India’s Sikh community takes pride in calling the vibrant city of Amritsar as its home. For India, Amritsar truly is a matter of pride and honour, seeing as how the vast Sikh culture of the country is represented in this city very well. Famous around the world for housing the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar has also seen notable episodes of the Indian freedom struggle like the Jallianwalah Bagh massacre. With its extensive cultural, religious and historical background, Amritsar also boasts of noteworthy tourist locations. Apart from all of its attractions for visitors, there are a few interesting things to indulge in while in the city. Have a look at the following.
1. Watch the Wagah Ceremony
Visiting Jallianwalah Bagh, is one of the first things a tourist does, but witnessing the Wagah Ceremony must also be on your list. This grand road which is the border between India and Pakistan is truly worth a watch. The Wagah Border Ceremony is a detailed one that takes place at 5pm every day, at the time of the border gates closing. The soldiers of both countries marching across the road end the ceremony by the lowering of flags as a symbol of unity.
The patriotic feeling that emerges when watching this ceremony is quite substantial for every Indian.
2. Go into the Depths of Chand Baori
This incredibly built steep well of Amritsar is truly an architectural marvel. It takes the identity of being one of the steepest and most organized wells in India, having over thirteen storeys under the ground. Due to its brilliantly constructed interior, people say that it gets much cooler at the bottom than at the top of the well. Chand Baori is a very popular creation of Amritsar, and tourists often make it a point to visit it.
Through its intricately built numerous steps leading to the bottom of the vast well, its water supply creation is also quite notable. Archaeologists have claimed that it is one of the most greatly designed wells of India, seeing as how organized and symmetric its walls and steps are.
3. Enjoy the Kothe De Mela
In honour of Guru Tegbahadur Sahib, this annual fair is organized during the month of ‘Magh’ that is between January and February. Guru Tegbahadur Sahib was a revered religious leader who is known for his good deeds, due to which, and in celebration of his character, Amritsar organizes this annual fair where people of the city gather to rejoice and enjoy with their friends and family.
Tourists are especially attracted by this fair if they visit during January and February, making their trip even more special an affair. If you happen to pay a visit to Amritsar during said months, it would be delightful to witness this exciting fair take place.
4. Visit Harmandir Sahib
This very well-known shrine known as The Golden Temple is a true mark of Amritsar’s vibrancy. Made of real gold and stones, the ceiling dome being its highlight, it is surely a delight to the eyes. Whether or not you are a religious person, to behold this beautiful architecture is a must for every tourist to Amritsar. The temple consists of the verses of the sacred Sikh script on the ceiling, each symbol made with utter perfection, deeming this brilliant creation truly wonderful to see.
Harmandir Sahib stands as a proof of how deeply imbibed the Sikh teachings are in said religion, and how it is the most adored pilgrimage centre for devotees worldwide.
5. Dine at Neelam’s
At the end of your day, you can relax with your family at Neelam’s, where a multi-cuisine dinner or lunch will prove to be extremely refreshing. It is located close to the Golden Temple, making it easier to reach so you can get refreshed before heading off to the hotel or continuing to explore the streets of the lively city of Amritsar. Neelam’s is also an affordable restaurant which ensures great food without burning a hole in the pocket.
Amritsar is known for being a major pilgrimage location for Sikhs all over the world, and through its historical and religious treasures, it showcases, very well, the depth of culture and tradition of India.
