Amritsar Hotels – Stay at the Seat of Golden Temple
Amritsar and Golden Temple are synonymous. This most important spiritual and religious centre of the Sikhs is also the main tourist attraction in Amritsar. The name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple. The literal meaning of Amritsar is “holy pool of nectar” (Amrit means elixir and Sar means lake or pool). The reflection of the Golden Temple can be seen in Amrit Sarovar, the giant pool of water that surrounds the complex.
The Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru. His successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji completed the work in 1601. Before entering the Ghanta Ghar, the main entrance Golden Temple complex, the pilgrims have to remove their shoes, cover their head and wash their feet. There is a Victorian Tower at the main entrance.
The sacred Adi Granth scripture is kept in Harmandir Sahib, a two-storey structure. Akal Takht (‘The Timeless’) is situated directly opposite to Harmandir Sahib. This is the place where the highest council of Sikhs sits and takes decisions. At night, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken to the Akal Takht. The Golden Temple complex is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Jallianwala Bagh, site of 1919 Amritsar massacre, where the British Army soldiers on April 13 opened fire on unarmed gathering killing 1579 people, is a major attraction. A memorial is built on this site which still shows the bullet holes.
Ram Tirth is considered to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush, sons of King Rama. It is the place where saint Balmiki had his ashram. Mata Temple is a labyrinthine-like Hindu cave temple devoted to woman saint Lal Devi. Women wishing to become pregnant come here to pray. The roundabout path to main temple passes through low tunnels, caves full of ankle-deep water and mirrored hallways.
A visit to Pakistan border at Wagah to see the border closing ceremony may turn out to be memorable experience. Indian and Pakistani soldiers do a march-off every evening.
Best time to visit Amritsar is in winter between October and March. Amritsar has an airport and is well connected by rail. Accommodation options in Amritsar range from luxury hotels to medium range and budget hotels. Among the luxury hotels are Green Acres Haveli, Ista Amritsar, Hotel P.R. Residency, Grand Legacy, Ritz Plaza, MK Hotel, Ranjit Avenue, Hotel Swarn House and Country Inns and Suites.
Hotel le golden, Hotel Sapphire, Hotel CJ International, Hotel Heritage Inn, Royal Castle, Hotel City Heart, Hotel Indus and Hotel Sarovar Plaza are among the mid-range hotels. Budget hotels are Hotel Sita Continental and Tourist Guesthouse. The Golden Temple offers free accommodation to pilgrims free of rent.
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