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One of the most religiously important cities in the world, Amritsar is popular for its historical connection with Sikhism as well as its wealthy culture. There is a lot that this amazing place offers to the curious traveller, from breath-taking temples to even edible food and street shopping. There is a manifold of activities to try in the realm of Amritsar, a city that definitely defines the unending spirit of Punjab. But make sure that you book a room in one of the best Amritsar hotels so that you don’t have to struggle once you are there. After all, the city always witnesses so much of rush that booking is advance is the best thing.
Amritsar is a city that is absolutely rich in its cultural, historical and even religious significance that tourists flock in from every corner of the country and even the world to get a sight of its glorious face. There are so many things that you can do in Amritsar for a visitor that it is challenging to create a comprehensive itinerary that can actually accommodate everything. The second largest city in Punjab and even most important city from the prospective of trade and tourism perspective, Amritsar grips a prominent place in the list of most visited cities of the country. Though it is the spiritual and even religious centre for Sikhs in the country, characteristically Punjabi hospitality and a huge range of attractions lure tourists from around the world.
The Golden Temple
The conclusive top attraction in Amritsar is the amazing Golden Temple, a two-story structure enclosed in real gold and enclosed by a 5.1-meter-deep manmade lake. But not just a tourist site, this legendary spiritual shrine is one of the most sacred spots in the world for Sikhs, many of whom make a pilgrimage to this temple at least once in their overall lifetimes.
To enter the massive Gurdwara complex, where the Golden Temple resides, you would require to cover your hair, remove your shoes, and even step through a small stream of running water to ensure that you do cleanse your feet. Then, you are going to walk clockwise on the decorated marble path that flanks the pool, as worshippers chant and even bathe in the water.
Making your way to the gleaming inner sanctum of the temple, where priests do chant songs from the Guru Granth Sahib holy text, is only one of various amazing things to do at the Golden Temple. This fascination is home to the world’s hugest community kitchen, welcoming anyone to sit on the floor and even savour a free vegetarian meal with other kinds of visitors. It is quite mesmerizing to see hordes of volunteers chopping onions, even peeling garlic, and cooking massive vats of lentils and roti for up to even 100,000 diners every single day.
You can also witness a great collection of holy Sikh weapons within the Akal Takhat (a seat of power within the Golden Temple complex) and get to know more about Sikhism in the Golden Temple Interpretation Centre, inserted beneath the clock-tower entrance of the massive temple. Indeed, it is going to be a wholesome experience once you are at this temple.
Actually, you know what this Golden Temple is an inspiring place, and one that you can definitely get personally involved with, in case you wish. You can volunteer at the splendid Golden Temple Kitchen, and bond with locals as you do prepare lunch. You can even sleep at the Golden Temple in one of its pilgrim hostels for up to even three nights. Sleeping here gets you easy access to the Golden Temple at sunrise, the perfect time of day to witness the structure shine.
Attend the glorious Ceremony at Wagah Border
Well, you must already be aware that Wagah is a great road border that divides Pakistan and India. once you are in Amritsar, you should definitely attend the ceremony of lowering the flags that has been held here every single day since 1959. Hundreds of folks visit here every evening to witness this ceremony, relish the patriotic aroma in the air and dance to wonderful Bollywood numbers to commemorate. The positive and gusto environment here is a good break from the otherwise tense and stressful relations between the two neighbouring countries so, whether you are alone, with your friends, family members or colleagues; the place is must for you to visit.
Shopping in the local souk (Hall Bazaar)
Bot even a single trip to Amritsar can ever be complete in the absence of customary bargaining at Hall Bazaar. You can definitely shop there for a variety of things at the market, situated off Hall Road, such as handicrafts, even home decor items, clothing and course books. This market is well-known for its range of quality woollen products, even including carpets, blankets and shawls. In fact, with gorgeous accessories like wooden bangles as well as silver jewellery, this bazaar is the one-stop shop for all your memento shopping needs in Amritsar. Come on, you can definitely get something authentic and typical thing from this market of Amritsar. After all, if you are going there for the first time, you may want to take something for your friends, family members and more.
Partition Museum
The year 1947 was a huge one for India. Not just was it the year that India achieved its independence from Great Britain, it was even the year it split into the two diverse types of entities of India and Pakistan, an event called the Partition of India.
Tourists and travellers in Amritsar can learn about this defining moment in history at the splendid Partition Museum, the only institution in the entire world devoted completely to Partition. It features a lingering collection of newspaper clippings, even antique photographs, and oral histories having the people who experienced the violence leading up to the separation of these two countries, and the relocating of refugees after the event. The experience is definitely going to get you a deeper understanding of the basis of rivalry between India and Pakistan.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should do hotel booking in advance so that you don’t miss out on a comfortable stay in this city. Since you know much is there for you to explore, at least two days trip should be there!
