Amritsar is a city of great religious importance because it is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. The GoldenTemple also known as Harmandir Sahib, is situated in a Sarovar (the holy water tank), and the walls of the and roof of the temple are glided with gold. This “Gurudwara”, as Sikh temples are called, is the most holiest and biggest of Sikh shrines all over the world. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the GoldenTemple to pay homage, the sacred shrine is equally revered by Hindus and people of other faiths who, too, make the pilgrimage to offers prayers at golden temple (Harmandir Sahib). Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world.

Another major highlight of the Golden Temple complex is the Guru-ka-Langar, a Community meals served where around 35,000 people a day are fed for free by temple volunteers in the Dinning hall.. Everyone is invited to join this communal breaking of bread. All participants sit on the floor, regardless of caste, status, wealth or creed, powerfully symbolizing the central Sikh doctrine of the equality of all people.

Is one of the major tourist attractions in Amritsar. It is a beautiful garden. It was here, that the worst massacre in the entire history of Indian Freedom Movement took place in the year nineteen hundred and nineteen (1919). This place was a popular ground for holding meetings and protests during the freedom movement in India. The Jallianwala Bagh was bounded on all sides by houses and buildings and had few narrow entrances, most of which were kept permanently locked On 13 April 1919 a large crowd gathered to protest the arrest of two Indian freedom leaders. The crowd was unarmed and included women as well as children. The main entrance was relatively wider, but was guarded by the troops backed by the armoured vehicles. The British General, Edward Dyer ordered troops to open fire without warning or any order to disperse, and to direct fire towards the densest sections of the crowd. He continued the firing, approximately 1400 rounds in all, until ammunition was exhausted. Continuous firing went on targeting the crowd while the people were trapped inside the Jallianwala Bagh, which had only one narrow gate. Apart from the many deaths directly from the firing, a number of deaths were caused by stampedes at the narrow gates as also people who sought shelter from the firing by jumping into the solitary well inside the compound.

Today Jallianwala bagh is a vast garden spread over to an extent of 6.5 acres and the most conspicuous structure in the garden is the memorial of the 1919 massacre victims. The memorial also preserves the portion of the wall with pellet marks along with the well.

The bullet holes can be seen on the walls and adjoining buildings to this day. The well into which many people jumped and drowned attempting to save themselves from the hail of bullets is also a protected monument inside the park. Situated adjacent to the golden Temple, this garden is easily accessible and it is a must visit place in Amritsar.

A major tourist attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a distance of 35 kms from Amritsar. A visit to the border is an interesting experience, especially at sun-set, when the retreat ceremony called ‘Lowering of the flags’ takes place with the Border Security Force (B.S.F.) on the Indian side and The Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well co-ordinated and spectacular display of the strange ceremony for closing the gates at the border between Pakistan and India. The sound from the bugles (trumpets) blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. it really is just spectacular entertainment for the crowds with grandstands having been built on both sides.

Shopping in Amritsar is a delightful experience for the avid shopper. The place has a fairly rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms. The city is noted for exquisite handicrafts like phulkari (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, jewelry etc. These are the items; you should look for while shopping in Amritsar. Also go for the Punjabi jutis (shoes), which are typical of this region. Hand-woven carpets, blankets, woolen garments and of course Patiala salwar (the traditional Indian garments with a Punjabi twist in design) are hit with those who want to do some shopping in Amritsar.

Jams, jellies and pickles of Punjab are quite famous and are available in Amritsar.

There are several shopping joints in the city. The old city bazaars are better places for shopping traditional Indian wears in Amritsar. Trendy shopping malls with swish interiors are quite common in the city. Alternatively, hang out at Cooper Road, Mochi Bazaar, Guru Bazaar and Shastri Market for some good shopping in Amritsar. Shopping is recommended only if it interests you.