Amritsar city Guide
Amritsar, literally meaning “holy pool of nectar” is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. The city of Amritsar is situated in the northern state of Punjab. It is one of the major commercial, cultural and transportation center in Punjab. Amritsar is famous worldwide for golden temple.
Climate
Amritsar has an extreme climate with very hot summers and very cold winters. Monsoon arrives in the city around the first week of July and brings average rainfall. The best time to visit Amritsar is between October and March. The best clothing for summer is cotton and for winter is woollen. Temperature usually ranges between 30 to 46 °C in summers and between 0 to 17 °C in winters.
Weather (Temperature in Degree Centigrade)
Months |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Max. |
19.7 |
22.2 |
27.8 |
34.4 |
38.9 |
36.1 |
35.9 |
34.4 |
35.0 |
32.8 |
27.4 |
21.1 |
Min. |
3.1 |
6.4 |
10.7 |
16.7 |
21.2 |
25.2 |
26.7 |
25.3 |
23.0 |
15.7 |
8.9 |
4.4 |
Clothing Required
If you are travelling in summers (April-August), carry only cotton garments, shorts, light coloured clothing. In winter season (October-February) woollen clothing is must as the temperature often touches zero levels or below that.
When you visit a Gurudwara particularly, make sure you leave your footwear out and cover your head properly with a piece of cloth. Respect the religious feelings.
Places to Visit
Golden Temple
The golden temple is the most sacred temple of the Sikhs. It is also the main tourist attraction in Amritsar.
Jallian wala Bagh
It is 400 meters north of the Golden Temple. Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar is a beautiful garden and contains a Sikh religious shrine. The Amritsar Massacre Memorial is also in the site of Jallianwala Bagh. Jallianwala Bagh is associated with the blackest day in the history of Indian Freedom Movement. This place was a popular ground for holding meetings and protests during the freedom movement in India.
Fort Gobind Garh
The fort was constructed by Maharaja Ranji Singh in the early 18th century. The construction and design of the fort was to defend against the attacks of the Afghans. The fort is not open to public now. It has been taken over by the Indian security forces.
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 Laxmi Narayan Mandir with a huge pond on its periphery. The water of River Ravi was diverted to fill it up. In the night the Temple lights shimmering in the water present a heavenly sight.
Ram Bagh
The landscaped garden with a palace in the center was the summer retreat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Maharaja later named it Ram Bagh. It has a museum with relics of Mughal era and hand drawn sketches and portraits of the ruling Sikhs.
Mata Mandir
This is the temple built by a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is must visit shrine for all the Hindus visiting Amritsar.
The Main Market of the Walled City
It sure is an interesting place to visit. The main mode of transport is the three wheeled rickshaw. The market has countless shops selling Amritsar memorabilia to the modern electronic gadgets. The fascination of the Punjabis with milk and sweet can be seen here. You will find a sweet shop at every corner and the distinctive shallow utensils filled with simmering thickened milk. A glassful of this health drink served in the characteristic style will unquestionably rejuvenate you.
Content updated in January 2023