Amritsar is a city in Punjab and is the center to the Sikh religion as it is where the very famous and popular Sikh temple (Gurudwara) Harmandir Sahib is or commonly known as the Golden Temple. Historically Amritsar is known as Ramdaspur. Amritsar is a place full of history, culture and tradition, and also famous for the food which is served there. Here is a look at the tourist attractions at Amritsar. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) Harmandir Sahib (gurudwara) more commonly known as Golden Temple is a very important and sacred pilgrimage place for Sikh's. People from across the world pay their respects at the Gurudwara, and there are more visitors who visit the gurudwara than the Taj Mahal. On weekdays there are around 100,000 visitors, so you can imagine how popular this religious place is. The name Golden Temple name comes from the distinctive golden look of the gurudwara, as the dome is fully covered with gold. The gurudwara also has a sarovar (pool), where Sikhs bathe. Along with all other gurudwaras the Golden Temple also provides langar (free meals) to people. Wagah Border Wagah Border is something not to be missed when in Amritsar. Wagah Border is a post which is on the Grand Trunk Road and is between India and Pakistan, and this is the only road crossing between the two countries. Every evening there is a ceremony which is held where the gates from the both sides are closed and flags from both countries are lowered. Jallianwala Bagh Jallianwala Bagh is located close to the Golden Temple and it is a place of sorrow and tragedy. It is this very place where a brutal massacre had taken place in 1919 during the pre independence time. A memorial was built in 1951 for the people who lost their lives during the massacre and it then became a public garden for the public where they can see proof and read about the place and how people lost their lives.
@ It's best to visit the Golden Temple early in the morning. There are rituals and prayers that happen during the early morning. So it's best to visit the Golden Temple first when going to Amritsar. The best time would be 5 AM, if you can make it that early. I hope this helps!
While the golden temple is listed as a tourist attraction @briannagodess you say there's prayers taking place there everyday. How are tourists seen there? Are they just accepted and as long as they don't get in the way or disturb them it's ok, or are they welcomed? It's one thing going visiting a place you want to see, but at the same time I wouldn't want to disrupt any routines either.
Hi Pwarbi, Let me make things clear to you, you are always welcomed there. It's not like that if you visit the temple during prayers time, you won't be allowed there. You can enter the Golden Temple anytime and you will be welcomed whole heartedly. Go and visit in the morning if you wish to. I personally really love to see the temple late in the evening as it looks extremely gorgeous due to all the lightening at that time.
