Amritsar

Renowned as the most sacred pilgrim centre of Sikh religious community, the walled city of Amritsar comprises several sightseeing attractions ranging from religious gurudwaras to historical memorials. The city is dotted with gurudwaras that are adorned with murals depicting the sacrifices made by Sikh Gurus.  

The   famous sightseeing attraction in the city is Golden Temple,   also known as Harmandir Sahib or Swarn Mandir. This temple is surrounded by a sarovar, which is believed to be the 'Pool of Nectar' that has curative powers. Pilgrims visiting the temple, bath in this sarovar to cleanse themselves from all the sins.

Another   sightseeing attraction in the city is Jallianwala Bagh, which is located just few steps away from the Golden Temple Complex. This public garden was built to mark the murky day of 13 April 1919, when Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered fire on the innocent public gathered in the park. The garden also houses a Martyr's Memorial and Gallery, which were built to pay homage to the people who were killed in the massacre.   

Tourists can also visit Akal Takht, which is another famous pilgrimage place for the Sikhs in Amritsar. It is located within the Golden Temple Complex and is the central altar for Sikh political assembly. Gurudwara Baba Atal Sahib is another important  attraction of Amritsar. This gurudwara is octagonal in shape and gives an in-sight of the culture and tradition of Punjab.

Gurudwara Ramsar Sahib on the banks of Ramsar Sarovar is another popular sightseeing region in the city. Other Sikh shrines that can be visited by tourists are Gurudwara Guru Ka Mahal, Gurudwara Chheharta Sahib and Gurudwara Pipli Sahib. Gurudwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib, Gurudwara Santokhsar Sahib and Gurudwara Saragrahi Sahib can also be visited.  

Beside gurudwaras, tourists can also visit Hindu temples dotted across the city like Durgiana Temple, Sri Ram Tirath Temple and Lal Devi Mata Mandir. Among the tourists visiting Amritsar, Attari Wagah Border is the   favoured sightseeing attraction. The retreat ceremony, which involves military personnel marching around the border gate and folding the national flag, attracts the globetrotters.  

Tarn Taran is also a popular attraction in Amritsar, as the tank is believed to possess curative powers. For enjoying picnic with family, tourists can head towards Ram Bagh, which was once used as a summer palace by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Some of the other sightseeing attractions in the city are Kaiser Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Gobindgarh Fort and Bathinda Fort.