Amritsar is an important city in the state of Punjab in India. It was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs. This was done on the site given by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Guru Ram Das then ordered the excavation of the sacred pond called Amrita Saras, which means ‘pond of nectar’. It was from the name Amrita Saras that the name of the city was derived. A temple was built on an island in the center of the pond by Arjan, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, and the temple was reached by a marble road. Amritsar developed over the years, and during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1801–1839), the upper part of the Sikh temple was decorated with a gold-foil-covered copper dome, and since then the building has been famous as the Golden Temple.

Amritsar became the center of the Sikh faith and experienced a corresponding increase in trade and power. After Amritsar became part of British India in 1840, the city underwent significant changes. The British takeover led to the demolition of the city’s outer walls and the reconstruction of the city gates. They also built the Town Hall, which became the center of their administration, and the Ram Bagh Garden was renamed Company Bagh. During British rule, Amritsar experienced both economic and cultural growth, but also tragic events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, in which many Indians were killed during a peaceful demonstration. The city became an important center of the Indian independence movement and saw significant activity by freedom fighters. Amritsar continued to develop and became an important hub of commerce and culture in the Punjab region, which it still remains.

The city center of Amritsar is a vibrant area full of life, activity, and magnificent sights. One can start by exploring the city on the streets of Amritsar, with Heritage Street and Golden Temple Road being the main streets, business thoroughfares, and streets leading to the Golden Temple. In the streets you can really enjoy the atmosphere of the North Indian city. From the streets you can visit the Jallianwala Bagh Museum and the park of the same name. The museum and the park, which houses a large monument, commemorate the victims of the massacre that took place on April 13, 1919. The massacre, with an estimated death toll of over 400, was carried out under the command of the city’s British commandant, when British soldiers fired on a crowd that had gathered to celebrate an important day for the Sikhs.

From the Golden Temple Road you can walk to Amritsar’s landmark and most famous attraction. It is the Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib. The temple was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in 1581 and completed by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. The temple is a symbol of peace, equality and spiritual devotion and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, covered the temple’s upper floors with gold in the early 19th century, giving it its iconic appearance and nickname. The Golden Temple has witnessed many historical events, including attacks and renovations, and it still stands as a symbol of the Sikh philosophy that emphasizes the equality of all people.

Architecturally, the Golden Temple is a fusion of Islamic and Hindu styles, reflecting the inclusive ethos of Sikhism. The most striking feature of the building is the majestic golden dome, which symbolizes the eternal nature of God. There is a marble path to the innermost part of the temple. Walking this path represents a journey towards spiritual enlightenment and purity. The white marble symbolizes purity and truth, and the path leads to the sacred interior of the temple, emphasizing the importance of following a righteous and truthful path in life. The temple is surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, a sacred water pond where many devotees take a dip as a spiritual purification. The complex also includes the Akal Takht, the highest seat of earthly authority in Sikhism, and the Central Sikh Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of Sikh history. Visitors can also experience the daily langar, a communal meal served free of charge to all, regardless of religion or background.

Just north of Harmandir Sahib is Gurdwara Santokhsar, also a Sikh shrine. The site is closely associated with Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru who founded Amritsar. In 1577, Guru Ram Das began the excavation of Santokhsar Sarovar, a sacred pond, as part of his vision to create a spiritual center for the Sikh community. The name Santokhsar combines Santokh, meaning contentment, and Sar, meaning lake, symbolizing a place where devotees can find spiritual peace and contentment. Gurdwara Santokhsar was completed under the supervision of Baba Buddha, one of the most revered figures in Sikhism, and has been an important pilgrimage site ever since.

You can also visit Gobindgarh Fort, another important historical site in Amritsar. The large fort was originally built in the 18th century by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and later reinforced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who renamed it after the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort has played a central role in the city’s history and was used to protect the Harmandir Sahib and the city from invading forces. Gobindgarh Fort offers engaging performances and exhibitions that bring history to life, and it also houses museums, food stalls and a lively market. Visitors can experience everything from 7D shows and live performances to exciting activities and buying handicrafts, which, together with the fort’s impressive military architecture, make it an unforgettable experience.

Immediately east of Gobindgarh Fort, you can visit the impressive Shri Durgiana Temple. It is a Hindu temple nicknamed the Silver Temple, which in its structure and architecture is reminiscent of the Sikh Golden Temple, including a sacred pond surrounding the temple building itself. Dedicated to the goddess Durga, the temple is known for its beautiful silver doors and impressive decorations. Shri Durgiana Temple was originally built in the 16th century, but was rebuilt in 1921 by Harsai Mal Kapoor. Amritsar is also home to several other Hindu temples, such as Mata Lal Devi Mandir and Shri Ram Tirath Temple. Mata Lal Devi Mandir is known for its unique architecture, while Shri Ram Tirath Temple is famous for its annual festivals.

Amritsar has several other important museums and buildings that offer an insight into the city’s rich culture and history. The Partition Museum, located in the also worth seeing Town Hall, displays artifacts from the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, including personal belongings, documents and photographs. The Town Hall was built by the British colonial government in 1866, and it was from here that British officials ruled the city. You can also visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, located in the Ram Bagh Palace. It exhibits an extensive collection from the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and among the artifacts are weapons, paintings, and sculptures.