Amritsar – The Cultural Hub of Punjab
Amritsar was founded by Sri Guru Ramdass ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs in about 1574 A.D. The city of Amritsar a dazzling showcase of composite culture and secular heritage. It has a proud past, a glorious present and a promising future. This most important city of Majha has rightly been called the mukut-mani (Jewel of the crown) of the Punjab.
A rich repository of spiritual and national heritage, the essential spirit of the city is found not only in its gurudwaras & temples, mosques & churches, takias & khankahs but also in its theatres & galleries, archives & libraries, art & architecture, museums & memorials, havelis & forts, fairs & festivals, vibrant folk dances & scintillating taans, narrow lanes & winding alleys, parlours & boutiques, traditional bustling markets & of course in the lip-smacking cuisine.
Leisure Experiences by Hyatt Regency Amritsar
In addition to the already established destinations and escapades the city has to offer, Hyatt Regency Amritsar brings to you specially curated Leisure Experiences to gift you with a truck load of memories.
To Know More Call : +91 80540 00258
A walk that enlightens the spiritual mind…….
Ram Tirath – This one is dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki ji which is situated 11 kms west of Amritsar. As per the mythological beliefs, the temple dates to the period of Ramayana and the place is famous as the ashram of sage- Maharishi Valmiki. It is the place where the sage gave shelter to Sita, wife of Rama when she was abandoned after the Lanka Victory. The place is birthplace of Lava and Kusha, sons of Ramachandra.The great epic Ramayana is also said to have been written here by Maharishi Valmiki. It is also believed that the fight between Lord Ram Chandra's forces & Lav and Kush had also taken place at Ram Tirth.
Guru Ki Wadali - Guru Ki Wadali is located about 8 kms from Amritsar city. Guru Ki Wadali was founded by Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji when he left Amritsar. Gurdwara Sri Guru Ki Wadali was the location of the home of Sri Guru Arjan Sahib Ji and his family. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji stayed here for about three years during 1594 to 1597. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was born at this place. While Guru Arjan lived at Guru Ki Wadali he educated the Sikh sangat.
Chheharta Sahib - The fifth Sikh guru, (Guru Arjan) had a large well that was constructed in this area. The well was so large that it required 6 Persian wheels to operate the same. Chheharta got its name from the six wheels, where six is chhe, and the Persian wheel is called hart.
Gurudwara San Sahib – This gurudwara is situated in the village of Basarke in Amritsar. Guru Amar Das ji was named next Guru by Guru Angad Dev ji, but Datu ji the son of Guru Angad Dev was sure that as the Guru's son he should be appointed the Guru. He forced Guru Amar Das ji to leave Goindwal Sahib. Guru Amar Das being a humble person, returned to his family village of Basarke. Here the Guru shut himself up in a small hut with a note on the door. The note said, "He who opens this door is no Sikh of mine, nor am I am his Guru." When a delegation of Sikhs lead by Baba Buddha ji found the hut they were perplexed as what to do. Finally, Baba Buddha decided to make a hole in the wall so as not to go against the Guru's instruction.
Baba Buddha Sahib Ji – He was a prime figure in early Sikhism. He was one of the earliest disciples of Guru Nanak. He performed the formal coronation ceremonies of 5 Sikh gurus, till Guru Hargobind. It is said that in his childhood, he was blessed with a long life by Guru Nanak, who named him as Buddha after he was amused by his mature queries related to spirituality at such a young age. The shrine honors and commemorates Baba Buddha (1506 -1631), the venerable Sikh of the time of Guru Nanak who lived long enough to appoint five succeeding Gurus.
HERITAGE WALK
The Itinerary of our Heritage walk will be as below. Sit back and feel the charm because, Amritsar is just not a City, it is an Emotion!
Town hall building (The Partition Museum) - This historic building was curated by the Britishers in 1866 as their active administrative wing within the centre of the old city. This building is now a museum which talks for itself .
Saragarhi Gurudwara - The first ever worshipping temple laid down by the Britishers in memory of the brave soldiers. The 21 Sikhs of 36 battalions fought fiercely with Afghans, back then. Even though outnumbered by the Afghans , the brave men killed 600 Afghans.
Katra Ahluwalia’s Colonial Block - This was built by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia who was a prominent Sikh leader & chief of ahluwalia misl. Katra now a vendor hub, was once upon a time a barren piece of land that was allotted to the commander for use in order to protect the city during strenuous times.
Old Secret by lanes & Architecturally inclined Historic Buildings – Amritsar is blessed to have a rich and historic architecture for display. Marwari architecture, Islamic architecture, British architecture & various Temples and Mosques are rich in their intricate designs that always have a meaning. There are also various secret by lanes that lead you through the charms of Old Ambarsar. These lanes are a sure win to your heart!
Chura Bazaar - Chura (Bangle) bazar is the oldest market for bangle shopping. The entire bazaar is a one stop destination for the wedding shopping spree. Apart from bangles, you would also find some real beautiful jewellery at unimaginable prices!
Darshani Deori - This Gurudwara is situated at the bazaar mai sewa. During the span of the 4th-5th-6th Guru ji, there wasn’t any concrete construction between the Golden Temple & the Guru bazaar. The Gurus on their way to the Golden Temple used to pray from a sacred spot which is now known as the historic spot of Darshani Deori.
Guru Bazaar - Guru bazaar market is also popularly known for it’s intricate gold work in jewellery. Guru bazaar’s name is basically associated with the Gurus because of a reason. The gurus used to visit Golden Temple everyday & in course of their journey they used to pass through the bazaar which was thus renamed as “Guru Bazaar”.
Bartan (Utensil) Bazaar – This one is one of the oldest utensils market within the city. The same market is established since decades i.e. from the time of the use of mud vessels, clay pots till date.
Baba Bohar (Banyan Tree) – The holy Banyan tree stands tall for decades and is considered as very holy and sacred to the city. Hold up your cameras for this one!
QUICK STOPs !
Thakur Dwar – The Thakur Dwar temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna Ji with intricate and meaningful fresco paintings and designs that will charm the artist in you if you look for details.
Chitta Akhara- An Akhara is basically known for wrestlers to wrestle and also practice and exercise. But Chitta Akhara is taken as a worship & holy place and dedicated to a new community formed by Baba Shri Chand.
Woollen Walk - This lane is the one which is known for the oldest and most trusted woollen distributors. One can always shop the most pure woollen garments and wool thread in huge varieties.
Jalebi Wala Chowk – This one is a huge hit if you have a sweet tooth. Jalebi Wala Chowk is one of the oldest sweet shops known for serving the best sweets prepared in fresh and pure desi ghee (clarified butter) from decades. The specialities at this shop are the Jalebis, the Gulab Jamuns and exquisite sweets specially curated just at this shop which you won’t find anywhere else in entire Amritsar!
Chai (Tea) Charm: This last segment of the Heritage Walk will conclude the walk with a pitstop at a Tea Vendor, where you can buy pure and fresh tea leaves from Assam, Darjeeling with varieties to choose from.
The Itinerary of our War Memorial walk will be as below. Witness the heroic deeds of the brave souls who laid down their lives for a Free Nation!
# Gallery 1- Orientation and Antiquity
# Gallery 2- Guru Har Gobind Ji till rise of the Sikh Empire
# Gallery 3- The Sikh Empire and Anglo-Sikh War
# Gallery 4- The British Rule till Partition (1846-1947)
# Gallery 5- J&K Operation 1947-48
# Gallery 6- Indo China War 1962
# Gallery 7- Indo-Pak Wars (1965-1971) and OP Pawan/OP Cactus
# Gallery 8- Kargil War 1999 & Arcades
Attari- WAGAH border ceremony
The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle. Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border – between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
(Currently not operational, due to Covid- 19 regulations.)
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Created with an image by shalender - "architecture indian worship"