Location : Amritsar is located in Punjab state of India between 31°37'59.16" N 74°51'56.16" E latitudes. The city of Amritsar spreads on an area of 5075 km². Ideally located in the northwest part of India, Amritsar is at a distance of 32 miles from Lahore and Pakistan. The district of Amritsar falls in Jallandhar division and has a trapezium shape.
Population :According to 2001 census, Amritsar has a population of about 3,074,207.
Geography:
1] Topography
Amritsar lies amidst River Beas (to the east) separating Amritsar from Kapurthala and River Ravi (to the west). It is located in the lower part of Upper Bari Doab. It is very interesting that river Beas joins Satluj River at the confluence of Lahore (Pakistan), Firozpur, Amritsar and Kapurthala. As Punjab plain is a part of Indo-Gangetic system, Amritsar also has alluvial deposits brought by Beas and Ravi Rivers. The soil in Amritsar is a light reddish-yellow loam (colloquially called maira) that becomes somewhat stiffer at the doab, finally deteriorating into sandy and slightly uneven soil (colloquially called tibba).
Amritsar has a levelled plain and is situated at an elevation of 200 metres in the northeast to about 175 metres in the southwest. The terrain of Amritsar can be put under three categories: The Upland Plain, Bluff along the Beas and Floodplain of Satluj.

2] Major Rivers
River Beas and Ravi, the distributaries of River Indus drench the land of Amritsar. Saki Nala, a perennial river also flows through Amritsar.
Amritsar is derived with a combination of two words Amrit (meaning nectar) and Sar (meaning pool). So it can be called "a pool of nectar". The city is dominated by Sikhs. Golden Temple, most revered place in Sikh history is in Amritsar. It is believed that the tank surrounding the Golden Temple was originally a small natural pool. But when Guru Ram Das migrated to this spot, the pool came to be known as a dukh niwaran pool (free from pains). People from far off places started coming to visit this holy place to plunge in the pool and get rid of their skin problems. Guru Ram Das laid the foundation of Golden Temple and the pool was converted into a tank.
Best time to Visit : Amritsar in Punjab experiences extreme type of climate. The summers are too hot and winters are too cold. Best Time to visit Amritsar is between the months of October and March.
At the time of festivals many people visit Amritsar. Majority of festivals celebrated in Amritsar are religious in nature. Here is a list of some of the festivals in Amritsar:
Ram Tirath Fair is celebrated at Ram Tirath, located at a distance of 11 kilometers to the west of Amritsar. The fair is celebrated about a fortnight after Diwali. Pilgrims visit the Temple to plunge in the sacred tank of the Temple in the early hours of the Puranmashi (full moon night). After the plunge the pilgrims take a circumambulation of the tank along with incantations. Women light lamps of pure ghee (deshi ghee) or mustard oil (sarson ka tel) made from kneaded flour and put them in tank by placing them on leaf plates. It is believed that this ceremony absolves one's sins and is known as tulla toarna (meaning floating of tullas). Throughout the ceremony devotional songs and hymns are recited.
Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Golden Temple. It is celebrated even after three days of Diwali. It is believed that during the reign of Jahangir, after his release from Gwalior fort Guru Ram Das reached Amritsar on Diwali. People greeted him by illuminating lamps.

Basant Panchami at Chheharta Sahib is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magh or Maghi (end of January or beginning of February). The celebrations commence early in the morning and end the next day afternoon. Whole night kirtan darbar (chanting of hymns, poems belonging to Sikh literature) is held. On the eve of Basant Panchami kites are flown and kite-flying competitions are held.

Baisakhi / Vaisakhi was an occasion when all the Sikhs used to assemble at Amritsar and discuss their political and religious problems. Today this festival is celebrated with lot of excitement and zeal. Generally this is celebrated on 13th April every year.

Gurupurbs are celebrated throughout the world. These are celebrated on the occasion of the birthdays and martyrdoms of Gurus. In Amritsar, Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib are celebrated with great religious fervor and devotion.

History of Amritsar

History of Amritsar is really fascinating. The city has been famous for puissant Sikhs and has legends attached to it. According to the legend, when the fourth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Ram Das heard about the healing powers of the pool, he ordered his son Guru Arjan Dev to erect a temple at the site. In 1588, the foundations of a city were laid which later on became an emblem of Sikh culture and history. The city came to be known as Ramdaspur or Guru Ram Das di Nagri (city of Guru Ram Das).
The Temple compound was completed in 1601. Historians say that Mughal emperor Akbar also donated the land close to the temple after paying off the local Jat farmers. After the completion of the Temple, Guru Granth Sahib (Also called Adi Granth), holy book of Sikhs was installed in the Temple. The Temple became popular as Harmandir (Temple of God).
The traders including Khatris and Aroras were called by Guru Ji to settle in the vicinity of the Gurudwara. A new town grew up with the arrival of all these businessmen. Golden Temple was plundered many times but by God's grace the Temple got much more offerings from its devotees that helped in its reconstruction.

History of plunders

Ahmad Shah Durrani forayed the town in the late 18th century. Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 100 kilos of gold for the temple and rebuilt the town. The Temple got its name from the golden plating on the outer walls.
Amritsar was always threatened from both Muslim and Hindu rulers. Guru Hargobind bastioned the city and started accepting offerings in the form of weapons for the security of the Temple. After accession to the throne Salim (younger son of Akbar) asked Guru Arjan Dev to accept Islam. Guru refused and got killed by Salim who came to be known as Emperor Jahangir.
In India's history of freedom struggle, Amritsar has a significant place. Due to the protests against Rowlatt Act, British General Dyer imposed a ban on holding meetings. In the Jallianwala Bagh, without any warning he open fired thousand of innocent men, women and children who gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa panth (order of the Khalsa).
Post independence era also brought problems for Ambarsarias (people inhabiting Amritsar). It was a fight between the Indian administration and Sikh militant groups. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale demanded a separate nationhood for Sikhs. In June 1984, a heavily armed Bhindranwale marched towards Golden Temple. The army thinking that they were inside resorted to firing on the Akal Takht. Bhindranwale got killed along with many of his followers. The Temple was again rehabilitated to its former glory.

Architecture of Golden Temple

Archaeological Survey conducted by the Government of Punjab revealed that the design of the Golden Temple after its reconstruction by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was supposedly borrowed from the shrine of Saint Mian Mir, near Lahore.
The Golden Temple was built at a lower level. This was one of the distinguishing features of the Temple. The main area of Gurudwara lies in the midst of the sacred pool of 150 meters square area. A 60 meters causeway is located on the western slide of the pool. The causeway is decorated with marble and has beautiful lamps on both the sides. The floor of Golden Temple has marble tiling whereas the ceiling is bedecked with intricate inlay work. As you enter you see Guru Granth Sahib on a lower platform under a dazzlingly beautiful canopy (Chandani Sahib).
Shish Mahal or Mirror Room is constructed on the second storey. It is gilded with mirrors and has intricate work of various patterns. It is designed in such a way that there is a square opening in the centre to view from there the ground floor. One more reason for having the area opened is to avoid stepping over Guru Granth Sahib. If you are on the second floor, and the sacred book is on the first floor, you should not step over the place where underneath Guru Granth Sahib is placed. If this is done, it is called sacrilege (beadabi of Guru Granth Sahib).
Above the Shish Mahal is a golden dome along with several miniature domes. The mural work in the Temple is characterized by floral patterns interspersed with animal motifs. The gates called Darshani Deorhi exhibit ivory inlay work. The gates are made of Sheesham wood.
Views of eminent persons and historians:
Louis Rousselet called it as a "handsome style of architecture".
Major Cole called it " an adaptation of Mohammedan styles, flavored with a good deal of Hindu tradition".

Golden Temple Rituals

Golden Temple has fixed Rituals for a day. The day at Amritsar begins very early in the morning at around three o'clock. This pre dawn time is called Amritvela. The inhabitants of the city indulge in the routine activities of bathing and getting ready to pay homage to The Golden Temple also called Darbar Sahib. Devout Sikhs visit this shrine covering the distance on foot. After reaching Golden Temple they take off their shoes and hand them over to the persons performing service (seva) in the Joda Ghar (place to keep footwear before entering the Gurudwara premises). Then they purchase garlands of flowers or Batashe (a kind of sweet offering in the Temple). Cleaning their feet in a trough of running water they enter the Temple premises.
Descending the steps the visitors reach the place where Golden Temple stands as a symbol of Sikh faith and devotion. Visitors bend down and touch their foreheads with the marble floor in reverence to the holy Shrine. As it is customary, they turn left for circumambulation of the Sarovar.
Along the marble path around the Sarovar, there is Dukh Bhanjani Beri (tree under which Rajni's husband got cured). The visit to the Temple is incomplete without taking a plunge in the sacred pool. So, people take a plunge at this spot in a hope that their pains and trouble swill shed off.

Palki Sahib's decoration for bringing Shri Guru Granth Sahib:
Early in the morning, a palanquin (Palki) gilded with gold and silver is prepared for bringing Shri Guru Granth Sahib from the Akal Takht. Fresh silk brocade, coverings and cushions are laid in the Palki. Then scented rose water is sprinkled. The head priest (head Granthi) appears with Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a cushion on his head and the worshippers bow their heads. He places Granth Sahib Ji on the cushions of Palki Sahib. Hymns accompanied with drums, nagaras fill the air with rhythm, music and piousness. There are so many people even at this time of the day that there is not enough place to stand properly. Within half an hour the worshippers reach the Darshani Deorhi along with Shri Guru Granth sahib. The head priest reverently carries Guru Granth Sahib in the inner chamber.

Parkash Ceremony:
Guru Granth Sahib is placed beneath a velvet canopy (Chandani Sahib) gilded with the silver and gold on velvet cushions and silks laid on Manji Sahib. Very ceremoniously the head priest opens Shri Guru Granth Sahib. The worshippers (sangat) stand silently to listen the vaaq (message of the Lord) for the day.
Then recitation of compositions of Guru Granth Sahib begins with Asa Di War, followed by Ardas. Whole Day shabad and kirtans are performed by ragis in succession. A lot of visitors visit Gurudwara with the proceeding of the day.
Some people sit to listen to the hymns, other occupy themselves with the seva performed in the langar hall (kitchen of the Temple) or at Joda Ghar.

Evening time for Rahras Sahib and Aarti:
In the evening Rahras Sahib Path (prayer) is performed. Then Aarti, Kirtan Sohila path concluding with Ardas at night ends the daily temple services. Just as Guru Granth Sahib is brought in the Temple, it is taken back to Akal Takht with same ceremony.

Historical Places in Amritsar

There are many historical places in Amritsar for the interest of tourists. It is an important city in the History of Sikh religion.
Golden Temple also called Darbar Sahib, Hari Mandir or Harmandir is a pilgrimage for Sikh community. The Gurudwara is constructed in white marble and is adorned with gilded copper and gold inlay work. The history of Gurudwara is really interesting. Golden Temple had to face threats many times. A lot of times it was plundered but it still stands as an architectural marvel instilling confidence and religiosity in the worshippers.
Pul Kanjari is located in proximity to the villages of Daoka and Dhanoa Kalan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built Pul Kanjari for his rest and leisure. The fortress consists of a baoli (a bathing pool), a temple, a Gurudwara and a mosque.
Jallianwala Bagh is a historical landmark located in the heart of the city Amritsar. People visit this place in the memory of the people who died in an open firing by General Dyer on April13, 1919. There is a deep well in the park where many innocent people jumped in while running from the bullets.
Summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is situated in the heart of the garden called Ram Bagh. This garden bears a similar pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. There is a museum named after Maharaja Ranjit Singh exhibiting displays miniatures, coins, weapons and an imitation of most famous diamond Kohinoor.

Jallianwala Bagh

                          

Jallianwala Bagh is located at a stones throw from Golden Temple. It is a witness of the tragedy called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. As the history goes, during the time of freedom struggle, when Mangal Pandey blew the bugle for commencing the struggle for independence, General Dyer made a law that no Indian will be allowed to hold gatherings or processions.

                          

On 13 April 1919, Baisakhi Day, thousands of Punjabis gathered from nearby places to celebrate the festival. As the communication system was underdeveloped at that time, they were not informed regarding this law. Thinking it as a violation of the law, General Dyer entered in the Park with his troops and open fired on all the innocent men women and children present there.
Some people were shot dead, some were wounded, and a majority of the people tried to jump in the well to escape the death form the hands of foreign power. There is no accurate record of the number of people died and wounded.

Ram Bagh

                          

Ram Bagh is also known as Summer place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This palace is situated in middle of a garden resembling the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore.
The garden has a museum exhibiting oil paintings, miniatures, coins and weapons relating to the Sikh period.
In the memory of most puissant King Maharaja Ranjit Singh, A statue of Maharaja seated on his horse is constructed. The Palace has an inbuilt cooling system. This shows the architectural excellence achieved during his era.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh renamed the garden and called it Ram Bagh. It was a tribute to the founder of the city Guru Ram Das. Today the Summer Palace has been converted into a museum putting weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of governing houses of Punjab and a duplicate of diamond Kohinoor on display. Through a large fortified gate you can approache the garden.

Places nearby Amritsar :

Wagah Border

     

Wagah Border is located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Amritsar. It is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It is an army outpost to protect check intrusion from Pakistan and prevents any Indian from going to Pakistan. Special buses and taxes from Amritsar take the tourists to Wagah Border. En route Wagah the tourists chance upon seeing some of the most fertile lands of Amritsar.
At the border outpost there is a complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. At the entrance of this outpost, there is a sightseeing gate with an inscription "Swarna Jayanti". From this a panoramic view of the landscape is seen. There are electrified fences with 66,000 volts of electric current.
People visit Wagah border to see "Beating the Retreat" ceremony performed by the soldiers in evening. Soldiers from India and Pakistan perform a flag march. The flags are both the countries are brought down. Then the gates between India and Pakistan are opened. Soldiers perform some drills and then the complex is illuminated. The whole ceremony takes about half an hour.

How to Get There

Amritsar is located in Punjab. Countless tourists visit this small district either on Pilgrimage or on a leisure tour. Amritsar is connected to all major cities of India by a fine network of railways, roadways and airways.

Air:
The airport at Amritsar named Raja Sani International Airport offers excellent services. The airport is well connected by other parts of the country by regular flights. Now Jet Airways, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Air India also offer flights to Amritsar from Delhi, Birmingham and London.

Rail:
Amritsar is directly connected to Amritsar via rail route. It takes about 8 to 10 hours to reach Amritsar by train.

Road:
Grand Trunk Karnal Road connects Delhi to Amritsar. Regular buses are available from I.S.B.T. Delhi to Amritsar. You can choose from local, semi deluxe, deluxe and super deluxe buses offered by bus station.

If you want to reach Amritsar from places other than Delhi, then you have to change your bus at a midway destination and then board again in the corresponding bus, train or airplane.

Hotels in Amritsar:

Mohan International Hotel
Location: Mohan International Hotel in Amritsar is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Airport, 1 kilometer from Railway Station and 3 kilometers from Bus Station. Hotel Mohan International is in proximity to the Wagah Border (Indo-Pakistan Border).
Address: Albert Road, Amritsar Punjab-143 001 India
Accommodation: There are 76 elegantly furnished rooms at Mohan International Hotel divided into 6 Single Rooms, 64 Double rooms, and 6 suites. All the rooms are replete with modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable. Various guest amenities provided in the rooms are air-conditioning, mini bar, E-mail services and Safe deposit boxes.
Dining: Mohan International Hotel offers multi-cuisine food in its restaurants. There is a well stocked bar at the Hotel offering a wide selection of exotic alcoholic beverages.
Facilities: Mohan International Hotel has 10 fully equipped conference halls for business conferences. The accommodation capacity of the largest hall is 700 persons and of the smallest hall is 20 persons. For guest recreation, Mohan International Hotel offers swimming pool, travel counter, shopping arcade, poolside bar-be-que, lawns, children recreation, and baby-sitting services.

MK Hotel
 Location: MK Hotel in Amritsar is located at a distance of 7 kilometers from Airport, 3 kilometer from Railway Station and 4 kilometers from Bus Station. Eminent personalities like Mr. Vajpayee (ex-Prime Minister) also visited MK Hotel.
Address: Dist. Shopping Centre, Ranjit Avenue Amritsar Punjab-143 001 India
Accommodation: There are 75 elegantly furnished rooms at MK Hotel divided into 69 Double rooms and 6 suites. All the tastefully decorated rooms are a haven of comfort. Though MK Hotel is a Four Star Hotel, it offers facilities of Five Star Hotels. Facilities provided in the rooms are air-conditioning, Internet facilities, direct dialing facilities and Safe deposit boxes.
Dining: MK Hotel in Amritsar has a multi-cuisine restaurant named Taal to tickle your taste buds, Green House-a coffee shop and a well stocked bar - Dynasty.
Facilities: MK Hotel offers six banquet and conference halls for business meetings and conferences. Some of the recreational facilities offered at the Hotel are a swimming pool, shopping arcade and a fitness centre.

Hotel Blue Moon
Location: Hotel Blue Moon in Amritsar is located at a distance of 9 kilometers from Airport and near Railway Station.
Address: The Mall, Amritsar India
Accommodation: Hotel Blue Moon offers standard rooms replete with basic facilities like attached baths with running water supply, cable Television and telephones etc.
Dining: Hotel Blue Moon offers multi-cuisine food including Chinese, Continental, Indian, and South Indian in its restaurant.
Facilities: Hotel Blue Moon fulfills the need of a budget traveler. Enjoy partying in the lush green lawns at the Hotel.

Hotel Royal Castle
Location: Hotel Royal Castle in Amritsar is located at a distance of 8 kilometers from Airport, 0.5 kilometer from Railway Station and 15 kilometers from Bus Station.
Address: 309, Albert Road, Amritsar, Punjab-143 001 India
Accommodation: There are 28 well appointed rooms at Hotel Royal Castle. These rooms are categorized into double rooms, single rooms and suites. All the rooms are replete with basic facilities like air conditioners, direct dialing facilities, attached baths with shower or bathtub.
Dining: Hotel Royal Castle offers multi-cuisine food including Chinese, Continental, Indian, and South Indian in Aamaniran restaurant. There is a well stocked bar named 1999 at the Hotel offering a wide selection of exotic beverages along with lip smacking snacks.
Facilities: Hotel Royal Castle offers three halls namely Emerald rooms for formal meetings, Jade hall for a fully equipped meeting hall and Millennium hall for wedding and birthday parties. Some of the facilities provided at the Hotel are front desk, elevator, bar, restaurant, safe deposit box, room service and Parking.

The Grand Hotel
Location: The Grand Hotel in Amritsar is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Airport, 100 yards from Railway Station and 1.5 kilometers from Bus Station. The Hotel is located close to the Golden Temple.
Address: Opposite Railway Station, Queen's Road Amritsar Punjab-143 001 India
Accommodation: There are 38 well appointed rooms at The Grand Hotel. All the rooms at the Hotel are replete with facilities like televisions with remote controls and refrigerators in some rooms. Both Air-conditioned and Non air- conditioned rooms are available in the Hotel.
Dining: The Grand Hotel offers multi-cuisine food in its restaurant. The Hotel has a well-known bar called Bottoms Up. Savor sumptuous cuisine and drink exotic beverages offered at the Hotel.
Facilities: For your functions and meetings The Grand Hotel offers both banquet and conference halls. Various facilities provided to the guests include baby- sitting, travel desk services, doctors on call and safe deposit boxes.