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Amritsar is a city located in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, and it has a rich and vibrant history. Amritsar was founded by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, in the late 16th century. He dug a tank in the area and named it Amrit Sarovar, which means “pool of nectar.” The city grew up around this sacred pool.

In the early 18th century, the city was conquered by Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali, the ruler of Afghanistan. He destroyed the city’s Sikh shrines and massacred its inhabitants. The city was later rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of the Punjab in the early 19th century. He made Amritsar the capital of his empire and constructed many of its famous landmarks, including the Golden Temple, which is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Amritsar played a prominent role in the Indian independence movement. In 1919, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed Indians in the city’s Jallianwala Bagh, killing hundreds of people. This event, known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is still remembered as a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.

After India gained independence in 1947, Amritsar became part of the newly created state of Punjab. The city has since grown into a major commercial and cultural center, with a population of over one million people. Today, Amritsar is known for its rich cultural heritage, religious significance, and delicious Punjabi cuisine. It remains an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs from around the world, and a popular tourist destination for people of all faiths.

Popular Tourist attractions in Amritsar:
Amritsar is a city rich in culture and history, and there are many popular tourist attractions that visitors can explore. Here are some of the most popular:
1: Golden Temple: The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. It is a stunningly beautiful temple made of white marble and overlaid with gold leaf. Visitors can explore the temple complex, watch the ritual of the Palki Sahib ceremony, and enjoy a free meal at the langar, the communal kitchen that feeds thousands of people every day.
2: Jallianwala Bagh: This historic park is the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed by British troops in 1919. Visitors can see the bullet holes in the walls and learn about this tragic event in India’s struggle for independence.
3: Partition Museum: The Partition Museum is a museum dedicated to the Partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan. Visitors can explore exhibits about the history of the Partition and its impact on the people of India and Pakistan.
4: Wagah Border: The Wagah Border is the border between India and Pakistan, and it is famous for its daily flag-lowering ceremony. Visitors can watch the ceremony, which includes a display of military drills and a parade, and witness the border closing for the night.
5: Durgiana Temple: The Durgiana Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is similar in architecture to the Golden Temple and is a popular tourist destination for its intricate carvings and beautiful surroundings.
6: Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler who founded the Sikh Empire. Visitors can see exhibits about his life, his reign, and the history of the Sikh Empire.

Visitors to the city can also enjoy shopping for traditional Punjabi handicrafts, exploring the local markets, and trying the delicious local cuisine.

Entrance fees to popular attractions in Amritsar:
Here are the approximate entrance fees for some of the popular tourist attractions in Amritsar:
1: Golden Temple: There is no entrance fee to visit the Golden Temple. However, donations are accepted.
2: Jallianwala Bagh: The entrance fee for Jallianwala Bagh is Rs. 10 for Indian nationals and Rs. 250 for foreign nationals.
3: Partition Museum: The entrance fee for the Partition Museum is Rs. 10 for Indian nationals and Rs. 250 for foreign nationals.
4: Wagah Border: There is no entrance fee to visit the Wagah Border. However, visitors can opt for VIP seating for Rs. 500 per person.
5: Durgiana Temple: The entrance fee for the Durgiana Temple is Rs. 50 for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 for foreign nationals.
6: Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum: The entrance fee for the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is Rs. 10 for Indian nationals and Rs. 250 for foreign nationals.

How to reach Amritsar:
Amritsar is well-connected by various modes of transportation, and visitors can choose the one that suits their budget and preferences. Here is a brief overview of how to reach Amritsar by taxi and other local transport modes:
1: By Taxi: One of the easiest ways to reach Amritsar is by taxi. Visitors can hire a taxi from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar. To avoid car rental scams at airport and train stations in India, It’s always a good idea to book your taxi online in advance to ensure a hassle-free trip.
2: By Train: Amritsar has a major railway station, which is well-connected to many cities across India. Visitors can book train tickets online or at the railway station. Some of the popular trains that connect Amritsar to other cities include the Golden Temple Mail, Shatabdi Express, and Amritsar Express.
3: By Bus: Amritsar has a well-connected bus service, with buses running from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu. Visitors can book bus tickets online or at the bus station. The Punjab Roadways and the Himachal Road Transport Corporation are some of the popular bus operators in the region.
4: By Air: Amritsar has an international airport, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. Visitors can book flights online or at the airport. Popular airlines that fly to Amritsar include Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet.
6: Local Transport: Once in Amritsar, visitors can use local transport modes like auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis to get around the city. There are also local buses and shared taxis available. Visitors can also rent a scooter or a bike to explore the city at their own pace.

Attention: To avoid car rental scams at airport and train stations in India, It’s always a good idea to book your taxi online in advance to ensure a hassle-free trip.

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