Amritsar is a major commercial and cultural centre in the heart of Punjab and the city is a spiritual hub of the Sikh community. Home to the famous Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, Amritsar means 'holy pool of nectar' and the name is derived from the pool around the Golden Temple. The strength of the city lies in its effervescent monuments, sacred temples and most of all in its folk arts and delicious cuisine. Known for its warm hospitality, the people of Punjab are sociable, jovial and will always keep you entertained with their colourful Punjabi language. Rightly known as the prestigious Jewel of Punjab, Amritsar is also famous for its culinary delicacies such as the buttered parathas, bhatura channa, tandoori kulchas, papadams, rabri and lassi.

Best time to visit:

Best time to visit Amritsar is in the winter, between October and March when the city is cool and pleasant.

Top five places to see:

The Golden Temple – The holiest abode of the Sikhs all over the world, the Golden Temple over the lake Amrit Sarovar, is the pride of not only the people of Punjab, but also the entire nation. From dawn to dusk, the temple premises echo with the chanting of hymns, prayers and other devotional songs that give it an ethereal ambiance. One among the conspicuous features of this temple is the 450 year old Jubi tree, which is believed to have extraordinary powers. The Golden Temple has large dining halls in the shrine that offer free food to all irrespective of religion or gender and is also known as 'Langar'.

The Wagah Border – This is the international border between India and Pakistan and an army outpost between Amritsar and Lahore. The pomp and pageantry with which the Indian and Pakistani forces perform the ‘Beating the Retreat’ and 'Change of Guard' ceremonies daily makes for a most charming spectacle. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. Tourists and locals throng near the border to witness this ceremonial parade of the Soldiers of the two countries. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst beatings of drums and thunderous applause.

Jallianwala Bagh – Jallianwala Bagh is a reminder of the great tragedy that immediately evokes the patriotic spirit in every Indian. It was here, that the worst massacre in the history of Indian freedom struggle took place. The memorial at this site commemorates those thousands of Indians who were shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of General O'Dyer in April 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. The story of this appalling massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site. A section of the wall with bullet marks is still visible and preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape.

Ram Bagh – An attractive garden, Ram Bagh is also known as the Summer Palace of the erstwhile Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Palace exhibits architectural excellence and has today been converted into a museum housing weapons dating back to Mughal times and a replica of the diamond 'Kohinoor'.

Akal Takht – Akal Takht means the Eternal Throne and is situated in the holiest premise of the Golden Temple. The holy Guru Granth Sahib, which adorns the sanctum of the Golden Temple, is kept at Akal Takht in the night.