.
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