The City of the Golden Temple
In ancient Indian literature and mythology, ‘amrit’ is supposed to be the ‘nectar of immortality’. ‘Amritsar’ literally translates as ‘the pool of immortality’. The city is best known for the Harmandir Sahib, also called the Golden Temple.
Quick Facts
- Despite being a small city, Amritsar possesses an international airport with direct flights to places like London and Toronto
- The Golden Temple has been visited by eminent personalities like the Dalai Lama and Queen Elizabeth II
- The Lonely Planet Bluelist of 2008 has voted the Golden Temple as one of the world’s best spiritual sites
- The Golden Temple is a place of immense significance for followers of the Sikh religion from across the world. It is also visited by people of other religious faiths for the beauty, serenity and spirituality that it embodies. The temple is plated with gold and overlooks a large water body. Its resplendent image reflected in the water has inspired many a photographer
- The Wagah border is a part of the India–Pakistan border, located just a few kilometers away from Amritsar. Each evening there is a Retreat Ceremony at this border which is witnessed by tourists from both countries. The retreat involves soldiers from both sides and includes a ceremonial lowering of the national flags
The ‘’India Travellers’’ Experience
- Each day thousands of visitors partake of a simple meal at the Golden Temple, prepared by volunteers and provided free of cost
- If you happen to be in Amritsar during the Baisakhi festival, which is celebrated with much fanfare around the month of April, you can witness street fairs, arm wrestling competitions, song and dance and much more
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