Ista Amritsar Destination Guide
A city that changed the course of history, Amritsar with its rich Sikh and Punjabi heritage has a lot to offer visitors. The bylanes of the walled city with the charm of a bygone era; the sparkling Gurudwaras or the Sikh shrines, paved with the finest marble from Makran and Rajasthan; the walls of Gurudwaras adorned with murals depicting sacrifices made by legendary Sikh Gurus and their families…Amritsar is the Mecca of Sikhs, a city that has stood the test of time and survived with grace, courage and an incredible zest for life.
THE GOLDEN TEMPLE
Also known as Harminder Sahib, it is the most revered shrine of the Sikhs. The name Golden Temple originated as the sanctum sanctorum Akal Takht has its dome covered with pure gold plates. Sikhs from all over the world come to visit the shrine at least once in their lifetime. The four gates in four cardinal directions are an open invitation for all to visit the shrine.
Prayer timings at the Golden Temple are at 3.30 am, 6.30 am, 3 pm and 5.45 pm and each service lasts for 30 minutes.There will be a complimentary shuttle service to the Golden Temple at 1100hrs & 1500hrs every day. (5 km from Ista)
WAGAH BORDER
The Wagah border came into existence at the time of India’s Independence and partition into India and Pakistan. Wagah, a small village found itself on the world map for its famous ceremonial border between India and Pakistan. It has an iconic, political, and historical importance. The most interesting thing about this border is the flag lowering ceremony that is held everyday at dusk. It attracts thousands of people from both sides of the border and foreigners as well. (30 km from Ista)
JALLIANWALA BAGH
A name and place that typifies the Freedom struggle of India. It gained its place in the annals of History when British General Reginald Dyer mercilessly gunned down hundreds of innocent men, women and children who had gathered in the park on the day of Baisakhi in 1919. The park stands testimonial to the atrocities of war and the struggle for Independence. (5 km from Ista)
DURGIANA TEMPLE
The 16th century temple of goddess Durga is located in the heart of the walled city just half a mile from the Amritsar railway station. The complex houses Shree LaxmiNarayan Mandir with a huge pond on its periphery. The water of River Ravi was diverted to fill it up. At night the temple lights reflected in the water present an enchanting sight. (7 km from Ista)
KATRA JAIMAL SINGH MARKET
Interesting & colourful, radiating life and energy the main market is an interesting place to visit with its countless shops selling a variety of goods from Amritsar memorabilia to modern electronic gadgets. Be prepared to ride in the three-wheeler auto-rickshaw, which is the dominant form of transport in this area. The fascination of the Punjabis with milk and sweet is evident from the multitude of sweet shops at every corner and the distinctive shallow utensils filled with simmering thickened milk lend a colourful and aromatic prospect to the city! A glassful of this drink served in characteristic style will unquestionably rejuvenate you. (6 km from Ista)
KHALSA COLLEGE
The oldest college of Amritsar was built in a distinctive mix of Mughal and Sikh architecture in the year 1892 by the Singh Sabha Movement. The college campus is spread over more than 300 acres and has a distinctive charm with red minarets and domes against a lush green backdrop. (9 km from Ista)
GURUDWARA SRI TARN TARAN SAHIB
The city of Tarn Taran is a hour's drive from Amritsar and has many Gurdwaras (Sikh houses of worship), which include Gurdwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib, Gurdwara Guru Ka Khuh (Gurdwara of the Guru's Well), Gurdwara Bibi Bhani Da Khuh, Gurdwara Takkar Sahib, Gurdwara Lakeer Sahib, Gurdwara Jhulna Mahal, Thatti Khara. The main religious hub at Shri Tarn Taran Sahib is 'Sri Darbar Sahib Tarn Taran', of Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs who founded the city and named it Tarn Taran. The Gurdwara of Tarn Taran has the largest Sarovar (Holy Tank) of all Sikh Sarovars.
GURUDWARA JHULNA MAHAL
Jhulna Mahal is an architectural wonder located on the Amritsar-Tarn Taran road about six km from Tarn Taran. The shaking arcade, popularly known as “Gurdwara Jhulna Mahal”, an important monument connected with the visit of Guru Arjun Dev. Locals claim that when Emperor Jehangir was passing through the nearby road with bedecked elephants swaying, the curious Sikh gathering went up to the road to see the royal procession. It is said that Guru Arjun Dev blessed the magnificent place to “swing like an elephant”. Even today visitors are mesmerised by the sight of the Sikh priest who concludes the prayers and shakes the wall