INTRODUCTION

Amritsar is home to the Religious Building important to Sikhs - The Golden Temple. Amritsar is an institution by itself. And the Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity. Amritsar is one of the most sacred sikh religious sites in India.

TOURISTS ATTRACTION - THE GOLDEN TEMPLE

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most exalted of all Sikh shrines, drawing pilgrims from near and far fore centuries. The temple's story began some four centuries ago when the third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked Guru Ram Das (who succeeded him) to build a central place for the congregation of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev completed the work started by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. The gurdwara has four entrance doors, called deoris, in all four directions-symbolic of the new faith that made no distinction between caste and creed. People could enter and bow in any direction they preferred.

As one descends into the temple (unlike most temples, here one actually descends as the structure is built below the level of the surrounding area), one is confronted by the stunningly beautiful sanctum sanctorum glimmering in the water of the holy tank that is flanked on all four sides by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements

PLACES AROUND AMRITSAR

Within an hour's drive from Amritsar are several Sikh religious sites to visit. Several historical Gurdwaras like Baba Bakala, Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Baba Sahib, attract the devout. The drive takes one through the heart of rural Punjab with lush green paddy fields, tiny villages, and robust farmers.

The Amritsar that greets visitors today is a bustling, busy city with a distinct 'frontier' atmosphere, nestling as it does within breathing distance of the Indo-Pakistan border. A popular outing is to the Wagah checkpost on the Indo-Pakistan border where crowds throng to see the change of guards ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering, all done with great skill and precision.

HOW TO REACH

The ever-improving infrastructure in the city is making it easier for visitors to reach it from different parts of the country.

BY AIR - The Rajasansi airport at Amritsar is well linked by flights from all over India. Recently, it was elevated to an international airport.

BY RAIL - There are direct links from Delhi to Amritsar by train. It is an 8-10-hour journey.

BY ROAD - Buses also ply regularly between the two cities.