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Thursday 3 April 2014

AMRITSAR --- India Begins Here

Golden Temple


Flag ceremony at Wagah Border
Standing at the ancient gateway to India on the Grand Trunk Road, the historic city of Amritsar has stood in the path of Mughal, Persian and Afghan invaders and the British Raj, all of whom have left their mark in different ways. With a population exceeding 1.5m, Amritsar today is the largest city in Punjab.
Golden Temple: The main attraction of the city is the Golden Temple. A harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the Golden Temple is the spiritual home of the Sikh faith. The Temple itself sits at the centre of the Amrit Sarovar, or ‘pool of the nectar of immortality’. The gold ornamentation of the Temple was donated by the legendary Maharaja Ranjit Singh.The main entrance, leads down to the polished-marble Parikrama that surrounds the holy pool where Sikh pilgrims immerse themselves. Opposite the causeway leading to the Temple is Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the sacred shrine where the Sikhs’ holy book the Adi Granth is ceremoniously brought every night. No pilgrimage is complete without a meal at the Guru-ka-Langar, where free food is offered to all visitors 24 hours a day, a symbolic manifestation of the egalitarian Sikh faith.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib:  It is built 1770-84, octagonal tower is 45m high. Site of martyrdom of Atal Rai, 9  year old son of Guru Hargobind. Unique murals on 2nd and 3rd floors are worth a visit.
Jallianwala Bagh: Site of the infamous massacre in 1919 of unarmed demonstrators who were fired upon by troops under the command of General Dyer. The event was significant in hardening resistance to British rule.
Rambagh Gardens: The garden was laid out in 84 acres by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the north of the city. It also houses the Summer Palace of the Maharaja. The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city.
Summer palace: It is now being restored and converted into a museum, this elegant early 19c building is notable for one of the earliest examples of a maintenance-free cooling system. On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of the ruling families of Punjab, coins, manuscripts, and a replica of the “Kohinoor” diamond. The adjoining Darshani Deorhi gatehouse is architecturally unique.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama: The battles fought and won by the Punjab’s most illustrious ruler are brought vividly to life in a series of dioramas in a circular display chamber. Illustrations and mementos tell the story of 200 years of Sikh history. Excellent entertainment and education for children and adults.
Gobindgarh Fort: Vast mud fort was built by a chieftain of Bhangi misl and was taken over by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and named after 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, is believed to have housed some treasures and large amount of grain and provisions for the army.
Durgiana Mandir: Hindu temple and repository of Hindu scriptures. Virtual replica of Golden Temple, rebuilt in early 20th century, decorated in marble and gold leaf.
Attari Samadhi Complex: The Samadhis are the memorials of the martyrs. This complex is home to the Samadhi of Sardar Shyam Singh Attariwala, a close friend and general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and was built after Shyam Singh’s martyrdom.
Khalsa College: Designed by famous architect S. Ram Singh, the Khalsa College building is a striking example of the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the oldest colleges in northern India.

Major Events:
Flag ceremony, Wagah (30km): daily at sunset. Extraordinarily colourful and boisterous ceremony on the Pakistan border crossing, where impressively moustachioed guards of both countries in extravagant headgear formally lower the national flags.
Diwali:(Oct/Nov) the fireworks at the Golden Temple at Diwali are the most spectacular in India, and the festive atmosphere makes for an unforgettable family experience.

Getting there:

By Air: Raja Sansi International Airport, located just 11 kms from Amritsar is one of the major international airports. This airport is well connected to all major cities in India and abroad.
By Rail: Amritsar has an extensive rail network connecting the city to all the major places in the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, etc. Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Amritsar), Akal Takht Express (Howrah-Amritsar), Shatabdi Express (Delhi-Amritsar) are few of the important trains from major cities.

Accommodation:

1. Ritz Plaza, 45 The Mall, Tel: 2562836-39
2. Mohan International, Albert Road, Tel: 3010100
3. Ranjit Svassa, 47-A The Mall, Tel: 2566618



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