Overview of Amritsar

Amritsar is a frontier city at Indo-Pak border. The Indo-Pak link road leads through Amritsar. Border Check Post is at Attari 25 km to the west of the city. India and Pakistan on either side are in peaceful coexistence, with a 5 ft wide no man's land in between. The disciplined formal rituals of the army from sunrise to sunset are main features at Wagha border. Every day during sunset the ceremonial flag down is a treat to watch. In the evening at Wagha borders (18-45) the gates of the both the states are opened, National flags are brought down with military honour. The flag is hoisted on the next morning. Tourist visit the border buses, autos & taxis are available from Amritsar.

Surrounded by a fertile region, Amritsar is well-known for its agricultural produce, textiles and has a thriving chemical industry. Amritsar is also well-linked to the rest of India by air, road and rail, and is the gateway to neighbouring scenic states like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. These states offer fantastic nature, breathtaking mountainous landscapes, and a rich diversity of culture and history.

Amritsar, located in northwestern Punjab, has been the capital of the Sikh religion since the 16 th century and the Golden Temple is the most outstanding attraction in the city. Other tourist attractions include the Ram Bagh, a beautiful garden named after the city's founding father and the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which has a museum showcasing weapons dating back to the Mughal. Visitors will be drawn to the exciting colours and rhythms of this vibrant city.

The local handicraft is a feast for the eye - from the unique and intricate Phulkari flower embroidery work to beautiful woollen carpets and shawls. Visitors should also check out the beautifully handcrafted furniture with ivory inlay work as well as the intricately embroidered leather shoes (juttis).
Visitors will also be mesmerized by the famous Punjabi folk dance - Bhangra, while swinging to the dazzling dance movements, and energetic rhythms of the dhol drums. No trip will be complete without a truly gastronomic Punjabi dining experience – tempting curries, tandooris, paneer (cheese), rounding off with a glass of refreshing lassi, a traditional drink made from butter milk, yoghurt and fruit.

Trains from Amritsar arrive Lahore in Pakistan in about 3 hrs & bus from Delhi goes to Lahore from Delhi 4 days in a week via Amritsar. Though Chandigarh is the capital of the state, still Amritsar is the main centre of Sikh religion and culture. It is the principal holy place of the Sikhs. The second largest city of the state, Amritsar at a height of 234 m has a population of about seven lakhs. The people are so active and industrious that the problem of refugees did not affect their society as it happened in Bengal. Amritsar was on the ancient Silk-Route and the city thrived on trades as well as welcomed exchanges of ideas and cultures. It's eminence as the principal pilgrimage for Sikhs has turned the city into a major political cultural hub of the country. Though the actions of extremists demanding Khalisthan are under control yet the people even today are panicky.

In 1980 Golden Temple, i.e. Harmandir was turned into a fort by the extremists under the leadership of Sant Jamail Singh Vindranwalle. In order to break the seize within, Indian army started operation 'Blue Star' inside the Golden Temple on 4 June, 1984 and rescued the temple on 6 June amidst great losses and damages. Vindranwalle was killed at the Basement of Akal Takht, in an undeclared war between army and foJlowers of Vindranwale after a 3 day seize of the Golden Temple. After this bloodshed and damage though extremism was to some extent under control, after 4 months on Oct 31, 1984 Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi was assassinated in her residence by her own Sikh body-guard. In 1986 the Golden Temple again went under the control of the extremists. This time Punjab Police advanced operation Black Thunder and freed the temple with assistance from the army without blood shed. At last in 1988 Constitution was amended in order to stop political activities in religious places. In last two decades, Punjab has limped back to normalcy after the secessionist Khalistani movement lost the steam due to back of Public support as well as noholds bar army and police action. Amritsar is now normal and one may visit the place.

To the South East of Amritsar railway station is the dusty and congested old city, crowded with shops. The new city is being developed to the North-East part. Rambag, Mall, and other posh areas of Amritsar are in this newly developed part. However Golden Temple is in the heart of the old city. The walls of Ranjit Singh's time had been demolished to construct a ring-road around the city. 1 km to the east of bus std is State Tourism Office 2231452, at youth Hostel, Mail, G T Rd. Rickshaws, autos, buses & taxi service vailable in the city.