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by Madhav Srinivasan on Jan 30, 2012
An ancient city, a visit to Amritsar can be awe-inspiring. The carefully maintained traditions and culture of a rich heritage is juxtaposed beautifully against the vibrancy of the modern day Amritsar.
by Madhav Srinivasan on Aug 20, 2011
Independence Day is an important occasion when people from varied cultures and states, speaking different languages, come together as one and celebrate the day the world’s largest democracy was born. Read on to know more…
History
The history of Amritsar boasts of a perfect mix of Hindu and Sikh culture. Founded by Guru Ram Das in the year 1547, the city has been the home to various sages and saints.
Although the history of Amritsar can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, it also has been referred in the various Puranas and the famous mythological epic Ramayana. According to the legend, this city was the site of the ashram of Rishi Balmiki as well as the birth place of Lord Ram’s son – Luv and Kush.
The city boasts of Greek influence under Alexander during 326 BC. However, the Mauryas defeated the Greeks thus possessing the throne of Amritsar.
The rulers of the Gupta Empire ruled here from the 4th to the 6th century followed by the rule of Shahi Dynasty and further under the kingship of Sultan Mahmood of Ghazani.
Sikh came on the scene of Amritsar in the 16th century when Sikh Guru Ram Das and his successor Guru Arjan Dev established a temple around a small pool. It was during this time, that the city got its name Amritsar. The city is famous for the
Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in which thousands of people were killed by the British.
Travel within city
There are bus services, auto rickshaw services and cycle rickshaw services available in the city of Amritsar for tourists to take up. Cabs are also available, and you can opt for a cab in case you are travelling in a group.
Bus
Buses are the preferred mode of transport in Amritsar and buses that are run by the government normally charge around Rs 4 to 10 for a trip. However, Amritsar has a free bus service that you can avail in order to get to the Golden Temple from the local railway station. You can opt for this service in case you are looking to make a quick visit and travel back home from the city. Buses are well maintained and moderately crowded in Amritsar.
Auto Rickshaw
Auto rickshaws are also present in Amritsar and these are a faster mode of travel. By taking an auto rickshaw, you can reach your destinations easily while under a time crunch. Auto rickshaws do not run on meter and will cost you anywhere around Rs 20 to 40. A ride from the railway station to the Golden Temple will cost you Rs 40.
Cycle Rickshaw
Cycle rickshaws ply from the railway station to the Golden Temple too, and a ride in a cycle rickshaw will cost you around Rs 20.
Taxi
You can also opt for cabs in order to travel around Amritsar. Cabs will cost you more than Rs 200, and these can be taken up at the following agencies.
Jawala Taxi Service- Ph: 0183 2532500
Punjab Taxi Service- Ph: 0183 2553761
Hotels
You can find
67 hotels in Amritsar under following categories:
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