Amritsar

Known as the “Holy Pool of Nectar”, Amritsar is one of the most important and religious place for the Sikhs. Located in Punjab, Amritsar has a glorious past with rich traditions and culture of the Punjabis. One of the reasons why Amritsar is popular all over the world is “Harimandir Sahib” also known as “Golden Temple”. Tourists from all over the world visit Golden Temple and are fascinated by the architecture of this Golden Tomb complex with a sarovar (i.e. the holy pool) in the center. Temple is a symbol for Unity and brotherhood and has significance in the culture of Punjab. Amritsar, also considered as one of the oldest cities in India also had to face some horrifying past during the British Rule, Jallianwala Bagh which witnessed the heinous mass shot still stands there as a tribute to the victims. Amritsar is also one of the most important political states as it shares the international border with Pakistan. The India-Pakistan Border-Wagah Border is situated few kilometers from the city is open for tourists during the evening Re-treat ceremony. The high-voltage patriotic songs and the spirit of patriotism makes you be a proud citizen of this nation. Another aspect of Amritsar Culture is the “authentic food” which is served with lots of butter and love. The birth place of “Amritsari Kulchua” and “Tandoori Chicken”, Amritsar is a “Foodie’s Paradise” on earth. Hospitable people and enthusiastic environment, Amritsar takes you to the journey from history to present.

Route:

• By Air: Raja Sansi International Airport in Amritsar is well connected with rest of the country via regular flights. It has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Lots of taxis are available outside the airport for the centre of the city.

• By Train: Amritsar is well connected with rest of India by train service. Amrisar Railway Station is the most important and busiest rail station in Punjab. Regular direct trains are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Bhopal. Amritsar Railway station is also connected with Pakistan.
• By Road: Amritsar is well connected with neighbouring cities as well as rest of Punjabi cities through state buses and private buses. G.T Road links Delhi to Amritsar. Jammu is only 199 kms from Amritsar.

Nearest Railway Station – Amritsar Junction Railway Station

Nearest Bus Station – Amritsar Bus stand

Nearest Airport – The Raja Sansi International Airport is located 11 kms away from the heart of Amritsar.

 ATM locations: You will find n-numbers of ATM almost all roads in Amritsar especially near Golden Temple, rail station, bus stand and market. Axis Bank ATM and South Indian Bank ATM at Kennedy Avenue – Court Road; Dena Bank ATM at New Market Bazar Sabunia; IDBI Bank ATM in Kesri Bagh, opposite Dharam Singh Market; HDFC Bank ATMs at Hall Bazaar and G. T. Road, beside SSP Office, Near New Bus Stand; ICICI Bank ATM at Circular Rd, Near Baba Shaheeda Wala Gurudwara – are some of the ATMs you will find here in Amritsar.

Famous Places around the area: Golden Temple – Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Amritsar Heritage Walk,Maharajah Ranjit Singh Panorama,Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib, Bibeksar Sahib,Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary,Company Bagh, Rambagh Gardens,Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum,Wagah Border, Kaiser Bagh Park,Khalsa College,Amritsar ISKCON Temple

Best time to visit: Throughout the year you visit Amritsar. However the best time would be from September to April.

Climate: Summer 24°C to 45°C, Winter 4°C to 27°C

Population: 1.133 million (2011 census)

Local Famous Foods: Being the unofficial food capital in India, Amritsar offers heavenly tasted foods for tourists. People are in-born foodie here and love to feed others. Relish tastiest unique North-Indian foods in Amritsar which you can’t imagine in other parts of India. Amritsari Kulcha, Amritsari Fish, Chole Bhatura, Butter Paneer, kulfi faaluda, Rajma Chawal, Kadi Pakoda are some of the popular dishes here. Delicious Jalebian and Gulab Jamun and no to forget, must-drink Lassi – are cooking delights here. Food and Amritsar – is almost synonymous and it delivers variety, quality, tasty foods at just very affordable price.

Local restaurants: Amritsar is the food hub in India, thus you will find plenty of delightful restaurants in every corners of the city. Brothers Dhaba near Golden Temple is famous for Amritsari paratha, dal makhni, kadai paneer, and phirni. Chawlas at Lawrence road is popular for malai chicken and chicken naan. Tasty Butter Fish Fry available at famous Surjit Makhan Fish at Lawrence road. For authentic Punjabi Thali visit Kesar da Dhaba at Chowk Passian and Bharawan da Dhaba at Town Hall. For non-veg special dishes you need to visit Bheeri Gali wali Dukan near Goal Hatti Chowk at Hall Bazar. For tasty Stuffed Aloo Kulcha, go to legendary Kulcha Land opposite M.K. hotel at Chungi Maqbool Road. Bansal at lawrence road offers traditional motichoor deah ladoo. For drinking best Lassi, go to Gian Halwaai opposite Regent Cinema. And those who love to eat Kulfi, go to Mahajan Kulf at Hall gate, they serve the best kulfi faaluda in Amritsar. If you are in Amritsar then at least once eat Jalebian at Khubi Halwaai Katra Ahluwalia near Golden Temple.

Emergency numbers:

A Div. Amritsar 091-183 2557673

Civil Lines : 091-183 2565286

Police Emergency Helpline: 100

Nearest Hospitals/Nursing homes:

Emergency Medical Care Hospital, Amritsar

13-B, Ranjeet Avenue, Near Red Cross Bhawan

Phone: 0183 – 6535703

Bajwa Hospital Amritsar

NO.314-315,AKASH AVENUE,F.C.ROAD,

(0183)2423100/2423800

A.P.Hospital Amritsar

Ajitnagar Chowk,Near Sultan Wind Water Tank

Ph: 01832588450

Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital

Vallah Mehra Road, Amritsar

0183 – 2559527, 0183 – 2553668, 0183 – 2553667

Government Medical College, Amritsar

Opposite Canal Restaurant House, Civil Albert Road,

0183 257 2698

Budget and safe hotels for middle class:

Hotel Shiraz Regency

3, Queen’s Road,Amritsar-143001

Ph: (0183)5010861/5063331/09814050192

Tariff: 1500 onwards

 Hotel Teg Royal

shajeedan sahib. tarn tarn road, amritsar

(0183)6571516/09216852811

Tariff: 950

Grand Hotel

Queen’s Road, Opposite Railway Station, Amritsar

Tariff: 1350 onwards

• About the Author

About Manpreet

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.” I believe in the above saying from the time I was introduced to the term “Library”. Reading books is not just my Hobby but also my passion. Social Media Specialist by profession, Books are my first love. A total Workaholic by nature, Books are my source of rejuvenation I need a book with me every night and every weekend. My love for books goes back to school time, when books were my companion in Summer Vacations. Started with Nacy Drew and now Reading Elif Shafaq-the passion grew over years. I always wanted to write reviews for books, but never got a chance, but now here I am, reviewing my favorite books for all the readers. Join me in my world of Books, as I give you an insight of my favorite books! Stay Connected Stay Blessed.