Amritsar in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab is best known for its historic and religious sites that draw millions of visitors from different parts of the world. The city’s buzzy markets, public spaces and vibrant food scene also make it a wholesome tourist destination for ultimate vacation fun. Those booking their Amritsar holiday packages can make the most of their vacation by exploring these six top attractions in this historic city:
Partition Museum: Inaugurated in 2007, the Partition Museum is the central display of documents, stories and historical materials related to post-partition riots following the division of British India into India and Pakistan. This iconic museum at Amritsar’s Town Hall building features arched verandahs, Venetian glass doors, a historic belfry and numerous audio-visual stations at its 14 galleries for an insightful multi-media experience showcasing the history of the Indian partition.
The Golden Temple: The holy city of Amritsar is best known for the Golden Temple, the pilgrim spot for the Sikh community living in India and around world. Covered with around 400kg of gold, this sacred temple is surrounded by a large lake that is believed to be filled with Amrit or ‘holy water’ where devotees take a holy dip to cleanse their soul. The temple’s doorways and arches feature elaborate gold and marble work worth admiring.
Jallianwala Bagh: Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that is best known for being the site of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that saw a British army officer ordering some 150 troops to fire at 10,000 Rowlatt Act protestors on 13th April 1919. Visitors can discover bullet marks on the walls and other tragic sites at this 26,000 sq. metre park and admire the portraits of prominent freedom fighters at the Martyr’s Gallery.
Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary: The Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is a wetland created in 1953 after the construction of Harike barrage on the confluence of the Sutlej and Beas rivers. Nature lovers and bird watchers booking cheap Amritsar holidays can visit here to discover pygmy goose, tufted ducks, Indian skimmers, yellow-footed gulls and numerous other migratory birds, plus jungle cats, mongoose, smooth Indian otters and Indian wild boar freely roaming in this sanctuary.
Ram Bagh gardens: Ram Bagh within the spectacular summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is one of the finest public gardens in Punjab. This historic garden is intersected by water channels that are fitted with fountains, while the coniferous trees and herbal plants here are worth exploring for their aesthetic value. The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the end of the garden is one of the main highlights.
Hall Bazaar: The shopping complex of Hall Bazaar at Hall Road is one of the busiest shopping centers of Amritsar. One can shop for a wide range of products such as ornaments, Indian handicrafts, electronics items and readymade garments at this market. The main attraction here are the woolen blankets, carpets and shawls, and one can also indulge in some mouth-watering local dishes at restaurants and food stalls.
There are many other excellent tourist attractions that visitors can explore and admire during their luxury holidays to Amritsar.
