Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the splendid Golden Temple. Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikh faith, founded Amritsar in 1579. He constructed a pool on land gifted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and called it Amritsar.

Home to the world famous Golden Temple, the 400-year-old city of Amritsar is the most important seat of Sikh history and culture.

One of the most poignant memorials of free India -- Jallianwala Bagh – is also located in the city. Amritsar district was once a part of the vast area covered by the Indus valley Civilisation during the early period of history.

Sights to See

Golden Temple
Also known as Harmandir or Darbar Sahib, the temple is a white and gold majestic building, the foundation of which was laid by the Muslim saint, Mian Mir, an admirer and friend of Guru Arjun. The Mandir is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. The top structure of the temple is covered with pure gold leaf, hence, the popular name, Golden Temple. Inside the temple lies the holy book of the Sikhs - the Granth Sahib.

Durgiana Temple
A Durga Temple near the Golden temple founded by one of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.

Akal Takht
Adjacent to the Golden Temple, Akal Takht, the supreme seat of Sikh religious authority was established by the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind (1606-1645). The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors.

Baba Atal Rai Tower
This octagonal, nine-storeyed tower located south of the Golden temple, represents the nine years of life of Atal Rai, son of the sixth Guru Hargobindji. The inner walls are decorated with frescoes on the life of Guru Nanak. The Adi Granth is enshrined within.

Central Sikh Musuem
The museum located atop the Tower of Baba Atal houses some fine old paintings of battles fought by the Sikhs, old manuscripts, coins and weapons. Jallianwala Bagh
Among the most poignant memorials of free India is Amritsar's Jallianwala Bagh. On April 13, 1919, British General O'Dyer opened fire on a group of people attending a peaceful freedom movement meeting being held here, which took the lives of about 2,000 innocent men, women and children.

Rambagh Gardens Outside the old walled city are the Rambagh Gardens, which surround Maharaja Ranjit Singh's summer palace, now a museum. On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and a replica of the diamond Kohinoor.