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HOLIDAY TOURS IN AMRITSAR, INDIA

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Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, this Punjabi city and its magnificent Golden Temple are must-visit destinations while in India.

See:

Golden Temple – The Sikhs’ holiest site is truly stunning. A marble walkway surrounds the sacred ‘Pool of Nectar’, at the centre of which is the temple itself, topped by a dome coated with 750kg of pure gold. Priests inside the temple recite continuously from the Sikh holy book, adding to the air of spiritual tranquillity.
Mata Temple – This unusual Hindu cave temple can seem more like a fun house than a religious shrine. The path around the main temple involves low tunnels, caves full of ankle-deep water and halls of mirrored mosaics.
Ram Bagh – A fascinating museum occupies the former summer palace of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The displays of antique weapons, paintings and documents really bring the history of Punjab to life.
Jallianwala Bagh – This memorial park is the site of a 1919 British massacre when over 2000 Indians were killed. Bullet marks can still be seen on the walls of the surrounding buildings.

Experience:

Border Closing Ceremony – Every night, 30 km west of Amritsar, India’s border with Pakistan is closed with a highly theatrical display of military bravado. Soldiers on each side march, stomp their feet and scowl through the boundary gates as massive crowds cheer them on.
Speak with a Sikh – Almost every Sikh in and around the temple will be happy to talk to you about their religion and culture. A few minutes – or hours – spent conversing with these friendly people is always an inspiring experience.
Eat at the Golden Temple – Every day, the huge dining rooms in the Golden Temple complex serve up dhal, chapatis and rice for over 30,000 pilgrims. You are welcome to join them, but will need to take off your shoes, cover your head and sit on the floor.

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