About The City Amritsar
Amritsar is a city of great virtue where the present has been shaped by its remarkable past. This holy city pays its fealty to the sacrifices of its ancestors by commemorating their heroism and hardship. The city is known for its vibrant rich culture, glorious sites, fertile soil, and appetizing food.
Amritsar Location
Amritsar city is situated in northern Punjab state, northwestern India. It lies around 15 miles (25 km) east of the border with Pakistan. The city is the holy center for the Sikh religion and the administrative headquarters of the Amritsar district in the state of Punjab.
Foundation
The city was historically known as Ramdaspur and informally as Ambarsar. The term ‘Amritsar’ literally means the ‘Pool of the Nectar of Immortality’. It was founded by Guru Ram Das Ji in 1574 on land bought by him for 700 rupees from the owners of the village of Tung. The city was completed in1588. Guru Ram Das built his residence and moved to this place in 1574.
The city is situated on the main Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) from Delhi to Amritsar connecting to Lahore in Pakistan. The G.T. The Road was historically established by Sher Shah Suri which runs through the whole of the northern half of the Indian subcontinent and connects Peshawar, Pakistan to Sonargaon, Bangladesh.
This city is also equated to most other major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata by a wide network of the rail system.
History Before Partition
In the history of the Muslim League War on the Hindus and Sikhs of Punjab in 1947, Amritsar occupied the pivotal position. It was in this city, fought with even greater intensity than the battle for Lahore, that the most sustained war, of over five months, was waged on the Hindus and Sikhs, especially the latter, by the Amritsar Muslims.
The degree of success achieved in Amritsar would depend on the League’s measure of success in coming down the minorities in the Punjab and the prospect of the establishment of Pakistan. In Lahore the Muslim community was quite a great majority, in Amritsar, it was almost balanced by the Hindus and Sikhs assembled.
The struggle for Indian independence witnessed competing and conflicting interests in Punjab. The landed aristocracies of the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities had loyally co-operated with the British since annexation, supported the Unionist Party and were opposed to the Congress party-led the independence movement.
Among the peasants and urban middle classes, the Hindus were the most active Party supporters, the Sikhs gathered to the Akali movement while the Muslims eventually supported the Muslim League.
Since the partition of the sub-continent had been decided, special meetings of the Western and Eastern Section of the Legislative Assembly were held on 23 June 1947 to decide whether or not the Province of Punjab be partitioned.
After voting on both sides of Muslims and Hindus, partition was decided and the actual Punjab Legislative Assembly was also divided into West Punjab Legislative Assembly and the East Punjab Legislative Assembly. The last Assembly before independence’s last sitting was held on 4 July 1947.
Weather in Amritsar
June is the most scorching month in Amritsar with an average temperature of 31°C (88°F) and the most daily sunshine hours being 13. The coolest month is January at an average temperature of 12°C (53°F). The wettest month is July with an average of around 190mm of rain.
The Minimum temperature in Amritsar can drop to as low as 1°C in December and January with fog making conditions worse. So, we will recommend that if you are visiting Amritsar by road, try to reach here in the afternoon. Avoid driving in the fog as too many accidents happen on the highway.
The maximum temperature can reach up to 50°C (122°F) in June making the heat unbearable during the day.
So, we recommend that you visit Amritsar in the period of November to Mid December. Temperature is pleasant, you can enjoy the tourist attractions with comfort.
Administrative Towns
The administrative towns in Amritsar include:
a. Ajnala
Ajnala is a town and a Nagar panchayat in Amritsar district. The town is located at 31.84°N 74.76°E in western Punjab near the border with Pakistan.
b. Attari
Attari is a village of Amritsar District, 3 km from the Indo-Pakistani border at Wagah. It is situated 25 km west of the Sikh holy city of Amritsar
c. Beas
Beas is a riverfront town in the Majha region of Punjab. It is located beside the river Beas.
d. Chheharta Sahib
Chheharta Sahib is a town to 7 km west of Amritsar. The town is situated on the Grand Trunk Road leading to the Pakistan border. It derives its name from the Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib, established by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.
e. Jandiala Guru
Jandiala Guru is a town in the Amritsar district of the Majha region of Eastern Punjab. The town is located on the Grand Trunk Road.
f. Majitha
Majitha is a town and a municipal council in the Amritsar district in Punjab.
g. Rajasansi
Rajasansi is a town and a Nagar panchayat in Amritsar.
Amritsar International Airport, the Raja Sansi Airport is located on Ajnala-Rajasansi Road.
h. Ramdass
Ramdass is a city and a municipal council in Amritsar. The city belongs to the Jat Sikh Bal clan.
i. Rayya
Rayya is a city and a Municipality Corporation in the Amritsar district in Punjab. The city is approximately 35 km from Amritsar and 45 km from Jalandhar. It is around 5 km from the Beas River.
j. Verka Town
Verka is suburbia in the Amritsar district of Punjab. It is situated on Batala Road in the northern part of Amritsar.
k. Baba Bakala
Baba Bakala is a historical town and tehsil in Amritsar. It is the home of Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib. The town is located only 43 km from the Golden Temple in the city of Amritsar.
Historical Gates of the Walled City Amritsar
Amritsar is called the walled city because of its glorious 12 historical gates. These gates are beautiful architectural structures with a remarkable history. The 12 gates are-
1. Sultanwind Gate
2. Chatiwind Gate
3. Gilwali Gate
4. Bhagtan Wala Gate
5. Hakima Wala Gate
6. Khazana Gate
7. Lahori Gate
8. Lohgarh Gate
9. Hathi Gate
10. Hall Gate
11. Mahan Singh Gate
12. Sheran Wala Gate
Try visiting these in a private taxi and have a look at the beautiful architecture.
Places to Visit in Amritsar
The Holy City, Amritsar is the home to a remarkable array of historic, spiritual and striking locales.
There are numerous places to visit in Amritsar like:
Golden Temple and Heritage Street
The Golden Temple Amritsar is the sacred shrine for the people of Sikh religion. The temple was the main center of the old Amritsar city, which is visited by the Sikh devotees from all parts of the world.
This sacred place is known for its exquisite architecture and the peaceful spirit. The Sarovar (Sacred Pool) surrounding the temple enhances its beauty and charm.
Durgiana Temple
Durgiana Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the city of Amritsar. The temple is devoted to Goddess Durga. It is a few kilometers from Railway Station & about 1.5 km. from Amritsar Bus Stand. The temple is also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Durga Tirath and Sitla Mandir.
Apart from Goddess Durga who is the primary deity here, the temple also worships Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Lord Vishnu (protector of the world) and Lord Krishna. The temple is built in the middle of a holy lake, and the architecture of the structure is similar to that of the glorious Golden Temple.
Ram Tirath Temple Amritsar
Ram Tirath Temple or Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal is a temple complex and a significant ancient monument of Valmikis located at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath road of Amritsar city. Since 1 December 2016, it has an 8 foot tall 800 kg gold plated statue of Lord Valmiki in the main part. The place is visited by a large number of people to get a divine look of statues depicting scenes from the mythological Ramayana.
Wagah border
This Border lies between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan. It is located approximately 29 kilometers away from the city.
The site is known for the ceremony of Beating Retreat and Change of Guard. The soldiers from both countries demonstrate their heartfelt love for their country and the jingoistic sentiment reaches its peak among the onlookers.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum was the preceding summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The museum presents articles related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, old paintings, manuscripts, and coins, which are centuries old.
Inside the museum, an enormous diorama portrays the maharaja’s glorious battles, complete with booming battle cries and distinct sound effects. Cameras are not allowed inside. The Timings of the museum are from 10 AM TO 5 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) and Monday Closed.
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar renowned for one of the most devastating yet landmark events in the history of India. At this place, the Amritsar Massacre took place in 1919.
Jallianwala Bagh is a representation of the notable and tragic historical event that took place in the city when British soldiers fired on a number of men, women, and children gathered here for a Fair on the festival of Vaisakhi. The bullet marks on the walls of the place still can give one chill. The evening show of light and sound shows the reflection of the scary story very precisely.
Sadda Pind
Sadda Pind is spread over 12 acres and marked by Punjab’s spirit and tradition. The place displays the lifestyle in a pre-Independence Punjabi village. Every day, patrons are invited to participate in lively musical sangeet, Jaago and Baraat cavalcades around the resort. Visitors can also watch startling performances of magicians, gatka (Sikh martial arts) and stuntmen in a Maut Ka Kuan (The well of Death), compete in games like archery, bowling, and balloon shooting, and ride on horse carts and camel carts.
Gobindgarh Fort
The place perfectly showcases the cultural, historic and religious side of Amritsar. Gobindgarh Fort‘s significant role in Amritsar’s history has been documented in a gorgeous sound and light show. This fort paved the glorious history of powerful Misl known as Bhangi Misl which loses its rule after battling with Maharaja Ranjit Singh who reigns over the Amritsar since then.
Partition Museum
Situated at Town Hall Amritsar, Partition Museum was set up by the Arts and cultural heritage trust. The building is dedicated to the memory of partition of sub-continent in 1947- its victims, its survivors, and its abiding legacy.
Heritage street near Golden Temple starts from this point.
War Memorial Amritsar
The War Memorial Amritsar showcases the remarkable gallantry deeds of the brave-hearts of Punjab.
This place is not just informative but also pays homage to the brave hearts of the state. This memorial has silicone statues of the heroes, notes on their bravery & achievements and a virtual depiction of the actual battle scenes.
Mata Lal Devi Temple
The Mata Lal Devi Temple, (also known as the Param Pujya Mata Lal Devi Mandir) is a pious Hindu temple in Amritsar that dedicated to a 20th-century female saint named Lal Devi. The temple is considered to be full of supernatural fertility-improving powers and so is very popular in this nation that values children and family so highly.
Best Time to visit Amritsar
The best time to visit Amritsar is September to Mid December and February to March as it experiences extreme temperatures in both winters and summers. The weather remains bright and suitable for travel.
Famous Food Places
Guru ka langar
Langar is served 24 hours and can be experienced anytime you visit the temple. It’s something that needs not be skipped. Meals served on Guru Purab have a few extra treats.
Everybody is welcome and is seated in rows while they are served by volunteer devotees. It’s because discrimination and inequality are things that are not appreciated within the walls of the temple.
Kesar Da Dhaba
This Dhaba is more than 100 years old. The food served here is extraordinarily delicious and something to die for. Some best food items are like mix parantha, dal makhani( with a huge spoon of ghee), paneer dishes.
Their thali is the most delightful preparations offered by any of the oldest Dhabas in India. It consists of 2 Plain Paranthas, Dal Fry, Channa Plain, Raita and Salad. They specialize in Dal Tadka from the dishes corner and Firni from our desserts.
The best way to visit here is to hire an E-Rickshaw from near Golden Temple as it is situated in little old streets of Amritsar, only approachable by Two-wheelers, Rickshaws or by walking. Try to be there by 7.30 P.M. – 8 P.M. else you might have to wait for 20-30 minutes to get your turn.
Kanha Sweets
This small sweet shop is situated at Lawrence road where Puri Channe and Amritsari Lassi are much more delicious than sweets. But, this place serves authentic Puri Channe and Lassi which are mouthwatering and in great demand for breakfast.
This place is jammed with people every morning and it actually takes a few minutes for each plate to come over the table. They have a proper stand and eat as well as sitting arrangement. The food is full of flavor and if companies with lassi, it is extremely heavenly.
This place starts serving Puri Channe from 9 A.M. till 1 P.M mostly. Try visiting here from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M.
World Famous Amritsari Kulcha
The name discourses for itself and yes Amritsar is definitely a Kulcha land. The prices for kulcha are low and affordable.
The kulchas here have marvelous stuffing and are served hot and crispy. They are accompanied by spicy chana, special chutney, and yummy Lassi.
These are so great that people from far away places travel just to have these.
There are some Five Star hotels in nearby cities that bring Water Tankers full of water from Amritsar just to cook these in their kitchens as master chefs believe the taste and texture of these Amritsari Kulchas can only be achieved from the water from Amritsar.
I will just want to sleep after heaving this heavy breakfast. If you want to try good Kulchas, do not expect to get these after 2:00 P.M.
The most famous places are Ashok Kumar Kulcha (known as Ashoka Kulche Wala among locals) in Ranjit Avenue, Bittu Kulcha in Ranjit Avenue, Monu Kulcha on Loharka Road, and Darshan Kulcha on Loharka Road.
For tourists, we do not recommend visiting Loharka Road due to the bad conditions of this road. So, we will recommend you to try this at Ashok Kumar Kulcha in Ranjit Avenue.
Santosh Chinese and Fast food
The small restaurant is located in Basant Avenue, Near Ajanta Public School. Hot soya chap and noodles served by them are super amazing. Desi style burgers are outstanding.
Santosh Chinese Food in Amritsar makes way for a hearty meal. This place is synonymous with gourmet food that can cloy all food cravings. It is home to some of the most relished cuisines.
Rajasthani Chat Bhandar
This small food joint is located in narrow lanes of Golden Temple. The chat and Dahi Bhalla is unconditionally famous. The entire flavor of Dahi Bhalla and the softness of the Vada are to be tried at least once.
This place serves exceptional Chaat Papri & Golgappe. If you are in Amritsar then you should not miss hitting this place. The price is reasonable too.
It has another branch in Rani Ka Bagh near Mata Lal Devi Mandir.
A-One Kulfa
This is a Kulfi and Faluda shop located near Crystal Chowk. They serve a Faluda plate which contains Kulfi with Rabri and Faluda. It is exceptionally outstanding.
It has an authentic rich flavor that we miss out in the branded ice creams these days.
Ahuja Milk Bhandar
How can a trip come to an end without having lassi especially if you are in Punjab? This place is very popular for its sweet lassi. The glass of lassi is huge with a big dollop of desi butter on top of it. Sweet lassi or Mithi Lassi out here is certainly a must try to fall in love with the Punjabi culture.
Bhrawan Da Dhaba
Bhrawan Da Dhaba has been serving exquisite Punjabi treats since 1912. The thalis are luscious platters of dhal, channa, and/or paneer served with naan, roti or rice (or all of them). The kulcha is unusually tasty and for afters, don’t miss the Phirni (Rice Pudding) served in adorable clay pots.
This is opposite the Town Hall on the start of Heritage Street near Golden Temple.
Sharma Gulab Jamun and Jalebi
Location-Dayanand Nagar, Lawrence Road, Amritsar – 143001
Hours of Operation-9:00 am – 11:45 pm
This famous sweet shop offers tempting soft Gulab Jamuns which just melt in your mouth. The jalebis are hot and crunchy and have no color added. Other sweet dishes like moong halwa and gajar ka halwa are worth trying too.
Durga Fruit Ice Cream
Shop No 598, Lawerence Road, Lawrence Road, Amritsar – 143001, Near Novelty Sweets
This place is an ice cream parlor with a small games arcade for the kids. The special fruit cream ice cream is a must-try. The treats are served in a generous quantity at a decent price.
Gian Lassi
Location- Katra Sher Singh opposite Regent Cinema, Amritsar
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
They serve tempting lassi in different variants topped with malai and butter. The lassi has the authentic taste of Punjab. The rates are very genuine, plain lassi which was served with malai & butter and is priced at 40 bucks per glass. They also serve pedal lassi, chocolate lassi, strawberry lassi, mango lassi, etc.
This is the most famous Lassi Shop and a must-try. You will find this shop to the right on your way back from Golden Temple. So, stop your car on the left and have a refreshing Large glass of Lassi and then try not to sleep.
Mahajan Kulfi
Location-Hall Bazar, Katra Ahluwalia, Hathi Gate, Amritsar
Timings- 9 am – 11 pm
Mahajan Kulfi Wala is a must-try in Amritsar. The place is small but the kulfis are worth trying. The taste of kulfi is rich and authentic. The shop has maintained its facades old aura and taste.
Brijwasi chat
Location-Crystal Chowk, Cooper Road, Near INA Colony
Opening hours: 11 am – 8 pm
Whenever I am in Amritsar, Brijwasi’s Bun Tikki and Papdi chaat taste amazing. All the treats are fresh and hygienic. So whenever you visit Amritsar, you know where to head for some yummy chaat!
We request you not to miss this Bun Tikki if you are in Amritsar.
This has another branch in Rani Ka Bagh and Ranjit Avenue.
Educational Institutions in Amritsar
Education is the foundation on which the building of life rests the holy & historic city of Amritsar. The city truly believes in the power of education and therefore has a number of good educational institutes in the city.
IIM Amritsar
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar is the 15th IIM established by the Ministry of Human Resources Development with the support of the Government of Punjab. The Institute is currently run in the Punjab Institute of Technology Building, around five km away from the railway station and 10 from the airport.
G.N.D.U – Guru Nanak Dev University
Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar on November 24, 1969, to mark the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak DevJi. Guru Nanak Dev University campus sprawls over 500 acres (2 km²) near the village of Kot Khalsa and around 8 km west of the Amritsar City on Amritsar.
The university was accredited at the five-star level by The National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
Khalsa College Amritsar
This is one of the oldest educational institutions in Amritsar.
The college campus is just another architectonic masterpiece of Amritsar. The architecture of Khalsa College is considered as one of the best examples of the Indo-Saracenic style. The very look of the place from a distance prepares you for what to expect once you get in. The structure is splendid with a lot of historical relevance.
Many famous personalities, ministers and sportspersons are alumni of this prestigious college.
KCET Amritsar
Khalsa College Of Engineering And Technology:-Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology is a college with potential excellence in academics and training which is located in Amritsar, Punjab and affiliated to Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar enabling youth to contribute in the development of the society by upgraded technology.
HCA-Hindu College Amritsar
HCA – Hindu College Amritsar is affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University. The Hindu College believes in transforming the lives of students through state-of-the-art infrastructure & career-oriented courses that horn their skills & gives effective results.
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji, known as the master of Economics is the alumni of this college.
GIMET – Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies
Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies (GIMET) is a technology and management institute in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Institute is affiliated with Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and is approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Global Institute was established in 2008.
D.A.V College Amritsar
DAV College Amritsar has high academic standing and a reputation for excellence in research and teaching which is reflected in the demand for courses for greatly achieving students, the importance of graduates to the community in which they work, the quality of staff and their strong performance and commitment to research.
BBK DAV College for Women Amritsar
BBK DAV College for Women Amritsar is located in Lawrence Road, Punjab and affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University. This college for women offers courses that result in generating employment opportunities and enrich the skills of the student enabling them to meet the challenges of the global world.
Government Medical College
Government Medical College, Amritsar was established as a Medical School in Lahore in 1864. Later it was relocated to Amritsar in 1920.
The college has earned for itself a place of pride in the field of medical education and patient care.
SGRD College
Named after the fourth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Das, the founder of the divine city of Amritsar, the Institute of Medical Sciences & Research was established in the year 1997. The Campus is safeguarded by a powerful security team, consisting of ex-army personnel, under the administrative supervision of an officer of the rank of a Lt. Colonel (Retd). The Institute has its own fleet of buses and cabs for transporting students and the staff between the Institute and the city.
Festivals
The city of Amritsar is adorned with many ancient customs that have evolved over a significant period of time. Fairs and Festivals in this holy city show its exciting cultural extravaganza.
Multicultural festivals like Diwali, Gurupurab, Holi, Dussehra, Baisakhi, Lohri, etc. are celebrated in the city with great zest.
Diwali
A Punjabi saying lauds the Diwali celebrations of Amritsar: Dal roti Ghar di, Diwali Amritsar di (home-cooked food and Amritsar’s Diwali have no comparisons). Gigantic firecrackers are burst and the city is adorned by fancy lightings.
The golden temple is brilliantly decorated with colorful lights. The cracker celebration at Golden Temple is worth a watch but be prepared for a heavy crowd of devotees.
Ram Tirath Fair
This fair is organized at Ram Tirath, a pious place of Amritsar and continues for five whole days in which there are arrangements of acrobat shows, wild animal exhibition, magic show, etc.
Basant Panchami at Chheharta Sahib
This fair is organized in the Chheharta Sahib Gurudwara of Amritsar and involves a kite playing custom
Baisakhi
This festival is celebrated by the people of Amritsar on the 13th of April every year when they pay reverence to their religious traditions.
Guru Purab
Guruparab is celebrated by the Sikh followers to offer prayers to the feet of their revered Masters in Amritsar
Transport in Amritsar
Transportation in Amritsar is very convenient. With the increase in the development of transportation in Amritsar, it’s getting better for people day by day. The city has well connected with various destinations by the proper means of railways, buses, an airplane, etc. The condition of the road is quite well and getting properly developed day by day with the initial steps taken by administration authorities.
The railway network of Amritsar is remarkably well developed. The railways have numerous amenities for the passengers.
The transportation in Amritsar by air also has its own significance. The city has its own international airport i.e Raja Sansi International Airport.
Not only this but also if you want to travel in and around city various means of roadways like Rickshaws, cabs, Autorickshaws, buses, etc. are readily available.
BRTS – Bus Rapid Transit System
It is designed to make transportation more convenient. It has become easy to travel to different places such as the Golden Temple, Guru Nanak Dev University, etc. These buses are fully air-conditioned.
Famous Personalities
People of Amritsar are proud of their rich culture. The people of this city are fine examples of courage and honor. Amritsar is known for the dynamic personalities that it has given to the world. Some of the famous personalities of Amritsar are:
Akshay Kumar
An Amritsar born Canadian actor, producer, television personality, martial artist, stuntman and humanitarian who works in Indian Bollywood films.
Kiran Bedi
A social activist, former tennis player, and a notable politician.
Dara Singh Randhawa
A professional wrestler, actor, and politician.
Kapil Sharma
An Indian stand-up comedian, television presenter, actor, and producer. Currently, he hosts The Kapil Sharma Show.
Bharti Singh Limbachiyaa
a stand-up comedian and a versatile actress.
Vikas Khanna
An Indian Chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, filmmaker, and humanitarian.
Vipul Mehta
A playback singer, originating from Amritsar, Punjab, India. He won the title of the Indian Idol in season 6 of the show i.e. on 1 September 2012.
Amrinder Singh Gill
He is a Canadian Punjabi actor, singer, songwriter, and film producer.
In Summary, Food at Amritsar is something that will attract you to visit this colorful holy city beside the famous historical places and One of the most beautiful places on Earth – The Golden Temple.
If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, feel free to contact us so that we can help you make your stay comfortable.
