Tourism in Amritsar District mainly includes visits to temples and Gurudwaras. One of the most important sites of this district is Golden Temple that attracts people from all parts of the country and abroad. This district of Punjab is considered as a famous tourist spot as it offers several exploring opportunities both historical and religious.
Some of the tourist spots of Amritsar District are mentioned below -
Pilgrimage Tourism in Amritsar District
Golden Temple: Golden Temple is famous for its full golden dome; it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. No words can describe its amazing beauty. The temple is built on a 67 ft square of marble. Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Mandir. To the south of the temple are a garden and the tower of Baba Atal. The Central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. A visitor must cover his head before entering the temple premises. Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. Guru Hargobind Ji established it.
Durgiana Temple: Built in the third decade of the 20th century it echoes, not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple and, in a similar manner rises from the midst of a tank and has canopies and the central dome. One of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Madan Mohan Malviya, laid its foundation stone. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures.
Ram Tirath: Located 11 kms west of Amritsar, the place has an ancient tank and many temples. A four day fair, since times immemorial is held here starting on the full moon night in November.
Pul Kanjari: It is another heritage site built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and many tales and legends are associated with it. Situated near the villages of Daoka and Dhanoa Kalan right on the Wagha border, Pul Kanjari is about 35 kms from Amritsar.
Jama Masjid Khairuddin: Built by Mohammad Khairuddin in 1876, this masjid is known for its architectural beauty.
Leisure Tourism in Amritsar District
Jalianwala Bagh: This site has huge historical significance associated with it. The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British on April 13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. Jalianwalabagh Massacre was one of the major incidents of India`s freedom struggle. The story of this appalling massacre is told in the Martyr`s Gallery at the site. A section of wall with bullet marks is still visible and is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape.
Ram Bagh: Ram Bagh is a beautiful garden and it has a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden was named by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Presently, the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum which speaks about the history.
Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji: About 30 km south east from Amritsar, and within easy reach from Goindwal Sahib, is a Samadhi of the second Sikh Guru. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 AD.
Samadhi of Shravan: It is located about 6 kms from Ajnala near Jastarwal (earlier known as Dashrathwal). It is one of the oldest heritage spots in Amritsar. It belongs to the Ramayana period. The Samadhi is situated on the banks of an old rivulet (Purani Dhab).
Other tourist attractions of Amritsar District include Jagdev Kalan and Serai Amanat Khan (a very charming and elegant structure situated in a small village south west of Amritsar. The Serai has a beautiful gate constructed in a Mughal style of architecture. The tomb of Amanat Khan is surrounded by four minarets. The mosque near the tomb is decorated with Persian verses).
