Home to the most famous Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple Amritsar is located 230 km northwest of Chandigarh in Punjab. Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs established Amritsar in 16th century. Amritsar is also the seat of the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, the Akal Takht (or the timeless throne). The city is special for Hindus too; Sita is believed to have spent considerable time at Valmiki’s ashram at Ram Tirth near here. Lord Ram and Sita’s sons Luv and Kush were born here. Amritsar is also known for the Sri Durgiana Temple built in the 16th century, which resembles the Golden Temple and is often called the Silver Temple.

Amritsar holds a very special place in the collective psyche of India and its natives. The city is an important landmark when it comes to religious destinations, cultural heritage, national integrity of India and India’s struggle for independence from British rule in the early 20th century. Home to the renowned Golden Temple or the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara, Amritsar also commends importance with the memorial of Jallianwala Bagh where the atrocities of the British rulers reached an all time low when they massacred innocent people. Apart from these, Amritsar is also famous for its food, the friendly natives and local markets. Visit this city and be a part of the colourful fabric of its socio-cultural milieu.