Amritsar is a city with a fascinating past filled with stories and myths. It was created by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. In addition, the city is also connected to the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. People believe Sita gave birth to her twin babies, Lav and Kush, at Maharishi Valmiki’s ashram in Amritsar. There are many exciting places to visit in Amritsar for tourists, such as important religious sites, historic buildings, busy markets, fun festivals, and yummy food.
Places to Visit in Amritsar
Here are the details of the various best places to visit in Amritsar!
1- Harike Wetland
Harike Wetland is a beautiful place located in the northern part of India. It is the biggest wetland in northern India and has a lake called the Harike Lake in the center. This wetland is also an artificial area and was made in 1952 by building a barrage at the confluence of two rivers, Beas and Sutlej.
Many birds also come in winter, and there are around 375 species of birds recorded here. People who love birds come to Harike Wetland to see the birds and enjoy nature. Many other animals, like turtles, otters, cats, and mongooses, live in the wetland. In 1982, the wetland also has declared a sanctuary, and in 1990, it became a Ramsar site.
2- Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib
Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib is a beautiful place of worship located 8 km away from Amritsar. It is very famous for the Basant Panchami festival. During this festival, many people come to fly kites, and there are even competitions for it! The Gurudwara management organizes free medical services for the people who come to this festival. Moreover, this Gurudwara was named after a well that Guru Arjan Dev dug to mark the birth of his son and successor, Guru Hargobind.
Six Persian wheels were installed around the well to draw water faster, and that’s why it’s called Chheharta. Even though the well is covered now, people still believe its water has healing properties. You can also see the Persian Wheels that have been preserved well. The Gurudwara complex has a hall and a langar where you can have a meal. It’s a lovely place to visit!
3- Mata Lal Devi Temple
Mata Lal Devi Temple, famous as Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, is a famous temple visited by Hindu pilgrims. The temple is dedicated to Saint Lal Devi and is believed to have miraculous fertility-improving powers. It is also decorated with shiny mirrors that reflect the sunlight and diyas, making the entire complex look beautiful. As pilgrims walk inside, they can see many artifacts, idols, statues, and paintings that tell the story of Saint Lal Devi.
Moreover, a man-made cave leads to the Goddess’s shrine. Many women from all over India visit this temple to seek blessings to bear a child, as the mysterious temple has impressive abilities to improve fertility among women. Tourists can also enjoy the visual treat of the elaborate mirror work and the vivid spectrum of colors in this fascinating temple.
4- Gobindgarh Fort
The Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar is a special place that tells the story of Punjab’s past and rich culture. Inside the fort, you can find museums filled with traditional clothes, items used in homes long ago, and weapons from the olden days. Moreover, the light and laser shows, like the Sher E Punjab and Whispering Walls, show the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the history of the fort and are exciting for tourists to watch.
There are also live performances where dancers show off the Bhangra, a famous Punjabi dance, and Gatka, a traditional martial art. You can find beautiful paintings of saints and warriors from Punjab’s history in the art museum. At the Haat Bazaar, you can also buy pretty Phulkari clothes and colorful Juttis, which are traditional shoes. The Gobindgarh Fort is a great place to visit and learn about Punjab’s culture!
5- Durgiana Temple
Durgiana Temple is a beautiful and sacred Hindu temple in Amritsar. It resembles the Golden Temple and has the same peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Inside the temple, there is a lovely pond where you can see statues of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating. However, the temple was built by Gur Shai Mal Kapoor, and his statue is at the entrance.
You can also see an exceptional sculpture of Hanuman. Many smaller temples are on the grounds, such as the Bara Hanuman Mandir and the Mata Sitla Mandir. The temple also has a fountain show every evening, which is fun to watch. The temple is unique to many people and is a place of faith, service, and kindness.
6- Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree
The Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree is a special tree located in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It is a 400-year-old jujube tree that is considered very important to Sikhs. Legend has it that Bibi Rajni’s husband, who suffered from leprosy, was cured after bathing in the pond close to the tree. The tree is called Dukh Bhanjani, which means ‘eradicator of suffering.’ The first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, also rested at this spot while singing Gurbani.
The pond close to the tree is called the Amrit Sarovar and is considered very sacred. Visitors to the Golden Temple believe that dipping in the water from the pond next to the Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree will cure their pain and afflictions. While devotees can’t pluck fruits from the tree, they are allowed to collect fallen ones as ‘Prashad.’
7- Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib
Gurudwara Bibeksar Sahib is one of the holy places to visit in Amritsar. It is located near Chatiwind Gate and is about 1.5 Km away from the Golden Temple. It is special because it was the congregation site of followers of the 6th Sikh Guru, Hargobind Singh Ji. He built a Sarovar there. The Sarovar was named Bibeksar Sarovar after the lake that was there.
The Gurudwara became a place for preaching and important meetings. In the garden of the Gurudwara, Hargobind Sahib Ji used to pass his leisurely evenings preaching to the people. There is a Kareer tree that still exists, which is also a memorial of the great Guru. Special events are organized on the last Saturday of every month, where people sing hymns and have Langar together. The Gurudwara is decorated with beautiful lights on this day.
8- Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib
Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib is a famous holy place in Tarn Taran Sahib’s village. It is also known for having the largest Sarovar, a sacred water pool. The Gurudwara has beautiful stucco work on glass pieces, intricate designs on the ceiling, and glittering gold sheets on the upper section. Visitors can see the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, under an elongated dome. The pilgrims believe the Sarovar’s water has medical qualities and can also cure leprosy.
Moreover, the place is famous for kirtan recitals, and on the day of Amavas, many pilgrims gather here. The flight of marble stairs leads pilgrims to the spot where Guru Arjan Dev made the first cut for digging the magnificent Tarn Taran Sarovar in 1590.
9- Rambagh Gardens
Rambagh Gardens is one of the calm places to visit in Amritsar. It is a large park full of captivating plants and trees. The park has many water features with pretty goldfish swimming around. You will also see statues throughout the gardens. Though it’s not as grand as other palaces in India, it has interesting details like pretty balconies and scalloped doorways. The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and Panorama are in the park’s northwest corner. This museum is full of important Sikh artifacts.
Final Words
Amritsar is a city steeped in history and spirituality, blending Hindu and Sikh traditions. From the iconic Durgiana Temple to the peaceful Rambagh Gardens and the heroic Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib to the colorful bazaars, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant vacation destination. So, Get ready to explore the wonders of Amritsar and discover all that this amazing city has to offer!
FAQs about Places to Visit in Amritsar
Amritsar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport connects the city to major cities in India and abroad. Amritsar Junction is the main railway station in the city and connects it to major cities in India. You can also reach Amritsar by bus or car.
Amritsar is famous for its delicious food. Some of the must-try dishes include Amritsari kulcha, chole bhature, lassi, makki di roti, sarson da saag, and kulfi.
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