[ Edit ] Overview

The spiritual heart of the Sikh community, Amritsar is perhaps one of India's most important junctions – connected to the rest of India by the 500 year old Grand Trunk Road on its east and Pakistan through the Wagah Border on its west. In addition to the fabulous Golden Temple, Amritsar's attractions include it roadside dhabas and the spectacle of the daily closing of the India / Pakistan border gate at Wagah..

While the area around Amritsar was briefly under Greek influence around 326 B.C., and subsequently became part of the Maurya and Gupta empires, Amritsar’s notable history is inter-linked with the birth and growth of Sikhism and the establishment of the Golden Temple starting in the 1500’s.  Amritsar, which means “Pool of Nectar”, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the Golden Temple.

Otherwise like most small and crowded Indian cities, Amritsar is an important destination given the presence of the Golden Temple.  However, there is more than just the temple for visitors.  Amritsar played an important role in India’s freedom.  Jallianwala Bagh is the site of the massacre of unarmed Indians by British troops in 1919.  In addition, the Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill at the evening gate closing has become a major tourist attraction.

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[ Edit ] History

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Punjab

[ Edit ] Location

At the western end of Punjab and on the Grand Trunk Road bordering Pakistan.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

October to March is presents the best weather in Amritsar.  Summer tends to be unbearably hot – a shade warmer than Delhi – for leisure travel.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

[ Edit ] STD Code

0183

Sightseeing

Golden Temple

One of the most easily recognizable monuments in India, the 450-year-old Golden Temple, or Harmander Sahib, is the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion. People of any religion, caste or creed are welcome here. A hum...More>>>

Hathi Gate Temple

In the heart of Sikh country stands the Hathi Gate / Durgiana Temple built with a untraditional Hindu look. Built in the 1930’s, the design is reminiscent of the Golden Temple. It possesses a central dome with...More>>>

Jallianwala Bagh

Walking through a maze of narrow paths in the Old City, near the Golden Temple, and emerging onto a large open field is a site that is one of the most significant in India's journey toward independence from the Brit...More>>>

Khair-ud-Din Masjid

Khair-ud-Masjid is the oldest and most famous mosque in the city and stands near Gandhi Gate at Hall Bazaar. The structure uses traditional Islamic architecture with beautiful calligraphy adorning its walls. The mas...More>>>

Other Gurudwaras

Other Gurudwaras, including the Baba Atal, the Mata Kaulan, as well as Guru ke Mahal are worth a visit.  These temples hosted the Gurus while the Golden Temple / Harmander Sahin was being built. The Baba Atal i...More>>>

Ram Bagh

Ram Bagh is a sprawling landscaped garden with large age-old trees and well-manicured shrubbery. It's a suitable tribute to the founder of Amritar and after whom it is named – Guru Ram Baba. The summer palace ...More>>>

Wagah Border

The border between India and Pakistan passes close to Amritsar.  At this location, witness a ceremonious gesture that plays out daily, before sunset, to mark the closing of the border for the day through the fa...More>>>

Forecast

Monday's forecast    Sunny. Temperature of 38°C. Winds ENE 15km/h. Humidity will be 32% with a dewpoint of 19° and feels-like temperature of 40°C. High: 38 °C Low: 24 °C

Tuesday's forecast    Sunny. Temperature of 39°C. Winds ESE 21km/h. Humidity will be 37% with a dewpoint of 22° and feels-like temperature of 44°C. High: 39 °C Low: 25 °C

Wednesday's forecast    Sunny. Temperature of 40°C. Winds NE 6km/h. Humidity will be 32% with a dewpoint of 20° and feels-like temperature of 43°C. High: 40 °C Low: 27 °C

Thursday's forecast    Sunny. Temperature of 41°C. Winds WNW 14km/h. Humidity will be 30% with a dewpoint of 21° and feels-like temperature of 46°C. High: 41 °C Low: 28 °C

Friday's forecast    Scattered showers. There is a 30% chance of precipitation. Partly cloudy. Temperature of 43°C. Winds SSW 22km/h. Humidity will be 33% with a dewpoint of 23° and feels-like temperature of 52°C. High: 43 °C Low: 28 °C

Saturday's forecast    Partly cloudy. Temperature of 44°C. Winds SSW 22km/h. Humidity will be 30% with a dewpoint of 22° and feels-like temperature of 52°C. High: 44 °C Low: 29 °C

Sunday's forecast    Sunny. Temperature of 42°C. Winds NW 13km/h. Humidity will be 26% with a dewpoint of 19° and feels-like temperature of 45°C. High: 42 °C Low: 30 °C

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