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Amritsar
Amritsar () is a holy city in the state of Punjab, India.
The G o ld e n Te mp le (Harmand ir Sahib ) and the main e ntranc e

Understand
T he name of the city derives f rom the name of the pool around the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Sahib) and means "holy pool of nectar" (Amrit: elixir; Sar: (short f or sarovar) lake). It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightf ully very proud of the city and their very beautif ul and unique Gurdwara (place of worship). T he Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdaas Ji, the f ourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism center.

Get in
Best time to visit Amritsar is in the winter, between October and March

Airport
Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport (IATA: AT Q ) [1] is about 11 km and a 15-20 minutes drive f rom the city center. It's one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most f lights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: British Midland International (bmi) f lies to London via Almaty [2], Jet f lies to London, Air India f lies to Toronto via London and Air Slovakia f lies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. T here are also surprising numbers of f lights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan). Qatar Airways now f lies to Doha. According to the airport website [3], the transportation service availability is the f ollowing: Service City Bus Service Car Rental Service General Taxi Service Pre-paid Taxi Service Availability Not Available Available Available Available

By t rain
Amritsar (IR station code : ASR ) is an important railway station and is well connected to major cities in India through daily trains. Trains can be booked online [4], at the train station or, most conveniently, at the small booking of f ice in the Golden Temple Complex. Here are some usef ul trains to get to Amritsar: Train Number 12013 12029 12497 You may alight at Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar

Train Name Shatabdi Express Shatabdi Express Shan-e-Punjab Express New Delhi New Delhi New Delhi

You may board at

12903 12925 12317 13005 12053 18102

Golden Temple Mail Paschim Express Akal Takht Express Howrah-Amritsar Mail Jan Shatabdi Express Muri Express

Mumbai Central, Nizamuddin (Delhi) Bandra Terminus (Mumbai), New Delhi Howrah (Kolkata), Varanasi, Patna Howrah (Kolkata), Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna Haridwar Jammu

Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar

It's advisable to book your return train ticket as soon as you arrive in Amritsar, or bef ore if you know the exact date, as trains are of ten heavily booked. When you are back to railway station make sure Rickshaw or Auto will drop you on the right side of the station. Suppose you have train f rom Platf orm No.#1 than rickshaw driver has to cross the bridge and come across the other part of station, Otherwise they will drop you at their convenient place and one have to cross the f oot over bridge with baggage. Also see Rail travel in India

By car
Long-distance taxis are available f rom most places. It takes around 6-7 hours f rom New Delhi via NH-1. Amritsar is well-connected by bus to most major cities and the northern areas within a days drive. PAT HANKOT is about 2.5 hours away and about 100 kms away, JALANDHAR is about 80 kms f rom here, KAPURT HALA (royal city) is about 65 kms f rom here and there are daily direct buses to New Delhi, Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, Dharamsala (once daily, ~6 hours), etc.You can f ind Volvo buses f rom Chandigarh , Delhi and Katra to Amritsar .

From Pakist an
If coming f rom Wagah at the Pakistani border, take a cycle-rickshaw (Rs 15, 3km) to the Attari station, where you can catch a local bus to Amritsar (Rs 20, 25 km). Taxis also use this route and charge around Rs 1500 f or the entire vehicle.

Get around
An auto-rickshaw f rom the train station to the temple should cost around Rs 20, while a cyclerickshaw will run about Rs 30. T here is a f ree bus service f rom the train station to the golden temple run by Golden Temple trust. It drops you right at the accommodation booking of f ice of the Golden Temple where you can get double bed room f or Rs. 1000 per day.

By car
You can easily visit Amritsar by car. T here are many car rental companies available. taxiGUIDE.in (Amritsar Car Rental), +91 888 023 4455 (support@taxiguide.in), [5]. . Amritsar Car Rental services on taxiGUIDE.in - a Chauf f eur Driven Car Rental service in 75 Cities in India. Fares start f rom Rs.1400 f or f ull day local & Rs.9.5/km f or Outstation. edit

See
Golden Temple
T he Golden Temple [6] is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always f ull

of thousands of pilgrims f rom all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. T he excitement to be here is inf ectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself . Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. T he complex is open almost 24 hours (f rom 6AM until 2AM) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautif ully lit up. As you arrive near the complex, you will more The G o ld e n Te mp le likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandannas to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir f or Rs.10, but there's also a big barrel of f ree ones to choose f rom at the entrance itself . Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the lef t of the entrance, wash your f eet at the entrance and head in. "Ghanta Ghar". T his is the main entrance, sporting a distinctly Victorian clock-tower. Wash your f eet in the water at the entrance in order to keep the temple clean. Amrit Sarovar . T he giant pool of water that surrounds and ref lects the Golden Temple. Sections (marked of f by ropes) are set aside f or (male) pilgrims wishing to bathe. Harmandir Sahib . T his is the Golden Temple itself , f loating above the Amrit Sarovar, housing the sacred Adi Granth scripture which is recited out loud during the day. T his is the most crowded point, accessible by a bridge f rom the edge of the pool, and entry here is regulated by traditionally dressed Sikh guards. It's a 2 story structure where Sikh saints are seated on each f loor. Akal Takht , directly opposite the Harmandir Sahib. Meaning "T he Timeless", this is where the highest council of Sikhs sits and deliberates. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht.
Pilg rims b athing in the Amrit Saro var at nig ht

Central Sikh Museum, 2nd f loor (entrance on the right side of the main side of the main entrance). Devoted to large gallery of paintings, mostly showing the gruesome ways countless Sikhs have been martyred, and various knick-knacks f rom the gurus. Free. All Sikhs are expected at some point in their lives to volunteer f or a week at the temple, and everyone you see working here is f ulf illing that duty. It's likely possible that you can join in if you f eel so inclined you could enquire by asking the people outside peeling vegetables, or those washing dishes.

Ot her
Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) is a short 5-minute walk f rom the Golden Temple, and is the site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre. On April 13 of that year, British Indian Army soldiers opened f ire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. T he f iring lasted about 10 minutes and 1650 rounds were f ired, killing 1579 people. A memorial was built on the site and inaugurated by the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on 13 April 1961. to this day the bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings. T he well into which many people jumped and drowned attempting to save themselves f rom the hail of bullets is also a protected monument inside the park.

J allianwala Bag h Entranc e

Mata Temple is a labyrinthine like Hindu cave temple devoted to the f emale saint Lal Devi. Traditionally, women wishing to become pregnant come here to pray. T he roundabout path to the main temple passes through

low tunnels, caves f ull of ankle-deep water, inclined walkways, and mirrored hallways that make the experience seem more like a f un house than a place of worship. T he colors, wide variety of deities, and elaborate mirrored image make this a psychedelically unique temple. Highly recommended! T his is called Sheesh Mahal, and some people also seem to call it "Lal Devi." Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is in the Ram Bagh park. Now the palace houses a museum, exibiting oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons f rom the Sikh period. In this park is the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, so ask, if you are at the right museum. Ram T irth is a short distance of 11 kms outside the city. Consecrated by the appearance of Devi Sita, Ram Tirth had been a witness to the birth of the sons of King Rama. Making a special place in the holy scripts of ancient religions, the place was once the ashrama of saint Balmiki. T he saint is believed to have scripted many of his sacred manuscripts at this place. A hut of Rishi Balmiki is still f ound at Ram Tirth where he once lived. Af ter giving birth to Luv and Kush, Devi Sita used to stay at this place f or a considerable period of time. T he evidence of her stay still exists in the f orm a well which, it is believed, was dug by Hanuman. Devotees of King Rama and Devi Sita f lock to this place every year to of f er their prayers to the respected deities. As the locational position of the Ram Tirth is f acilitated by easy accessibility, hence, the visitors conveniently reach this place of worship without any extra hassles.

Do
Ram Tirath, Amritsar. It is a place where Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Rama and Sita were born. edit

Learn
T he Golden Temple has a massive library where tourists/visitors can get books on Sikhism f or f ree or at very little cost. Almost every Sikh at the temple will be willing to talk to you about the temple and their religion and culture. Go there with an open mind and you'll leave with a smiling heart.

Buy
Sikh symbols and religious paraphernalia like khandas, Karas (sikh relegious bangle), swords, daggers etc f rom the shops close to the Golden Temple. Guru Nanak knick-knacks. His f ace graces all kinds of goodies. CDs of temple recordings, chants, and Punjabi music in the shops along the f ront of the temple. Punjabi Juttis (shoes) f rom the tiny shops near the Hall Bazaar f lyover. Warian (spicy pulses ground with spices) f rom Hall Bazaar Phulkaari is a f orm of embroidery f rom the state of Punjab in India and certain parts of Pakistan which literally means f lower making. Brightly colored shawls to sarees to head scarves to salwar-kameez of phulkaari can be f ound in Hall Bazar and Kapra market. Hand-embroidered ones would be more expensive and are still very much in demand f or f estivals and other joyous occasions. Bargain your heart out, especially in Kapra market as its a whole-sale market f or clothes.

Sikh khand as d is p laye d p ro mine ntly o n an e xag g e rate d turb an

Clock tower (Balmukand Kailash nath, est. 1930), new misri bazar (2-3mins walk f rom golden temple), +919988367620, [7]. Murabbas, Pickles, Syrups, Squashes, Sauces and Ketchup & Jams etc. edit Chawla Boutique, A/308-a Ranjeet Avenue, Amritsar , +91-9417056161. Punjabi custom-made salwaar kameez; Readymade Indian dresses; Hand embroidered dresses (Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm) edit

Eat
T he Golden Temple has a dining hall (langar) serving f ree basic meals to all... A def inite must f or visitors. Plates and spoons are handed out near the entrance, then f ollow the crowds inside and take the next vacant spot in one of the rows on the f loor. Servers come by with large buckets of dal, chapatis and rice. Make sure to f inish everything on your plate (wasting f ood isn't an option here!) then take it outside to volunteers at the washing area. It's inside the complex which means no shoes and cover your head. At the exit, there is a donation box, in case you want to voluntarily donate f or the cause of f ree meals. Country Inn & Suites, around the corner of Bhandari Bridge serves up great Indian, Italian, Continental and Chinese f ood. My Kind of Place of f ers f ast f ood such as pizza, burgers, and chips. It of f ers Chinese & Continental f ood also. T he Brothers or Bharavan the Dhaba, is place situated near to Golden Temple where you can eat traditional f ood or chinese, continental where you can enjoy taste of your choice at af f ordable prices. However, the f ood and service takes a plunge during peak times like weekends. New Punjabi Rasoi, around the corner f rom the temple it's one of the most popular restaurants in town and serves up great Indian f ood including tasty masala dosas. Meals ~Rs 40-60. Neelam's, a f ew doors down f rom New Punjabi Rasoi, of f ers pizza and other basics. Meals f rom Rs 30. Pizza Hut , Yes, the American chain. about a 30 - 50 Rs Auto-Rickshaw ride f rom the golden temple. Most auto-rickshaw drivers know where it is, or can get directions. Good if your stomach needs a western meal f or a change. Comes with customer service that one would expect in a f our-star restaurant in the west. Kesar da Dhaba. Located near the Golden Temple, it of f ers good Punjabi f ood made in pure ghee. Daal Makhni is worth trying. Don't f orget to try a glass of Lassi af ter a meal. edit Bubby Dhaba, opposite Golden Temple (Just opposite the main entrance of Golden Temple). serves authentic Punjabi f ood at a very reasonable cost and ideally located, just f ew metres f rom the main entrance of the Holy Golden Temple edit Moolchand Fish Shop , Of f of GT Road near Tourist Guesthouse. Find the Christchurch Cathedral (large red-and-green church, pretty conspicuous!) and keep walking, away f rom GT road. In about 2 minutes, you'll see a little shop selling f ish. Open 8 am to 11 pm. T his tiny place is the def inition of hole-in-the wall. If it looks like it has been there f or 50 years, it's because it has! T hey'll weigh out your f ish based on how much you want to pay, f ry it, put some delicious spices on it, and serve it with spicy green chutney and raw onions. A little hard to f ind, but worth it. About 50 rupees f or a good-sized piece of f ish, 70 rupees f or a serving of chicken. T here are very f ew Decent Non Veg Joints near the temple complex. Kanha Sweets, Lawrence Road. T hey serve f antastic Channa - Batura. Great f or breakf ast. edit Gurdass Ram Jalebi wale, Ahluwali Katra (very close to the main gate of Golden Temple). Eat Jalebis edit Kulcha Chole Dhaba, No. 1, Maqbool Road. Best Kulchas ever. edit Caf e Oz, SCO 120, Distt Shopping Center, Ranjit Avenue, 9888694633, [8]. . T he f inest Australian joint in Amritsar with Vittoria Cof f ee and T 2 Tea imported exclusively f rom Australia, 5 star multi cuisine meals, inovative mocktails all at great prices edit Bakes & Beans (Bakes and beans), SCO 24, district shopping complex, ranjit avenue, b block, Amritsar (Opp. Ajit hospital on old jail road.), 01835099888. . Bakes and beans is an Italian caf e situated in the upmarket area of Amritsar. It is the only Italian restaurant with an in house bakery and conf ectionary. T he most happening hangout in Amritsar. 250-600. edit

Drink

Lassi is the good Yoghurt(Curd) Drink there in Amritsar. All indian and imported alcoholic drinks are available at the omnipresent licenced liquor stores with prices ranging f rom Rs 100 f or a local english whisky to Rs 1000 f or good scotch whisky like teachers. Food & Beverages, (near Hotel Mohan International). Imported wines, beers and other liquors. edit Lassi wala chownk, Hall Bazaar, Lassi wala chownk. edit

Sleep
Budget
T he Golden Temple (multiple accomodations around town), VPO SEVANA DIST JHAJJAR HARYANA. checkin: 12/4/13; checkout: 13/4/13. Free accommodation f or pilgrims and tourists in very basic dorms or 3-bed rooms in Guru Ram Das Niwas, behind the temple. You should remain quiet and respectf ul of the surroundings, keeping in mind that this is a holy place of pilgrimage more than a tourist attraction. Alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden, not only within the temple complex but anywhere within sight of the temple complex. If you can handle that, then this is arguably the best place to stay - watching people go about their routine, talking to the pilgrims, and absorbing the gorgeous atmosphere. Put your donations in the donation box near the entrance to Ram Das Niwas, as opposed to the guards who may ask you f or it when checking out. T he temple also of f ers neat rooms (AC 500Rs, non-AC 200Rs) in a multitude of dedicated houses, but these are, due to alleged "problems" in the past, reserved f or Indian citizens only - a plead in the general inf ormation of f ice might qualif y you f or an exception, but do not count on it. While f ree, donations are expected (Rs 50-100 minimum per person per night is appropriate). edit Hotel Sita Continental, Sheran Wala Gate (10 minutes walk f rom Golden Temple), +91-1835002840. Its basic, new and clean. double Rs. 550-650. edit Tourist Guesthouse, 1355 GT Road (near the railway station, 25 minutes walking distance to the Golden Temple), 9438258231. checkin: 8-5-2013; checkout: 8-5-2013. A popular backpackers choice, with a decent restaurant and f riendly owners. double Rs. 250-400. edit Hotel Sita Niwas, (Right near the eastern corner of the golden temple. T here is now a new Hotel Sita Newas next door of f ering rooms f rom Rs 1000, so ask where the other one is if the price seems high.). checkout: Midday. Good and relatively cheap (Rs 80) f ood in their restaurant. T hey also organise shared jeeps to the Atari border crossing f or Rs 250 return. Rs 300. edit

Mid-range
Mrs. Bhandari's Guest House , [9], No. 10, Cantonment phone="+91 183 2 222390, Rs. 20003500, Very neat and clean rooms ,,, Hotel le golden http (www,hotellegolden.com) very near golden temple haveing view of golden temple f rom room & restaurant.Rs.1550. to 5250. Hotel 42 Amritsar, T he Mall , [10] Newly Built Luxury Hotel on Mall Road, Amritsar near Golden Temple. For discounts call Sahil 9872292468 Hotel Sapphire , [11] Hotel near Golden Temple having view of Golden Temple f rom Hotel Rooms. Rs 1250. Hotel CJ International, +91-183-254 3478,09876444000 [12]. A newer hotel just Opp. Golden Temple and with views of the Golden Temple. Rs 1200. Also now they have beautif ul splurge higher end rooms beautif ully designed & created. Rs. 2000. Wif i enabled lobby & restaurant. Hotel Heritage Inn , 0919876631047, [13]. Next to Golden Temple. Rooms are well f urnished and decorated. Rs.1350. Royal Castle A nice hotel located in the city about 15 min f rom the Golden Temple. T hough they claim to be a 3 star hotel 2 is more like it. T hey have decent rooms f or around Rs 2,100 a night. Hotel City Heart , [14] Hotel near golden temple and jallian wala bagh. Of f ers views of Golden

Temple and the city. Rs 800-1550. Hotel Indus, [15] Hotel right opposite to Golden Temple. Of f ers direct views of Golden Temple and the city. Rs 1450-1650. Hotel Sarovar Plaza, [16], Bazar Maisewan near Golden Temple, phone="0183-2535354-5, Rs. 1000-2850, Very neat and clean rooms, 24hrs room service and panaromic view of Golden Temple

Splurge
Green Acres Haveli , 5 Minutes f rom the airport. +91-97819-83828 [17]. Set amongst f ruit orchards and lush greenery this diamond category f armstay lets guests experience rich Punjabi culture and heritage charm. Recently restored, of f ers all modern conveniences and provides easy access to Amritsar attractions. Room packages range f rom Rs 3000 to 6000 (inclusive of meals). Ista Amritsar , MBM Farms, G.T. Road (adjoins Alpha One City Center ), +91 183-2708888, [18]. 5 star hotel with a contemporary design, two restaurants, lounge and spa. Rooms starting at Rs 5000. Hotel P.R. Residency, 4 Kms f rom Railway Station, Ranjit Avenue +91-98141-76567, 2502666. Located in the most porsh area, it has undoubtedly the best rooms and view in the town. Along with the most modern equipped suites, it is a great local f avourite f or dining f or its hospitality n memorable stay. Don't f orget to try out Golden Fried Chicken and continental cuisine. Rooms starting at 2000 to 4000 f or suites. Ranjits Svaasa, 47-A T he Mall (opposite the Ebony Mall, down a little side street) [19]. T he only boutique hotel in town, and a comparative oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city. Ranjit's is set in an old colonial house, and has been nicely ref urbished with understated style - the place looks at its best at night. T here is also a spa and small restaurant attached. Must be Amritsar's most expensive hotel with rooms starting at around Rs.5,000 per night. Grand Legacy, 8 G.T. Road (near railway station), tel. +91-183-5069991, [20]. Claims to be Amritsar's best hotel and the public areas look nice enough, but the rooms (and especially the bathrooms) don't quite pull it of f . Avoid the restaurant downstairs, or f ace amoebic dysentery. Single/double f rom Rs. 2000/3150. Ritz Plaza, 45 T he Mall, 256 2836, [21]. A more classy hotel also located in the city with good rooms and service and a swimming pool. Price starts at approx Rs 2,500 a night. MK Hotel, Ranjit Ave, 250 7911, [22]. Slightly out of town, but a nicer more upmarket option with great service. Doubles f rom Rs 3000, suites available. Hotel AJ Regency . Small but comf ortable air-conditioned rooms. About RS. 700/night. Hotel Swarn House . T his 3 Star hotel is a heavenly abode f or tourists coming in f rom all walks of lif e to visit the Golden Temple, which is just a walk away. It of f ers super deluxe and deluxe rooms to stay. Guests are served a delicious spread, comprising Mughlai, Continental, Chinese, and Italian and Punjabi specialties. Corporate travelers are also of f ered a spacious banquet space, which is ideal place to conduct weddings, prayer meetings and business conf erences. Country Inns and Suites By Carlson . Queens Road, Amritsar. Tel no. +91 1835050555.(http://www.countryinns.com/amritsar-punjab-hotel-in-143001/indamrq. A f our star hotel with rates starting INR3000 f or double rooms. Better rates online. Free Wireless and breakf ast. 1.5 kms to Golden temple and less than a km to the train station. Very clean and hospitable staf f . HK Clarks Inn : 14, District Shopping Complex, B-Block, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar-143001. Tel.no. +91 0183 5011111, [23]. Four star hotel, good f ood, f ine dine restaurant, lounge bar, open air barbeque, swimming pool, good aerated rooms.

Stay saf e
T he sectarian strif e of the 1980s is just a bad memory and Amritsar

is currently a saf e and welcoming city, if a little polluted.

Respect
You should remain aware and respectf ul of the Sikh religion anywhere near the Golden Temple complex. Inside the complex both men and women are required to cover their heads (scarves are widely available throughout the town f or Rs 10, or a box of them are f ree to use at the entrances to the temple). Smoking and alcohol are f orbidden within the complex and anywhere within sight of the temple. Lighting up a cigarette on the busy street out f ront will def initely attract negative attention, as will spitting near the temple. Photography is allowed on the outside ring of the holy lake, but not inside the actual temple itself .
Be have !

Contact
Int ernet
T here are quite a f ew good internet surf ing f acilities in Amritsar. Reliance WebWorld. edit Sif y Internet. edit Cyber Swing, (above New Punjabi Rasoi restaurant). Has several machines and a decent connection. edit Cyber Pub, Airport Road (opposite District Courts). Scanner and printer available. Rs 40/hour. edit

Get out
IndiaPakistan border closing ceremony (Attari-Wagah), (32km f rom Amritsar). . Indian and Pakistani soldiers do a march-of f every evening, a popular and f un event. See the dedicated article f or details, do not bring any bags if you go there. Taxis leave f rom the backside of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. It's a 45 minute ride, and you should leave Amritsar by around 3:30PM. T hey are basically two options f or getting there. One is to hire a taxi/autorickshaw or go in a pool in taxi, charges would be a minimum of 350 f or hiring an auto, the cheaper option would be to go f or a shared taxi costs about 80-100 rupees per person. Beware that 100 rupees may not include parking of the taxi on the place (around 10 rupees per person) and the taxi may be very f ull. Make sure you check the vehicle bef ore paying, of f er a deposit and ask if you can pay the rest on your return. Also Beware agents will take your money and ask you wait only 15 minutes we will move.. but slowly slowly they can take approx 2 hrs, to move f rom Amritsar.. Don't pay f irst , f irst board in the taxi and ask them to move immediately , otherwise you will miss the chance of watching border closing as it will crowded and you have to stand f ar f rom the boarder to see the things and you can miss the chance of dancing , walking with f lag , photo with BSF personels. f ree. edit