A city steeped in layers of history, and the epicentre of Sikh spiritualism, the Golden Temple, or the Harmandir Sahib as the Sikhs call it. The city’s name is a derivative of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which the Golden Temple stands. The streets of the old town are captivating, the markets lively, the people warm and the food is really lip-smacking good. The city is famous for its textiles, particularly for shawls and carpets. Amritsar has also gained tremendous popularity for its gourmet traditions; especially the dhabas (roadside eateries) that churn out an inexhaustible list of delicacies.
It’s also a city that invites more sombre contemplation, at the memorial at the site of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the excellent Partition Museum sensitively telling painful political and personal narratives, and one of the best military history museums of Asia, highlighting the skirmishes and wars of the Indian Armed Forces with Pakistan and China.
With its ancient legends, historical monuments, places of worship, old bazaars, theatre traditions and colourful festivals, Amritsar is a must-visit for every traveller.
